Daily GK Updates - 6th February, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. ‘Gobardhan Yojana’: The Haryana government has launched the ‘Gobardhan Yojana’ to provide for the sale of organic manure and cow urine with an aim to benefit farmers. Under this scheme, a provision of Rs 11 crore has been made to provide benefits of various projects. According to official release, the Gobardhan Yojana would help in doubling the income of farmers and next time, the MSP would be given with additional benefit of 50% over the cost of production.

2, The 2018 Genome Valley Excellence Award of Telangana: Eminent molecular biologist Professor Michael N Hall of the Biozentrum University of Basel, Switzerland, has been chosen for the 2018 Genome Valley Excellence Award for his pioneering work in discovering the nutrient-activated TOR (Target of Rapamycin) proteins and their central role in the metabolic control of cell growth. The award will be presented to him during BioAsia 2018, an annual flagship event of the Telangana government. The award, instituted in 2004, was in recognition of the transformative advances toward biomedical research and facilitating improvement in human life and was chosen by an international advisory board consisting of eminent personalities of the life sciences industry.

3. security campaign has been launched by Google India: Google has launched new online security campaign #SecurityCheckKiya in India to promote security awareness among general public. The purpose of the campaign is to protect young and first-time web users from account hijacking, safeguard Android devices from malicious apps and secure all their personal data if they lose their device. Under the campaign, Google recommended three simple steps for Internet safety. It includes reviewing security settings and Google account activity. Furthermore, ‘Google Play Protect’ service scans and checks Android devices for any harmful apps.

4. ‘Times Power Women of the Year 2017’: Shabnam Asthana, an Indian public relations expert, speaker, and entrepreneur, has been honoured with the ‘Times Power Women of the Year 2017’- Pune for Global PR. The Times Group recently celebrated the invaluable contribution of women by introducing The Times Power Woman 2017 (Pune) awards. These awards were initiated to celebrate the victories of women who have been a great source of inspiration. These awards focused on the women of Pune and the prestigious list included 34 select women with power, supremacy, command and control. These awardees have been instrumental in working towards the improvement of the socio-economic, art, health, education, and fashion, scientific and intellectual potential of the society.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. The world’s smallest rocket to carry tiny satellite into orbit: The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully launched the world’s smallest rocket with the ability to put a tiny satellite into orbit. The experimental SS-520 sounding rocket lifted off from the Uchinoura Space Center. It carried a microsatellite TRICOM-1R, a three-unit CubeSat weighing about 3 kilograms. The CubeSat will now be used to collect images of the Earth’s surface via multiple cameras. This satellite launch was a re-flight of the TRICOM-1 mission, which was lost in SS-520’s failure in 2017.

2. The new Chairman of the Federal Reserve: Jerome Hayden Powell has been sworn-in as the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve for a four-year term on February 5, 2018. The oath was administered by Vice Chairman Randal K. Quarles in the Board Room. He succeeded Janet Yellen, the first woman to lead the US central bank in its 100-year history. He was nominated to the position by President Donald Trump on November 2, 2017, and was later confirmed by the United States Senate.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Murugappan takes charge of Murugappa Group: South-based diversified conglomerate Murugappa Group has appointed M M Murugappan as the Executive Chairman. Murugappan, who was the vice-chairman, succeeds A Vellayan, who served as executive chairman from November 2009.

SPORTS:

1. India Open Badminton tournament 2018: Zhang Beiwen, a professional badminton player from America, has won the 4th edition of India Open Badminton tournament 2018 in New Delhi on February 4, 2018. In the final, she defeated Olympics and World Championships Silver medalist PV Sindhu by 21–18, 11–21, 22–20 at Siri Fort Indoor Stadium. It was the fifth meeting between Sindhu and Zhang and the head-to-head record now is 3-2 with Sindhu losing this match.

Daily GK Updates - 5th February, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. A new wildlife sanctuary has been approved by Maharashtra government: A new wildlife sanctuary at Ghodazari in Chandrapur has been approved by the Maharashtra government.This sanctuary, in the north east of Tadoba, will include 159 sq.km. of Brahmapuri forest. This will not only save the forest but will also improve tourism in nearly 40 villages in the area.

