Daily GK Update 31 january , 2017

Budget session of Parliament begans today (31 January 2017)

i.The Budget session of Parliament will begin today (31 January 2017) and President Pranab Mukherjee will address the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.The Economic Survey will also be tabled on the first day of the session. There will be no separate Rail budget from this year and it has been merged with the general budget which will be presented on 1 february 2017.

 ii.The government had advanced the date of budget presentation so as to complete the entire process before the end of financial year.The first part has been kept brief in view of ongoing assembly polls in five states. It will have eight sittings from 31st January to 9th of February, 2017. 

iii.The two houses will have a month long recess from 10th February to 8th March to enable the Standing Committees to consider the Demands for Grants of Ministries and Departments and prepare their Reports. The second part of the budget session will commence from 9th of March and will continue till 12th of April, 2017.

iv.Apart from presentation of the general budget, 34 bills will be taken up for passing and consideration during the entire session. These include three ordinances which will be replaced through bills. The ordinances relate to Enemy Property, Payment of Wages and Specified Bank Notes.The other important legislations to be taken up include Goods and Services Tax, Central Goods and Services Tax ( Compensation for loss of revenue) and Integrated GST.

Economic Survey 2017 tabled in Parliament: Key highlights

Union finance minister Arun Jaitley on 31 January 2017 tabled the Economic Survey 2016-17 in Parliament budget session. The survey projects the economy to grow in the range of 6.75% to 7.25% in the next fiscal year 2017-18 in the post-demonetisation year.The survey prepared by chief economic adviser in the finance ministry Arvind Subramanian stated the adverse impact of demonetisation on GDP growth will be transitional. The Economic Survey 2016-17 advocates the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as an alternative to the various social welfare schemes in an effort to reduce poverty.

Here are the major highlights from the Economic Survey 2016-17:

i.Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2016-17 to dip to 6.5%, down from 7.6% in last fiscal.

ii.Economic growth to rebound to 6.75 to 7.5% in 2017-18.

iii.Economic Survey sees fiscal windfall from Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, low oil prices.

iv.Farm sector to grow at 4.1% in the current fiscal, up from 1.2% in 2015-16.

v.Fiscal gains from Goods and Services Tax (GST) will take time to realise.

vi.Growth rate of industrial sector estimated to moderate to 5.2% in 2016-17 from 7.4% last fiscal.

vii.The survey prepared by Chief Economic Adviser in the finance ministry Arvind Subramanian said the adverse impact of demonetisation on GDP growth will be transitional.

viii.The Economic Survey 2016-17 has advocated the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as an alternative to the various social welfare schemes in an effort to reduce poverty. 
CLICK HERE TO MORE ABOUT ECONOMIC SURVEY 2016-17

India Post Payments Bank starts pilot services

i.India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) kicked off its operations by rolling out pilot services in Raipur and Ranchi.The bank will offer an interest rate of 4.5% on deposits up to Rs25,000; 5% on deposits of Rs25,000-50,000 and 5.5% on Rs50,000-1,00,000.

ii.The paid up equity of the new bank is Rs800 crore, of which the government has already infused ?275 crore.

iii.The idea is to have a branch in every district and make 3 lakh postmen come alive in payment bank function.Also 1,000 ATMs of India Post will be transferred to IPPB.Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha stated that IPPB plans to have 650 branches across the country by September 2017.

RBI lifts ATM withdrawal limits from Feb 1, 2017

i.In a big relief to people, RBI has announced lifting of restrictions on daily withdrawal of money from ATMs with effect from 1 February 2017 and has also withdrawn all limits on Current Accounts and overdraft accounts with immediate effect

ii.In a circular to the banks the RBI however stated the weekly limits of 24 thousand rupees on Savings Bank accounts will continue.

FGII Enters Into Bancassurance Tie-Up With Bank Of Maharashtra

 i.Future Generali India Insurance Company (FGII) announced an agency tie-up with Pune based Bank of Maharashtra.

ii.To immensely benefit our customers by providing them an ease of access while choosing from a diverse range of non-life insurance products, all under one roof Bank-of-Maharashtra.
iii.It has tie-up with over 100 banks in India for bancassurance.Now it accounts for 5 per cent of Future Generali’s total business

First Edition of the North East Investors Summit Held in Shillong

 i.The first edition of the North East Investors Summit was inaugurated on January 29, 2017 by the Union Textiles Minister, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in Shillong, Meghalaya.

ii.The North East Investors Summit 2017 was jointly organized by the Union Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) of the Government of India in collaboration with industry associations Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). 

iii.The two day Summit concluded on January 30, 2017.Theme: Exploring Opportunities in North East Region.

