Daily GK Updates - 3rd June, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Deccan Queen completes 88 years of service : India’s first superfast train, Deccan Queen express from Mumbai to Pune has completed 88 years on June 1, 2018.

Also known as ‘Queen of Deccan’ the train started on June 1, 1930.This was the first deluxe train introduced on the railway to serve 2 important cities of the region.

2. Conference of Governors, LGs : A two day Conference of Governors and Lieutenant Governors (LGs) will be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan from 4th June.This will be the 49th such Conference which will be presided by President Ram Nath Kovind.

The first Conference of Governors was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 1949. It was presided over by C. Rajagopalachari, then the Governor General of India.

3. Maharashtra govt unveils ‘sandbox’ : The Maharashtra Government has announced the opening up of a ‘sandbox’ to boost start-ups.Sandbox is seen as a safe zone to test financial innovation which sees a limited rollout of new products to select customers.Reserve Bank panel had recommended introducing a “regulatory sandbox” to foster financial technology innovation.

4. Andhra introduces scheme for natural farming : The Andhra Pradesh government launched a Zero Based Natural Farming (ZBNF) scale-out scheme, aimed at benefitting around six million farmers by 2024.The state agriculture department also signed a MoU in this regard, with the Sustainable India Finance Facility (SIFF).The SIFF will extend financial and investment support to the farmers.

5. Padma Shri award given to Tommy Koh : Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the Padma Shri award, one of India’s highest civilian awards, to former Singaporean diplomat Tommy Koh in Singapore.Koh was among 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) receipts of the prestigious award.Koh has served as Singapore’s ambassador to the US and the UN.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. US vetoes Arab-backed UN draft resolution : The United States vetoed an Arab-backed UN draft resolution calling for measures to protect the Palestinians.Ten countries including China, France and Russia voted in favor of the draft put forward by Kuwait on behalf of Arab countries at the Security Council.Four countries Britain, Ethiopia, the Netherlands and Poland abstained.

2. Cuba, US to restore direct postal service : Cuba and the US have agreed to permanently restore the direct postal service between the two countries.This service allows the postal delivery of mail, parcels, and express courier deliveries on direct flights between Cuba and the United States, and through post offices in both countries.The direct postal service between the two neighbouring nations was suspended by Havana in 1968.

3. Sushma Swaraj to visit South Africa : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has left for South Africa on a five-day visit.During the visit, Mrs Swaraj is expected to have meetings with top leadership of South Africa.The Minister will participate in the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting on 4th and chair the IBSA Foreign Ministers Meeting.

4. Lamar Gets His Pulitzer Prize for ‘DAMN’ : Kendrick Lamar received the Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album “DAMN”.Lamar became the first nonclassical or jazz musician to win a Pulitzer for music.Lamar had also notched four Grammys including best rap album this year for “DAMN”.

5. Giuseppe Conte sworn in as Italian PM : Giuseppe Conte was sworn in as prime minister of Italy’s new populist government.Conte will head a government of ministers from the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the far-right League Party.The first populist coalition in a founding EU member has raised concerns in some European quarters.

6. Pedro sworn in as Spain’s Prime Minister : Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez has been sworn in as Spain’s Prime Minister by King Felipe VI.Spain is the eurozone’s No. 4 economy and an influential member of the European Union (EU).Mr. Sanchez (46) is Spain’s seventh Prime Minister since the return to democracy following the death of dictator Gen. Francisco Franco in 1975.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Infosys completes acquisition of WongDoody : The country’s second largest IT services firm Infosys has completed the acquisition of US-based WongDoody.WongDoody Holding Company is a US-based digital creative and consumer insights agency.WongDoody has clients across industries like telecommunications, consumer electronics, healthcare and consumer packaged goods.WongDoody is headquartered in Seattle and has an office in Los Angeles.

