Daily GK Updates - 14th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Meghalaya becomes 1st state to ensure water conservation: Meghalaya became the first state in India to ensure the conservation of water and have own water policy following a nod given by the State Cabinet. The draft policy was approved by the State Cabinet in a meeting chaired by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. It is historic for Meghalaya as the state has become the first state in the country to have a State Water Policy.

2. IFFI’s Golden Jubilee Edition to be celebrated in Goa: The Golden Jubilee Edition of International Film Festival of India will be held from 20th Nov till 28th November 2019 in Panaji, Goa. President of Oscar Academy John Bailey and other eminent cinematographers and producers have been invited for the event. Russia will be IFFI partner in this edition.

3. Delhi Police reunited 333 children with their families this year under ‘Operation Milap’: Under Operation Milap this year, The Delhi Police’s crime branch has reunited 333 children with their families after they separated from their parents. Under this project, the Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Delhi Police develops information, rescues the trafficked or kidnapped person and arrests the kidnapper. The ‘Operation Milap’ is carried out by the crime branch’s ‘Anti Human Trafficking Unit’ (AHTU).

4. Devika Sethi pens books titled ‘War over Words: Censorship in India, 1930-1960’: The book named “War over Words: Censorship in India, 1930-1960” has been authored by Devika Sethi. This book recovers narrates and interrogates the history of censorship of publications in India over three crucial decades – encompassing the Gandhian anti-colonial movement, the Second World War, Partition, and the early years of Independent India. Devika Sethi teaches modern Indian history at IIT-Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The book has been published by Cambridge University Press.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Russia launches space telescope Spektr-RG: Russia launched a space telescope from the cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. It was a joint project with Germany. The Russian space agency, showed a Proton-M rocket carrying the Spektr-RG taking off from the launch pad. The Spektr-RG, is a space observatory intended to replace the Spektr-R, known as the “Russian Hubble”, Spektr-R was launched in 2011 to observe black holes, neutron stars and magnetic fields. Its successor will take up similar duties.

2. Nagarkirtan: wins Best Feature Film award at SAARC film festival: Director Kaushik Ganguly’s Bengali outing Nagarkirtan, has won big at prestigious 2019’s SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) film festival, bagging 4 awards in total, including Best Feature Film.

3. India lifted 271 mn people out of poverty between 2006 and 2016: UN: India lifted 271 million people out of poverty between 2006 and 2016, recording the fastest reductions in the multidimensional poverty index values during the period. This is according to a report by the United Nations which stated there have been strong improvements in areas such as assets, cooking fuel, sanitation, and nutrition. The 2019 global Multidimensional Poverty Index from the UN Development Programme, the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative was released recently.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. England scripts history, claims maiden ICC World Cup title 2019: England lifted the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy 2019 at the Lord’s cricket stadium in London. England defeated New Zealand with more number of boundaries in the Super Over thriller in the grand finale of ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy 2019. Player of the tournament: Kane Williamson (New Zealand); Player of the Match Award: Ben Stokes (England); Highest run scorer of the tournament: Rohit Sharma (India); Highest wicket taker of the tournament: Mitchell Starc (Australia).

Note: The ICC Cricket World Cup is the international championship of One Day International (ODI) cricket (50-over cricket) organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) every 4 years. The 12th edition of the world’s biggest cricketing event, the ICC Men’s cricket World Cup 2019, was played in England and Wales.

2. Sreeshankar wins gold at Tatyana Kolpakova International Athletics: M. Sreeshankar has won the long jump gold at the Tatyana Kolpakova International athletics. The tournament was held in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).

3. World Tour Platinum Australian Open: Indian Duo win bronze: The Indian pair of G. Sathiyan and Anthony Amalraj won bronze in Men’s Doubles at World Tour Platinum Australian Open Table Tennis 2019 held in Geelong near Melbourne in Australia.

4. Lewis Hamilton wins sixth British Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton made a thrilling victory in the Silverstone circuit to win his sixth British Grand Prix, his seventh victory in ten races in 2019 and the 80th win of his career.

5. Djokovic beats Federer to win fifth Wimbledon title: Serbian Novak Djokovic won his fifth Wimbledon title after defeating Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer. This is Djokovic’s 16th Grand Slam and 5th Wimbledon title. He is now level with Bjorn Borg as a five-time Wimbledon winner.

6. Simona Halep beats Serena Williams to win first Wimbledon title: Simona Halep won her first Wimbledon title and crushed Serena Williams’ latest bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam success with a devastating 56-minute display of athleticism. The Romanian won 6-2 6-2 in front of an incredulous Centre Court, running after everything the American threw at her.

7. Boxer Vijender Singh wins 11th consecutive pro bout: Boxer Vijender Singh remained an unstoppable force, clinching a Technical Knockout over Mike Snider on his debut in the US professional circuit at Newark in the US. The 33-year-old from Haryana prevailed in four rounds for his 11th consecutive victory in the circuit.