UberMOTO launches service in Hyderabad

i.Cab-hailing firm Uber has launched two-wheeler aggregation service UberMOTO in Hyderabad. The firm, which has signed an agreement with the Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd recently, formally launched the services.

ii.Using the app, people can hire two-wheelers for short-distance commute at cheaper rates. The agreement was aimed at providing the last-mile connectivity from and to the upcoming Metro railway stations. Uber Founder and CEO Travis Kalanick came to Hyderabad last month to seal the deal

Karnataka Govt Approves Amending Laws to Lift Ban on Kambala & Bullock Cart Race

i.The Karnataka state cabinet approved amending Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bill, 1960 Act to legalize the Kambala and Bullock Cart Race which is a traditional festival held annually in Karnataka.

ii.The amendment Bill will be introduced by the state cabinet in the legislature session scheduled to be begin from February 6,2017.

Bombay Natural History Society launches climate change programme in Central Himalayas

i.The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has launched climate change programme to assess the status, distribution and conservation of pheasants and finches in the Central Himalayas.

ii.To evaluate the socio-economic activities of local communities and involve them in conservation efforts and sensitize the local forest department staff.This programme is funded by Oracle and facilitated by 

CAF-India.

Trump Bans 7 nations from Entering US on Security Issues

1.American President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to temporarily ban visas for refugees belonging to seven Muslim-majority countries namely Trump Bans 7 nations from Entering US on Security IssuesIraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

ii.The decision aims at protecting United States from the entry of foreign terrorists to keep the nation safe. The ban is not aimed at restricting Muslim countries from entering US.

Dushyant Chautala is new TTFI president

Dushyant Chautala has been appointed as the president of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). Chautala is the youngest president of the apex body. His term, which is for four years, extends until 2021.

Reliance Defence Signs Contract with Ministry of Defence to Construct 14 Fast patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard

i.Reliance Defence and Engineering Ltd (RDEL), a wholly owned arm of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd (RInfra), has signed a contract worth Rs. 916 crore with the Ministry of  Defence to design and construct 14 Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard. 

ii.The medium range, high speed vessels would be deployed for patrolling within the exclusive economic zone, costal surveillance, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, search and rescue operations. It will also provide support as front-line warships during emergencies.

KSEZ, Subsidiary of GMR group Signs MoUs With Firms to Set Up Manufacturing Units at Kakinada SEZ , Andhra Pradesh

i.Kakinada SEZ Ltd (KSEZ), a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure Limited (GIL), signed several MoUs with various companies during the CII Partnership Summit 2017 held on  GMRJanuary 27-28, 2017 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. 

ii.The MoU aimed at setting up World Class manufacturing units at the Kakinada SEZ in Andhra Pradesh spread over 8,500 acres at a cost of Rs. 47000 crore.

Priyanka Chopra among 150 most fashionable women

i.Indian actress Priyanka Chopra has made it to the list of Harper's Bazaar's 150 most fashionable women. 

ii.The 34-year-old "Quantico" star features on the list under the section of New Guard. Priyanka took to Twitter to share the news with her fans and followers.

Ashok Amritraj Appointed UN in India Goodwill Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals

i.Film producer and Wimbledon tennis player, Ashok Amritraj has been appointed the United Nations in India Goodwill Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals 

ii.Amritraj is the first Ambassador for the UN in India.He is responsible to generate momentum and commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and to foster engagement of new stakeholders in the implementation of these Goals.

Amulya Patnaik appointed as Delhi Police Chief

IPS officer from Union Territories cadre, Amulya Patnaik is appointed as Chief of Delhi police on January 30, 2017. He is succeeded by Alok Verma, who has been moved as the director of CBI.Patnail is currently workig as Delhi police special commissioner (administration).

Atomic clocks of Satellite IRNSS-1A Develops Technical Snag

i.The atomic clocks on the first satellite IRNSS-1A of the NAVIC, an indigenously built satellite system has developed technical complications.

ii.The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, A.S. Kiran Kumar informed that one of the three crucial rubidium clock on IRNSS-1A spacecraft failed six months ago while the other two failed subsequently.

Veteran journalist Devdutt passes away

i.Veteran journalist Devdutt passed away. He was 88. He was Gandhian since his early days and was present at Birla House in the lawn when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948.

ii. He was seasoned political commentator, who had brought out a journal of political opinion called Point of View. 

Read more: http://www.bankersadda.com/2017/01/current-affairs-daily-gk-update-31st.html#ixzz4XdfKEAvo

ఏపీపీఎస్సీ పంచాయతీ కార్యదర్శుల పరీక్ష

ఏపీపీఎస్సీ పంచాయతీ కార్యదర్శుల పరీక్ష

‘గ్రామీణాభివృద్ధి’ ప్రధానం

ఏపీపీఎస్సీ నిర్వహించనున్న పంచాయతీ కార్యదర్శుల పరీక్షలో గ్రామీణాభివృద్ధి అంశాలే కీలకమైనవి. అభ్యర్థులకు గ్రామీణాభివృద్ధిపై ఉన్న సమగ్ర అవగాహనను పరీక్షించేలా ఈ విభాగం నుంచి అడిగే ప్రశ్నలు ఉంటాయి. ఈ అంశాలపై నోటిఫికేషన్‌లో పేర్కొన్న విధంగా ఎలా ప్రిపేర్‌ అవ్వాలో తెలుసుకొందాం.