DEFENCE:

1. Indian Navy sends ship to Socotra island : Indian Navy launched ‘Operation Nistar’ to evacuate 38 stranded Indians around Socotra island located close to the horn of Africa between the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.The Navy has already deployed its ship INS Sunayna as part of the ‘operation Nistar’ to evacuate the Indians.Indian seafarers have been stranded due to Cyclone Mekunu.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1. Successful launch of observation satellite :China successfully launched a new Earth observation satellite which will be mainly used in agricultural resources research and disaster monitoring.A scientific experiment satellite named Luojia-1 was sent into space at the same time.The Gaofen-6 satellite was launched on a Long March-2D rocket.

Daily GK Updates - 2nd June, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Ordinance for sports university approved : President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to an ordinance to set up the country’s first national sports university in Manipur.The Union Cabinet had approved an ordinance on 23rd May in this regard.

The University, first of its kind, will promote sports education in the areas of sports sciences, sports technology, sports management and sports coaching.

2. NTPC adopts Charminar in Hyderabad : NTPC has adopted the iconic Charminar in Hyderabad under the ‘Swachh Iconic Places’ Projects of India.The ‘Swachh Iconic Places’ is an initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission.It is a special clean-up initiative focused on select iconic heritage, spiritual and cultural places in the country.

3. Telangana’s formation day on June 2 : Telangana celebrated its fourth formation day on 2nd June.The state was formed on 2nd June in 2014 following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.Telangana was carved out from the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh as the 29th state.Telangana gained fame as one of the fastest growing and surplus state economies in the country.

4. India’s first advanced forensic lab : Maneka Gandhi has laid the foundation stone of an advanced DNA forensic laboratory at the campus of Central Forensic Science Lab in Chandigarh.The ‘Sakhi Suraksha’ lab will assist in investigation and prosecution of crimes including those committed against women and children.It will contribute in addressing the gap in forensic DNA analysis of pending sexual assault cases in the country.

5. Benami transactions informants reward scheme : A new reward scheme titled “Benami Transactions Informants Reward Scheme, 2018”, has been issued by the Income Tax Department.The scheme is aimed at encouraging people to give information about benami transactions and properties as well as income earned on such properties.Under the Scheme, a person can get reward up to Rs. 1 crore for giving specific information in prescribed manner.

6. Government introduces new scheme SevaBhojYojna : The Ministry of Culture, Government of India has introduced a new scheme called ‘SevaBhojYojna’.The scheme envisages to reimburse the CGST and IGST on purchase of raw items which go into preparation of food offered free of cost by religious institutions.The objective of the scheme is to lessen the financial burden of such Charitable Religious Institutions who provide Food free of cost.

 INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India signed MRA in nursing with Singapore : India has signed the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) in Nursing with Singapore.Under the agreement, Singapore has agreed to expand coverage of Indian nursing institutions by recognising 7 nursing institutions in the MRA.This has paved way for our healthcare service providers to institutionally access markets abroad.

2. Interfaith Dialogue to be organised : India and Indonesia would be organising an Interfaith Dialogue in Indonesia in early October 2018, followed by similar Dialogue in India next year.This would be organised to eradicate radicalism and promote pluralism.

Interfaith Dialogue would reflect a united commitment of both the nations to eradicate terrorism, radicalism, and violent extremism and would be the dynamic of pluralism.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE:

1.Malabar 2018 to be held off coast of Guam : Naval ships, aircraft & personnel from India, Japan & US will participate in the 2018 Malabar exercises off the coast of Guam in the Philippine Sea.Malabar for the first time is being conducted off the coast in the Philippine Sea which will include both ashore & at-sea training.Training will focus on high-end warfighting skill sets, medical operations & anti-submarine warfare among others.

SPORTS:

1. ICC added 4 teams to the ODI Team Rankings : Netherlands, Nepal, UAE and Scotland have been added by ICC to the list of ODI-Test playing nations, expanding the teams from 12 to 16.Netherlands secured its ODI status by winning the ICC World Cricket League Championship last year.Whereas, UAE, Nepal and Scotland earned it in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018, by finishing as the three leading Associates.

