Daily GK Updates - 21st August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sports should be made a Fundamental Right : The Supreme Court issued a notice to Centre, state governments and Union Territories on a PIL seeking directions to make sports a part of the Fundamental Rights.The PIL said that sports should be included among academics.There should be a compulsory provision for sports in the school budget which should be utilised for sports activity only.

2. NGT constitutes ‘independent body’ : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) constituted an “independent body” to decide Vedanta Limited’s plea challenging the Tamil Nadu government’s order to close the Sterlite copper plant at Thoothukudi.NGT Chairperson directed the committee to assume charge in two weeks and submit a report within six weeks.The committee will be headed by a retired judge.

3. September to be observed as Nutrition Month :  September will be observed as Nutrition Month with the aim of reaching every household with the message of nutrition — ‘har ghar poshan tyohar’.The month-long intensive campaign will promote antenatal care, breastfeeding, fight anemia, convey messages about the importance of nutrition for girls and the right age of marriage and also promote hygiene and sanitation.

4. TP Sharma appointed as New chief of Lokayukta : Retired judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court TP Sharma was appointed the new chief Lokayukta of the Chattisgarh.Sharma will head the Chhattisgarh Lok Ayog, set up to deal with corruption cases against public servants.Sharma, the state’s fourth chief Lokayukta, will succeed Justice (retired) Shambhu Nath Shrivastava, who was appointed to the post on August 14, 2013.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Iran unveils first domestic fighter jet : Iran unveiled its first domestic fighter jet at a defence show in Tehran.The fighter jet called Kowsar is capable of carrying various weapons and will be used for short aerial support missions.It is a fourth-generation fighter, with “advanced avionics” and multi-purpose radar.The new fighter jet has passed all tests.

2. First-ever IAF-RMAF joint air exercise : The first-ever joint air exercise involving the Indian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Air Force commenced on 20th August 2018 at Subang Air Base in Malaysia.The exercise in Malaysia will be called Exercise Elang Shakti.The IAF contingent landed at the Subang Air Base in Malaysia comprises of C-17, C-130 and Su-30 aircraft.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Paytm launches AI Cloud for India :  One97 Communications Limited has partnered Alibaba to launch artificial intellingence-based cloud computing platform ‘Paytm AI Cloud for India’ for developers, startups and enterprises.The company said Paytm AI Cloud processes and stores all their consumer data locally in servers located only in India.The platform offers business-centric apps for organisations.

DEFENCE:

1. INS Khanjar visits Yangon, Myanmar : INS Khanjar a Missile Corvette of Indian Navy was on a three-day visit to Yangon, Myanmar from August 18-20.INS Khanjar (P-47) is a Khukri-class Missile Corvette and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 22 October, 1991.INS Khanjar is part of the Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam.

SPORTS:

1. Sanjeev Rajput wins silver in Rifle shooting : Indian shooter Sanjeev Rajput clinched a silver medal in the men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the 18th Asian Games on 21st August, 2018.China won the gold medal with a score of 453.3 while Japan bagged the bronze medal with 441.4.Rajput had won the gold medal at the 50m rifle 3 positions in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018.

2. Saurabh Chaudhary wins 10m air pistol gold : Saurabh Chaudhary won the gold medal in pistol shooting at the Asian Games 2018 on 21st August 2018.Saurabh Chaudhary became only the fifth Indian shooter to claim a gold in the Asian Games history.Shooters have won 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze of the 7 medals India has 

3. Vinesh Phogat wins India’s second gold : Vinesh Phogat won a gold medal in wrestling at the Asian Games 2018.This is Vinesh’s second medal at the Asian Games, having picked up the bronze medal at Incheon in 2014.She also became the fifth Indian woman to win an Asian Games medal in wrestling, and the first among those to clinch gold.

Daily GK Updates - 20th August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Gen Dalbir Singh awarded ‘Legion of Merit’ : Former Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag has been awarded United States (US) ‘Legion of Merit‘ (LOM).The award was given to Singh for exceptionally meritorious service as Chief of Army Staff from August 2014 to December 2016.The LOM is issued to members of the seven uniformed services of the United States as well as to military and political figures of foreign governments.