8. Vinesh Phogat wins gold at Yasar Dogu International: India wrestler Vinesh Phogat has won her second consecutive gold in 53kg, at Yasar Dogu International in Istanbul. Phogat beat her Russian opponent Ekaterina Poleshchuk in the final match to bag the gold medal.

Daily GK Updates - 13th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. West Bengal govt observes “Save Water Day”: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and eminent persons of different fields, School students took part in a Padayatra in Kolkata to spread the message of water conservation. CM announced that the Day will be observed in the state each year from now to create awareness among people to check misuse of water.

Note: World Water Day: 22 March.

2. West Bengal Govt has decided to construct 8.3 Lakh houses under BAY: The West Bengal Government has decided to construct 8 lakh 30 thousand houses under Bangla Abas Yojana for the people belonging to Economically Weaker Section. Under the scheme, the Rural Development Department has constructed more than 14 lakh houses.

Note: CM of West Bengal: Mamta Banerjee; Capital of West Bengal: Kolkata.

3. Agri-Business Incubation Centre started in Chhattisgarh: Agri-Business Incubation Centre has started in Chhattisgarh. The centre is set up by the Union Agriculture Ministry in the Indira Gandhi Agriculture University of Raipur. Incubation Centre is set up under the National Agriculture Development Scheme Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RAFTAAR). This Incubation centre is focused on innovations, skill-building and entrepreneurs development in agriculture and allied sectors.

Note: Union Agriculture Ministry: Narendra Singh Tomar.

4. Gujarat to develop Centres of Excellence for skill development in the aviation Industry: According to Captain Ajay Chauhan (Director of Civil Aviation- Government of Gujarat), Gujarat Government will develop Centers of Excellence for skill development in the Aviation industry. The Gujarat government is focusing on identifying land which can be used for the future growth of airports. The state government is tying up with Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) to bring up new courses and new aviation institutes, where youth can get training.

Note: The one-day power-packed conclave held in Ahmedabad. It was jointly organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Limited, Dholera Industrial City Development Limited and Airports Authority of India.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Russia-India meets on space cooperation: India and Russia bilateral co-operation to the next level in the field of space, including assistance in India’s maiden human space flight mission ‘Gaganyaan’. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Dmitry Rogozin, Director General of Russia’s space agency (ROSCOSMOS) led the two sides in the meeting. 

Note: President of Russia: Vladimir Putin; Capital of Russia: Moscow; Currency of Russia: Ruble; PM of Russia: Dmitry Medvedev.

2. Tropical Storm Barry hits Louisiana in US: In the United States, Tropical Storm Barry began hitting Louisiana. President Donald Trump has declared a state of emergency in Louisiana.

Note: resident of USA: Donald Trump; Capital of USA: Washington, D.C.

3. India to host 14th Conference of Parties: According to Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar, India is set to host the 14th Conference of the Parties (COP). (From 02 to 13 September). The global conference will be hosted at India Expo Mart Limited in Greater Noida. As many as 197 countries are expected to participate in the conference. The 14th session of COP will stress on three crucial issues - desertification, land degradation and drought.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Army International Scout Masters Competition: The fifth edition of International Army Scout Masters Competition is being held at Jaisalmer Military Station under the aegis of Southern Command of Indian Army. The competition is a part of International Army Games and consists of five stages of competitions which will be conducted over a period of nine days from 06 August 2019 to 14 August 2019 at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It is the first time that India has got an opportunity to host and participate in this prestigious event. Elite teams from eight participating countries including India will undergo a gruelling experience

The other seven countries are Armenia, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe.

2. ‘Robot umpires’ debut in U.S. baseball league: The Independent Atlantic League became the first American professional baseball league to let a computer call balls and strikes. The umpires have the ability to override the computer, which considers a pitch a strike when the ball bounces and then crosses the zone.

Note: National game of USA: Baseball.

3. G. Sathiyan, Anthony Amalraj win bronze in Australian Open: In Table Tennis, Indian pair G. Sathiyan and Anthony Amalraj won the bronze at the World Tour Platinum Australian Open. They defeat Korean pair of Jeoung Youngsik and Lee Sangsu.

Note: President of Table Tennis Federation of India: Dushyant Chautala.

4. Over 2000 sporting talents identified for support under Khelo India Scheme: According to Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, a Total number of two thousand 437 sporting talents have been identified for support under the Khelo India Scheme. Under the scheme, the government provides financial assistance of about five lakh rupees per annum for a period of eight years.