Daily GK Updates - 1st June, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India improves its childhood index ranking : India has improved its ranking in the world childhood index but stays at a poor 113th position in the list of 175 countries indexed by global child rights group, Save the Children.The report, titled “End of Childhood”, commends India’s achievements in reducing the rate of child marriages. Nutrition, infant mortality and child labour remained issues of grave concern in India.

2. Railways Organizes Workshop ‘Mission Raftar’ : Ministry of Railways conducted a one day workshop “Mission Raftaar” aimed at raising the average speed of freight trains and coaching trains in New Delhi.Issues such as punctuality, rolling stock, removing bottlenecks in terms of traffic, elimination of unmanned level crossings were discussed at the workshop.Mission Raftaar’ aims at doubling the average speed of freight trains.

3. Home Minister launches Online Analytical Tool : Union Home Minister launched an Online Analytical Tool to facilitate closer monitoring of the flow and utilisation of foreign contributions received by various organisations.This web-based tool enables decision-makers in various Departments of Government to scrutinise source of foreign funds and their actual use in India.It has analytical features to conduct data mining and exploration.

4. PM Modi launched 3 Indian digital payment apps : Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the International Rupay Card, Bhim app and UPI enabled remittance App by State Bank of India in Singapore.The RuPay digital payments system was linked up with Singapore’s 33-year-old Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS).Singapore branch of the SBI is the first to launch this new mode of remittance in collaboration with NPCI.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India, Singapore announce 14 agreements : India and Singapore announced 14 business-to-business and business-to-government agreements.The agreements include on supporting India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and promoting Indian innovation abroad, to set up Indian institutes of skills on waste water management and recycling.It also included the promotion of ‘Make-in-India’ in Singapore and ASEAN

2. Kerala cartoonist wins international award : Kerala cartoonist Thomas Antony has won an international award, in the best caricature category.Antony, currently working as Executive Artist of Malayalam daily ‘Metro Vaartha’, is among the nine winners at the 13th edition of the World Press Cartoon awards.The awards are given to the best works published in 2017 in newspapers and magazines from around the world.

3. PM Modi launched 3 Indian digital payment apps : Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the International Rupay Card, Bhim app and UPI enabled remittance App by State Bank of India in Singapore.The RuPay digital payments system was linked up with Singapore’s 33-year-old Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS).Singapore branch of the SBI is the first to launch this new mode of remittance in collaboration with NPCI.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Manufacturing PMI growth slows in May : Activity in India’s manufacturing sector grew at a weaker pace in May according to the Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).This index is based on the survey conducted among purchasing executives in over 400 companies.The report also mentioned that the latest upturn signalled a marginal improvement in the manufacturing sector.

2. Indian economy grew 7.7% : The Indian economy grew 7.7% in the January-March quarter of 2017-18 on account of robust performance in manufacturing, construction and service sectors as well as good farm output according to the Central Statistics Office.However, the economic growth slowed to 6.7% in 2017-18 compared to 7.1% in 2016-17.The previous high GDP growth of 8.1% was recorded in April-June quarter of 2016-17.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1.India, World Bank signed $500 million loan : India has signed a USD 500 million loan pact with World Bank to provide additional financing for PMGSY rural road projects.Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana will build 7,000 km of climate resilient roads, out of which 3,500 km will be constructed using green technologies. World Bank has supported PMGSY since its inception in 2004 & so far it has invested over $1.8 billion in loans & credits.

Daily GK Updates - 31st May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Krishna Murari as CJ of Punjab and Haryana HC : The Union Law Ministry has cleared the appointment of Justice Krishna Murari of the Allahabad High Court as the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court.Justice Murari will succeed former chief justice S J Vazifdar, who retired on May 3.Punjab and Haryana High Court is the common High Court for Haryana, Punjab and Union Territory of Chandigarh.

