DAILY GK UPDATE: 8TH NOVEMBER

1. India, UK to enhance cooperation in cyber security, counter-terrorism & civil nuclear energy
India, UK have decided to enhance cooperation in cyber security, counter-terrorism & civil nuclear energy. Security situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other parts of the region and cooperation in key areas, including civil nuclear energy, defence, counter-terrorism and cyber security were discussed between External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and his British counterpart William Hague in New Delhi today.
NOTE:- The two leaders, held comprehensive delegation-level talks, also discussed international issues such as Syria with both sides expressing readiness to support the efforts for peaceful resolution to the crisis there.
2. Govt approves disinvestment of 10% paid up equity of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
Government today approved disinvestment of 10 per cent equity in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL out of its holding 100 per cent through Initial Public Offer (IPO) in the domestic market. This decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in New Delhi today. NOTE:- Finance Minister P Chidambram said 5 per cent discount on the issue price will be allowed for retail investors as well as to eligible employees of HAL. He said the disinvestment of HAL will take place in the next fiscal. Mr Chidambram also said that the government have to achieve the target of 30,000 crores rupees in the current fiscal through disinvestment.

3. Biometric Attendance for Teachers in the State of UP

Uttar Pradesh Government announced to install solar-run biometric attendance systems in Government-run schools to put a check on teachers. A control room is going to be set up in the State capital in the city of Lucknow to monitor and keep a record of teachers’ attendance.

NOTE:-Marking the project a solar biometric system was already set up at the Mati Higher Secondary School in Sarojini Nagar in Lucknow. The installed biometric devices apart from registering attendance will monitor on the Mid-day meal scheme too.

4. UK Lifted Travel Advisory on Jammu and Kashmir

United Kingdom lifted its around twenty years old travel advisory for its nationals against travel to Srinagar, Jammu and Ladakh, referring improvements of the security situation in the State.

NOTE:- The lifting of travel advisory came to testimony the fact that security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is improved. The UK Foreign office declared on their website that they no longer advise against travel to Jammu and Kashmir or against travel on the Jammu to Srinagar highway.

The lifting of Travel Advisory came just before British foreign secretary William Hague’s visit to India.

5. Gaganjeet Bhullar Declared Youngest Indian on Golfer List

Indian Golf Player Gaganjeet Bhullar became the First Indian who made it to the elite group of the world’s top-100 players in the latest ranking.

NOTE:- The title was previously held by Jeev Milkha Singh, who broke the record in 2006 at the age of 34 with Jyoti Randhawa following him in the same year when he was also aged 34.

6. Mahendra Singh Dhoni Renamed his Super Bike Team and Signed Two New Members

Indian cricket team Captain M.S. Dhoni’s Superbike championship team changed its name from MSD R-N Racing Team India to Mahi Racing Team India and had signed two new members.

NOTE:- The two new members that had been signed up are world champion Kenan Sofouglu and former world champion Fabien Foret.

7. CCEA approves release of funds for establishing 21 integrated textile parks

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA, today approved the release of funds for establishing 21 integrated textile parks with a total investment of 819 crore rupees during the 12th Five Year Plan. NOTE:-The objective of the parks is to provide the industry world-class infrastructure facilities for setting up their textiles units.

8. AP HC quashes life ban against former Indian skipper Azharuddin

Andhra Pradesh High Court today struck down the life-ban imposed against Indian cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin. The Divisional Bench comprising Justice Asuthosh Mohantha and Justice Krishna Mohan Reddy has asked the BCCI to lift the ban against the former cricket captain.

NOTE:-The BCCI had imposed life ban against the cricketer after a thorough inquiry in connection with match fixing allegations. Azharuddin had filed a petition in the High Court challenging the lower court’s order that upheld the ban.

9. Drug major Cipla slashes price of three drugs by up to 64%

Drug major Cipla today slashed prices of its three generic cancer drugs -- Erlocip, Docetax and Capegard -- by up to 64%.

NOTE:- The drugs are used for treating lung and pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, head & neck cancer, gastric cancer, bladder, colorectal and colon cancers.

10. Greek parl approves new $17.3 billion austerity package

Greek parliament narrowly approved today a new 17.3 billion U.S. dollars austerity package aiming to clear the way for the release of fresh bailout loans to the debt-laden country. 

Deputy Speaker Thanassis Nakos said the vote will ensure Greek's position within the eurozone. 

NOTE:- The omnibus bill, containing the third set of harsh spending cuts and reforms in two years, was presented as a prerequisite for the disbursement in coming weeks of the next 31.5-billion-euro tranche from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund creditors who have been keeping Greece afloat since 2010.