భారత్‌లో పంచాయతీరాజ్‌ వ్యవస్థ పరిణామం

                    ఈ అంశంపై అవగాహన ప్రాచీన భారతదేశ చరిత్ర నుంచే ఉండాలి. మౌర్యుల కాలంలో ‘ఇండికా’లో తెలిపిన పట్టణ పరిపాలన, చోళుల కాలంలో గ్రామ పరిపాలన, ఉత్తరమేరూర్‌ శాసనంలోని అంశాలు, మధ్యయుగం షేర్‌షా ప్రవేశపెట్టిన సంస్కరణలు, బ్రిటీషర్లు వచ్చిన తరవాత లార్డ్‌ మెయో కాలంలో చేసిన తీర్మానం, లార్డ్‌ రిప్పన చేసిన తీర్మానం, రాయల్‌ కమిషన ఇచ్చిన నివేదిక వంటి వాటిని అధ్యయనం చేయాలి.

స్వాతంత్ర్యానంతరం భారతదేశంలో భారత రాజ్యాంగంలోని అధికరణ 40, కమ్యూనిటీ డెవలప్‌మెంట్‌ ప్రోగ్రామ్‌-1952, నేషనల్‌ డెవలప్‌మెంట్‌ సర్వీసెస్‌ స్కీమ్‌, బల్వంతరాయ్‌ మెహతా కమిషన రిపోర్ట్‌ 1957, అశోక్‌మెహతా కమిషన, దంతవాలా కమిటీ, హనుమంతరావు కమిటీ, జి.వి.కె.రావు కమిటీ, ఎల్‌.ఎం.సింఘ్వి కమిటీ నివేదికలను పరిశీలించాలి. రాజీవ్‌గాంధీ ప్రవేశపెట్టిన రాజ్యాంగ సవరణలు, తుంగన కమిటీ నివేదిక, పి.వి.నరసింహారావు ప్రభుత్వం ప్రవేశపెట్టిన 73, 74వ రాజ్యాంగ సవరణలు తెలుసుకోవాలి. మద్రాస్‌ గ్రామ పంచాయతీ చట్టం-1950, మద్రాస్‌ డిసి్ట్రక్ట్స్‌ బోర్డ్‌ చట్టం 1950, ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ గ్రామ పంచాయతీ చట్టం 1950, హైదరాబాద్‌ గ్రామ పంచాయతీ చట్టం 1956 వంటి వాటిపై అవగాహన పెంచుకోవాలి.

ఇవే కాకుండా బల్వంతరాయ్‌ మెహతా కమిటీ నివేదిక తరవాత పంచాయతీరాజ్‌ వ్యవస్థ పరిణామం, ఇందులో భాగంగా ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ పంచాయతీ సమితి- జిల్లా పరిషత చట్టం 1959, ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ గ్రామ పంచాయతీ చట్టం 1964, ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ మండల ప్రజాపరిషత(ఎంపిపి), జిల్లా ప్రజాపరిషత (జెడ్‌పిపి), జిల్లా ప్రణాళిక అభివృద్ధి సమీక్షా మండల్‌(జెడ్‌ఎఎస్‌ఎం) చట్టం 1986, ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ పంచాయతీరాజ్‌ చట్టం 1994, ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ పంచాయతీరాజ్‌ ఎక్స్‌టెన్షన టు షెడ్యూల్డ్‌ ఏరియాస్‌ యాక్ట్‌ 1998పై అవగాహన అవసరం. చివరగా ఎన.టి.రామారావు కాలంలో ప్రవేశపెట్టిన మండల విధానం గురించి ప్రత్యేకంగా చదువుకోవాలి.

ఆంధ్రప్రదేశలో గ్రామీణాభివృద్ధి పథకాలు

ఈ అంశంపై అభ్యర్థి ప్రిపేర్‌ అయ్యేటప్పుడు కేవలం గ్రామీణాభివృద్ధి పథకాలే కాకుండా మొత్తం ప్రభుత్వ పథకాల గురించి తెలుసుకోవాలి. అది కరెంట్‌ అఫైర్స్‌కి కూడా ఉపయోగపడుతుంది. ముఖ్యంగా ఏపీలో అమల్లో ఉన్న పథకాలను గురించిన సమగ్ర సమాచారాన్ని అభ్యర్థులు సేకరించుకోవాలి. అవి...