Note: The Khelo India programme has been introduced to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in our country and establish India as a great sporting nation. Khelo India Scheme is the national level multidisciplinary grassroots games in India held for two categories, namely under-17 years school students and under-21 college students.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Samsung joins hands with Paisabazaar.com to offer financial products: South Korean tech giant Samsung announced its partnership with Paisabazaar.com, an online marketplace for financial products in India. Now, Paisabazaar.com will support Samsung Pay to provide users with a one-stop solution to their financial requirements. Users can apply for credit cards and personal loans from the platform.

2. India’s Anshula Kant is World Bank MD and CFO: The World Bank Group announced that Anshula Kant, an Indian national, has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Kant will be the first woman CFO of the Bank.

Note: Headquarter of World Bank: Washington DC (USA);  Established in: 1944; President: David Malpass.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. IBM acquired American software company Red Hat Inc: International Business Machines Corp acquired a software company Red Hat Inc in $34 billion for the ramp-up its cloud computing business. This is the company’s biggest acquisition in its more than 100-year.

Note: Founder of IBM: Charles Ranlett Flint; Established in June 16, 1911.

2. Reebok signs Katrina Kaif as its new brand ambassador: Fitness brand Reebok has announced Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif as its new brand ambassador in India. This association would further Reebok’s commitment to be the best fitness brand in India. Katrina, who trains hard towards a fitter and better self each day, embodies the brand's ethos and is an inspiration for today’s generation.

Note: Reebok is an English footwear and apparel company, subsidiary of German sports giant Adidas (since 2005). Reebok produces and distributes fitness, running and CrossFit sportswear including clothing and footwear.

3. YouTube Introduces ‘Learning Playlists’ for Educational Videos:  YouTube is bringing a new education feature “Learning Playlists” with dedicated landing pages for educational videos on topics like math, science, music and language. YouTube was investing $20 million to fund resources for educational creators and organisations through a Learning Fund initiative.

Note: CEO of YouTube: Susan Wojcicki; YouTube Established: February 2005.

OBITUARIES

1. Former BSFI secretary C.Kapur passes away: Former Billiards and Snooker Federation of India secretary C.Kapur passed away. Mr. Kapur served for the cue-sports for more than 40 years.

Note: Present BFSI President: Uthappa M.C.

Daily GK Updates - 12th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Rajghat coal plant to be turned into solar park: The Delhi government has announced that the Rajghat thermal power plant will be officially shut and turned into a solar park. A 5,000 KW of solar power will be produced at the 45 acre plant site. The coal-based plant, whose current units were commissioned in 1989, has been lying in a shutdown mode from 2014. 

Note: Chief Minister of Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal; Lieutenant Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal.

2. Election notification issued for Vellore Lok Sabha seat: Notification for the election of Vellore Parliamentary Constituency (in Tamil Nadu) was issued by the Election Commission of India. Vellore was the only seat that did not go for polling in the whole country during the General Elections. During the recent General Elections, polling to the seat was rescinded following a huge haul of money by the Income Tax authorities that were hoarded purportedly for distribution to the voters.

Note: Nominations date:  18th July 2019; Polling date:  5th of August; Counting of votes: 9th August.

3. Uttarakhand to get Asia’s first six sigma Institute of Mountain Medicines & high-altitude rescue: According to Trivendra Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand Chief Minister), Asia’s first Six Sigma Institute of Mountain Medicines and High-Altitude Rescue will be established at Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand. The institute would train armed forces as well as para-military personnel in Mountain Medicines. The mountain institute will be Specialised healthcare, advance education and Rescue Training in the state.

4. President Kovind to be on a four-day visit to TN, AP: President Ram Nath Kovind will be on a four-day visit to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh from today. The President will present Doctor of Laws degree to former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice (Retd) P. Sathasivam (Governor of Kerala). He will also present the degree to Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde (Supreme Court judge) and Justice Vijaya Kamlesh Tahilramani (Chief Justice of Madras High Court) at a special convocation of the Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University in Chennai. The President will visit the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota and witness the launch of Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission being undertaken by the ISRO.

5. PAN not linked to Aadhaar card will become invalid from 1st September 2019: The Union government will invalidate all PAN cards that are not linked to Aadhaar by 1st September 2019. To validate and continue using the existing PAN cards, citizens will have to link them to Aadhaar. A person will be permitted to use Aadhaar instead for filing returns and while making other high-value transactions, specified under the Income Tax Act. At present 180 out of the existing 400 million PAN cards are not linked to Aadhaar.

Note: The Budget fine print also reveals the amended I-T Act would put the onus on the person receiving any document relating to specified high-value transactions or tax returns, to ensure that the PAN or the Aadhaar number are duly quoted, and as importantly “authenticated”.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. North Korea revises constitution: North Korea has revised its constitution to make Kim Jong Un as official head of state, a promotion that could help normalise the isolated country’s diplomatic relations with the rest of the world. Earlier Kim ruled as a chairman of state Affairs Commission. The previous constitution stated that the chairman of SAC served as a Supreme Leader. 