2. SS Mundra appointed Independent Director : Subhash Sheoratan Mundra has been appointed as Independent Director on the Board of Indiabulls Housing Finance for a period of three years.SS Mundra was the Chairman of Bank of Baroda and an Executive Director at Union Bank of India.SS Mundra was the former Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and left the RBI in July 2017.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Greece exits final bailout successfully : According to European Stability Mechanism (ESM), Greece has successfully exited its final, 3-year bailout programme, agreed in August 2015 to help it cope with the continued fallout from a debt crisis.The ESM has disbursed 61.9 billion euros over 3 years in support of macroeconomic adjustment and bank recapitalisation.The ESM is a European Union agency that provides financial assistance.

2. World Mosquito Day observed on 20th August : World Mosquito Day is observed every year on August 20.World Mosquito Day is a commemoration of British doctor Sir Ronald Ross’s discovery in 1897 that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.The day intends to raise awareness regarding what all causes malaria and ways to prevent it.The day is celebrated by The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

3. India, Thailand military drill concludes : The armies of India and Thailand have concluded their two-week joint exercise ‘Maitree 2018’ in Thailand on 19th August 2018.Exercise Maitree is an annual event designed to strengthen the partnership between Royal Thai Army and Indian Army.The exercise commenced on August 6, 2018 in Thailand.

OTHER UPDATES:

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY :

1.First 4D printing for ceramics developed : Scientists have successfully developed the world’s first 4D printing for ceramics, that can be used to create complex, shape-changing objects.4D printing is conventional 3D printing combined with the additional element of time as the fourth dimension.The printed objects can re-shape or self-assemble themselves over time with external stimuli, such as mechanical force, temperature.

DEFENCE:

1. India building new fighter jet : The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s next indigenous fighter, is expected to make its first flight by 2032.The aircraft will have a low radar cross-section, making it difficult for the enemy to spot it.This is India’s only fifth generation aircraft programme.The AMCA will feature geometric stealth and will initially fly with two GE-414 engines

2. Successful flight test of ATGM ‘HELINA’ : Indigenously developed anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) HELINA has been successfully tested in the ranges of Pokhran.

The missile is guided by an Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR) operating in the Lock on Before Launch mode.It is one of the most advanced Anti-Tank Weapons in the world.

The HELINA missile will be a part of the Army’s weaponry.

SPORTS:

1. Rishabh Pant creates history on debut : Rishabh Pant became the fourth Indian wicket-keeper to take five catches on debut.He achieved this feat on Day 2 of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge.He also became the third in the world to take five catches in an innings on Test debut.Besides Rishab, the two other cricketers to achieve this feat are – Australia’s Brian Taber and his compatriot John Maclean.

2. India opens medal count with bronze in Rifle : Apurvi Chandela and Ravi Kumar won the bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta on 19th August 2018.Chinese Taipei won the gold medal while China won the silver medal.Kumar had earlier won team gold at the 2014 Asian Games and individual bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games while Chandela won gold in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

3. Bajrang Punia won gold in wrestling : Bajrang Punia won the gold medal in the 65 kg freestyle wrestling event at Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta on 19th August 2018.Bajrang Punia beat Japan’s Daichi Takatani.This is India’s first gold medal of the 2018 Asian Games.He had won a silver medal in the 61 kg category in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.

4. Deepak Kumar wins silver medal : Deepak Kumar clinched India’s third medal at the Asian Games 2018 by winning the silver medal in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle category in Jakarta on 20th August 2018.Deepak Kumar had earlier won the bronze medal at the 2018 ISSF World Cup in Mexico in the 10-metre air rifle mixed team event.China’s Haoran Yang won the gold with an Asian Games.

Daily GK Updates - 19th August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Railway Ministry launches ‘Digital Screens’ at 22 stations : The Railways Ministry has made “digital screens” operational at 22 stations as an innovative low-cost solution to spread awareness among the public about the opulent heritage of Indian Railways.the project aims at showcasing the legacy of Indian Railways through one to two-minute-long movie clips.The short films will showcase heritage buildings, locomotives and much more to make people aware of the rich heritage of Indian Railways.