ఆరోగ్య రక్ష పథకం, స్వాస్త్య విద్యావాహిని, అందరికీ ఆరోగ్యం, చంద్రన్న భీమా, ఏపీ ఫైబర్‌నెట్‌ ప్రాజెక్ట్‌, రైతు బంధు, ఎనటిఆర్‌ భరోసా, ప్రధాన మంత్రి ఉజ్వల్‌ యోజన, బంగారు తల్లి, మా ఇంటి మహాలక్ష్మి, సీ్త్రనిధి సహకార పరపతి సంఘం, భూమి పథకం, కృషి పథకం, ఉన్నతి పథకం, అభయహస్తం, వడ్డీలేని రుణాలు, జన్మభూమి- మా ఊరు, నీరు-చెట్టు, పంట సంజీవని, ఎనటిఆర్‌ జలశ్రీ, వాడ వాడలో చంద్రన్న బాట, తల్లీ బిడ్డ ఎక్స్‌ప్రెస్‌, స్మార్ట్‌ విలేజ్‌, స్మార్ట్‌ వార్డ్‌ టువార్డ్స్‌ స్మార్ట్‌ ఏపీ మొదలైనవి.

పైన తెలిపిన అంశాలే కాక పంచాయతీ కార్యదర్శి విధులు, గ్రామీణాభివృద్ధిలో పంచాయతీ కార్యదర్శి పాత్ర వంటి విషయాలను కూడా తెలుసుకోవాలి. గ్రామీణ ప్రాంతాల్లో పరపతి సాధనాలు, సహకార సంఘాల పాత్ర, స్వయం సహాయక బృందాల ద్వారా మహిళా సాధికారత వంటి వాటిపై అవగాహన పెంచుకోవాలి. తద్వారా స్ర్కీనింగ్‌, మెయిన పరీక్షకు ఒకేసారి ప్రిపేర్‌ అయినట్లు అవుతుంది.

ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ ప్రభుత్వం పంచాయతీ సంస్థల కోసం చేసిన వివిధ చట్టాలపై అవగాహన వచ్చాక, పంచాయతీరాజ్‌ వ్యవస్థపై నియమించిన కమిటీలు, వాటి నివేదికల గురించి తెలుసుకోవాలి. ముఖ్యంగా ఎం.ఆర్‌. పాయ్‌ కమిటీ(1963), ఎం.టి.రాజు కమిటీ(1967), జలగం వెంగళరావు కమిటీ(1968), సి.నరసింహ్మన కమిటీ(1978), చివరగా బిపిఆర్‌ విఠల్‌ కమిటీ(1991).

వీటి తరవాత ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ పంచాయతీరాజ్‌ వ్యవస్థలో ఎస్సీ/ఎస్టీ/బీసీ మహిళలకు ఉన్న రిజర్వేషన శాతాలు, రాష్ట్ర ఎన్నికల సంఘం, రాష్ట్ర ఆర్థిక సంఘం, 2007లో ఏర్పాటు చేసిన జిల్లా ప్రణాళిక కమిటీలు, ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ పంచాయతీరాజ్‌(సవరణ) చట్టం 1998, ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ పంచాయతీరాజ్‌ ఎక్స్‌టెన్షన టు షెడ్యూల్డ్‌ ఏరియాస్‌ రూల్స్‌ 2011పై కూడా అవగాహన పెంచుకోవాలి.

ఇవేకాకుండా రాజ్యాంగంలోని విభాగం తొమ్మిది, విభాగం 9(ఎ), అలాగే 11, 12 షెడ్యూళ్లపై సమగ్ర అవగాహన పెంచుకోవాలి. విభాగం 9లో ఉన్న అధికరణ 243(జి), విభాగం 9(ఎ)లో ఉన్న అధికరణ 243(డబ్ల్యూ) ముఖ్యమైనవి.

ఆంధ్రప్రదేశలో పంచాయతీరాజ్‌ వ్యవస్థ పరిణామం

ఈ అంశంపై పూర్తి అవగాహన రావా లంటే శాతవాహనుల కాలం నుంచే అధ్య యనం మొదలు పెట్టాలి. ఐదుగురు సభ్యు ల(పంచస్‌)తో గ్రామాల్లో పంచాయతీ ల ఏర్పాటు, కుల పంచాయతీల ఏర్పాటు, వేం గీ చాళుక్యుల కాలంలో పంచాయతీ విధా నం, కాక తీయుల కాలంలోని ఆయగార్ల వ్యవస్థ, విజయనగర సామ్రాజ్య కాలంలో స్థానిక పరిపాలన గురించి తెలుసుకోవాలి.