2. Guidelines for Adventure Tourism launched : The Government is for the first time issuing guidelines for Adventure Tourism in India.The guidelines on Safety and Quality Norms for Adventure Tourism in India have been formulated along with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India.The aim of this initiative is to help adventure tour operators understand and execute safety guidelines in a better manner.

3. Andhra Pradesh gets new state bird & flower : Andhra Pradesh government has decided to notify ‘Rose-ringed parakeet’ popularly known as ‘Rama Chiluka’, as the state bird.The neem is the official tree of the Andhra Pradesh.The blackbuck is the animal while Jasmine as its state flower.Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated to create Telangana in June 2014.

4. New Northern Army Commander : Lt Gen Ranbir Singh has been appointed as the new Northern Army commander.Lt Gen Singh succeeds Lt Gen Anbu who has been appointed as the Vice-Chief of the Indian Army.Lt Gen Ranbir Singh was the Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) when India carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. RIMPAC from June 27, 2018 : As many as 26 countries, including India, would participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercise from June 27 to August 2, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.RIMPAC is known as the world’s largest international maritime exercise.Four countries — Brazil, Israel, Sri Lanka and Vietnam — are participating in RIMPAC for the first time in 2018.

2. World No Tobacco Day observed on 31 May : World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed around the world every year on 31 May. It is intended to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption around the globe.The World Health Organisation(WHO) has designated 31st May of each year as the World No Tobacco Day.The theme for 2018 is “Tobacco and heart disease”.

3. India, Indonesia to set up task force : India and Indonesia have agreed to set up a special task force to enhance connectivity between the strategic Andaman andNicobar Islands and provinces in Sumatra Island.This will promote trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts.The Joint Task Force will undertake projects for port related infrastructure in and around Sabang which is an Indonesian island.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Microsoft becomes third most valuable firm : Microsoft has surpassed Alphabet, in the market capitalisation for the first time in 3 years, becoming the 3^rd most valuable firm after Apple & Amazon globally.On May 29, 2018, Microsoft reportedly had a market cap of $753 billion at the close of trading, almost $14 billion ahead of Alphabet.Apple leads with a market cap of $924 billion & Amazon is at second spot with nearly $783 billion.

BANKING/FINANCE :

1. Yes Bank inks MoU with SIDBI : Yes Bank has entered into an agreement with SIDBI under which it will act as a preferred financial institution for giving loans to the small and medium enterprising customers.This will facilitate smooth flow of credit in a hassle-free manner to MSME customers availing term loan facility from SIDBI.Small enterprises will also be entitled to use Yes Bank’s varied banking solutions.

DEFENCE:

1. India-Nepal joint military exercise begins : A joint military exercise between India and Nepal began on May 30 in Uttrakhand.The military exercise, which is set to conclude of June 12, is called ‘Surya Kiran’ and is conducted alternatively in India and Nepal every six months.Surya Kiran with Nepal is India’s largest military exercise in terms of troop participation.

2. Upgraded Pinaka rocket successfully test-fired : An upgraded version of Pinaka rocket, with a guidance system and an enhanced range, was successfully test-firedfrom the Proof & Experiment Establishment at Chandipur in Odisha.Pinaka has now been upgraded into a guided version, with a navigation, guidance & control kit developed by the Research Centre, Imarat, Hyderabad.The conversion helped in enhancing the range and accuracy of Pinaka.

Daily GK Updates - 30th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 1. Goa Celebrates its Statehood Day on May 30 : Goa attained full statehood on 30th May 1987 and became India’s 25th state.Daman and Diu were separated from Goa and continue to be administered as a union territory.Earlier, Goa was a union territory, namely, Goa, Daman and Diu for all administrative and governance considerations.

