Wednesday, 8 March 2017

Daily GK Update 08th March, 2017

Daily GK Update 08th March, 2017


RBI's Monetory Policy February 2017 : Keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.25%
i. RBI governor Urjit Patel led Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept the key repo rate unchanged at 6.25% in the first monetary policy review of 2017 and after Budget 2017. 
ii. Limit on cash withdrawal from savings banks accounts to be relaxed in 2 stages. From 20 February, 2017 limit to be increased from Rs 24k to Rs 50K. From 13 March, 2017 there will be no limit on cash withdrawal from savings bank accounts. 
iii. 9.92 lakh crore new notes infused into market as on January 27, 2017.Inflation seen at 4-4.5% for April-September,2017. For January-March, 2017 CPI stay below 5%

Policy rates:
Repo Rate- 6.25%
Reverse Repo Rate- 5.75%
Marginal Standing Facility Rate- 6.75%
Bank Rate-  6.75%

Reserve Ratio:
CRR- 4%
SLR- 20.50%

3-day global conference on Nuclear Terrorism to begin in New Delhi
i. The Implementation and Assessment Group Meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism begins in New Delhi. Nearly 150 delegates from various partner countries and international organisations will take take part in the three-day event. 
ii. Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar will inaugurate the meet organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Department of Atomic Energy.
iii. The meeting highlights India’s commitment to global nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 

SC clears plan to verify mobile phone users through Aadhaar
i. The Supreme Court has approved the government‘s plan to record the identification details of mobile subscribers through an e-KYC (Know Your Customer) mechanism linked to Aadhaar in a bid to enhance national security and prevent fake users.
ii. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar asked the government, represented by Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi, to put in place the mechanism within a year. 
iii. The mechanism would cover at least 100 crore mobile phone subscribers, 90% of whom use pre-paid cards.

International Conference & Exhibition on Terrestrial & Satellite Broadcasting held in New Delhi
i. The 23rd edition of International Conference and Exhibition on Terrestrial & Satellite Broadcasting was held in New Delhi. The 3-day conference was organized by the Broadcast Engineering Society (India). 
ii. The theme of the conference is 'Hybrid Technologies in Broadcasting New Opportunities'. In this EXPO, nearly 300 companies from 25 countries displayed their products directly or through their dealers and distributors in India. 

Over 13,000 Divyangs have been given jobs by Centre
i. Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh stated that 13 thousand Divyangs have been given jobs in various central government departments. 
ii. Talking to media in New Delhi yesterday,Dr Singh said efforts are on to fill all the 15,694 vacancies in the central government. He said till now nearly 84% of vacant posts meant for Divyangs have been filled.

No cash withdrawal limit from March 13,2017:RBI
i. The Reserve Bank of India announced that the cash withdrawal limit on savings accounts will be scrapped from March 13, 2017 . 
ii. Further, the current limit of withdrawal fixed at ₹24,000 per week will be raised to ₹50,000 per week from February 20,2017 the RBI added. The limits on bank withdrawals were placed after demonetization

Federal Bank ties up with data portal for loans against warehouse receipts
i. Federal Bank has partnered with leading online data and information portal Commodity Online for the distribution of loans against warehouse receipts and collateral management services across the country.
ii. Commodity Online will roll out an agri commodity financing platform through its flagship portal www.commodityonline.com where farmers and traders can track commodity markets and warehouses online and get financing for their commodities quickly.
iii. According to Mohan K, Deputy General Manager (SME & Agri), Federal Bank, the bank’s partnership with Commodity Online enables it to aggressively get into the online space to provide financing for agri commodities with collateral management across India.

Bank of Baroda, IFFCO launch co-branded debit card for farmers
i. In a novel initiative that would push digitalisation and cashless economy, Bank of Baroda (BOB) has tied up with IFFCO, a cooperative, to provide co-branded debit cards with inbuilt overdraft facilities to the farmers.
ii. In this regard, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between G.B.Panda, General Manager (government relationship) BOB and Yogendra Kumar, General Manager (Marketing) IFFCO.
iii. Under this MOU, two lakh co-branded debit cards will be issued to the farmers beginning with the state of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Subsequently more cards will be issued across rest of India.These co-branded debit cards will be exclusively used for the purchase of IFFCO products only.
iv. BOB has agreed to issue the co-branded debit cards to the farmers with an overdraft limit of Rs. 2,500 per cardholder.BOB will also provide 2500 PoS machines initially at the various locations across India recommended by IFFCO at mutually agreed terms and conditions.