2. Telangana Government launches Disaster Response Force in Hyderabad : Telangana Govt. has launched its own Disaster Response Force (DRF) vehicles in Hyderabad to swiftly deal with emergency situations.DRF vehicles provided to this force will be parked at 24 locations with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).It will help DRF staff to reach the emergency spots in no time.Disaster Response Force (DRF) is a state level dedicated disaster force trained in tackling of urban flooding, tree falls, structural collapses and any other site of normal emergencies.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.19^th August: World Humanitarian Day observed today : The World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is observed across the world every year on 19th August to recognize the work of humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes.The day provides an opportunity to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe.The 2018 World Humanitarian Day campaign: #NotATarget

2.19^th August:  World Photography Day being observed today : The 'World Photography Day' observed to inspire photographers across the planet to share a single photo with the world.On this day, camera persons take stock of the different kind of photography that has come to the fore.On August 19 in 2010, World Photo Day hosted its first global online gallery.

3. Sushma Swaraj inaugurates ‘Panini language laboratory in Mauritius : The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated 'Panini Language Laboratory' at Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) at Port Louis in Mauritius.She called on Pravind Kumar Jagnauth (Prime Minister of Mauritius) and discussed further deepening of the special ties between the two nations.The Lab has been gifted by the Government of India to help MGI in the teaching of all Indian languages in Mauritius.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Infosys CFO Ranganath resigns : The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Infosys (India’s second-largest software services company) ‘MD Ranganath’ has abruptly stepped down from his position.Deputy CFO at Infosys Jayesh Sanghrajka is likely to replace Mr. Ranganath as the company’s next finance chief.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY :

1.India successfully tests indigenously Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ in Pokhran : Indigenously-developed guided bombs- Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon and anti-tank guided missile 'Helina' has been successfully tested at separate firing ranges in Rajasthan.The weapon system tested for its full range was released smoothly from the launch platform.The indigenously designed and developed guided bombs Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) has been also successfully flight tested from IAF aircraft at Chandan range in Jaisalmer.

SPORTS:

1.Mitchell Johnson announces retirement from all forms of Cricket : Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson has announced the retirement from all forms of cricket.Johnson played 73 Tests in the Baggy Green, claiming 313 wickets (the fourth most for an Australian).He also played 153 ODIs before retiring from international cricket in 2015.Johnson was awarded the International Cricket Council's Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year) in 2009.

OBITUARIES:

1. Former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan passes away : Former United Nations Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize winner ‘Kofi Atta Annan’ (80-years) passes away after a short unspecified illness.Ghanaian diplomat Mr Annan served as the 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations (January 1997 to December 2006).Mr Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the UN in 2001 "for their work for a better organized and more peaceful world"

Daily GK Updates - 18th August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Tigress released into Satkosia Tiger Reserve : A female tiger, brought from Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was released in Satkosia Tiger Reserve.The name of the tigress is ‘Sundari’.A male tiger was also brought from Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha National Park to Satkosia Tiger Reserve.Satkosia Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve located in the Angul district of Odisha.

2. East-Coast freight corridor to come in 2019 : India’s third freight corridor is likely to come up between Kharagpur and Vijaywada sections.The project, which is also called the East Coast Corridor, will be 1,114 km in length and is part of the Golden Quadrilateral project of Indian Railways.The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd has sent a proposal to Indian Railways to undertake the 3rd freight corridor project.

3. IRCTC partners with PhonePe : Mobile payment platform PhonePe has partnered with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to facilitate digital payment on the IRCTC Rail Connect Android app.The partnership will enable over 100 million PhonePe users to use their bank accounts to pay for their travel booking directly via UPI, credit and debit cards, and PhonePe digital wallets.PhonePe is owned by Flipkart.

