[PPT]PowerPoint Presentationmyims.imsindia.com/downloads/gk-Jan16th-to-31st2018.ppsx · Web viewHis contribution had ensured overall development and a phenomenal growth in the agriculture

General Knowledge (GK)

& Current AffairsBank & Govt. Exams. (BGE)16th to 31st JANUARY 2018

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People in NewsPioneer of India’s Green Revolution Dr Gurcharan Singh Kalkat passes away

The former agriculture commissioner of India and pioneer of India’s Green Revolution, Gurcharan Singh Kalkat (92), passed away in Chandigarh after a brief illness. He was known for his role in bringing Green Revolution and several exemplary agricultural reforms in Punjab. His contribution had ensured overall development and a phenomenal growth in the agriculture sector. The Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee was the founding chairman of Punjab State Farmers Commission and a pioneer of India’s Green Revolution. He was also the vice-chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (Ludhiana) from 1998-2001.


People in NewsOm Prakash Rawat appointed New Chief Election Commissioner

Both will have tenure of six years in office or till he or she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.Mr. Rawat is a 1977-batch IAS officer from Madhya Pradesh cadre. He has held several key portfolios at both Central and state level.

Senior-most Election Commissioner, Om Prakash Rawat was appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner in the Election Commission. He will succeed Achal Kumar Joti who has retired from the post.The appointment was made by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. Besides this, the President also appointed retired IAS officer Ashok Lavasa as the Election Commissioner with effect from the date he assumes the office, to fill up the vacancy that would have arisen in the three-member panel after Joti's retirement.


People in NewsAnandiben Patel appointed as Madhya Pradesh GovernorPresident Ramnath Kovind has appointed former Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel as Governor of Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Hemant Gupta administered the oath of office to Patel at a ceremony held at the Raj Bhawan in Bhopal. She succeeds Ramnaresh Yadav, who had retired from the post in September 2016. Meanwhile, Gujarat Governor Om Prakash Kohli was holding the additional charge as the Madhya Pradesh Governor.She is a former school teacher, a gold-medalist in MSc and also winner of President’s Medal. She was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1994. She was the cabinet minister for education in the BJP-led government in Gujarat from 2002 to 2007.


People in NewsSudeep Lakhtakia appointed as NSG Director GeneralSenior IPS officer Sudeep Lakhtakia appointed as the new Director General (DG) of the 'black cats' commando force NSG. He will succeed SP Singh, who retired from the post.He is currently serving as a Special DG in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) headquarters New Delhi. Lakhtakia is a 1984-batch IPS officer of Telangana cadre. Apart from serving at various positions in his home cadre and the elite commando force Greyhounds,he has also worked with the Special Protection Group (SPG) for over nine years.The National Security Guard (NSG) was raised as the federal contingency force to counter terrorists and hijack- like incidents in 1984.The commandos of the force are based in five hubs across the country, apart from their main garrison in Gurgaon's Manesar.


SportsKhelo India Pledge Launched at Khelo India School Games Carnival

The Games were held at multiple venues across Delhi including Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Karni Singh Shooting Range and Dr SPM Swimming Complex. The program encompasses 16 sports disciplines such as Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Shooting, Swimming, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched Pledge for Khelo India at Khelo India School Games Carnival in Delhi. The pledge is a promise to participate and encourage sportsmanship spirit and it is aimed at inspiring youngsters to build mass participation and excellence in sports. Khelo India School Games was launched under Khelo India Programme. It was held at multiple venues across Delhi from January 31 to February 8, 2018.


SportsSharath Kamal Wins Table Tennis National ChampionshipVeteran Sharath Kamal won the Table Tennis National Championship in men’s singles category by defeating top-seed Anthony Amalraj by a score of 4-1. With this win Sharath has won the men’s singles title for the eighth time and equalled the record of Kamlesh Mehta.Earlier in the semi-final Sharath had defeated G. Sathiyan (PSPB) 4-11, 11-6, 11-6, 2-11, 11-6, 11-8. The Women’s Final was won by Suthirta Mukherjee (WB) who defeated Manika Batra (PSPB).Achanta Sharath Kamal is a professional table tennis player from Tamil Nadu. His current world rank is 45, as of November, 2017


Awards & HonoursAsha Bhosle selected for fifth Yash Chopra Memorial Award

The award has been instituted by the TSR Foundation of T. Subbarami Reddy in memory of producer-director Yash Chopra, who died in 2012.Previous recipients of the Yash Chopra Memorial Award are Bollywood playback singer Lata Mangeshkar, and actors Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, and Shah Rukh Khan.

Renowned playback singer Asha Bhosle was selected for the 5th version of the Yash Chopra Memorial Award for her superb contribution to the Hindi film industry. She will be presented with the award in February 2018 by Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. She was nominated by jury members consisting Chopra’s wife Pamela Chopra, singer Alka Yagnik, actor Padmini Kohlapure, Madhur Bhandarkar, filmmakers Boney Kapoor, scriptwriter Honey Irani, Anu and Shashi Ranjan.