ICICI Securities partners with Saxo Bank
i. ICICI Securities, a subsidiary of ICICI Bank, has entered into a strategic partnership with Saxo Bank, an online multi-asset trading and investment specialist.
ii. This partnership will offer Saxo's trading and investment capabilities via a digital platform to Indian investors.
iii. It will enable ICICI Securities' 4 million clients of ICICIdirect.com to diversify their investments outside of the domestic Indian market and access multi-asset investment opportunities on 36 stock exchanges across 24 countries, through SaxoTraderGo.
iv. Clients opting for these services to invest outside India will gain access to third party research with Tradingfloor.com.

HDFC Bank, KMB go live with Bharat Bill Payment System
i. Private sector lenders HDFC Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank are live with the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) that is aimed at easing utility and other repetitive bill payments for consumers.
ii. The BBPS is a centralised system created by the National Payments Corporation, involving banks and non-banks and allows agents to access bill payments services in an interoperable manner, HDFC Bank stated. 
iii. A customer can pay multiple bills from a single platform without the hassle of visiting multiple websites or issuing individual cheques, or also registering billers with her bank for standard instructions for debit.

Adani appoints Purdie as CEO for renewable energy unit in Australia
i. The Adani Group has appointed Jennifer Purdie as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for its renewable energy business unit in Australia in a bid to drive its plans to become the largest renewable energy player in the country.
ii. Adani’s aim is to become the largest renewable energy industry participant in Australia with a total capacity of 1,500 MW in the near term.

HDIL to launch budget homes in Mumbai Metropolitan Region
i. Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd will soon launching its new budget homes brand in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
ii. Through this brand, HDIL aims at making quality housing at affordable prices accessible to a wider section of people.
iii. Under this brand, HDIL will provide affordable homes within Rs. 50 lakh inclusive of stamp duty and registration in Mumbai’s suburbs and within Rs. 20 lakh, including stamp duty and registration charges, in the Vasai–Virar region.

Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos wins Senate confirmation vote
i. In United States, Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump's controversial nominee for Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, by the slenderest possible margin. 
ii. US Vice-President Mike Pence cast the tie-breaking vote to secure her cabinet role, splitting the chamber 50-50. 

Foreign direct investment zooms 60 pc to USD 4.68 bn in Nov 2016
i.With the government taking steps to improve ease of doing business and relax regulations, foreign direct investment into the country surged by 60% to USD 4.68 billion in November 2016.
ii. The FDI stood at USD 2.93 billion in November 2015.During the period, India received maximum FDI from Singapore, Mauritius, the UK, the US, the Netherlands and Japan, an official stated.

National Badminton Championship: Sourabh Verma clinches Men’s Singles title
i. Sourabh Verma clinched the Men’s Singles title defeating Lakshya Sen in the 81 st Senior National Badminton Championships tournament played in Patna. Sourabh beat Lakshya Sen 21-13, 21-12. 
ii. Rituparna Das claimed the Women's Singles title defeating Reshma Karthik in the tournament. Second seed Rituparna defeated 9th seed Reshma 21-12, 21-14.
iii. In Women's doubles event, the pair of Aparna Balan and Prajakta Sawant clinched the title defeating the pair of Shikha Gautam and Sanyogita Ghorpade 21-9, 21-11. 
iv. In the mixed doubles, the duo of Satwik Sai Raj and Maneesha K defeated Venkat Gaurav Prasad and Juhi Dewangan 21-14, 21-18 to claim the title.In Men's doubles event, the duo of Satwik Sai Raj and Chirag Shetty clinched the title defeating Nand Gopal K and Sanyam Shukla 21-17, 16-21 and 21-16.

Tuesday, 7 March 2017

QUIZ-07



Q1. The American multinational corporation Cognizant has recently pocketed a deal to acquire a digital firm Brilliant Service Company for an undisclosed amount. Brilliant Service Company is __________ based company.
(a) America
(b) Japan
(c) Australia
(d) South Korea
(e) Austria

Q2. Name the large-scale annual military drill started between the United States of America and South Korean troops, recently.
(a) Felino Exercise
(b) SIMBEX
(c) Cadex 2017
(d) Foal Eagle
(e) Iron Fist Exercise

Q3. Syed Shahabuddin died recently at the age of 82 after suffering from prolonged illness. He was famous _______.
(a) IRS
(b) IFS
(c) MP
(d) Both (b) and (c)
(e) Only (b)

Q4. Name the famous IT giant company that has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Telangana government aimed at supporting the digitization efforts of the state.
(a) Google India
(b) Microsoft
(c) WIPRO
(d) TCS
(e) Infosys

Q5. Shahpur Kandi Dam project is located in which of the following Indian state?
(a) Kashmir
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Punjab
(d) Uttarakhand
(e) West Bengal