2. Green Good Deeds campaign: Dr Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has launched people-oriented campaign “Green Good Deeds” to sensitize the people and students, in particular, about climate change and global warming. Referring to the crucial role played by “Polio Sainiks” for Pulse Polio campaign, Dr Vardhan has underlined the need for “Green Sainiks” to broad-base the Green Good Deeds movement and to take it down to the grassroots level successfully.

3. Dinesh Srivastava-newly appointed Chief Executive of the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC): Dr. Dinesh Srivastava, the distinguished nuclear scientist, has taken charge as the new Chief Executive of the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC). He succeeded G. Kalyanakrishnan. In this capacity Dr. Srivastava will also be Chairman of the NFC Board. Prior to this assignment, he was holding the position of Deputy Chief Executive in NFC. Previously, he had worked for 3 decades in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai and is a senior Professor in Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi to visit UAE to boost ties: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the UAE later this week which authorities and business leaders say signifies the special importance India attaches to its ties with the oil-rich nation and will help in furthering cooperation in diplomatic, economic and security issues.Narendra Modi will be in the UAE on February 10 and 11 and will address the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai.

2. India contributes $1 mn to UN Development Partnership Fund: India has contributed additional $1 million to India-UN Development Partnership Fund, earmarked for South-South cooperation. The contribution aims to intensify its partnerships with other developing countries in south. India has pledge multi-year contribution of $100 million to the fund established in June 2017. India has already provided $6 million within the seven months since launch of fund.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/ECONOMY:

1. RBI sending alerts regarding Rs 10 coins: The Reserve Bank of India is sending alerts to people busting rumours regarding Rs10 coins that are doing the rounds in markets. The alert message from RBI read, “Rs10 coins have been issued both with rupee symbol and without it. Both are valid. Accept them without dear.”

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Singtel to invest in Airtel’s parent firm: Singapore Telecommunications(Singtel) has said that it will invest Rs. 2,649 crores in Airtel’s holding company Bharti Telecom. After having this investment, Singtel’s total stake will increase from 47.17% to 48.9% while Bharti Enterprises will continue to hold over 50% in Bharti Telecom.

SPORTS:

1. A Galaxy is named after Football player Ronaldo: A galaxy, Cosmos Redshift 7, is named after five times Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who is known as CR7.Ronaldo also has an airport named after him.

2.Harmanpreet and Bumrah have been named in Forbes India 30 under 30 list: Indian cricketers Jasprit Bumrah and Harmanpreet Kaur have been named in Forbes India 30 under 30 achievers list.Bumrah finished 2017 as the third highest ODI wicket taker while Harmanpreet scored 171* against Australia in 2017 WC, the fourth highest individual score in Women’s WC history.

OBITUARIES:

1. Sudha Karmarkar, the veteran theatre artist has passed away: Sudha Karmarkar (83), the veteran theatre artist, director, and pioneer of Children’s Theatre in Maharashtra, has passed away in Mumbai on February 5, 2018. Karmarkar founded the children’s theatre in Mumbai which is known as ‘Bal Rangbhumi- Little Theatre’ and directed various plays for children. She not only directed the plays but also acted in the plays.

Daily GK Updates - 4th February, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Shyam Benegal receives lifetime achievement award: Shyam Benegal has been conferred with V Shantaram Lifetime achievement award at the 15th Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short and Animation Films. The award carries a trophy, a citation and cash prize of Rs 10 lakh. Maharashtra’s Minister of Culture and Education Vinod Tawde, Former Sheriff of Mumbai Kiran Shantaram and Director of Films Division Manish Desai were present.

2. Justice Mahmud Hossain appointed new chief justice: Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, the second senior most judge of the Appellate Division, has been appointed as the new chief justice of Bangladesh. President Abdul Hamid signed the file approving his appointment on Friday, and a gazette notification was also issued in this regard, said Law secretary ASM Md Jahirul Haq. Justice Hossain will be sworn in as the 22nd chief justice at Bangabhaban in Dhaka.