2. Himachal launches app for ration card holders : The food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department of Himachal Pradesh has launched a mobile app for ration card holders.The app will function as a digital ration card and beneficiaries can open it on their android phones to make transaction at fair price shop, submit complaints and suggestions and contact department officers.This app is available under the name of ePDS.

3. Bengal’s Chau mask acquires GI fame : The Chau mask of Purulia, the wooden mask of Kushmandi, the Patachitra, the Dokras of Bengal, and Madhurkathi (a kind of mat) have been presented with the Geographical Indication (GI) tagThe GI tag has been given by the Geographical Indication Registry and Intellectual Property India.A GI tag connects the quality and authenticity of a given product to a particular geographical origin

4. ‘Gaj Yatra’ campaign launched in Meghalaya : The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and the Wildlife Trust of India rolled out the ‘Gaj Yatra’ from Tura, Meghalaya.It aims to raise awareness about the shrinking space for India’s wild elephants & the importance of securing elephant corridors.The event involves taking an elephant mascot across districts frequented by jumbo herds for generating awareness among the people.

5. Power Minister R K Singh launched PRAAPTI : Power Minister R K Singh has launched web portal and App called PRAAPTI.‘Praapti’ stands for ‘Payment ratification and analysis in power procurement for bringing transparency in involving of generators’.It aims to bring transparency in power purchase transactions between Generators and power distribution company- Discoms.

6. R K Agrawal appointed NCDRC president : Justice R K Agrawal has been appointed as the next President of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.Justice Agrawal will take over from Justice DK Jain who retires on May 31, 2018.The NCDRC, which deals with consumer rights and addresses their disputes and grievances, is a quasi-judicial commission set up in 1988 under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Global health monitoring mechanism launched : The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank Group has launched a new mechanism that intends to strengthen global health security.The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board was created on the margins of the 71st Session of the World Health Assembly on 24th May.The Board’s Secretariat will be housed at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

2. WHO Adopts Digital Health Resolution : The resolution on digital health brought out by India was adopted by the 71st World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).The 71st World Health Assembly was held in Geneva and was attended by delegations from all WHO member states.The resolution paves the path for WHO to establish a global strategy on digital health.

3. Bangladesh CG ship at Visakhapatnam Port : A Bangladesh Coast Guard Ship, Tajuddin, arrived at the Visakhapatnam Port.The aim of the visit is to develop working level operation between Coast Guards of maritime nations and enhance interoperability in the fields of maritime search and rescue, anti-piracy operations.Tajuddin has participated in the 10th Regional Co-operation Agreement (ReCAP) for safe and secure sea in February 2017.

4. Paraguay gets its 1st Woman interim President : Paraguay will have a woman President (interim) Alicia Pucheta (68-year) for the first time in its history after outgoing leader Horacio Cartes stepped down.Vice President Alicia Pucheta will complete Cartes’s mandate after he resigned to become a senator.The parliament is due to confirm Cartes’s resignation and proclaim Pucheta as interim president.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. MD Mallya appointed as independent director : ICICI Bank has appointed MD Mallya as an additional independent director on the board.Mallya in the past has served as the managing director & chairman of Bank of Baroda.Mallya’s tenure is for a period of 5 years, it is subjected to the approval of shareholders.Mallya was also engaged extensively with the government as Indian Banks’ Association chairman.

SPORTS:

1. Japan clinched the Uber Cup for the first time since 1981 : Japan’s women clinched the Uber Cup by defeating Thailand 3-0 to end a 37-year wait to regain the title.Thailand, who had entered the finals for the first time after shock win against China in the semifinals, lost the final against Japan team in both singles and doubles.The last time Japan clinched the Uber Cup title was back in 1981 and it comes as a major boost ahead of Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Daily GK Updates - 29th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. ‘Santokbaa Humanitarian’ award : Child rights activist and Noble Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and space scientist A S Kiran Kumar, Chairman of Indian Space ResearchOrganisation (ISRO), were given ‘Santokbaa Humanitarian Award’.The award was presented by the President of India.The award is instituted by Shree Ramkrishna Knowledge Foundaton (SRKKF).

