Daily GK Update 12th September 2017

1. Belarus President on Two-Day Visit in India

i. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Belarus President Aleksandr Grigoryevich Lukashenko in New Delhi to discuss various issues of mutual interest of both countries. A number of agreements are expected to be signed in several areas after the talks.
ii. Mr. Lukashenko’s visit is significant as it taking place in a year when Belarus and India are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• Minsk is the Capital city of Belarus.
• Its Currency is Belarusian ruble.

2. British Parliament Passed EU Withdrawal Bill

i. The Government’s bid to extract the UK from EU law in time for Brexit has passed its first Parliamentary test. The EU Withdrawal Bill was backed by MPs by 326 to 290. The bill, which will end the supremacy of EU law in the UK, now moves onto its next Parliamentary stage.

ii. Previously referred to as the Great Repeal Bill, the EU Withdrawal Bill overturns the 1972 European Communities Act which took the UK into the then European Economic Community. It will also convert all existing EU laws into UK law, to ensure there are no gaps in legislation on Brexit day.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• Theresa May is the Present PM of the United Kingdom.

3. India, Afghanistan Exchange Four Pacts

i. India and Afghanistan exchanged four pacts in areas of health, transport, space and new development partnership. The agreements were exchanged after delegation level talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Salahuddin Rabbani in New Delhi.

ii. Mr. Rabbani was on the three-day visit to India. India will supply wheat to Afghanistan in coming weeks through Chahbahar port. 

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• Kabul is the Capital City of Afghanistan.
• Ashraf Ghani is the President of Afghanistan.

4. National Pension Scheme Upper Age Limit Raised to 65

i. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) announced that the upper age limit for joining the National Pension Scheme (NPS) had been raised to 65 years, from the current 60.

ii. NPS is currently open for people between 18 and 60, and the Board has approved raising the age limit for joining to 65.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• Hemant Contractor is the Chairman of PFRDA.

5. ADB to Provide $152 Million Fund to Nepal

i. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a USD 152 million to Nepal for the implementation and enhancement of its power transmission and distribution. ADB and Nepal’s Ministry of Finance signed the loan agreement in Kathmandu.
ii. The aid will be granted to the Power Transmission and Distribution Efficiency Enhancement Project (PTDEEP) which supports the expansion of the transmission lines in various areas of Nepal.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• ADB headquarters in Manila, Philippines.
• Takehiko Nakao is the President of ADB.

6. First Lifetime Achievement Award to Prakash Padukone

i. The renowned Indian Badminton legend Prakash Padukone has been selected for the first life time award by Badminton Association of India (BAI). He has been selected for the award for his contributions to Badminton.

ii. The award carries a cash prize of 10 lakh rupees with a citation which will be presented to him in New Delhi.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• Mr. Himantha Biswa Sarma is the President of Badminton Association of India.
• Mr. Padukon was bestowed with the Arjuna award in 1972 and the Padma Shri in 1982.
• He also won a gold medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games.

7. Tahir Mahmood Awarded N R Madhava Menon Best Law Teacher Award

i. Eminent jurist Tahir Mahmood was awarded the prestigious N R Madhava Menon Best Law Teacher Award 2017 for his distinguished services to legal education and the legal profession on the occasion of Law Teachers' Day celebrations.

ii. The function was organized by the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) and Menon Institute of Legal Advocacy Training (MILAT).

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
• The awards are bestowed every year to honor the most deserved law teachers and institutions in India and across the SAARC region.

8. Mother Dairy, Maharashtra Government Tie up For Processing Plant

i. The Maharashtra Government and Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) have signed a lease agreement to set up a state-of-the-art milk and milk products processing plant.

ii. As per the MoU, a dairy development initiative will begin in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions to provide access to milk producers to markets in Nagpur and Mumbai.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• Devendra Fadnavis is the Present CM of Maharashtra.
• C V Rao is the Present Governor of Maharashtra.

9. Infosys Completes Brilliant Basics Acquisition

i. India's second largest software services firm Infosys has completed the acquisition of London-based Brilliant Basics. Through this acquisition, Infosys further expands its worldwide connected network of Digital Studios that are focused on fulfilling the needs of global clients for end-to- end digital transformation solutions.

ii. Infosys had acquired the company in a cash deal worth GBP 7.5 million, including earn-out and employee retention amounts.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• Brilliant Basics was founded in 2012.
• Infosys has digital studios across Bengaluru, Pune, New York, London and Melbourne.