3. Rashtrapati Bhavan’s annual ‘Udyanotsav’: President Ram Nath Kovind will be inaugurating the annual “Udyanotsav” of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Mughal Gardens will be open for the public from February 6, 2018, to March 9, 2018 (except on Mondays which are maintenance days and March 2, 2018, in view of Holi) between 9.30 am to 4 pm. The public will be able to visit the Spiritual Garden, Herbal Garden, Bonsai Garden and Musical Garden during these hours.

5. The first ever International Kala Mela : The First ever International Kala Mela was inaugurated by the Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi today . The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the Administrator of Lalit Kala Akademi, Shri C.S. Krishna Setty and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. The International Kala Mela has been organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi in partnership with IGNCA of the Ministry of Culture. More than 800 artists from across the world are taking part in the Festival.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sri Lanka celebrates 70th anniversary of Independence Day: Sri Lankan military personnel attend the country's 70th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 4, 2018. Sri Lanka celebrated its 70th anniversary of Independence Day here on Sunday with grand military parades and attendance of political celebrities. Sri Lanka tri forces held a colorful grand parade along the Galle Road, close to the Colombo Harbour to celebrate its 70th anniversary of independence from the British colonial rule in 1948.

2. Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades Wins Reelection: Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades won reelection to second five-year term, promising to continue economic recovery and the island's reunification efforts.The conservative Anastasiades beat his leftist challenger Stavros Malas 56 to 44 percent. The two also faced-off in the 2013 election. Cyprus has been split between a Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north since 1974.

3. World Cancer Day 2018:  February 4, 2018, individuals and communities across the world will come together to spread and raise awareness about cancer. For 2016 to 2018, the theme for observing World Cancer Day is 'We Can. I can.' Under this theme, people are expected to, individually and collectively, understand and work towards lessening the impact and harmful effects of the condition globally.

                                      OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.7000 Indian millionaires moved abroad in 2017: India saw the second highest number of millionaire outflow globally with 7,000 ultra-rich individuals shifting overseas in 2017.As many as 10,000 Chinese millionaires changed their domicile in 2017, the highest globally.

2. Assam got investment proposals of Rs.70,000 cr: In the state’s first ever global investors summit ‘Advantage Assam’, CM said Assam has received investment commitments worth nearly Rs.70,000 cr.ONGC committed Rs.13,000 cr investment while Oil India pledged an investment of Rs.10,000 cr.

SPORTS:

1.Indian golfer wins European Tour title: India’s Shubhankar Sharma won the Maybank Championship in Malaysia for his second European Tour title.Sharma had won his maiden title at Joburg Open in December last year.

OBITUARIES:

1. BJP MP from Kairana Hukum Singh dies at 79: Hukum Singh, BJP MP from Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, passed away at a hospital in Noida at evening. He had been under treatment at JP hospital for a month and was suffering from breathing difficulties.

Daily GK Updates - 3rd February, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.US Air Force chief flies Indian-made Tejas aircraft in Jodhpur: Aiming to strengthen the relationship between the air forces of US and India, Chief of Staff of the US Air Force General David L Goldfein on Saturday flew the ‘Made in India’ light combat aircraft Tejas at Air Force Station in Jodhpur. Goldfein also became the first foreign military chief to fly Tejas aircraft.

2. Narendra Modi at Assam Global Investors’ Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural Assam Global Investors’ Summit in Guwahati.  the event will showcase the state’s investment potential to countries in South and South East Asia, in sectors including manufacturing, services, power, agriculture and food processing, IT, transportation, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles and handicrafts and tourism.

3. PM Modi’s ‘Exam Warriors’ book: A book authored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for students facing exams was launched on Saturday by HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi. The book, titled ‘Exam Warriors’, aims to get through to students across the country on the threshold of examinations, and hopes to help them thread the needle with ease.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Bhutan opens consulate in Guwahati: Bhutan opened a consulate general's office in Assam's capital on Friday, a day before the first Global Investors' Summit here is to be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi.It is the second country in the Indian subcontinent, after Bangladesh, to do so. Bangladesh had set up its consulate general here last year.