Q6. Name the country, in which the 13th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit, 2017 was held recently.
(a) Egypt
(b) Syria
(c) Iran
(d) India
(e) Pakistan

Q7. Defence Minister presented the Raksha Mantri’s Trophy and Citation for the best Service Hospital in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) for the year 2016 to INHS Asvini, recently. The hospital is located in __________.
(a) New Delhi
(b) Mumbai
(c) Bengaluru
(d) Kolkata
(e) Mysore

Q8. Who has been appointed as the secretary general of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), recently?
(a) Iftikar Hussain
(b) T Lom Zaidi
(c) John Karry
(d) Amjad Hussain B Sial
(e) Hazi Aklakh

Q9. In its effort to make Namami Gange program a mass movement with the involvement of more and more voluntary organizations, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) have signed an MoU with ________, in New Delhi.
(a) Rotary India
(b) The Wikimedia Foundation
(c) CARE International
(d) Heifer International
(e) ClGanga India

Q10. With an aim to free India from cataract by 2022, the government has recently approved a fund of _______ to treat over 700 lakh such patients in the next five years.
(a) Rs 923 crore
(b) Rs 865 crore
(c) Rs 756 crore
(d) Rs 623 crore
(e) Rs 685 crore

Q11. In 'Swachh Shakti Saptah' Gurugram, Haryana, held recently, approximately how many districts have been declared ODF (Open Defecation Free).
(a) 45
(b) 50
(c) 75
(d) 100
(e) 125

Q12. Which one of the following Regulatory body have proposed up to 50 percent increase in insurance premium for cars, motorcycles as well as commercial vehicles from April 1.
(a) SEBI
(b) IRDAI
(c) NICL
(d) SIDBI
(e) RBI

Q13. The GST Council recently approved the draft CGST and IGST Bills. The letter ‘C’ in the term CGST stands for ‘Central’ while letter ‘I’ in the term ‘IGST’ stands for __________.
(a) Investment
(b) Income
(c) Innovation
(d) Integrated
(e) Investigated

Q14. The Union Finance Ministry has agreed in-principle to allow public sector banks to offer ESOPs to their employees from 2017-18. The term ESOPs stands for _____________.
(a) Employee Stock Option Plans
(b) Employee Share Option Plans
(c) Employee Service Option Plans
(d) Employee Savings Option Plans
(e) Employee Summed Option Plans

Q15.  Which country has won the ‘Most Popular Tourism Destination Award’, recently?
(a) Switzerland
(b) Japan
(c) Sri Lanka
(d) India
(e) France

                                                                  ANSWERS

S1. Ans.(b)
Sol. The American multinational corporation Cognizant has pocketed a deal to acquire Japanese digital firm Brilliant Service Co for an undisclosed amount. Japan-based Brilliant Service is specialized in intelligent products and solutions, digital strategy, product design and engineering, the Internet of Things, and enterprise mobility.

S2. Ans.(d)
Sol. The United States and South Korean troops started their large-scale annual military drill named Foal Eagle. The aim of the military exercise is to test their defense readiness against the threat from North Korea. North Korea conducted its first ballistic missile test of 2017 in February and views the Foal Eagle Exercise 2017 as preparation for war against it.

S3. Ans.(d)
Sol. Former IFS and MP Syed Shahabuddin dies at the age of 82 after suffering from prolonged illness. During his time, Shahabuddin had strongly opposed the demolition of the Babri Masjid and was the leader of the Babri Action Committee.

S4. Ans.(a)
Sol. Google India and Telangana government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at supporting the digitization efforts of the state. Google India will provide Google Cloud credits and access to all cloud platform products to eligible startups engaged with Telangana government’s T-Hub initiative and through its Developer Relations team provides technical mentorship and advisory support to various startups.

S5. Ans.(c)
Sol. A renewed agreement between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir has been sealed for the completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam project, work on which was halted two years ago following a dispute. The 55.5-meter high Shahpur Kandi dam in Punjab, will help in providing irrigation facility to 5000 hectares of land in Punjab.

S6. Ans.(e)
Sol. The Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) gathered on the occasion of the thirteenth ECO Summit Meeting, in Islamabad, Pakistan under the theme “Connectivity for Regional Prosperity”, at the invitation of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

S7. Ans.(b)
Sol. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar presented the Raksha Mantri’s Trophy and Citation for the best Service Hospital in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) for the year 2016 to INHS Asvini, Mumbai.

S8. Ans.(d)
Sol. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has named Amjad Hussain B Sial, as secretary general with immediate effect from March 1, 2017.