Awards & Honours2018 Padma Awards Announced

These awards will be conferred by President Ram Nath Kovind at the ceremonial functions which will be held at Rashtrapati Bhawan in March or April.Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian awards bestowed for distinguished service of high order in various disciplines- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.The 2018 list includes 3 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan and 73 Padma Shri Awardees. Out of the total 14 awardees are women, 16 are in the category of Foreigners/NRI and three Posthumous awardees. The list also includes unsung persons and also people who rendered selfless service at the grassroots.

President Ram Nath Kovind announced names of recipients of year 2018 Padma awards. A total of 85 people belonging to various disciplines have been named for the Padma Awards in three categories -- Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri -- on the eve of Republic Day.


Awards & HonoursPresident confers Ashok Chakra on IAF Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala posthumouslyJyoti Prakash Nirala (31), an Indian Air Force Garud commando who laid down his life while gunning down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, was posthumously conferred with the Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime military decoration by President Ram Nath KovindHe is the third Ashok Chakra for the IAF and its first for ground combat. Corporal Nirala was part of a Garud Special Forces Unit, a detachment of which was attached to a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion under the aegis of 'Op Rakshak' in Jammu and KashmirAshok Chakra is the highest peacetime military decoration for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.


Awards & HonoursGovernment announces PM’s Shram Awards for 2016 to 50 workers

Shram Awards are given in four categories namely ‘Shram Ratna Award’, ‘Shram Bhushan Award’, ‘ShramVir/ShramVirangana’ and ‘Shram Shree/Shram Devi Awards’.Ministry of Labour and Employment announces Prime Minister’s Shram Award every year. It is given in recognition of their distinguished performance, innovative ability, outstanding contribution in the field of productivity and exhibition of exceptional courage and presence of mind.

The Government of India announced the Prime Minister’s Shram Awards for the year 2016 to be awarded to 50 workers employed in the Departmental undertakings and PSU’s of the Central and State Governments and Private Sector units employing 500 or more workers.Although, the total number of Shram Awards conferred this year are 32 but the number of workers receiving the Awards are 50 including 3 women. 34 workers from Public Sector and 16 workers from Private Sectors have won the Awards.


World NewsXian smog tower: China builds world’s biggest air purifier

According to the research head Cao Junji, the quality of air was recorded to be better after observations were made over a distance of 10 sq km in the past few months. He also shared that the tower has resulted in more than 10 million cubic meters of clean air since the day it was launched.The system works through greenhouses covering about half the size of a soccer field around the base of the tower.

China has constructed an experimental air purifying tower called the Xian smog tower, which is touted to be the ‘world’s biggest air purifier’ with a height of over 100 meters, to combat smog and air pollution.The tower is built in Xian in Shaanxi province and has brought positive effect on chronic smog problem in China. It is undergoing testing by researchers at Institute of Earth Environment at Chinese Academy of Sciences.


Science & TechnologyMinistry of Earth Science inaugurates high performance computing (HPC) facility at Noida

It is the country’s largest HPC facility in terms of peak capacity and performance. It also propelled India’s ranking to Top 30 in the list of HPC facilities in the world. High Performance Computer (HPC) System named ‘Mihir’ (meaning ‘Sun’) is at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF).

Environment Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan launched Petaflop Supercomputer termed as “Mihir” by inaugurating high performance computing (HPC) facility at Noida. It is a high capacity computer system. The system will be able to predict weather and climate accurately.


Business, Economy & Trade

The value of this agreement exceeds GBP 500 million (USD 690 million) over 10 years and covers the support of over 4 million customer policies. The administration of over 4 million life and pensions contracts will move from Prudential’s incumbent business partner to TCS which has transferred more than 17 million policies to its digital platform, TCS BaNCS.

TCS bags over $690 million deal from M&G PrudentialIndia’s largest IT services firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) signed an over GBP 500 million (USD 690 million) deal with M&G Prudential, the UK and European savings and investments business of Prudential plc. Under the contract, TCS will digitally transform M&G Prudential’s business and deliver enhanced service for its UK savings and retirement customers.



The platform will invest up to $3 billion of equity to acquire assets and develop projects in the sector. The partnership follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in May 2017.Efficient logistics and cargo movement are critical components for continued growth and development of Indian economy and particularly the manufacturing sector. The platform will reduce the cost of moving cargo between port and origin and destination.

DP World, India’s NIIF to set up $3 billion investment platformThe government’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) has made its first investment by partnering with DP World to create $3-billion investment platform for ports, terminals, transportation and logistics businesses in India.The platform will invest in opportunities in ports sector and beyond sea ports into areas such as river ports and transportation, port-led special economic zones, freight corridors, inland container terminals, and logistics infrastructure including cold storage.



India was ranked 81st among 118 countries in 2017 Global index of talent competitiveness (GTI) list, which was released on the first day of the 48th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.It is produced by global business school INSEAD in partnership with Adecco Group and Tata Communications.India has improved its position from 92nd last year. The index measures ability of countries to compete for talent i.e. how countries grow, attract and retain talent. Though India has improved its position on the list, it still lags behind the other BRICS nations.