2. New Manchester-India Partnership set up in UK : A new Manchester-India Partnership (MIP) aimed at connecting Indian companies with the northern regions of England has been set up to further trade, investment, science and innovation ties between India and Britain.The public-private initiative between India and Manchester, a core city of what has been termed as the Northern Powerhouse in Britain, is backed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and will have permanent full-time teams based in Manchester, Delhi and Bangalore.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1.India win U-19 World Cup: India won the finals of the U-19 World Cup defeating Australia by eight wickets at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Sunday. With this victory, India became first nation to win the trophy four times. Manjot Kalra was the star on the day as he became the second player in history to score a ton in ICC U-19 World Cup final, after Unmukt Chand.

2. Two athletes to represent India at the Winter Olympic: Luger Shiva Keshavan and cross country skier Jagdish Singh will represent India at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.The Winter Olympics is set to begin on Feb 9th.

BANKING/FINANCE: 

1. IWAI signs agreement with World Bank for Jal Marg Vikas Project on Ganga: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on Friday signed a project agreement with the World Bank, even as the latter entered into a 375 million dollar loan agreement with the Department of Economic Affairs, for Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP). The JMVP, which is expected to be completed by March, 2023, was being implemented with the financial and technical support of the World Bank. 

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. IOC to invest Rs 3,400 crore in Assam to augment operations: Indian Oil Corporation will invest Rs 3,400 crore in Assam over the next five years to expand its operations by setting up new units as well as upgrading the existing ones. The company will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Assam Government to this effect at the two-day ‘Advantage Assam – Global Investors Summit 2018’, beginning in Guwahati

2. Maharashtra has largest share in India’s export and GST base: Maharashtra’s status as one of the largest states in terms of its economic size and prosperity gives it the largest share in India’s exports and the goods and service tax (GST) base, showed the Economic Survey 2017-18 released on January 29. According to the survey, authored by Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian, there were 9.8 million unique GST registrants in the system as of December 2017.

3. India’s first MSE sentiment index: Honourable Finance minister Shri Arun Jaitley today launched CriSidEx, India’s first sentiment index for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) developed jointly by CRISIL and SIDBI. CriSidEx is a composite index based on a diffusion index of 8 parameters, and measures MSE business sentiment on a scale of 0 (extremely negative) to 200 (extremely positive). The parametric feedback was captured through a survey of 1,100 MSEs in November-December.

Daily GK Updates - 2nd February, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 32nd Surajkund International Crafts Mela begins: The Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal has inaugurated the cultural extravaganza Surajkund International Crafts Mela (32nd) at Faridabad (Haryana).This year Uttar Pradesh is the theme state and Kyrgyzstan is the Partner Nation.Artistes will showcase the art, culture, heritage, handicrafts, and cuisine of the state.

2. Neelam Kapur appointed DG of Sports Authority of India: Neelam Kapur (Indian Information Service - 1982 officer) has been appointed as the Director-General of Sports Authority of India (SAI).Currently, she is the Principal Director General of the Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP).The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is an apex National Sports body set up in 1984 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of Government of India for the development of sport in India.

3. Magahi writer Madhukar awarded Sahitya Akademi's Bhasha Samman: Shesh Anand Madhukar (Magahi writer) has been honored with this year's Sahitya Akademi Bhasha Samman award for the development of the language.Madhukar was conferred the award, comprising a Rs 1 lakh cheque and a memento, by Sahitya Akademi President Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari.Madhukar started his career as a lecturer in Hindi at the BSK College, Methan in 1966 and eventually became a reader and professor at the Saint Columba College, Hazaribagh.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Rwanda becomes 1st poor country to provide eye care for all: Rwanda partnered with UK-based charity Vision for a Nation (VFAN) has become the first low-income country to provide universal eye care for its 12 million population.VFAN will train more than 3,000 eye care nurses based in 502 local health centers prescribing glasses and referring those with serious eye problems to national clinics.

2. India joins Ashgabat agreement: India has joined Ashgabat Agreement on the establishment of an International Transport and Transit Corridor between the Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.The accession to the Agreement would diversify India’s connectivity options with Central Asia and have a positive influence on its trade and commercial ties with the region.India’s accession to the agreement will come into force on 3rd of this month.