Note: North Korea Capital: Pyongyang; Currency: North Korean won.

2. The 2019 global Multidimensional Poverty Index: UN Development Programme (UNDP) has released the 2019 global Multidimensional Poverty Index. Highlights of the reports are: India’s MPI value reduced from 0.283 in 2005-06 to 0.123 in 2015-16; India has lifted 271 million people out of poverty between 2006 and 2016, recording the fastest reductions in the multidimensional poverty index; India and Cambodia has reduced their MPI values the fastest among the 10 selected countries for which changes over time were analysed.

Note: Administrator of UNDP: Achim Steiner.

3. Kalyani JV gets missile kits order: A joint venture of a Kalyani group firm and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Systems has secured a $100 million contract for manufacturing 1,000 Barak-8 MRSAM missile kits. Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems will manufacture the kits at its production facility near Hyderabad and supply them to Bharat Dynamics for further integration. The product will be used by the Indian Army and the Air Force.

Note: Capital of Israel: Jerusalem; Currency of Israel: Israeli New Shekel.

4. India hands over pre-fabricated houses to Myanmar: India handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to Myanmar in Maung Daw for use of displaced returnees from Bangladesh. The Indian government had taken up the project under its Rakhine State Development Programme for $ 25M for a period of five years.

Note: Capital of Myanmar: Naypyitaw; Currency of Myanmar: Burmese Kyat.

5. Delhi Based Isha Kanth Selected for ICJ Internship Programme: Delhi girl Isha Kanth (20-year) has been selected for the prestigious two-month internship at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based at The Hague. Only two law students from across the world get selected for this internship programme. Currently, Isha Kanth pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Law from the Queen Mary University of London.

Note: The ICJ (the principal judicial organ of the United Nations) offers internships for one to three months to students and young professionals who are in the early stages of their careers. The interns get an opportunity to put their knowledge and experience into practice while performing certain tasks for the Court under the supervision of registry officials.

6. India-ASEAN Troika Trade Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi: India-ASEAN Troika Trade Ministers’ meeting was held in New Delhi for informal consultation on the ongoing Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). India looks at RCEP as a logical extension of its Act East Policy and it holds enormous potential for economic growth and stability for the entire region.

Note:  The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and the six Indo-Pacific states (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand).

7. India, EU hold high-level talks on migration, mobility: The 5th India-EU High-Level Dialogue on Migration and Mobility was held in New Delhi. External Affairs Ministry said in a release said the discussion was held in a highly friendly and constructive spirit. It encompassed a wide range of issues of mutual interest in the context of migration and mobility along the India-EU corridor. Both sides reaffirmed that migration and mobility are important dimensions of the strategic partnership between India and EU and exchanged views on further initiatives and steps aimed at realizing the full potential of further strengthening cooperation in this area.

8. India-US trade talks restart in New Delhi: India and US trade negotiators will hold talks in New Delhi to discuss bilateral and economic issues. The US delegation is being led by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Christopher Wilson. The Indian side is being led by Additional Secretary level officer from Commerce and Industries Ministry. This would be the first meeting on trade issues after the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump in Japan on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The visiting USTR delegation will also call on Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

9. First Global Conference for Media Freedom in London: The first Global Conference for Media Freedom co-hosted by the UK and Canada in London. A three members Indian media delegation, including Prasar Bharati Chairman A.Surya Prakash, Rajya Sabha MP and journalist Swapan Dasgupta, and journalist and political analyst Kanchan Gupta, have attended the first Global Conference for Media Freedom.

Note: World Press Freedom Index 2019: Rank of India 140th out of 180.

10. USISPF second annual leadership summit held in Washington: The US India Strategic and Partnership Forum 2nd annual leadership summit held in Washington. "US India Bilateral Trade Report" was released on the occasion. Some findings of the report are: US India bilateral trade could reach USD 238 billion by 2025; Sectors such as defence trade, commercial aircrafts, oil and LNG, coal, machinery and electronics  are areas of potential growth; The US-India trade balance has grown 3.8 per cent on an average in favour of India.

Note: President of United States: Donald Trump; Capital: Washington, DC.

11. 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London: The 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting was held in London. External Affairs Minister conveyed India’s stand at the meet.

Note: External Affairs Minister of India: S. Jaishankar; UK Capital: London; Currency: Pound sterling.

12. Vikas Swarup appointed Secretary of Overseas Indian Affairs: According to an order issued by the Personnel Ministry, Senior diplomat Vikas Swarup (1986-batch officer-Indian Foreign Service) has been appointed as Secretary, (consular, passport, visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) in the External Affairs Ministry. His appointment will come into effect from August 1, 2019. Currently, Mr. Swarup is India's High Commissioner to Canada.