S9. Ans.(a)
Sol. In its effort to make Namami Gange program a mass movement with the involvement of more and more voluntary organizations, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation signed an MoU with Rotary India in New Delhi.

S10. Ans.(c)
Sol. With an aim to free India from cataract by 2022, the government has approved a Rs 756 crore scheme to treat over 700 lakh such patients in the next five years.

S11. Ans.(d)
Sol. During occasion of 'Swachh Shakti Saptah' in Gurugram, Haryana, The Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has informed that the number of ODF (Open Defecation Free) districts in India has crossed 100, making it a milestone achievement under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

S12. Ans.(b)
Sol. Regulator Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has proposed up to 50 percent increase in insurance premium for cars, motor cycles as well as commercial vehicles from April 1.

S13. Ans.(d)
Sol. Inching a step closer to the roll-out of the country’s most ambitious tax reform, the Centre and States approved the model draft Bills for Centre and Integrated goods and services tax (GST).

S14. Ans.(a)
Sol. Finance Ministry has agreed in-principle to allow public sector banks to offer stock options to their employees from next fiscal — a move aimed at retaining experienced hands with better incentives. According to sources, Employee Stock Option plans (ESOPs) could be given by those banks which have not only earned substantial profit but also made remarkable improvement in managing NPAs.

S15. Ans.(c)

Sol. Sri Lanka won the "Most Popular Tourism Destination Award" at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF) in China.

MP State Cooperative Bank Recruitment 2017


MP State Cooperative Bank Recruitment 2017 – Apply Online for 1634 Clerk/ Computer Operator Posts: Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Bank has issued a notification for the recruitment of 1634 Clerk/ Computer Operator vacancies in 37 District Central Cooperative Banks of Madhya Pradesh. Eligible candidates can apply online from 01-03-2017 to 17-03-2017. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process, application fee & how to apply are given below…
MP State Cooperative Bank Vacancy Details:
Total No.of Posts: 1634
Name of the Posts: Clerk/ Computer Operator 
Name of the Category:
1. UR: 618
a. Male: 386 Posts
b. Female: 232 Posts
2. SC: 267
a. Male: 164 Posts
b. Female: 103 Posts
3. ST: 437
a. Male: 274 Posts
b. Female: 163 Posts
4. OBC: 101
a. Male: 65 Posts
b. Female: 36 Posts
5. Physically Handicapped: 59
a. UR: 25 Posts
b. ST: 20 Posts
c. SC: 12 Posts
d. OBC: 02 Posts
6. Ex Army Man: 152
a. UR: 69 Posts
b. ST: 49 Posts
c. SC: 25 Posts
d. OBC: 09 Posts
Age Limit: Candidates age should be between 18-35 years as on 01-01-2017. Age relaxation 05 years is applicable to SC/ ST & candidates employed on regular (confirm) service in Short Term Cooperative Credit Structure of Madhya Pradesh (STCCS- like PACS, DCCBs and SCB ), 10 years for women candidates & Physically handicapped candidates.
Educational Qualification: Candidates should possess Bachelor’s degree any discipline with knowledge of Hindi and English typing, one year Computer Diploma Course from recognized institutions, B.E (CSE/ I.T.)/ M.C.A./ B.C.A./ M.Sc (I.T./ C.S.)/ B.Sc (I.T./ C.S.)/ M.Tech/ M.E.(IT/ CS), Diploma in Computer Science/ Computer Applications and Information Technology approved by A.I.C.T.E & for more qualification details refer the notification.
Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on Online Examination, written examination.
Application Fee: Candidates should pay Rs. 800/- for all General/ OBC category candidates and Rs. 600/- for all SC and ST candidates (non refundable) through online.
How to Apply: Eligible candidates may apply online through the website www.apexbank.in from 01-03-2017 to 17-03-2017.
Instructions to Apply Online:
1. Before applying online candidates should have scanned copies of all relevant certificates & signature.
2. Log on to www.apexbank.in
3. Click on “Recruitment Open”
4. Select the desired post & Click on “Apply Now”.
5. Fill the details carefully & submit the form.
6. Take a print out of online application for future use.
Important Dates:
Starting Date for Online Application & Fee Payment01-03-2017
Last Date for Online Application & Fee Payment17-03-2017
Lat Date to Editing Application details17-03-2017
Last date for Printing of Application01-04-2017
Date of downloading of Call LettersAround 7 days before examination date
Date of Online Preliminary ExaminationApril/ May-2017
Date of declaration of result for Preliminary Online ExaminationAround 03 days after conduct of Preliminary examination
Date of downloading of Call Letters for main Online ExaminationAround 7 days before examination date
Date of declaration of result for Main Online ExaminationAround 03 days after conduct of Main examination
For more details like vacancy details, qualification, pay scale & other information click on the link given below….