3. Donald Trump will host Australian PM Turnbull at White House: US President Donald Trump will meet with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at the White House on Feb. 23. The president and prime minister will discuss a range of shared bilateral, regional, and global priorities, including fighting terrorism, promoting economic growth, and expanding security and defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. Axis Bank launches 4th Edition Of “Evolve”: Axis Bank has launched the fourth edition of ‘Evolve’ in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.It is an annual multi-city knowledge series for Bank’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) customers.The current edition of 'evolve' is titled as “Transform your Family Business into your dream company”.It will empower the SMEs to understand the winning strategies and best practices that have helped some of the leading family businesses in India grow into the reputable enterprise.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. E-way bill, under GST: After a fortnight of trial run, the crucial anti-evasion measure under the goods and services tax (GST), e-way bill, will become mandatory for transporters across the country. Under the e-way bill system, every inter-state movement of goods with a value of over Rs 50,000 and being moved beyond 10 km, the transporter will have to generate an electronic bill on the designated portal.

SPORTS:

1.  Mary Kom Wins Gold in India Open Boxing: Five-time world champion M C Mary Kom claimed a gold at India Open Boxing Tournament, in New Delhi.She defeated Filipino Josie Gabuco 4-1 in the 48kg category.Earlier, she has booked her place in the finals after brushing aside Mongolian Altansetseg Lutsaikhan in the semi-final clash.Pinki fetched gold for India after defeating Jargalan Ochirbat in the final of fly (51 kg) category.

Daily GK Updates - 1st February, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Madhya Pradesh declares areas near sacred rivers, schools dry zones: MP announced its excise policy for 2018-19 under which areas near sacred rivers, religious places, schools, colleges, and girls’ hostels will be declared dry zones where consumption of liquor will be prohibited. the state cabinet decided to close liquor shops located within 50 metres of schools, colleges and authorised hostels meant for girls across the state.

2.Pune-three ICMR institutes merged: As part of a restructuring exercise to bring in more efficiency, three laboratories under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have been merged with sister institutes working in related or overlapping fields. The Enterovirus Research Centre (ERC) at Mumbai — an accredited WHO global specialized laboratory for polio since 2000 — has been merged with Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) while Madurai based Centre for Research in Medical Entomology (CRME) — a WHO collaborative research centre in filariasis and dengue — has now been fused with the Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC) at Pondicherry.

3. Union budget 2018-19 presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley : The union finance minister Arun Jaitley has presented the union budget for 2018-19 in Lok Sabha. According to the Arun Jaitley, this year’s budget will consolidate the gains and focus on strengthening agriculture and rural economy, provision of good health care to the economically less privileged taking care of senior citizens, infrastructure creation and providing of more resources to improve quality of education.

4. Major rivers in J&K declared national waterways-JK govt: The union govt. has declared four major rivers including Jehlum & Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir as ‘national waterways’, paving the way for inland navigation on them to boost water transport and tourism. The national waterways will be developed in a phased manner. The state government was examining the feasibility-cum-detailed project report of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) prepared for inland navigation and construction of terminals across these waterways.

5. Maharashtra govt approves proposal to provide sanitary napkins to women: The Maharashtra government has approved a proposal to provide sanitary napkins to women in rural areas at a subsidized rate of Rs.5 to promote hygiene among menstruating girls and women. The decision would be effectively implemented from International Women's Day, which falls on March 8.The use of sanitary pads (among girls and women) stands at around 17% due to high costs

6. Power Minister R K Singh inaugurates 7th India Energy Congress 2018: Mr. R K Singh (Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister) has inaugurated the 7th India Energy Congress 2018.The Energy congress organized by World Energy Council India with theme Energy 4.0: Energy Transition Towards 2030, in New Delhi.India’s per capita power consumption of 1,200 units is likely to go up by three to four times by 2030 as it aspires to become a developed country with GDP growth rate averaging 8.5% and the country is also committed to environmental protection.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. EU announces funding package of 42.5 mn euros to help build Palestinian state: The European Union (EU) has announced a new funding package of 42.5 million euros to help the Palestinians build their new state.Any framework for negotiations must be multilateral and must involve all players, all partners that are essential to this process.

2. US missile defence test unsuccessful: The US military carried out an unsuccessful test to shoot down an incoming dummy missile from Hawaii. SM-3 Block IIA missile was launched from an Aegis Ashore test site in Hawaii, but failed to hit another missile launched from an aircraft.