Note: The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) was a ministry of the Government of India, dedicated to all matters relating to the Indian diaspora around the world. The MOIA was merged with the Ministry of External Affairs on 7th January 2016.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

                                            

1. 4 gold medals for India in Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships: India have won 4 gold medals in Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships held in Apia, Samoa. The Indian medallists are: Men (Elite and junior): Achinta Sheuli has won 2 gold medals in 73kg event; Junior: Gulam Navi has won gold medal in 67kg event; Junior and youth: L. Sadananda Singh has won Bronze & Gold medals in 73kg event; Women (Elite): Manpreet Kaur has won silver medal in 76kg event; Junior: R. Arockiya Alish has won silver medal in 76kg event.

2. Mexico wins CONCACAF Gold Cup final: Mexico defeated USA to claim their eighth CONCACAF Gold Cup title. Jonathan Dos Santos scored the winning goal in 73rd min for Mexico in the thrilling final.

Note: Capital of Mexico: Mexico City; Currency of Mexico: Mexican peso.

3. Dutee Chand bags Gold medal in 100-metres event at World Universiade: India's sprinter Dutee Chand (23-years) has clinched a Gold medal in the 100-metre dash event at the World Universiade at Napoli in Italy. She clocked 11.32 seconds as she led the race from start to finish. Del Ponte of Switzerland won the Silver, while German Lisa Kwayie took home the Bronze. With the Gold, Dutee has become the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win the coveted yellow metal at the event. Now, she is the only second Indian sprinter to win a Gold in a global event after 19-year old Hima Das. Hima Das had clinched the top spot in the 400-metres race in the World Junior Athletics Championships last year.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. UBS pegs down GDP growth to 6.7%, rules out revival this year: According to Swiss brokerage firm UBS, India’s GDP growth rate for FY20 (2019-20) predicted at 6.7%. This is 20 bps less than its earlier prediction of 6.9%. As per UBS, India’s GDP growth rate in FY19 was 6.8%. The brokerage expects the Reserve Bank to ease the policy rate by another 75 basis points as against its previous forecast 25 basis points in FY20. The lack of fiscal impetus in the budget opens the door for higher monetary easing than market expectations.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. BCC signs MoU with BRICS chamber to promote trade: The Bharat Chamber of Commerce and the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi, signed an MoU  for promoting trade and investments between theBRICS countries and the eastern part of India.

Note: BRICS Headquarters: Shanghai, China; President of BRICS: K V Kamath; Members of the BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

OBITUARIES

1. Soumendranath Kundu passes away: Former Bengal and Railway leg-spinner Soumendranath Kundu passed away. Kundu was conferred the CAB Kartick Bose life- time Achievement Award 2014. Kundu took 127 wickets in 30 First Class matches between 1958-59 and 1968-69. He also took 10 wickets in a match thrice.

Daily GK Updates - 11th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. “Operation Thirst” launched by RPF: RPF launched “Operation Thirst” to crack down selling of unauthorised Packaged Drinking Water in the railway premises. The objective of the “Operation Thirst” is to curb the menace of unauthorized PDW (Packaged Drinking Water) in Railway premises. During the operation, 1371 persons were arrested for selling of packaged drinking water of unauthorised brands.

Note:  Union Minister for Railways: Piyush Goyal.

2. Government waives duty on products imported for nuclear plants: GoI has waived off basic customs duty (BCD) on products imported for nuclear plants. “All goods for use in generation of nuclear power” and “all forms of uranium ores and concentrates for generation of nuclear power” will now have to pay no basic customs duty.

3. Defence Ministry signs MoU with IPFC and NRDC: Defence Ministry has signed an MOU with the Intellectual Property Facilitation Cell and National Research Development Corporation in connection to the mission Raksha Gyan Shakti. The MoU will bridge the capacity shortfall and provide a major fillipto the ongoing efforts of the Defence Ministry towards promoting a culture of Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights in the Defence industry. The aim of Raksha Gyan Shakti is to inculcate Intellectual Property culture in Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Note: Union Defence Minister of India: Rajnath Singh.

4. Prasar Bharati and IIT Kanpur signs MoU for research collaboration: Prasar Bharati and IIT Kanpur signed an MoU for research collaboration in newly emerging technologies and broadcasting-related areas in New Delhi. The move is likely to boost research activities in the broadcasting field.

Note: CEO of Prasar Bharati:  Shashi Shekhar Vempati; Prasar Bharati HQ:New Delhi; Established in: 23 Nov 1997.

5. Narendra Singh Tomar launches Coffee Table Book to Commemorate 50 years of Partnership with UNWFP: Shri Narendra Singh Tomar (Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare) has launched a Coffee Table Book named ’50 years of Partnership for Change’ in New Delhi. India’s journey towards food and nutrition security captured in the book include the Green Revolution, the White revolution, improvements in livestock and dairy development and digitization of food safety net. The book has been launched to commemorate five decades (50 years) of the partnership between the Ministry and UN World Food Programme (UNWFP) towards addressing food and nutritional security in India.