IDBI BANK

IDBI Bank Recruitment 2017 – Apply Online for 111 Manager, AGM & DGM Posts: IDBI Bank has invited applications for the recruitment of 111 Specialist Officer (Manager, Assistant General Manager (AGM) & Deputy General Manager (DGM)) vacancies for different functional areas. Eligible candidates may apply online from 01-02-2017 to 20-02-2017. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process & how to apply are given below…

IDBI Bank Vacancy Details:
Total No. of Posts: 111
Name of the Posts:
1. Deputy General Manager (Grade D): 13 Posts
2. Assistant General Manager (Grade C): 17 Posts
3. Manager (Grade B): 81 Posts

Age Limit: Candidates age limit should be 18 – 40/ 45 years for Post 1, 20 – 36 years for Post 2, 24 – 32 years for Post 3 as on 01-10-2016. Age relaxation is applicable to SC/ ST/ OBC/ Person with disabilities (PWD)/ Ex-Servicemen as per rules.

Educational Qualification: Candidates should possess Graduation with first class in any stream from a recognized University for Post 1, Graduation in B.Sc Agri or Veterinary Science or in any allied courses in Agri from a recognized University or Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University with Post Graduate qualification as M. Tech. Agri or MBAAgri or M.Sc in relevant discipline for Post 2, Graduation in Law from any recognized University/ Institution for post 3 with relevant experience.

Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on group discussion & personnel interview for Post 1, online written test, personnel interview for post 2, 3.

Application Fee: Candidates should pay Rs. 150/- (Intimation Charges) for SC/ ST/ PWD candidates and Rs. 700/- (Application fee + Intimation Charges) for all other candidates through online by using Debit Cards (RuPay/ Visa/ MasterCard/ Maestro), Credit Cards, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Cards/ Mobile Wallets.

How to Apply: Eligible candidates may apply online through the website www.idbi.com from 01-02-2017 to 20-02-2017.

Important Dates:
Starting Date to Apply Online & Payment of Fee: 01-02-2017.
Last Date to Apply Online & Payment of Fee: 20-02-2017.
Date of Online Test at all centers: 24-03-2017.

Read more: IDBI Bank Recruitment 2017 - Apply Online for 111 Manager, AGM & DGM Posts http://www.freejobalert.com/idbi-bank-recruitment/14467/#ixzz4WbUPWzIj

STUDY KIT

1. Bankersadda wishes You All a very Happy Republic Day

2. Bankersadda brings FLAT 26% on All Career Power Test Series

3. Computer Questions for IPPB Mains 2016 

4. ANTONYMS: NEW PATTERN QUIZ IBPS/SBI CLERK/PO EXAMS

5. Reasoning Questions for IPPB Mains 2017

6. Tricky questions of Reasoning for SSC CHSL

7. ENGLISH QUESTIONS FOR SSC CHSL 2016 EXAM  

8. The Current Affairs Show in English: 25th January 2017

9. (26th Jan) SSC CHSL Exam 2016 : Revision of "CURRENT AFFAIRS"

10. Math Questions for SSC CHSL EXAM

11. The Current Affairs Show in Hindi: 25th January 2017

12. HINDU Newspaper Vocabulary for IPPB mains 2017

13. Quantitative Aptitude Questions for IPPB PO Mains 2017

14. Frequently asked questions of Static Awareness in IBPS Exams

15. Bankersadda brings FLAT 26% on All Career Power Test Series

16. Current Affairs for IPPB mains 2017

17. Current Affairs: Daily GK Update 26th January, 2017

Read more:

Daily GK Update 26th January, 2017

                     Daily GK Update 26th January, 2017

Nation celebrates its 68th Republic Day 

i. India celebrates its 68th Republic Day today (26th January 2017). On January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India came into force, and Republic Day is celebrated to honour that day. On this day in 1950, the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad took the oath. President Pranab Mukherjee has started the ceremony by hoisting the Indian flag, following which the Republic Day Parade from Rajpath. The parade starts from Rajpath and ends at Red Fort in Delhi. Every year on Republic Day, India invites a visiting head of state, who is the state guest of honour (chief guest) for the ceremony. This year's guest of honour is the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 

ii. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally received the Prince at the airport, stated that United Arab Emirates (UAE) is India's valued partner and close ties between the two countries are important for the entire region. Though Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 with the Parade on Rajpath, the celebrations are spread over three days and end with the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29.

Madhya Pradesh CM announces total ban on polythene bags

i. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a total ban on polythene carry bags from May 1, 2017 across the state. "Use of polythene carry bags and their littering was affecting environment and cleanliness. 

ii. Besides, cows were dying eating such bags," he stated. "Three months are being given to polythene manufacturers before the ban," Chouhan added.

DU becomes first public varsity with 'monumental' flag

i. Nearly one year after all Central University vice-chancellors decided to install the national flag on their campuses, Delhi University's Hansraj College on 25th January 2017 has hoisted its first monumental flag. 

ii. DU is the first public university in the country to get a monumental flagpole, according to the Flag Foundation of India. The 100-feet high flag was hoisted by former MP Naveen Jindal.