3.Hong Kong approves ban on local ivory trading by 2021: Hong Kong lawmakers gave final approval to a government proposal banning local ivory trading in the Chinese territory by 2021, with conservation groups hailing it as a major victory in the fight to save elephants. Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the measure, voting 49-4 to amend the existing law to outlaw sales of ivory in Hong Kong, which researchers say is the world’s biggest retail ivory market.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. ADB and Centre sign 250 mn dollar loan agreement for construction of roads in five states: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the union Govt. have signed a 250 million USD loan to finance the construction of over 6,200 kilometers all-weather rural roads in 5 States (Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal), under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).The ADB-funded investment program will provide continued assistance to the PMGSY and support the Government’s long-term goal for rural development.The program is aimed at improving rural connectivity, facilitating safer and more efficient access to livelihood and socio-economic opportunities for rural communities through improvements to about 12000 kilometers Rural Roads across the 5 States.

2. India & World Bank sign USD 100 million loan agreement to Tamil Nadu: India & World Bank sign USD 100 million loan agreement for Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project to boost the rural economy of Tamil Nadu.The Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project will create an enabling environment for producer organizations and enterprises to promote businesses across select value chains.The Project will be operational in 120 blocks across 3994 villages in 26 Districts of Tamil Nadu.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India’s GDP growth for financial year 2016-17 unchanged at 7.1 percent: India’s GDP growth rate for 2016-17 remained unchanged at 7.1 per cent, as per the first revised estimates released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) released for the previous financial year on Wednesday. The CSO, however, revised upwards the Gross Value Added (GVA) growth rate to 7.1 per cent from 6.6 per cent estimated earlier.

SPORTS:

1. Anu Kumar wins first gold in Khelo India School Games: Anu Kumar (Uttarakhand) grabbed the first gold medal of the Khelo India School Games in 1500 meters (4 minutes and 4 seconds) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.In the girl category, C Chanthini (Kerala) won the gold medal in 1500-metres run.Abhishek Singh (Uttar Pradesh) won the Shot Put with an excellent throw of 18.73 metres while Praveen of Tamil Nadu won the triple jump in his sixth attempt with 15.22 metres.Haryana girl Pooja excelled in the Shot Put and won the gold with a best of 13.88 metres.

Daily GK Updates - 31st January, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. HPC facility named ‘Mihir’ launched in Noida: Union Minister for Earth Science, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan dedicated the High-Performance Computer (HPC) System named ‘Mihir’. Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that with this facility, India’s capacity in weather forecasting will improve. The Minister said that the HPC facility will be India’s largest HPC facility in terms of peak capacity and performance.

2. India Ranks 6th in the list of Wealthiest Countries: India has been ranked sixth in the list of wealthiest countries with the total wealth of 8,230 billion US dollars. The list was topped by the United States of America. It is according to New World Wealth report. India was the best-performing wealth market globally in 2017 as it registered a 25% growth.

3. Bill to hike judges salary gets approval: President Ram Nath Kovind gave his approval to a Bill that will more than double the salaries of Supreme Court and High Court judges.

In the Winter Session of Parliament, the Bill to increase salaries of judges was passed. Now after the President’s approval, the Chief Justice of India will draw a monthly salary of ₹2.80 lakh, up from the current ₹1 lakh.

4. Scheme for Power supply: Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur launched integrated power development scheme at Nagrota Bagwan to provide 24×7 power supply in 54 towns of the state. This will include strengthening of power distribution system, setting up new transformers. The scheme envisages to strengthen the basic infrastructure and upgradation of a power supply and substations.

5. Rajasthan gave 1% quota to MBC: Rajasthan has issued orders for granting 1% reservation to the Most Backward Classes, within the 50% ceiling mandated by the Supreme Court. The overall reservation in the State stood at 49% before the decision. Along with Gujjars, nomadic communities Banjara, Gadia-Lohar, Raika and Gadariya were included among the Other Backward Classes for quota in the govt jobs AND educational institutions.