Note: The Coffee Table Book – 50 years of Partnership for Change- showcases key milestones achieved by the Government of India in its efforts to make the nation free from hunger and malnutrition and WFP’s role in this endeavour.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Ukraine inaugurates world's largest Metal Dome: Ukraine has inaugurated the world's largest movable metal dome encasing the destroyed reactor at the infamous Chernobyl plant. It is a 108-meter high dome which weighs 36,000 tonnes.

Note: Capital of Ukraine: Kyiv; Currency of Ukraine: Ukrainian Hryvnia.

2. 14th conference of Parties to be hosted by India: India will host the 14th conference of the parties from September 02 to 13 in Greater Noida. 197 countries are expected to participate in the conference. Three crucial issues in this conference are desertification, land degradation and drought. 

Note: Note: Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Prakash Javadekar.

3. India-Myanmar: Exchange crucial information on drug trafficking: 4th Director General level talks between Narcotics Control Bureau (India) and Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (Myanmar) was held in New Delhi. India and Myanmar have resolved to exchange crucial information relating to drug trafficking and precursors.

Note: Capital of Myanmar: Naypyitaw; Currency of Myanmar: Burmese Kyat.

4. Iran exceeds Uranium enrichment limit set under 2015 nuclear deal: Iran has breached a uranium enrichment cap set by a troubled 2015 nuclear deal and warned Europe against taking retaliatory measures. Iran has officially surpassed the 3.67 per cent Uranium enrichment limit set under the 2015 nuclear deal. The country had stopped complying with some elements of the 2015 nuclear deal (officially called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). Signed by China, France, Germany, European Union, Iran, Russia, the UK and the US, the JCPoA treaty was aimed at limiting Iran's civilian energy programme.

5. World Population Day: 11 July: The United Nations observes 11 July every year as World Population Day. This year's World Population Day calls for global attention to the unfinished business of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development. The main aim behind having a World Population Day is to focus attention on the consequence of population issues and how it affects overall development plans and programs.

Note: In 1989, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme recommended 11th July as World Population Day to draw attention to the urgency and importance of population issues.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Fergus Kavanagh to conduct camp for Indian hockey defenders: Fergus Kavanagh has been roped in to conduct a 7 day camp with Indian defenders at the Sports Authority of India Centre in Bengaluru. He will be working closely with 14 Indian defenders identified by Hockey India. Kavanagh was part of the Australian dream team that won the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi and the 2014 World Cup in The Hague.

2. Gold medals for India in Commonwealth Championships: Rakhi Halder and Davinder Kaur has won a gold medal each in the senior women’s section of weightlifting in the Commonwealth Championships. Davinder Kaur has won the gold medal in women’s 59kg event. While Rakhi Halder has won the gold medal in the 64kg category. The Championship is taking place in Apia, Samoa.

3. Men's Singles semi-final line up drawn in Wimbledon 2019: The Men's Singles semi-final line up of the 2019 Wimbledon Tennis Championships has been decided. Defending singles champion Novak Djokovic (World number one), Roger Federer (second seed), Rafael Nadal (third- seed) and Roberto Bautista Agut sealed the last-four berths after winning their respective quarterfinal matches. In the semi-finals, while Roger Federer will face Rafael Nadal,Novak Djokovic will meet Roberto Bautista Agut. The Women's Singles semi-final line up, Seven-time champion Serena Williams will clash with Czech Barbora Strycova, with Simona Halep taking on Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.

Note: The 2019 Wimbledon Championships (133rd edition) is a Grand Slam tennis tournament taking place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, United Kingdom (UK).

The main tournament began on 1st July 2019 and will finish on 14th July 2019.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI panel moots changes in timings for foreign exchange market: Internal committee of the RBI has suggested that the foreign exchange market could function from 9 am to 9 pm. At present, the currency market works from 9 am to 5 pm. The panel suggested call money market timings could be extended till 6 pm instead of the 5 pm now. The extension of market timings is expected to provide benefits such as better pricing of post market hours information/data, improved onshore price discovery and a possible shift of offshore volumes to onshore.

Note: RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikant Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. ICSI launches UDIN to improve corporate governance: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India has rolled out an initiative a Unique Document Identification Number to pursue heightened sense of self-governance and strengthen the practising side of company secretaries.  UDIN will provide ease of maintaining register of attestation and certification services. The ICSI functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Note: Union Minister of Corporate Affairs: Nirmala Sitharaman.

2. 36th Meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC): The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship organised the 36th meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) in New Delhi. The 36th CAC meet under the chairmanship of Minister of MSDE,aims to meet the aspirations of the Indian youth who strive to gain on-the-job training and secure better opportunities for employment.

Note: Minister of Skill development and Entrepreneurship: Mahendra Nath Pandey.