4. Govt launches ‘Digital northeast vision’ : The Central Government launched the ‘Digital Northeast Vision Document 2022’ in Guwahati.North East Indian region has become the newest member of the Centre’s flagship programme ‘Digital India’ initiative.‘Digital Northeast India Vision 2022’ envisages in implementing the initiative throughout the North East through optimum utilization of information, communication, and technology.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Delhi official wins WHO award : Delhi government’s additional director of health S K Arora has been awarded the prestigious WHO World No Tobacco Day 2017 Award for his extraordinary contribution towards tobacco control.Tobacco prevalence in Delhi has come down by 6.5% in the past six years.The National Health Policy 2017 has set targets of relative reduction in tobacco prevalence by 15% by 2020 and 30% by 2025.

2. United States forms Iran Action Group : Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, has announced the creation of the Iran Action Group (IAG).IAG is a dedicated group to coordinate and run the US’s policy towards Iran following President Donald Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from a multinational nuclear deal with Tehran.Brian Hook, the Department of State’s director of policy planning, has been appointed as its head.

3. Ibrahim re-elected as president of Mali : President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has been re-elected as President of Mali after beating opposition candidate.Keita will serve his second five-year term as Malian leader.Keita will take office on September 4, 2018.Mali is a landlocked nation home to at least 20 ethnic groups where the majority of people live on less than $2 a day.

4. Imran Khan takes oath as Pakistan PM : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on 18th August, 2018 took oath as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan.The oath-taking ceremony was administered by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.In the July 25, 2018 general elections, the PTI had emerged as the single largest party with 116 seats.

5. McQueen to receive BAFTA’s Britannia Award : British director Steve McQueen will receive BAFTA’s John Schlesinger Britannia Award.McQueen, who won an Oscar for 12 Years a Slave, would be this year’s recipient of the John Schlesinger Britannia Award for excellence in directing.The award’s previous recipients include Danny Boyle, Christopher Nolan, and Quentin Tarantino.

6. 11th World Hindi Conference begins : The 11th World Hindi Conference, an event aimed at expanding the reach of the Hindi language at a global level, was inaugurated in Mauritius on 18th August, 2018.The theme of the conference for the year 2018 is “Hindi World and Indian Culture”.World Hindi Conference was started in 1975 to make the Hindi language a medium of service and knowledge.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Infosys CFO MD Ranganath resigns : IT major Infosys said its Chief Financial Officer M D Ranganath has resigned from the company.Ranganath will continue in his current position till November 16, 2018.Ranganath had taken over the said role after the then CFO Rajiv Bansal had quit in 2015.Ranganath has worked at Infosys for 18 years.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. MSME credit growth slowed during note ban : According to Reserve Bank of India’s report, credit growth in the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector declined during the demonetisation phase.Bank credit to MSMEs increased on average by 8.5% year on year during the June quarter of fiscal year 2018-19.MSMEs face constraints in accessing credit through formal channels because about 97% of them operate in the informal sector.

DEFENCE:

1. U.S. imposes sanctions on Myanmar military : The United States imposed sanctions on four Myanmar military and police commanders and two army units.The sanctions were imposed for their involvement in human rights abuses against the country’s Rohingya Muslims.The sanctions marked the toughest US action so far in response to Myanmar’s crackdown on the Rohingya minority which started in 2017.

SPORTS:

1.UAE all set to host Asia Cup 2018 : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) signed an agreement for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to host the prestigious Asia Cup.The Asia Cup 2018 will have cricket teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.The tournament will be held from September 15 to September 28 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

2. India won silver medal at cycling C’ship : Teen cyclist Esow Alben won the silver medal at the UCI Junior Track Cycling World Championships in Switzerland.This is India’s first-ever medal at any cycling World Championships.Alban became the Junior World No. 1 this July 2018 after becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Asian Junior Track Cycling Championships.

3. Asian Games begin in Jakarta : The 18th edition of the Asian Games officially kicked off in the Indonesian capital Jakarta on 18th August 2018.Asian Games 2018, also known as Jakarta Palembang 2018, starting from August 18 will end on September 2, 2018, in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang.It is the second time for Jakarta to host the sports games after 1962.

Daily GK Updates : 17th August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India petitions FAO for a ‘Year for Millets’ : Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare has requested the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to declare an “upcoming” year as International Year of Millets.This would help garner wider global attention to millets which are not only nutritious but also resilient to climate change.India is celebrating 2018 as the national year of millets.