India ranked 81st on Global Talent Competitiveness Index


Business, Economy & TradeWEF ranks India at 62nd place on Inclusive Development Index

Inclusive Development Index (IDI) measures progress of 103 economies on three individual pillars – growth and development; inclusion; and inter-generational equity. It has been divided into two parts. The first part covers 29 advanced economies and second 74 emerging economies.The index takes into account the living standards, environmental sustainability and protection of future generations from further indebtedness.

India was ranked at 62nd place among emerging economies on Inclusive Development Index (IDI-2018) released by World Economic Forum (WEF).In the report, China is on 26th position and Pakistan is on 47th. Norway remains the world’s most inclusive advanced economy, while Lithuania again tops the list of emerging economies.



ONGC to acquire 51.11% Government stake in HPCL

The goal of this deal was to create integrated oil major to compete with global rivals and will help the government meet annual disinvestment target. (Rs. 72,500 crore).Through this acquisition, ONGC is gaining midstream and downstream presence and access to marketing network. This acquisition will make ONGC India’s first vertically integrated oil major, having presence across value chain in sector.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) signed a deal to acquire 51.11% stake in Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) for about Rs. 36,915cr in an all-cash deal, which would close by end of Jan 2018.Earlier empowered panel headed by finance minister Arun Jaitley had approved price bid for acquisition.



Mauritius was largest source of FDI in India in 2016-2017: RBI

Mauritius was the largest source of foreign investment in India, followed by the US and the UK, according to a census on Foreign Liabilities and Assets of Indian Direct Investment Companies 2016-17 released by Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Singapore and Japan were the next two sources of foreign direct investment (FDI). This census covers Indian companies that have cross-border liabilities and assets arising on account of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India and/or overseas direct investment (ODI). The census yields comprehensive information on the market value of foreign liabilities and assets of Indian companies arising on account of FDI, ODI and other investments.


Business, Economy & TradeSmall Finance Banks and Payment Banks to offer Atal Pension Yojana

The Small Finance Banks and Payment Banks are new age banks and given the strength, expertise and reach of these banks, they can play a pivotal role in the outreach of subscribers under APY.APY is a Government's Old Age Pension Scheme being implemented through all Banks across the country as per the mandate received from the Ministry of Finance and monitored periodically at PMO. PM Narendra Modi had launched the Social Security Scheme on May 9th, 2015 and dedicated the First Ever Guaranteed Pension Product to the people of the country.

The Union Government has allowed Small Finance Banks and Payments Banks to offer Atal Pension Yojana (APY).The Payments Banks and Small Finance Banks are a new model of banks conceptualised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). In total, 11 Payment Banks and 10 Small Finance Banks have received the license from Reserve Bank of India to start banking operations in India.



Yes Bank Ties up with Amplus Energy Solutions

Amplus Energy Solutions has signed a MoU with India's leading bank Yes Bank for a strategic tie-up to co-finance projects in the solar energy sector in India. Yes Bank will look for bankable projects to invest in and Amplus will develop them. The total projects capacity under the partnership of Amplus Energy Solutions and Yes Bank is expected to be up to 1,000 MW.The Gurgaon-based Amplus is also diversifying in new avenues such as battery storage, energy efficiencies, smart cities, and concentrated solar power technologies among others.


Business, Economy & TradeHDFC Bank becomes first Indian bank to cross Rs. 5 trillion market Capitalisation

The scrip closed at Rs. 1,931.80, up 2.15% with a market cap of Rs. 5 trillion. HDFC Bank’s steady 20% profit growth quarter-after-quarter as well as its immunity to the bad loans crises has helped the stock. The bank also reports bad loan ratio below 1%, the lowest among Indian lenders. Thus, investors continued to buy the stocks despite high valuation of close to 4.8 times its expected book value for this fiscal.

India’s most-valued lender HDFC Bank Limited crossed Rs. 5 trillion capitalization for the first time, making it only the third Indian company to achieve this milestone.Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) and Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) are the other two companies which crossed market capitalisation of Rs 5 trillion.


Governments & PoliticsWCD Ministry launches MIS portal for Anganwadi Services Training Programme

The first phase of the portal will enable NGOs to submit proposals to the respective states and Union Territories. The programme comes under the umbrella of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme which is a centrally sponsored scheme.

The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has launched Management Information System (MIS) portal for Anganwadi Services Training Programme.The portal has been developed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with National Informatics Centre (NIC) for the submission of applications and estimates by NGOs for carrying out Anganwadi Services (ICDS) Training through Anganwadi Workers Training Centres (AWTC) and Middle-Level Training Centres (MLTC).

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[PPT]PowerPoint Presentationmyims.imsindia.com/downloads/gk-Jan16th-to-31st2018.ppsx · Web viewHis contribution had ensured overall development and a phenomenal growth in the agriculture