Top GKToday’s News Headlines – 29 August 2019
Here are the top News Headlines of 29 August 2019 for all competitive examinations of India.
India Current Affairs
HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal launches integrated web portal for school education ‘Shagun’
Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank launched a web portal ‘Shagun’ to provide all-inclusive information on school education including the results of students through a single platform.
India launches world’s first facial biometric data-based identity document (ID) for seafarers
India has become the first country in the world to issue Biometric Seafarer Identity Document (BSID), capturing the facial biometric data of seafarers. It is a marked improvement over the two finger or iris based bio-metric data.
IMD hands over Kochi Cyclone Detection Radar (CDR) building to Indian Navy
India Meteorological Department (IMD) signed MoU with the Indian Navy to hand over Cyclone Detection Radar (CDR) building in Kochi to naval forces for meteorological purposes.
Cabinet approves setting up of an international Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in New Delhi
The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of an international Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) along with its supporting secretariat office in New Delhi.
Kalinga-FCC Awards for Excellence in Journalism for 2019 presented in New Delhi
Kalinga-FCC Awards for Excellence in Journalism for 2019 were presented in New Delhi. The awards are aimed at encouraging extensive and informed coverage in the global media of India and other SAARC countries.
CCEA approves establishment of 75 additional Government Medical Colleges by 2021-22
CCEA has approved the establishment of 75 additional Government Medical Colleges by 2021-22 attached with existing district/referral hospitals under Phase-III of the ongoing Centrally Sponsored scheme.
12th India Security Summit on the theme “Towards New National Cyber Security Strategy” held in New Delhi
12th India Security Summit on the theme “Towards New National Cyber Security Strategy” was held in New Delhi. Issues discussed included protection of critical national infrastructure, emerging cyber threats: incidents, challenges and response.
Kerala first, Madhya Pradesh last on the India Child Well-Being Index of World Vision India and IFMR LEAD
Kerala has been ranked first while Madhya Pradesh is last on the India Child Well-Being Index introduced in a report by NGO World Vision India and research institute IFMR LEAD. This report provides insights on health, nutrition, education, sanitation and child protection.
Economy & Corporate Current Affairs
BSE Sensex: 37,451.84 (–189.43), NSE Nifty: 11,046.10 (–59.25)
The 30-share BSE Sensex settled 189.43 points, or 0.50 per cent, lower at 37,451.84. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty fell 59.25 points, or 0.53 per cent, to 11,046.10.
100% FDI under automatic route in coal mining and sale of coal as also associated infrastructure activity allowed
100% FDI under automatic route in coal mining and sale of coal as also associated infrastructure activity has been allowed to help attract international players to create an efficient and competitive coal market.
26% FDI permitted in digital media on the lines of print media
26% FDI permitted under government route for uploading/ streaming of news and current affairs through Digital Media on the lines of print media.
FDI in single-brand retail trading (SBRT): Definition of 30% local sourcing norm relaxed and online sales permitted without prior opening of brick and mortar stores
FDI in single-brand retail trading (SBRT): Definition of 30% local sourcing norm relaxed and online sales permitted without prior opening of brick and mortar stores
100% FDI under automatic route allowed in contract manufacturing
100% FDI under automatic route has been allowed in contract manufacturing to give a big boost to domestic manufacturing.
India Ratings and Research revises downward GDP growth forecast for 2019-20 to 6.7% from 7.3%
India Ratings and Research revised downward GDP growth forecast to 6.7% from an earlier estimate of 7.3% for 2019-20 due to weak consumption demand, monsoon and slowdown in manufacturing growth.
Renault launches seven-seater Triber in India, prices start at Rs 4.95 lakh
Renault launches seven-seater Triber in India, prices start at Rs 4.95 lakh. The new model would bridge the gap between Kwid and company’s other SUV offerings like Duster and Captur
Harman introduces Infinity brand audio products in India
Audio products maker Harman, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of South Korea’s Samsung Electronics, has introduced lifestyle audio brand Infinity in India.
Bimal Jalan Committee, set up to review RBI’s economic capital framework, suggests periodic review of the framework after every five years
The Bimal Jalan Committee, set up to review RBI’s economic capital framework, has suggested review of the framework after every five years. It has also called for aligning the central bank’s accounting year with the financial year which could reduce the need for paying interim dividend.
Harley-Davidson introduces its first BS-VI certified motorcycle ‘Street 750’ priced at ₹5.47 lakh
American bike-maker Harley-Davidson introduced its first BS-VI certified two-wheeler — Street 750 — with a price tag of Rs. 5.47 lakh. The company also showcased its electric vehicle, LiveWire, in India.
World Current Affairs
India win four medals including one gold at WorldSkills competition in Kazan, Russia
India won four medals -at the 45th WorldSkills competition held in Kazan, Russia. Gold was won by S. Aswatha Narayana in water technology. Pranav Nutalapati won silver in web technologies, Sanjoy Pramanik and Shweta Ratanpura won bronze medals in jewellery and graphic design technology respectively.
EAM S. Jaishankar unveils statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Indian embassy in Moscow
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the premises of the Indian embassy in Moscow on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary.
Pavan Kapoor appointed as India’s Ambassador to UAE
Senior diplomat Pavan Kapoor has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Kapoor, a 1990-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, will replace Navdeep Suri.
US opens a diplomatic mission for Venezuela in Bogota, Colombia
The US opened a diplomatic mission for Venezuela in Colombian capital Bogota, months after suspending its embassy in Caracas as Washington seeks to oust President Nicolas Maduro.
‘Virgin’ to be removed from marriage certificates in Bangladesh
Brides in Bangladesh will no longer have to declare if they are ‘virgins’ on marriage certificates, as per a high court ruling. Men are not required to make any such declaration.
Former Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech dies at the age of 82
Former Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech died at the age of 82. He is credited with driving the Germany-based VW from the brink of bankruptcy to become a global empire.
Sports Current Affairs
V K Vismaya wins gold in women’s 400 m at Josef Seckr Memorial (MJS) athletics in Czech Republic
Indian sprinter V K Vismaya produced a personal best timing of 52.12s to clinch the gold medal in the women 400m run at the International Athletic Meeting — Josef Seckr Memorial (MJS) in Brno, Czech Republic.
29 August: National Sports Day
National Sports Day is being celebrated on 29 August, 2019. This day marks the birth anniversary of India’s hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand who helped India win gold medals in Olympics in 1928, 1932 and 1936.