MakeMyTrip launches India's 1st social luxury travel magazine

i. India's largest online travel portal MakeMyTrip has launched the first ever social luxury travel magazine called 'Luxury Travel Times'. The mobile-only magazine is targeted at luxury travellers and is released through innovative ad platforms like Facebook Canvas & Instagram-Stories. 

ii. 'Spa-cation', 'Heaven on Earth' & 'Heritage' were first few themes of the magazine presenting exotic choices to explore fine living.

US President Trump orders 2,000-mile wall to be built on Mexico border

i. President Donald Trump has signed directives to build a wall along the US border with Mexico and crack down on US cities that shield illegal immigrants, proceeding quickly on sweeping and divisive plans to kerb immigration and boost national security. The Republican President is also expected to take steps in the coming days to limit legal immigration, including executive orders restricting refugees and blocking the issuing of visas to people from several Muslim-majority Middle Eastern and North African countries including Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Libya and Yemen.

ii. Trump signed two executive orders at the Department of Homeland Security, one ordering construction of a wall along the roughly 2,000-mile (3,200kilometre) US-Mexico border and the other moving to strip federal grant money from “sanctuary” states and cities, often governed by Democrats, that harbour illegal immigrants.

Burj Khalifa lights up in 'Tricolour' to mark 68th Indian Republic Day

i. Burj Khalifa tower, the world's tallest building located in Dubai, has lit up in the colours of the Indian National flag on 25th January 2017 and 26th January 2017 to celebrate India's 68th Republic Day.

ii. The LED shows were to be held on both days along with complimenting Dubai Fountain shows. In addition to the shows, the Indian Consulate in Dubai has a flag-hoisting ceremony at the consulate premises by Consul General Anurag Bhushan, followed by flag-hoisting at the Indian High School grounds in Oud Metha, Dubai.

Gujarat government pardons 439 prisoners on Republic Day eve

i. Gujarat government has ordered released of 439 prisoners on humanitarian grounds on the eve of 68th Republic Day. Over half of these prisoners were serving the life sentence in different jails in Gujarat. The decision to pardon the remaining sentences of these 439 prisoners was taken by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

ii. This is for the first time that such a large number of prisoners have been pardoned by the state. The prisoners convicted for rape, multiple murders, robbery and under tough laws like POTA, TADA or under National Security Act, were not given state pardon.

US Emmy award-winning actress Mary Tyler Moore has passed away

i. Emmy award-winning US actress Mary Tyler Moore has passed away at the age of 80. She was best known for her television roles in the 1960s sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show and the eponymous The Mary Tyler Moore Show in the 1970s. 

ii. She was also nominated for the best actress Oscar in 1980 for the film Ordinary People. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Moore moved to Los Angeles when she was eight years old and started her career in show business as a dancer aged 17.

APPSC Notification 2017

APPSC Notification 2017 – Apply Online for 504 Lecturer Posts: Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has invited applications for the recruitment of 504 Lecturer vacancies in Government Degree Colleges in A.P. Collegiate Education Service. Eligible candidates may apply online from 29-12-2016 to 28-01-2017. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process & how to apply are given below…

APPSC Vacancy Details:
Total No. of Posts: 504
Name of the Post: Lecturer
Name of the Subject:
1. English: 58 Posts
2. Telugu: 22 Posts
3. Hindi: 07 Posts
4. Urdu: 06 Posts
5. Oriya: 01 Post
6. Commerce: 50 Posts
7. Economics: 17 Posts
8. History: 22 Posts
9. Political Science: 29 Posts
10. Mathematics: 38 Posts
11. Physics: 39 Posts
12. Chemistry: 40 Posts
13. Botany: 28 Posts
14. Zoology: 25 Posts
15. Statistics: 06 Posts
16. Bio-Technology: 03 Posts
17. Micro-Biology: 05 Posts
18. Computer Applications: 25 Posts
19. Computer Science: 81 Posts
20. Geology: 02 Posts

Age Limit: Candidates age limit should be between 18 – 42 years as on 01-07-2016. Age relaxation is applicable as per rules.

Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess Masters Degree in the relevant subject with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent Grade, PhD Degree & passed National Eligibility Test.

Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on screening test/ main examination, computer based test, mock test, written examination, verification/ interview.

Application & Processing Fee: Candidates should pay Rs. 370/- (Rs. 250/- for Application Fee + Rs. 120/- for Examination Fee) through online by using payments gate way/ Net Banking/ Credit card / Debit Card. No examination fee for SC, ST, BC, PH & Ex-Service Men, Families having Household Supply White Card issued by Civil Supplies Department, A.P. Government. (Residents of Andhra Pradesh), Un employed youth in the age group of 18 to 42 years as per G.O.Ms.No.439, G.A.(Ser.A) Dept., dated: 18-10-1996 should submit declaration at an appropriate time to the Commission.

How to Apply: Eligible candidates may apply online through the website www.psc.ap.gov.in from 29-12-2016 to 28-01-2017.