2. Trai to tap blockchain to curb spam calls : In a first of its kind initiative, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued draft guidelines to curb pesky calls and SMSes by using blockchain technology.Blockchain will ensure two things—non- repudiative and confidentiality.Only those authorised to access details will be able to access subscriber details and only when they need to deliver service.

3. Study centre on Brahmaputra river : The Central government announced that a Brahmaputra Study Centre would be set up at Gauhati University to conduct research on the causes of and how to prevent frequent floods in the river.The fund for setting up the study centre will be provided by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.The study centre would offer an opportunity for research in different aspects of the river.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Pakistan names former chief justice as interim prime minister : Pakistan's former chief justice Nasir ul Mulk named as the caretaker Prime Minister until general elections on July 25, 2018.The present government will complete the tenure on May 31 and the caretaker government will remain in office until a new government is elected.The announcement came after weeks of deadlock between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Opposition over the name of the caretaker prime minister.

2. Hamburg to host 2018 Global Wind Summit : The first edition of the 2018 Global Wind Summit will be held in Hamburg, Germany in September 2018.

Speakers from about 100 countries, including India, China, the US, Spain and Denmark are expected to participate in the event.The conference on wind is the largest and most important meeting of the wind industry worldwide. The event combines two conferences, WindEnergy Hamburg and WindEurope.The event will provide a platform for experts from across the globe to discuss innovative and green technologies for harnessing wind energy making.

3. Nepal celebrates 11th Republic Day : Nepal is celebrating its 11th Republic Day today.President Bhandari and Prime Minister Oli have greeted people of Nepal on the occasion of Republic Day.Prime Minister Oli in his message said that Republic is not limited to a word, it is a journey of prosperity and development to bring happiness in the lives of common people.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Virat Kohli emerged as International Cricketer of Year at CEAT ratings : India skipper Virat Kohli has emerged as the International Cricketer of the Year at the CEAT Cricket Rating awards.Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan was presented the International Batsman of the Year Award, while New Zealand pace sensation Trent Boult won International Bowler of the Year Award.

2. China won the 10th Thomas Cup title : China won the Thomas Cup for the 10th time after defeating Japan by 3-1 in the final in Bangkok.China had won five straight Thomas Cup titles between 2004 and 2012.

OBITUARIES:

1. Alan Bean: the Fourth man to walk on Moon passed away : Alan Bean, the fourth man to walk on the moon passed away at the age of 86.Alan Bean flew twice into space, first as the lunar module pilot on Apollo 12, the second moon landing mission, in November 1969.In July 1973 he was commander of the second crewed flight to the United States’ first space station, Skylab.

Daily GK Updates - 28th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. EC plans to discuss about unpublished roll : The Election Commission will soon examine the New Zealand model, which allows eligible people to vote even if their names are not on the printed roll for valid reasons.The concept of a ‘unpublished’ (confidential) roll will also be discussed.‘Unpublished’ roll is for those who fear making their details available on the printed roll for security reasons.

2. ‘Clean Air India Initiative’ launched : Prime Minister of Netherlands Mark Rutte launched the ‘Clean Air India Initiative’ in Delhi.The campaign aims to curb air pollution in Indian cities by promoting partnerships between Indian start-ups and Dutch companies.The Clean Air India Initiative is a project between Get In The Ring, a platform for start-ups, the Government of the Netherlands, Start-up India, and INDUS Forum

3. Bill to allow Hindu widows to remarry : A landmark Bill allowing Hindu widows to remarry has been passed by the assembly of Pakistan’s Sindh Province.The bill allows Hindu widows to remarry out of their own free will but only after a period of six months has lapsed after their husband’s death.The bill also grants Hindu women the right to file a petition for dissolution of a marriage if they want to terminate their marriage.