New India Assurance Recruitment 2017




New India Assurance Recruitment 2017 – Apply Online for 984 Assistant Posts: New India Assurance Co. Ltd has issued a notification for the recruitment of 984 Assistant vacancies in Class III cadre from open market. Eligible candidates can apply online from 06-03-2017 to 29-03-2017. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process, application fee & how to apply are given below…
New India Assurance Vacancy Details:
Total No.of Posts: 984
Name of the Posts: Assistant
Name of the Category:
1. Gen: 533 Posts
2. OBC: 235 Posts (07-Backlog vacancies)
3. SC: 140 Posts
4. ST: 76 Posts (01-Backlog vacancy)
Age Limit: Candidates age should be between 18-30 years as on 30-06-2016. Age relaxation is applicable to 05 years for SC/ ST, Widows, Divorced women and women legally separated from their husbands who have not remarried , Persons ordinarily domiciled in the Kashmir Division of the State of Jammu & Kashmir during the period 1-1-80 to 31-12-89, Existing Employees of the New India Assurance Co.Ltd & 03 years for OBC, 10 years for PWD candidates.
Educational Qualification: Candidates should possess Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university/ equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government, should have passed in English as one of the subjects at SSC/ HSC/ Intermediate/ Graduation level, knowledge of Regional Language of State of Recruitment, Proficiency in the Regional Language of the State/ UT.
Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on Online test (Preliminary & Main Examination) Regional Language Test.
Application Fee: Candidates should pay Rs. 500/- (Rs. 50/- for SC/ ST/ PWD/ EX-SER/ Females) through Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Cards/ Mobile Wallets.
How to Apply: Eligible candidates may apply online through the website www.newindia.co.in from 06-03-2017 to 29-03-2017.
For SC/ ST/ OBC (Non-Creamy): Eligible candidates may register  & send their duly filled in and signed application in the prescribed format along with self attested copy of SC/ ST/ OBC certificate, copy of e-print & print out of online application form as proof of having applied for the exam & envelope should be superscribed with “Application for pre-examination training for the post of Assistant” should reach to the concerned Regional Office on or before 31-03-2017.
Instructions to Apply Online:
1. Before applying online candidates should have valid e-mail id & scanned copies of all relevant certificates.
2. Log on to www.newindia.co.in
3. Click on “Recruitment” & Select the desired post.
4. Click on “Click here to apply online for Assistant Recruitment Excercise 2016″.
5. Fill the details carefully & submit the form.
6. Take a print out of online application for future use.
Important Dates:
Publication of Advertisement in Employment News04-03-2017
Starting Date for Online Application & Payment of Fee06-03-2017
Last Date for Online Application & Payment of Fee29-03-2017
Last Date for editing application details29-03-2017
Last Date for Submission of Hardcopy of Application for SC/ ST/ OBC (Non-Creamy) candidates31-03-2017
Last Date for Printing of Application Form13-04-2017
Tentative Date of Tier I Examination (Preliminary Exam)22 & 23-04-2017
Tentative Date for Tier II Examination (Main)23-05-2017
Tentative Date for Download of Call Letters10 days prior to the date of each examination (Preliminary Examination as well as Main Exam)

http://ibps.sifyitest.com/niaclastfeb17/

Daily GK Update 07th March, 2017

Daily GK Update 07th March, 2017


HRD Ministry to set up NTA to Conduct Exams for Higher & Secondary Education
i. The Union Human Resource Development Ministry led by ‎under Prakash Javadekar is set to constitute a National Testing Agency (NTA) which will be responsible for conducting examinations for higher and secondary education.
ii. The announcement was made in the Union Budget 2017-18  by the Finance Minister who proposed to set up NTA as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing agency to conduct all entrance exams to higher education. 
iii. The main aim of setting NTA is to ease the work of the bodies like CBSE, AICTE, from the responsibilities of conducting exams, and eventually enable them to focus more on academics.

5.8 magnitude earthquake hits Uttarakhand, tremors also felt in Delhi-NCR
i. A moderate intensity earthquake measuring 5.8 on Richter scale hit Uttarakhand last night (06 February 2017), with tremors also felt in Delhi and other parts of northern India.
ii. Operations head at National Seismological Bureau JL Gautam said, the epicentre of the quake was Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand.

Andhra Pradesh: First Smart Police Station inaugurated
i. In Andhra Pradesh, the first Smart Police Station, having look and feel of a corporate-style office, started functioning. 
ii. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the first model police station at Nagarampalem in the capital region Amaravati.He also inaugurated the second model police station in old Guntur town. 