3. Taylor Swift Topped 100 highest-paid Forbes Celebrity list: Singer Taylor Swift has topped the Forbes' Celebrity 100 list and emerged as the highest-paid celebrity with her 2019 estimated earnings of over USD 185 million. Taylor Swift replaced Kylie Jenner. Jenner is now 2nd in the list. India's Akshay kumar is placed 33rd in the list.

Daily GK Updates - 10th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Phase-II DBT in fertilizer subsidy launched: Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers launched the Phase-II of the Direct Benefit Transfer of Fertilizer Subsidy. DBT in fertilizer subsidy is a step in the direction of bringing ease of living in the lives of farmers through use of modern technology and plugging leakages, pilferages and black marketing.

Note: Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers: D.V. Sadananda Gowda.

2. Lal Bahadur Shastri Statue unveiled by PM: The Prime Minister unveiled the statue of former Prime Minister Sh. Lal Bahadur Shastri at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. It is built by Northern Coalfields, a subsidiary of Coal India.

Note: CM of UP: Yogi Adityanath; Governor of UP: Ram Naik.

3. Senior IAS officer Arun Kumar appointed full time DGCA chief; B S Bhullar is AERA chairman: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-headed appointments committee of the Cabinet as appointed senior IAS officer Arun Kumar as Director General of Civil Aviation. Kumar, a 1989 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre, was holding additional charge as DG from June 1 when B S Bhullar retired. The government has now appointed B S Bhullar, a 1986 batch IAS officer of UP cadre, as chairman of Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) for five years.

Note: HQ of DGCA: New Delhi; Established in: Jan 1978.

4. M Nageswar Rao appointed DG of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guard: The Central Government has appointed M Nageswar Rao as the Director General (DG) of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guard till 31st July 2020. Earlier, he held the position of Additional Director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Lieutenant General Shailesh Sadashiv Tinaikar (34-years) takes Charge as Force Commander of the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Juba. Tinaikar has been felicitated with the Sena Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal for Distinguished Service.

5. Madhya Pradesh to produce its own seeds soon: In Madhya Pradesh, along with distribution and marketing of certified and high-quality seeds to farmers, the Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Seed Federation will produce seeds too. The decision has been taken in a Board of Directors’ meeting held under the chairmanship of the Minister for Cooperatives Govind Singh in Bhopal. The brand name of seeds will be ‘Sah-Beej’. A plan has been made to produce seeds from the next Rabi season.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 2nd India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue begins: The 2nd India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue begins in New Delhi. It was held under the chairmanship of NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar and Deputy Minister of the Economic Development of Russia, Timur Maksimov. The first Dialogue was held in St. Petersburg in November 2018.

2. Connaught Place 9th most expensive office location in the world: According to property consultant CBRE, New Delhi's Connaught Place (CP) is the 9th most expensive office location in the world. Hong Kong's Central district retained the top spot as the world's most expensive market for prime office rents. Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex and Nariman Point CBD slipped to 27th and 40th position. Global Prime Office Occupancy Costs survey, CBRE tracks the cost of leasing prime office space globally. 

3. Russia launched Soyuz Carrier Rocket with 33 satellites: Russia successfully launched Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with a hydrometeorological satellite and 32 small satellites. The satellite will provide images of clouds, the surface of the Earth, ice and snow covers in the visible, infrared and microwave ranges.

Note: President of Russia: Vladimir Putin; Capital of Russia: Moscow; Currency of Russia: Ruble.

4. France to impose green tax on plane tickets from 2020: France will impose green tax up to €18 on plane tickets from 2020. The move aims to fund less-polluting transportation projects. A similar tax was introduced in Sweden in April 2018, which imposed an added charge of up to €40 on every ticket in a bid to lessen the impact of air travel on the climate.

Note: President of France: Emmanuel Macron; Capital: Paris; Currency:Euro, CFP Franc

5. Sri Lanka eliminates measles: Sri Lanka has become fifth country in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Southeast Asia region to eliminate measles. The other countries in the region which have achieved this feat are Bhutan, Maldives, DPR Korea and Timor-Leste.

Note: Capitals of Sri Lanka: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte; Currency of Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan rupee; Prime minister: Ranil Wickremesinghe; President: Maithripala Sirisena.

6. VNL signs pact with Vietnam to develop digital villages: Vihaan Networks Ltd (VNL) has inked a pact with Vietnam to develop digital villages. Vihaan Networks Ltd will offer solutions for advancing rural connectivity by developing digital villages in Vietnam’s underserved areas through solar-based cellular and broadband solution.

Note: Vietnam Capital: Hanoi; Currency: Vietnamese dong.