2. NPPA fixes ceiling price of 92 drugs : The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed the ceiling price for 92 drug formulations, including those used for the treatment of cancer, hepatitis C, migraine and diabetes among others.NPPA fixes the ceiling price of essential medicines of Schedule I under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO) 2013.NPPA monitors the prices of controlled and decontrolled drugs.

3. Railways launches “Digital Screens” : The Ministry of Railway has launched digital screens to spread awareness among public about the heritage of Indian Railways.The project aims at showcasing the legacy of Indian Railways through one to two minute-long movie clips on digital LED screens.In addition, QR code based posters on Railway Heritage are also being displayed at these stations.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Paraguayan President Abdo Benítez sworn in : Right-wing former Senator Mario Abdo Benítez has been sworn in as the new president of Paraguay after defeating his liberal rival in April elections.Mr Abdo Benítez is the son of a close aide to ex-military dictator Alfredo Stroessner.He replaces Horacio Cartes.Mario Abdo Benítez got involved in politics in 2004

2. Israeli Navy to procure Barak 8 missile : The multipurpose Barak 8 missile defence system will be procured by the Israeli Navy to protect its economic zones and strategic facilities from diversified threats.The Barak 8 missile defence system is jointly developed by India and Israel.Barak-8 is an operational air and missile defense system used by the Israeli Navy as well as by the Indian Navy and air forces.

3. Qatar to invest $15 billion in Turkey : Qatar has promised to make a USD 15 billion direct investment in Turkey.The announcement came after Qatar’s emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held talks with Turkish President Erdogan.Turkey has been badly hit by a currency crisis amid a widening diplomatic standoff with the United States.

4. China’s rover to explore dark side of moon : China has unveiled a new lunar rover as it prepares to become the first nation in the world to explore the dark side of the moon.China’s last lunar rover — named Yutu, or Jade Rabbit — ceased operation in August 2016 on the surface of the moon as part of the Chang’e 3 mission.China announced its intentions in 2015 to send a rover to the dark side of the moon.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. TCS becomes most valued company : Tata Consultancy Services on 16th August 2018 pipped Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) to regain the crown of India’s most valued company in terms of market capitalisation.RIL had on 14th August 2018 dethroned TCS to clinch the title of the most valued Indian company by market valuation.The m-cap figure of companies changes daily with stock price movement.

2. India Ratings cuts growth forecast to 7.2% : India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has revised its FY19 economic growth forecast down to 7.2% from 7.4% earlier.It cited the headwinds emanating from elevated global crude oil prices and the government’s decision to fix the minimum support prices of all kharif crops at 1.5 times the production cost.Ind-Ra provides ratings, research and rigorous analytics of market in India.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1.Iron and Titanium found on ‘Ultrahot Jupiter’ : The astronomers carried out new observations of exoplanet Kelt-9b.Kelt-9b is the hottest exoplanet discovered and was discovered in 2017.Astronomers discovered that the atmosphere is made up of vaporized iron and titanium.The team used the Galileo National Telescope in La Palma, Canary Islands, to observe the planet.

2. ISRO’s first mission to study the Sun : Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to study the Sun through its Aditya-L1 satellite which will be inserted in a halo orbit, which is 1.5 million km from the Earth during 2019-2020.Aditya-L1 will be launched by PSLV-XL from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.ISRO had planned to use Aditya-1 to observe only the solar corona, which is the outer layer of the Sun.

OBITUARIES:

1. Atal Bihari Vajpayee passes away at 93 : Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee died on 16th August, 2018 Three-time Prime Minister, Vajpayee was the first and the only non-Congress Prime Minister to serve a full five-year term from 1999 to 2004; and for short periods of 13 days in 1996 and 13 months in 1998.He was first elected to Parliament in 1962 as a member of Rajya Sabha. In 1971, he won his first Lok Sabha seat.

Daily GK Updates - 16th August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Madhya Pradesh Launches “Dial 100” Police App : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on 15th August launched Dial 100 Mobile app.The App will help the needy at the time of emergency.As soon as police receive a call through Dial 100 application, Madhya Pradesh Police will reach the location as soon as possible.