Important Dates:

Starting Date to Apply Online	29-12-2016
Last Date to Apply Online	28-01-2017
Last Date for Payment of Fee	28-01-2017 up to 11.59 mid night
Date for Main Examination	06-06-2017 FN & AN
Date for Download of Hall Tickets	07 days before commencement of Examination

For more details like pay scale, scheme of examination, center for the written examination & other information click on the link given below…

READ MORE:HTTP://WWW.FREEJOBALERT.COM/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2016/12/NOTIFICATION-APPSC-LECTURER-POSTS.PDF

APPLY ONLINE:https://www.psc.ap.gov.in/

Daily GK Update 25th January, 2017

National Voters’ Day being observed Today (25 January 2017)

i.The Election Commission of India will celebrate the 7th National Voters’ Day across the country today (25 January 2017) for enhanced participation of citizens in the electoral process. 

 ii.The National level function will be held in New Delhi. President Pranab Mukherjee will give away awards for best electoral practices to District Collectors, Superintendents of Police and other functionaries involved in election management.

iii.25th January is also the foundation day of the Election Commission, which came into being on this day in 1950. The Commission's objective through National Voters’ Day is to increase enrollment of voters, especially of the newly eligible ones. The Day is also utilized to spread awareness among voters regarding effective participation in the electoral process.

List of Padma awardees 2017

The list of the Padma awards is out,The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, preceded by Bharat Ratna and followed by Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri (also Padmashree) is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. Awarded by the Government of India, it is announced every year on India's Republic Day. This Year both Padma Vibhushan and Padma Shri awards given are as follows:

i.Padma Vibhushan awardees: Sharad Pawar, Murli Manohar Joshi, K.J.Yesudas, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, P.A. Sangma, Sunder Lal Patwah, VishwaMohan Bhat. 

ii.Padma Shri awardees: Basanti Visht, Chemanchari K. Nair, Sadhu Meher, T. K. Murthy, Emrat Khan, L. Birender Kumar Singh, Baoa Devi, Tilak Gitai, Kailash Kher, Mukund Naik, Sukri Bommagowda, Anuradha Podwal, Wareppa Naba Nil, T. K. Vishwanathanan, Kanwal Sibal, G. Venkata Subbaiah, Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri, Birkha Bahadur Limboo Muringla, Eli Ahmed, Bhavna Somaya, Kashinath Pandit,Harkishan Singh, Dr Mukut Minz, Sanjeev Kapoor, Ashok Kumar Bhattacharya, H. R. Shah,Anuradha Koirala, Dr Mapuskar, Karimul Haque, Virat Kohli, Sakshi Malik, Dipa Karmakar, Vikas Gowda, Srijesh, M. Thanghavelu.

Cabinet Approvals- January 24, 2017

i. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the Indian Institute of Management(IIM) Bill, 2017 on January 24, 2017 that aims to declare IIMs as Institutions of National Importance.

ii. Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval on for interest waiver for the two months of November and December, 2016 for farmers accessing short term crop loans from Cooperative Banks.

iii. As a part of government’s commitment for financial inclusion and social security the Union Cabinet has given its post-facto approval to launch Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017 (VPBY 2017) on January 24, 2017.

iv. Union Cabinet on January 24, 2017 approved a new scheme for promotion of Rural Housing in the country.

v. PM Modi gave approval for the ratification of the Second Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol on containing the emission of Green House Gases (GHGs) which was adopted in 2012. Till date, 65 countries have ratified the Second Commitment Period.

vi. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the proposal of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) on January 24, 2017 for redevelopment of Pragati Maidan by setting up of a world class Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

SC for daily drug dosage regimen for TB patients

i.The Supreme Court  gave the government nine months to replace the thrice-a-week dosage norm of tuberculosis drugs with a daily dosage regimen recently approved by the World Health Organisation to curb relapse and deaths during treatment.

ii.A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar directed the government to ensure that efforts are made so that the patients across the country are administered the new dosage regimen.

Assam launches ‘Chief Minister’s Award’ to reward districts adopting digital payments

i.In a bid to promote digital transaction in Assam, the Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal on January 22, 2017 announced the launch of ‘Chief Minister’s Award’ while inaugurating the Digi Dhan Mela in the state.

ii.The Chief Minister’s Award would be given to the best performing district of the state that adopts digital payment methods and also educate larger section of the society about the cashless transaction.The winning district’s Deputy Commissioner would be presented a prize of Rs 50,000 at the end of financial year 2016-2017 after March 31, 2017.

India and UAE sign 14 agreements after delegation level talks between PM Modi & visiting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

i.India and the UAE inked 14 agreements in various areas including in defence, maritime transport, comprehensive strategic partnership, shipping, agriculture and allied sector, trade, oil storage and management, energy efficiency, road transport and highways and prevention and combating human trafficking. 

ii.The agreements were signed after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. 