Railways Approves Rail Project in Andaman and Nicobar
i. The Railway Ministry is set to develop the first ever railway line in Andaman and Nicobar Island that currently has no rail network.
ii. The Ministry of Railway is set to approve the project that will construct 240-km broad gauge railway line connecting Port Blair with Diglipur, the largest town on Andaman Island. It will connect the two islands with bridges and stations along the coast.

Tripartite MoU signed among M/o of Tourism, M/s NPCC & NBCC and Govt of J&K for Implementation of Tourism Projects In J&K
i. A Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed among the Ministry of Tourism, M/s NPCC & NBCC and Government of J&K on  for the implementation of Tourism projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
ii. As a part of the new initiative, Development of Tourism in the State New Projects, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned two projects, one each to NPCC and NBCC in the J&K which will be implemented by September 2017.
iii. The first project sanctioned to M/s NBCC includes Integrated Development of Tourist facilities at Gulmarg Baramulla  Kupwara Leh. The total outlay of the project is Rs. 96.62 Crore.
iv. The project under M/s NPCC includes Integrated Development of Tourist facilities at Mantalai Sudhmahadev  Patnitop in Jammu & Kashmir. The total outlay of the project is Rs. 97.82 Crore.

Bank of Maharashtra ties up with Cigna TTK
i. Public sector lender Bank of Maharashtra has partnered with insurance company Cigna TTK Health to market the insurer’s products in the bank’s branches across the entire country.
ii. Under the agreement, the bank will offer the all of Cigna TTK’s superior health insurance products to its 2 crore customers through its network of over 1,896 branches, its 14,000 bank employees across the country as well as through its digital platforms.

Axis Bank ties up with Earthport 
i. India’s third largest private bank, Axis Bank has tied up with Earthport Plc, a cross-border payment network, to enable faster outbound cross-border payments for its customers through Earthport’s state-of-the-art global payments network.
ii.  Axis Bank has become the first bank in India to connect with Earthport’s global payments network, which spans over 60 countries.

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Starts Pilot Operation in Bengaluru
i. The Ujjivan Small Finance Bank officially started its operation with 5 pilot branches in Bengaluru. Samit Ghosh is the MD and CEO of the Ujjivan Small Finance Bank.
ii. The five pilot branches of the Ujjivan SFB would offer full services to its customers. The  Ujjivan Small Finance BankSmall Finance Bank will test its technology, channels, people and processes for a period of one month as a part of its pilot launch.
iii. The Bank aims to launch about 14 branches by March 2017 and extend services across 457 branches in 24 states in a planned and phased manner over the next few months.

Indian Coast Guard to have Joint Exercise with UAE Coast Guard
i. In an effort to strengthen the bilateral relations between India and UAE, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pavak made a goodwill visit at the Mina Al Rashid (Dubai Port) from February 4 to 7, 2017.
ii. The Indian Ambassador in UAE Navdeep Suri visited the Indian Navy ship on February 5, 2017. During the stay at port Rashid, a series of activities is scheduled to take place between Indian and UAE coast guard. 
iii. As a part of the visit, a joint exercise is scheduled to take place between Indian coast guard and UAE coast guard to enhance co-operation and exchange of operational expertise.

Indian-Origin British Sculptor Anish Kapoor Wins $ 1 Million Israeli Prize
i. Renowned Indian-origin British sculptor Anish Kapoor was honored with the prestigious $1 million 2017 Genesis Prize by Israel for his utmost contribution for Jewish community.
ii. However, the money received by the innovative artist would be contributed by him to help the Syrian refugees and expand Jewish engagement in the global effort to reduce the refugee crisis.
iii. The 62-year-old Anish was chosen by the prize committee headed by Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky.

Queen Elizabeth II marks Sapphire Jubilee
i. Queen Elizabeth II, the world’s longest reigning sovereign, has became the first British monarch to reach her Sapphire Jubilee, with 65 years on the throne.
ii. The 90-year-old monarch is marking the landmark as a day of private contemplation at her Sandringham estate in Norfolk as it also coincides with the day her father, George V who has died

UN Agency Calls for International Collaboration on Wheat Rust to Curb Threat to Global Supplies 
i. According to a new study conducted by scientists in collaboration with the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), two new groups of wheat rust have been identified that posed threat to wheat produced in Africa, Asia and Europe in 2016.
ii. As per the data, the two new groups have been identified as yellow rust and stem rust. The finding calls for the need for early detection and rapid action to keep the fungus under control.