2. K S Srinivas takes over as MPEDA chief : KS Srinivas formally took over (on August 13) as Chairman of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.KS Srinivas is a 1997 batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre.Prior to his new assignment, he served a stint as Joint Secretary in the Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture.

3. Haryana’s first civil airport in Hisar : Haryana’s first civil airport was inaugurated at Hisar.A MoU was also signed between the state government and SpiceJet Limited for assistance in development of Phase-II and III of the integrated aviation hub.With the inauguration of the first phase of the project today, all facilities required for flying an aircraft have been made available at the airport

4. Telangana launches two Human Welfare Schemes : Telangana government launched two major schemes – free eye screening for all citizens and life insurance for farmers on 15th August, 2018.Under ”Kanti Velugu” (Eye Sight), the entire population of 3.7 crore will be provided free eye care.”Rytu Bima” (Farmer insurance) is aimed at providing life insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakh to every farmer.

5. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan unveiled : Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of world’s largest government-funded programme – the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan.It will be launched on the birth anniversary of Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay on 25th September.The government has decided to provide 5 lakh rupees health care insurance coverage for the poor and vulnerable.

6. N Raghuram elected Chair of INI : Indian scientist-academician, N Raghuram, has been elected Chair of the International Nitrogen Initiative (INI), a global policy making initiative.Raghuram is the first Indian and Asian to be elected to the Chair.Raghuram specialises in the biological determinants of nitrogen use efficiency in crops.He has been the President of the Indian Nitrogen Group.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.UK returns stolen 12th century Buddha statue : A 12th Century statue of Lord Buddha which was stolen from India some 57 years ago was returned by the United Kingdom on 15th August 2018The gold idol with silver inlay was one of the 14 images stole in 1961 from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) site museum in Nalanda, Bihar.The image was discovered by Vijay Kumar, who is associated with India Pride Project.

2. Ang Lee to be honoured by DGA : Oscar-winning director Ang Lee will be one of the recipients of the annual Directors Guild of America (DGA) honours at its ceremony. The DGA Honours recognises individuals and institutions that have made distinguished contributions to American culture through the world of film and television.Ang Lee received the Oscar award for ‘Life of Pie’ in 2013.

3. scientist awarded by Albany Medical Center : The recipients of the annual Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research were announced on 15th August 2018.The recipients are James Allison, Dr Carl June and Dr Steven Rosenberg.Three scientists will share a $500,000 medical prize for their studies of the immune system that have led to innovative treatments for cancer, HIV and other diseases

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. BSNL launches VOIP based WINGS service : Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has launched BSNL WINGS a VOIP based service.In WINGS, there is no SIM or cable wiring as is a VOIP service through an app.The WINGS service offers unlimited free audio/video calling for one year.The facility can be used anywhere within the country and the app automatically uses the existing address book in the phone.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. Bharti Axa ties up with Airtel Payments Bank : Bharti Axa Life Insurance and Airtel Payments Bank entered into an alliance to offer the ‘Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana’ (PMJJBY).Airtel Payments Bank also becomes the first payments bank in India to offer the PMJJBY.Under the tie-up, PMJJBY will be initially available at one lakh Airtel Payments Bank banking points across the country.

  

SPORTS:

1. Nihal Sarin becomes India’s 53rd Grandmaster : Nihal Sarin became India’s 53rd Grandmaster after attaining his third and final Grand Master-norm in the Abu Dhabi Masters.He is only the third grandmaster from Kerala after GN Gopal and SL Narayanan.He is the twelfth youngest grandmaster in chess history.Earlier in June 2018, Chennai-born R Praggnanandhaa secured the title of the grandmaster and became India’s 52nd grandmaster.

OBITUARIES:

1. Former cricket captain Ajit Wadekar dead : Former Indian cricket captain Ajit Wadekar died on 15th August, 2018.Ajit Wadekar led the country to its first overseas wins in England and West Indies in 1971.He played 37 Test matches and scored 2,113 runs.He was also India’s first ODI captain.He was awarded Arjuna Award in 1967 and India’s fourth highest civilian honour, the Padmashri, in 1972.