UN appoints Director of UNIC in New Delhi

i.Derk Segaar has been appointed Director of the New Delhi based United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) covering India and the Kingdom of Bhutan by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

ii.Earlier he was the Head of Communications of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in New York. 

Rubber Soil Information System (RubSIS) launched by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry for Rubber Growers

i.The Minister of Commerce & Industry, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman launched Rubber Soil Information System (RubSIS) in New Delhi to provide the detail  RubSISabout the soil quality to the rubber growers to enhance productivity besides reducing the cost of production.

ii. RubSIS is an online platform developed to recommend application of appropriate mix of fertilizers to the specific plantations of rubber growers depending upon their soil nature.

PVR Launches Theater on Demand Service VKAAO

i.The Multiplex chain operator PVR has launched a theatre on demand service ‘VKAAO’ on January 20, 2017.

ii.Vkaao is an online platform that will enable consumers to watch any movie of their  PVRchoice at a theatre of their choice. It would empower the viewers to choose what they want to watch, when and where.

India UK Join Hands to Launch Project to Tackle Delhi Air Pollution Risks

India has partnered with the British experts over a project that aims to study the air pollution level in Delhi and health problems associated it.The project ‘ASAP-Delhi: An Integrated Study of Air Pollutant Sources in the Delhi National Capital Region’ would be led by University of Birmingham and would also involve experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, the Indian National Physical Laboratory and the University of Surrey.

Nikki Haley confirmed as new US envoy to UN

i.In United States, the Senate has confirmed Nikki Haley as the next Ambassador to the United Nations, making her the first Indian-American to serve on a Cabinet rank position in any presidential administration. 

ii.Forty-five-year old Haley was approved by the Senate on a 96-4 vote. Senate Foreign Relations Committee earlier overwhelmingly approved the nomination of the South Carolina Governor as the next US Ambassador to the United Nations.

Trump signs executive orders to advance Keystone XL, Dakota Access pipelines

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to advance controversial Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. His latest actions to overturn the policies of former President Barack Obama, the nation's chief executive he replaced recently.

BookMyShow acquires MastiTickets

i.BookMyShow has acquired MastiTickets, an online ticket booking firm, for an undisclosed amount.The two-year-old Hyderabad start-up has presence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Hyderabad firm has eight employees, while BookMyShow has over 1,000 employees.

ii.The acquisition gives 120 cinemas in the two States. The acquisition of MastiTickets fit perfectly into its expansion strategy,” Ashish Hemrajani, Chief Executive Officer Officer and Co-Founder, BookMyShow, stated.

Venezuela awards peace prize to Russia Prez Vladimir Putin

i.Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has awarded the first ever Hugo Chavez Prize for Peace and Sovereignty to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

ii.The award, that honours Venezuela's former President Hugo Chavez, recognised "Putin as a great leader of peace". Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had earlier called Putin a fighter for peace.

Revv to launch services in Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur

i.Revv, the Delhi NCR-based shared mobility platform, is launching its car sharing services in three new cities Mumbai, Chennai and Jaipur taking its national footprint to seven cities.

ii.Revv is already available in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chandigarh. It now plans to expand its footprint to 20-25 cities by the end of 2017.

China Develops World’s Biggest Solar Park

i. In an effort to become the super powerful occupier of green energy, China has built the world’s biggest solar park, Longyangxia Dam Solar Park, in the western province of Qinghai. 

ii.The park spans over 27 square km of area and can produce 850 MW of power which is enough to supply up to 200,000 households. The construction of the solar park began in 2013 and total costs around $875 million (around Rs. 6,000 crore).

Matthew Hayden inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame

i.Former Australian cricketers Matthew Hayden and David Boon have been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. 

ii.Betty Wilson, an icon of women's cricket, who was known as the 'female Bradman' during her career in the 1940s and 1950s, was also added to the Hall of Fame. The trio will be formally inducted on the Allan Border Medal night.

Retired Watson bags Australia's T20I player of the Year award

i.Retired all-rounder Shane Watson has been adjudged Cricket Australia's T20 International Player of the Year.

ii.Watson was the 2nd highest run-getter during the voting period from January 8, 2016 to January 7, 2017. He had announced his retirement from international cricket in March last year.

Kremlin to host 2018 FIFA World Cup finals

i.The draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals hosted by Russia will take place in the Kremlin the country’s Football Union (RFU) chief Vitaly Mutko stated. 

ii.Mutko, Russia’s deputy prime minister, stated FIFA had approved the plan, which world football’s ruling body later confirmed.The World Cup finals draw ceremony will take place.

Virender Sehwag Named Kings XI Punjab Brand Ambassador

i.Kings XI Punjab have appointed Virender Sehwag as their head of cricket operations and strategy, and brand ambassador too for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

ii.Virender Sehwag is a former Indian cricketer, and a former captain of India. Often considered as one of the most destructive batsman of the game.