India to host World Billiards Championship for next four years
i. The Billiards and Snoooker Federation of India (BSFI)informed that India will host the World Billiards Championship for the next four years.
ii. In 2016, the World Billiards Championship was held in Bengaluru.In the prestigious tournament, Pankaj Advani won in the 150-UP format beating Peter Gilchrist of Singapore.
iii.The Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) is the central authority that deals with the growth and development of cue sports in India.

Alastair Cook resigns as England Test captain
i. Alastair Cook has resigned as England Test captain after a record 59 matches in the role. Cook tendered his resignation to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves, but intends to continue playing Test cricket. 
ii. Cook, England's leading scorer in Tests with 11,057 runs, became captain in August 2012.He has led England in a record 69 one-day internationals between 2010 and 2014. He has been the country's most capped Test skipper and has scored more Test centuries than any previous captain.

Iran Lifts Ban on American Wrestling Team
i. Iran lifted up the ban it had imposed on United States Wrestlers, thus allowing them to participate in the Freestyle World Cup to be held in Iran in February 2017.
ii. Iran had banned the American team on February 3, 2017 after the decision of US President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend Visas to seven Muslim majority countries including Iran. 
iii. However, the United States Federal Judge suspended the ban imposed by US Government on Iranian Nationals travelling to the U.S. But the Trump administration is again appealing to reinstate the travel ban.The Freestyle World Cup is to be held in the Iranian city of Kermanshah from February 16 to February 17, 2017.