7. Sri Lanka: Annual festival at historic Kataragama temple attracts devotees: The annual festival at historic Kataragama temple attracts devotees from all faiths in Sri Lanka. The fortnight-long festival began last week and is joined by people all over Sri Lanka and abroad. The festival will end next week on full moon night with a water cutting ceremony. Thousands of devotees travel for hundreds of kilometres on foot to attend the fortnight-long festival. The place finds mention in Skanda Purana and is popular for centuries-old Hindu temple of Lord Kartika, known locally as Katargama Deviyo. Kataragama (multi-religious city) contains a mosque within the temple complex and a Buddhist temple nearby, considered to be one of the 16 main places of Buddhist pilgrimage in Sri Lanka.

8. Parliament adopts resolution levying 200% duty on Pakistani goods: Parliament (The Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) has adopted a statutory resolution for levying 200% duty on all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan. Parliament approved the amendment in the first schedule of the Customs Tariff Act in this regard. India had notified the basic customs duty to 200% on all goods exported from Pakistan with effect from 16th of February 2019.

Note: Basic Customs Duty is the duty imposed on the value of the goods at a specific rate. This duty has been imposed from 1962 and was amended from time to time and regulated by the Customs Tariff Act of 1975. The Central Government has the power to reduce or exempt any good from these duties.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Dutee Chand wins gold in Summer University Games: Dutee Chand from Odisha has won the gold medal in the women's 100 metre sprint at the 30th Summer University Games in Naples, Italy. This is the first time an Indian has won a 100-metre gold at this global event.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Deposits in Jan Dhan Yojana accounts crosses Rs 1 lakh crore: Deposits in bank accounts opened under Jan Dhan scheme have crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore mark. As per the latest finance ministry data, the total balance in over 36.06 crore Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana accounts was at Rs 1,00,495.94 crore as on July 3. The PMJDY was launched on August 28, 2014, with an aim to provide universal access to banking facilities to the people in the country.

2. SBI slashes lending rates by 5 bps: State Bank of India has reduced its benchmark lending rate by 5 bpsacross all loan tenures. The lender’s one-year marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) will be 8.4% compared with 8.45%.

Note: Chairperson of SBI: Rajnish Kumar; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 July 1955.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Walmart Labs acqui-hires startups FloCare and BigTrade: Walmart Labs has acqui-hired health tech startup FloCare and B2B wholesale trading platform BigTrade. The aim of acqui-hiring is to strengthen its customer service.  As per the process, some founders and team members of the two companies will join Walmart Labs in the customer and supply chain technology teams. Acqui-hires are typically made for the skills of the team, rather than for the product.

2. Milkbasket acquires Bengaluru’s e-grocery store PSR Supply Chain: Online grocery delivery platform Milkbasket has acquired Bengaluru-based e-grocery distributor PSR Supply Chain. Founded in early 2015, Milkbasket has built a new-age technology platform to enable a smooth grocery buying experience online.

Note: CEO of Milkbasket: Anant Goel.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. 'Best Innovation Award' won by NEFR: Northeast Frontier Railway has won the'Best Innovation Award' for unique strategy adopted to keep wild elephants away from train tracks. The cash prize awarded of Rs 3 lakh. The NEFR, in a bid to tackle the problem, came up with 'Plan Bee' in 2017.

Note: Railway Minister: Piyush Goyal.

2. India Football Federation’s AIFF Awards announced:  The full list of AIFF awards: Best Grassroots Development Programme: Jammu & Kashmir Football Association; Best Referee: R. Venkatesh (Tamil Nadu); Best Assistant Referee: Joseph Tony (Karnataka); Emerging Women’s Footballer 2018-19: Dangmei Grace (Manipur); Emerging Men’s Footballer of the Year: Abdul Sahal (Kerala); Women’s Footballer of the Year: Ashalata Devi; Indian captain Sunil Chhetri (34-years) has won the AIFF Men’s footballer of the year 2018-19 award. Sunil Chhetri has already won Player of the Year award in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2017.

Note: The AIFF Player of the Year is an annual association football award presented to the best footballer in India over the previous year (2018-19 season). It has been awarded by All India Football Federation since 1992.

OBITUARIES

1. Former India goalkeeper Celestine passes away: Former India football goalkeeper from Tamil Nadu A. U. Celestine passed away.  He played for the Tamil Nadu men’s team in the senior Nationals as a keeper in the 1965 and 69 National championships. He represented India in the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia in 1969. 

2. Former Goa minister Wilfred Mesquita passes away: Former Goa minister Wilfred Mesquita (70-years) passed away at a hospital in Mumbai after a brief illness. Mr Mesquita was the founder vice president of the then ruling Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (youth wing) in 1974. He served as the cabinet minister in late 1990s in the then Congress-led state government. Mr Mesquita held various portfolios like revenue, environment, sports and youth affairs, power, law and judiciary and legislative affairs. He was the leader of the Goa BJP since 2007 and served as the party’s vice president and spokesman.