6. Guru Ravidas Jayanti being celebrated across the country today: The birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas (the founder of Bhakti movement) was celebrated across the country. As per Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on full moon day of the Magh month (Magh Purnima). Ravidas was born in the village of Seer Govardhanpur, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. International Bird Festival to be held in UP: A three-day international bird festival will be held at the Dudhwa National Park, Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh in February 2018. Nearly 200 leading ornithologists expected to attend. The purpose of the international bird festival is to promote eco-tourism in Dudhwa and to give it a distinct international identity besides highlighting its traditional Tharu arts, culture and heritage.

OTHER UPDATES

BANKING/ FINANCE:

1. SBI to launch credit card for farmers: The State Bank of India, through its subsidiary SBI Cards & Payments Services Pvt Ltd, will offer credit cards to farmers. The project has been initiated on a pilot basis in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and depending on the success of the pilot run, it will be launched nationally. The new credit cards for the farmers will have a credit limit with a credit period of 45 days

BUSINESS/ ECONOMY:

1. EPFO goes paperless: Taking another step towards going paperless, retirement fund body EPFO said it has launched facilities for employers to pay dues and update ownership details online. Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has provided the facility of online submission of Form 5A (Return of Ownership), it said in a statement. EPFO added it has discontinued the physical submission of the form.

2. Shantanu Narayen to head USISPF Board: Indian-American Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen has been elected as the Vice Chairman of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum. It is a new organisation set up to enhance business relations between India and the US. The new representative body USISPF was set up to promote bilateral trade and work on creating meaningful opportunities that have the power to change the lives of citizens.

SCIENCE/ TECHNOLOGY:

1. Fossils of dinosaurs unearthed in Egypt: Scientists have unearthed in a Sahara Desert oasis in Egypt fossils of a long-necked, four-legged, school bus-sized dinosaur that lived roughly 80 million years ago. Researchers said the plant-eating Cretaceous Period dinosaur, named Mansourasaurus shahinae, was nearly 33 feet (10 metres) long. It was a member of a group called titanosaurs that included Earth’s largest-ever land animals.

DEFENCE:

1. Indian, Vietnamese to hold – VINBAX: Armies of India and Vietnam have begun a six-day-long military exercise in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. The exercise named ‘VINBAX’ is the first military exercise between the two countries. Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc was in New Delhi to participate in the India-ASEAN Commemorative summit and attend the Republic Day celebrations.

2. Indian Navy launches 3rd Scorpene class submarine Karanj: Indian Navy has launched the third Scorpene class submarine Karanj, constructed by shipbuilder Mazgaon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. Now, the submarine will undergo rigorous tests for the next one year before it is commissioned.

SPORTS:

1. Sharath Kamal won TT Championship: Sharath Kamal beat top-seeded Anthony Amalraj to win the men singles title in the 79th edition of the 11Even Sports Senior Nationals in Ranchi, Jharkhand. He won the championship for the eighth time, equalling the feat of Kamlesh Mehta. Suthirta Mukherjee from West Bengal emerged the new women champion, beating Hyderabad Nationals winner Manika Batra.

2. First Khelo India School Games launched: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the first Khelo India School Games at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The Khelo India programme has been introduced to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level. Talented Under-17 players identified in priority sports disciplines at various levels. The Games are being held from 31st January to 8th February 2018.

3. Melbourne to host Final of 2020 WT20: Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the final of both the men’s and women’s World Twenty20 when the tournaments come to Australia in 2020. It will mark the first time the tournaments are held as stand-alone events in the same year in the same country. The women’s final will coincide with International Women’s Day (8th March).

BOOKS & AUTHORS:

1. “Speaking Truth to Power” book launched: Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and P Chidambaram released a book titled “Speaking Truth to Power” authored by P Chidambaram in New Delhi on Jan 30, 2018. Former finance minister P Chidambaram urged the citizens of India to speak truth so that the nation can uphold the legacy of its founding fathers.

2. International Kolkata Book Fair 2018 held: The 42nd edition of the International Kolkata Book Fair 2018 is being held in Kolkata. The fair, touted to be world’s largest attended book fair, will be open for public from January 31 and will continue till February 11. The focal theme of International Kolkata Book Fair will be France. This will be France’s third appearance as partner country at the International Kolkata Book Fair.