Monday, 6 March 2017

బ్యాంకులపై యుద్ధం ప్రకటించిన ఖాతాదారులు


హైదరాబాద్: వాతావరణం బాగున్నప్పుడు గొడుగు ఇచ్చి.. వర్షం పడినప్పుడు తీసుకునేదానిపేరే బ్యాంకు అంటూ బ్యాంకింగ్ రంగంపై కొన్ని చలోక్తులు ప్రచారంలో ఉన్నాయి. ప్రస్తుతం దేశంలోని ప్రభుత్వ, ప్రైవేటు బ్యాంకుల తీరు పై చలోక్తికి తగ్గట్టుగా ఉంది. అప్పట్లో జీరో ఖాతాతో బ్యాంకు అకౌంట్ ప్రారంభించండి అని ప్రకటించింది కేంద్ర ప్రభుత్వం. దీంతో కోట్లమంది ప్రజలు బ్యాంకు ఖాతాలు తెరిచారు. అప్పుడు ప్రోత్సహించిన బ్యాంకులు ఇప్పుడు మాత్రం ఆ ఖాతాలో డబ్బులు వేసినా.. తీసినా.. సేవాపన్నుతోపాటు అపరాధ రుసుము వసూలు చేస్తామంటున్నాయి బ్యాంకులు.
బ్యాంకుల్లో లక్షల కోట్ల రూపాయల మొండిబకాయిలు పేరుకుపోవడం, రుణ ఎగవేత దారుల నుంచి డబ్బు వసూలు కాకపోవడంతో నిధుల కొరతను భర్తీ చేసుకునేందుకు బ్యాంకులు ఖాతాదారులను లక్ష్యంగా చేసుకుంటున్నాయి. ఖాతాల నిర్వహణ, లావాదేవీలపై ఆంక్షలు డిపాజిట్లపై వడ్డీ తగ్గించడంలాంటి చర్యలకు పూనుకుంటున్నాయి. నెలలో మూడుసార్లకు మించి నగదు వేసినా.. తీసినా.. సేవా పన్నులు, చార్జీలతో ఖాతాదారుల నడ్డి విరిచేందుకు ప్రభుత్వ, ప్రైవేటు రంగ బ్యాంకులన్నీ ప్రతిపాదనలు సిద్ధం చేశాయి. ఈ ప్రతిపాదనలను ఏప్రిల్ 1 నుంచి అమలు చేయాలని నిర్ణయించాయి. అయితే బ్యాంకులు ఏ ప్రాతిపదికన ఈ చార్జిలు విధిస్తున్నాయనేదానిపై మాతం స్పష్టత లేదు. వినియోగదారుల మీద బ్యాంకుల బాదుడు గురించి ఒక్కో బ్యాంకు ఒక్కో రకంగా చార్జిలు వసూలు చేస్తోంది. ఎస్‌బిఐ, హెచ్‌డిఎఫ్‌సి సొంత వినియోగదారులపైనే కొరడా విధిలిస్తుంటే.. ఆక్సిస్ బ్యాంకు ఇతర బ్యాంకుల్లో చేసే లావాదేవీలపై ఛార్జీలు విధిస్తోంది. బ్యాంకింగ్ వ్యవస్థ ప్రాథమిక బాధ్యతలను గాలికొదిలేస్తూ బ్యాంకులు తీసుకుంటున్న నిర్ణయాలపై ఖాతాదారులు తీవ్రంగా మండిపడుతున్నారు. బ్యాంకులు ఎవరి ఇష్టం వచ్చినట్లు వారు నిర్ణయం తీసుకుంటుంటే రిజర్వు బ్యాంకు ఏం చేస్తుందని ప్రశ్నిస్తున్నారు. ఆపరేటింగ్ ఛార్జీల పేరుతో ఇప్పటికే రకరకాలుగా ఖాతాదారుల సొమ్మును కొల్లగొట్టేస్తున్న బ్యాంకులు ఇప్పుడు బహిరంగంగానే దోపిడీకి దిగుతున్నాయంటూ మండిపడుతున్నారు.
మరోవైపు బ్యాంకుల నిర్ణయాలకు వ్యతిరేకంగా ఖాతాదారులు సమరశంఖం పూరిస్తున్నారు. ఇష్టం వచ్చినట్లు చార్జిలను వసూలు చేయడమే కాకుండా కొత్త నిబంధనలతో ఇబ్బందులు పెట్టే చర్యలకు దిగిన బ్యాంకులపై ఆన్‌లైన్‌లో తీవ్రస్థాయిలో విమర్శలు గుప్పిస్తున్నారు. లావాదేవీలపై వసూలు చేస్తున్న సర్వీస్ చార్జీలను ఎత్తివేయడంతో పాటు.. డిపాజిట్లపై వడ్డీ రేట్లను తగ్గించడాన్ని ఖాతాదారులు ప్రశ్నిస్తున్నారు. బ్యాంకుల తీరును నిరసిస్తూ ఏప్రిల్ 6న నో ట్రాన్సాక్షన్ డే గా పాటించాలనే మెసేజ్ ఒకటి సోషల్ మీడియాలో విస్తృతంగా ప్రచారం అవుతోంది. రానున్న రోజుల్లో ఇలాంటి నిర్ణయాలు తీసుకోకుండా బ్యాంకులను అడ్డుకునేందుకు ఈ ఉద్యమం సహకరిస్తుందని, అంతా ఒక్కటై ఐకమత్యం బలమేమిటో చూపించాలంటూ కోరుతున్నారు. ఆర్బీఐ గవర్నర్ రబ్బరు స్టాంప్‌గా మారిపోయారని, ఆయనకు ఆర్బీఐపై నియంత్రణే లేకుండా పోయిందంటూ మండిపడుతున్నారు. ఏప్రిల్ 6న నో ట్రాన్సాక్షన్ డే సక్సస్ కాకపోతే ఏప్రిల్ 24, 25, 26న కూడా బ్యాంకులు లావాదేవీలు జరపవద్దని ఈ మెసేజ్‌లో పేర్కొన్నారు. ఖాతాదారులు ప్రయోజనం కోసం బ్యాంకుల్ని నియంత్రించేందుకు ఇంతకంటే మంచిమార్గం కనిపించడం లేదని, ఖాతాదారులంతా ఇదే బాట పడితే బ్యాంకులకు ఇక కష్టాలు తప్పవని బ్యాంకింగ్ వర్గాలు చెబుతున్నారు.
ఇదిలాఉండగా, చార్జీల వడ్డనపై బ్యాంకుల వాదన మరోలా ఉంది. దేశంలో నగదు రహిత లావాదేవీలను పెంచడంతో పాటు బ్యాంకుల ఆపరేటింగ్ ఖర్చులను తగ్గించుకునేందుకే కొత్త ఆంక్షలు తీసుకువస్తున్నట్లు బ్యాంకర్లు చెబుతున్నారు. ఖాతాల నిర్వహణతో ఇబ్బంది లేకున్నా నగదు లావాదేవీలు పెరగడం వల్ల బ్యాంకుపై ఎక్కువ భారం పడుతోందని చెబుతున్నారు. ఏటీఎంల నిర్వహణ వల్ల బ్యాంకులపై అదనపు భారం పడుతోందంటున్నారు. అన్ని రంగాల్లోనూ సాంకేతిక పరిజ్ఞానాన్ని విస్తృతంగా వాడుతున్నారని, బ్యాంకుల విషయంలోనూ టెక్నాలజీ వినియోగం పెరిగేందుకు చార్జీల వడ్డన ఉపకరిస్తుందని అంటున్నారు. ఎవరు ఎన్నిరకాలుగా చెప్పినా అంతిమంగా నష్టపోతుంది, భారం మోస్తోంది ఖాతాదారుడేనన్నది వాస్తవం.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep6lFWZsFUw