4. UP-Mumbai freight corridor open from August : The first phase of India’s longest freight corridor connecting Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai is set to be inaugurated on August 15, 2018.This was disclosed by the chairman of the Railway Board Ashwani Lohani, who inspected the 190km-long Ateli-Phulera section of the dedicated railway freight corridor between Dadri in UP and Mumbai.It is part of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor.

5. Tripura govt to phase out plastic carry bags : The Tripura government has set August 15 as the deadline to phase out plastic carry bags.The government, as part of the ‘Himalayan Cleanup’ programme, urged people to replace their plastic bags with biodegradable ones.The Himalayan Cleanup campaign has been launched by a Delhi-based organization in 12 mountain states in the country to end plastic pollution in the hilly areas.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nasir Ul Mulk to be the interim Prime Minister : Pakistan has appointed former Chief Justice Nasir Ul Mulk as interim Prime Minister until general elections are held on July 25, 2018.Mulk has also served as the interim chief of the Election Commission of Pakistan.The interim administration usually does not make any major decisions until the new government is elected.

2. Queen Maxima of Netherlands arrives India : Queen Maxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who is also the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development arrived in New Delhi on a four-day visit to India.Netherlands is the 5th largest investor in India.During Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s visit to India, the former became an official partner of the International Solar Alliance.

3. China invites Iran to attend SCO summit : China has invited the Iranian President to participate in the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit being organised in June 2018.The summit will be the first after the inclusion of India and Pakistan as members of the organisation in 2017.Iran, Mongolia, Afghanistan, and Belarus have been granted observer status.

4. India to attend WTO members meet in Paris : India and other key members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will discuss ways to combat growing protectionism across the world at an informal meeting of select Trade Ministers at the OECD meet in Paris.India has been invited to participate in the informal Ministerial meeting hosted by Australia in Paris.The OECD meet is taking place between May 31 and June 3.

5. India launches its second IT corridor in China : India has launched its second IT corridor in China to cash in on the booming Chinese software market.NASSCOM has now set up one more digital collaborative opportunities plaza, also known as the SIDCOP platform, in China’s Guiyang.In December 2018, the NASSCOM established its first SIDCOP platform in the Chinese port city of Dalian, which is India’s first IT hub in China.

6. Oldest Indian woman to scale Mount Everest : Sangeeta Bahl, at the age of 53 has become the oldest Indian woman to scale the Mount Everest.She scaled the peak on May 19, 2018, with the help of 2 Sherpas and was felicitated at the Indian embassy in Kathmandu.She carried a banner to the peak advocating early detection of breast cancer in women & funding for the same.She has already conquered 6 out of the 7 highest peaks of the world.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. RBI appoints Sudha as its first CFO : National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) executive Sudha Balakrishnan has been appointed as the first chief financial officer (CFO) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).Balakrishnan, a chartered accountant, was until recently a vice-president at the NSDL, India’s first and largest depository.She will be the 12th executive director at RBI, and will serve a three-year term.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1. Mountain ranges discovered beneath Antarctica : Mountain ranges and valleys have been discovered by scientists deep beneath the Western Antarctic ice region.This discovery will contribute to the rising global sea levels.Three valleys were discovered by the researchers linking the two major parts of Antarctica, out of which, one is 217 miles long.

SPORTS:

1. Chennai Super Kings lift their 3rd IPL title : Chennai Super Kings lifted their third Indian Premier League title after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in Mumbai.Shane Watson’s century helped Chennai to defeat Hyderabad.Shane Watson was declared as Man of the Match

2. BCCI, UN Environment sign agreement : The BCCI and UN Environment have signed an agreement to promote ‘green’ Cricket in India.The partnership aims to spread greater awareness about key environmental challenges facing the country, and highlight alternate and more sustainable solutions.The partnership will also focus on phasing out single-use plastic across stadiums in the country.