10. HDFC Bank Becomes 2nd Most Valuable Company on BSE

i. HDFC Bank surpassed Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to become the country’s second most valued firm in terms of market valuation. 

ii. Shares of HDFC Bank gained 0.93 per cent to Rs. 1,840 (its 52-week high) on the BSE. Reliance Industries Ltd is the country’s most valued firm with a market cap of Rs. 5,33,818.72 crore followed by HDFC Bank and TCS in top three list.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• Aditya Puri is the CEO of HDFC Bank.
• It headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

11. Force Motors Chief Abhay Firodia Takes Over as SIAM President

i. Force Motors Chairman Abhay Firodia has been elected as the new president of the automobile industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

ii. Firodia headed SIAM in 1990-91 and 1991-92 as well. Mahindra & Mahindra's President-Automotive Sector Rajan Wadhera has been elected as the new vice-president of the organization.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• SIAM is headquartered in New Delhi.

12. Sumit Nagal Wins ITF Futures Tournament

i. Sumit Nagal of India blasted Colin van Beem of the Netherlands 6-3, 6-0 in the singles final to justify the top billing in the 8th MCC – S R Subramaniam Memorial ITF Futures Men’s tennis championship in Chennai.

ii. He conceded only nine points while winning the next nine games in a row to win the match. Nagal received USD 2,160 and 18 ITF points for the victory while van Beem received USD.1272 AND 12 ITF points.

13. BWF World Senior Badminton Championships- First Time in India

i. The coastal city of Kochi is hosting the BWF World Senior Badminton Championships. The championship is been held in India for the first time. The week-long tournament will see a total of 665 players from 40 countries battle it out.

ii. A total of 175 players will represent India including Olympians - Abhinn Shyam Gupta, Nikhil Kanetkar, and V Diju.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• The BWF World Senior Championships are held every two years.
• BWF World Senior Badminton Championships 2015 was held in Helsingborg, Sweden.

14. Airtel Launches 'Office-in-a-Box' Connectivity Solutions

i. Airtel has launched 'Office-In-a-Box' for start-ups registered under the Karnataka government’s Start-Up Cell initiative.

ii. Airtel has been selected as the preferred partner for the state government’s initiative. The Office-in-a-Box suite will be available to the over 100 start-ups registered with the Start-Up Cell and will add to their business efficiency.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• Vajubhai Vala is the Present Governor of Karnataka.

15. J&K Bank cuts interest rate on savings account to 3.5%

i. Public sector lender Jammu and Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) has lowered the interest rate on its savings bank accounts by 0.50 per cent to 3.50 per cent with immediate effect.

ii. The interest rate cut primarily began with industry leader SBI slashing it 0.50 per cent to 3.50 pr cent for deposits up to Rs. 1 crore.

16. Retail Inflation in August Shoots Up by 3.36%

i. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) or retail inflation rose 3.36 per cent in August from a year earlier, government data showed. The current rate of inflation is the highest in five months.

ii. The rate, however, is still below the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) medium-term target of 4 per cent. In another set of data, the IIP or Index of Industrial Production for the month of July went up by 1.2 per cent.
iii. The cumulative growth in IIP for the period April-July 2017 over the corresponding period of the previous year stands at 1.7 per cent.

Important Takeaways from Above News-

• Arun Jaitley is the current Finance Minister of India.

UPSC Advt No 17/ 2017

UPSC Advt No 17/ 2017 – Apply Online for Jr Scientific Officer & Asst Advisor Posts: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has advertised a notification for the recruitment of Junior Scientific Officer, Junior Scientific Officer (Chemistry, Physics) & Assistant Adviser (Public Health Engineering) vacancies in various disciplines. Eligible candidates can apply online on or before 28-09-2017 by 23.59 hrs & send print out of online application on or before 29-09-2017 by 23.59 hrs. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process, application fee & how to apply are given below…

UPSC Advt No 17/ 2017 Vacancy Details:
Total No.of Posts: 07
Name of the Posts:
1. Junior Scientific Officer: 02 Posts
2. Junior Scientific Officer (Chemistry): 02 Posts
3. Junior Scientific Officer (Physics): 01 Post
4. Assistant Adviser (Public Health Engineering): 02 Posts

Age Limit: Candidates age should be 30 years for S.No-1 to 3, 40 years for S.No-4 as on the closing date for receipt of applications. Age relaxation 5 years is applicable to SC/ ST, 3 years for OBC & for other refer notification.

Educational Qualification: Candidates should possess M.Sc. in Microbiology Or M.Sc. in Botany with specialization in Plant Pathology or Microbiology or Mycology Or M.Sc. in Agriculture with specialization in Soil Science or Agricultural Chemistry or Agronomy or Microbiology or Plant Pathology or Horticulture or Agricultural Extension from a recognized university or institute for S.No-1, Master’s Degree in Chemistry/ Biochemistry / Forensic Science with Chemistry as one of the subjects at Bachelor of Science level from a recognized University or equivalent for S.No-2. Master’s Degree in Physics/ Biophysics/ Forensic Science with Physics as one of the subjects at Bachelor of Science level from a recognized University or equivalent for S.No-3, Degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering or Public Health Engineering from a recognized University or Institute or passed A and B examination of the Institution of Engineers (India) in Civil Engineering, PG in Public Health Engineering or Environmental Engineering from a recognized University or Institute for S.No-4 Posts with adequate experience.

Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on interview or Recruitment Test followed by interview.

Application Fee: Applicants required to pay of Rs. 25/- (Rupees Twenty five) only either by remitting the money in any branch of the SBI by cash or by using net banking facility of the SBI or by using visa/master credit/ debit card. No fee for SC/ ST/ PH/Women candidates of any community. No “fee exemption” is available to OBC male candidates and they are required to pay the full prescribed fee.

How to Apply: Eligible candidates can apply online through the website www.upsconline.nic.in on or before 28-09-2017 by 23.59 hrs & take a print out of online application on or before 29-09-2017 by 23.59 hrs.

Instructions for Applying Online:
1. Before applying online candidates have to scan photograph & signature.
2. Log on to the website www.upsconline.nic.in
3. Click on the link “ONLINE RECRUITMENT APPLICATION (ORA) FOR VARIOUS RECRUITMENT POSTS”.
4. Select the Advertisement No . 17/2017 & Choose the appropriate Post.
5. If you are already registered & Enter login details directly.
6. Else click on New Registration and get registered and the login.
7. Enter Registration Id, Password & Confirm Random Image, Click on Submit button.
8. Fill all the mandatory fields like name, gender, etc and click on “Continue”.
9. Make payment as mentioned in application fee and enter payment details.
10. Click on Submit button.
11. After submission of Online Application & take a print out of finally submitted application and retain it for future use.

Important Dates:
Last Date for Online Application: 28-09-2017 by 23.59 hrs.
Last Date to take printout of Application: 29-09-2017 by 23.59 hrs.

For more details like experience, qualification, duties, pay scale, headquarters & other information click on the link given below….

UPSC Advt No 17/ 2017	More Information
Recruitment Advt	Get Details
Instructions	Get Details
Prescribed Performa for Documents/ Certificates	Get Details
Frequently Asked Questions	Get Details
Apply Online	Click here

Assam Co-operative Apex Bank Recruitment 2017

Assam Co-operative Apex Bank Recruitment 2017 – 55 Probationary Officer & Asst cum Asst Cashier Posts:

               Assam Co-operative Apex Bank has advertised a notification for the recruitment of 55 Probationary Officer & Assistant cum Assistant Cashier vacancies on contractual basis. Eligible candidates can apply in prescribed application format on or before 28-09-2017 by 5.00 P.M. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process, application fee & how to apply are given below…

Assam Co-operative Apex Bank Vacancy Details:
Total No.of Posts: 55
Name of the Posts:
1. Probationary Officer: 20 Posts
2. Assistant cum Assistant Cashier: 35 Posts

Age Limit: Candidates age limit should be Minimum 23 years and Maximum 28 years for S.No-1, Minimum 21 years and Maximum 26 years for S.No-2 Posts as on 01-09-2017.

Educational Qualification: Candidates should Possess Post Graduation in any discipline or equivalent degree in MBA, CA, Engineering, MCA, Agriculture etc. and knowledge of computer for S.No-1, Graduation in any discipline. Preference will be given to the candidates with MBA Degree or equivalent having good knowledge of computer for S.No-2 Posts with adequate experience.

Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on applicants performance in Written Test/ Interview.

Application Fee: Applicants required to pay of Rs. 300/- (Rupees three hundred) only for both the Posts in the form of Demand Draft or Pay order in favour of “ The Assam Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd.” payable at Guwahati must be furnished along with the Application form.

How to Apply: Eligible candidates can send their application in prescribed format to be filled up in capital letters and duly signed by the Applicant, 2(two) copies of recent passport size photograph should be pasted on the application with signature, self attested copies of educational qualifications from H.S.L.C. onwards both pass certificate & marksheets, experience certificate, Age certificate and other qualifications etc., by Registered/ Speed Post/ Hand Delivery only in a sealed envelop superscribed with “Post applied for (Name of the Post)” to the The Managing Director, The Assam Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd, H.O., Panbazar, H.B. Road, Guwahati-781001, Kamrup (M), Assam on or before 28-09-2017 by 5.00 P.M.

Last Date for Receipt of Application: 28-09-2017 by 5.00 P.M.

For more details like emoluments, syllabus, pay band & other information click on the link given below….

Click here for Recruitment Advt

Click here for Application Form