Daily updates 9 april 2018

National News

1. India and Nepal Agree to Strengthen Bilateral Relations in Key Areas

i. India and Nepal have agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations in key areas of border security, connectivity, trade and agriculture. The two countries agreed to
develop inland waterways for overall economic development of the region.
ii. Aiming to expand cross-border rail linkages, the two sides have also decided to construct a new electrified rail line, with India’s financial support. The rail line will connect the border city of Raxaul in India to Kathmandu in Nepal. 

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Nepal Capital- Kathmandu, Currency- Nepalese rupee, President- Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister- Khadga Prasad Oli. 

2. Tripura CM Launches State Component of PMKVY

i. Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb launched the state component of Pradhanmantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) in Agartala. He assured that the target to give training to more than 1 lakh 16,000 youths by 2020.
ii. Tripura is the first state in the North East to implement the state component of PMKVY through Directorate of Skill Development (DSD). 

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Tripura CM- Biplab Kumar Deb, Governor- Tathagata Roy, Capital- Agartala.

3. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Launched in Delhi

i. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) scheme in Delhi and distributed new LPG connections and cylinders to beneficiaries.
ii. During the event, about 400 LPG connections were handed over to families belonging to below poverty line category. Target under this scheme has been increased from the existing 5 crore connections to 8 crore connections by 2020.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

PMUY was launched in May 2016.

The objective of this scheme is to provide deposit-free LPG connections with monetary assistance to women from below poverty line (BPL) households



4. Assam's Spring Festival Begins in Manas National Park

i. The two-day Assam Spring Festival began at the Manas National Park where visitors will get to experience the state's local food, music, handloom and handicrafts. 
ii. The aim of the event is to promote the local food and culture of the fringe villagers. It is an attempt to create a model of alternative livelihood through food, handloom and Cultural Park.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Manas National Park is also a tiger and rhino reserve which covers five districts of Assam.

International News

5. President 3-Nation Visit: India and Equatorial Guinea Sign 4 Agreements

i. India and Equatorial Guinea sign four agreements in the field of agriculture, mining, health, telecommunications and IT after delegation-level talks between Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
ii. The two countries agreed to work together at UN, where Equatorial Guinea has just begun a two-year term on the Security Council. President Kovind is on the first leg of his 3-nation visit to Equatorial Guinea.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Capital- Malabo, Currency- Central African CFA franc.

6. Nitin Gadkari on 4-Day Visit to South Korea

i. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari is on a four-day official visit to South Korea. 
ii. Mr Gadkari’s visit is aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations and further cementing cooperation in areas, including sharing of technology, experience in port development and joint participation in port-related construction.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

South Korean President- Moon Jae-in, Capital- Seoul.

7. UAE and Malaysia Conclude Joint Military Exercise 'Desert Tiger 5'

i. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia concluded joint military exercise “Desert Tiger 5” aimed at sharing expertise and enhancing joint military actions in Dubai, UAE.
ii. The military exercise was aimed at raising the level of performance and combat efficiency and working together between both countries based on the strategy to improve the overall ability and combat readiness of ground forces.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

The UAE Capital- Abu Dhabi, Currency- UAE dirham.

Malaysia Capital- Kuala Lumpur, Currency- Malaysian ringgit.

Banking/Economy News

8. FPI Investment Limit in Government Securities Hiked

i. In a move that could temporarily soften bond yields, the Reserve Bank of India, in consultation with the Government, hiked the foreign portfolio investors (FPI) investment limit in Central government securities (G-Sec) from 5% of outstanding stock now to 5.5% in FY2019 and 6% in FY2020.
ii. The FPI investment in state development loans (SDLs) has been left unchanged at 2% of outstanding stock of securities.

9. Deutsche Bank Names Christian Sewing New CEO

i. Deutsche Bank AG named Christian Sewing as the Chief Executive officer of the Bank. He has replaced John Cryan. Sewing will take over with immediate effect.
ii. Garth Ritchie was promoted to sole head of the securities unit and will become a deputy CEO, along with chief administrative officer Karl von Rohr.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Deutsche Bank established its first branch in India in 1980.

Deutsche Bank Headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.



10. RBI Switches Back to GDP Scale to Measure Economy

i. The Reserve Bank of India switched back to the gross domestic product (GDP)-based measure to offer its growth estimates from the gross value added (GVA) methodology, citing global best practices.
ii. The government had started analysing growth estimates using GVA methodology from January 2015 and had also changed the base year to 2018 from January.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Urjit Patel- 24th Governor of RBI, Headquarters- Mumbai, Established on- 1st April 1935, in Kolkata.

While GVA gives a picture of the state of economic activity from the producers’ side or supply side, the GDP model gives the picture from the consumers’ side or demand perspective.



11. India's Foreign Exchange Reserves Hit a Life-Time High

i. India’s foreign exchange reserves hit a life-time high of 424.361 billion US dollar after rising by 1.828 billion dollar in the week to March 30, according to the Reserve Bank of India data.
ii. Gold reserves remained unchanged at 21.614 billion US dollar.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Arun Jaitley is the present Finance Minister of India.

Dr Urjit Patel is the 24th Governor of RBI.





RBI Headquarters in Mumbai.

Awards

12. Anushka Sharma to Get Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Award

i. Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma will be awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Award for her successful movies as a producer.
ii. The award will be given by an organisation called Dadasaheb Phalke Foundation, a Mumbai-based organisation, which is different from the Government of India instituted Dadasaheb Phalke Award, awarded during National Awards ceremony held annually in New Delhi.

Sports News

13. Sebastian Vettel Wins Bahrain Grand Prix

i. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel won his second Grand Prix in as many races, at the Bahrain Grand Prix, while Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas finished second by just 0.699 seconds.
ii. Meanwhile, reigning world champion Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton finished third.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Bahrain Capital- Manama, Currency- Bahraini dinar.

CWG 2018

14. Jitu Rai and Mehuli Ghosh Breaks CWG Record

i. Jitu Rai broke the games record to claim the gold medal by some distance in men's 10m air pistol, at the ongoing 21st Commonwealth Games. Om Prakash Mitharval bagged bronze in the same event. Australia's Kerry Bell secured the silver medal, having managed to topple Mitharval from the second position.
ii. India's 17-year-old shooter Mehuli Ghosh set a Commonwealth Games joint record to win silver in the women's 10m Air Rifle event. Ghosh and eventual gold medallist Singapore's Martina Lindsay Veloso both ended with record score following which the winner was decided by a shoot-off. India's 25-year-old shooter Apurvi Chandela won a bronze medal in the same event.

15. India Win Badminton Team Gold for 1st Time in CWG History

i. India clinched their first-ever badminton mixed team event gold in Commonwealth Games history after defeating defending champions Malaysia 3-1 in the final at Gold Coast.
ii. India's previous best performance in mixed team event at CWG was a silver-medal finish in the 2010 edition. Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth represented India in singles' matches of the five-member team event.

16. Indian Men's TT Team Wins Gold

i. India defeated Nigeria to clinch gold in the men's table tennis team event at the Commonwealth Games for the first time since 2006.
ii. With this, India joined England to bag second-most table tennis gold medals (5) at CWG. This is the first time that India have won both men's and women's TT team events at a single CWG edition.

17. Weightlifter Punam Yadav Wins 5th Gold For India

i. India’s weightlifter Punam Yadav won gold in the Women’s 69kg weightlifting category. Yadav lifted a combined total of 222kg (100 snatch and 122 clean and jerk) and defeated England’s Sarah Davies her closest competitor to take her second medal at the Commonwealth Games.
ii. This was India’s fifth gold medal in the ongoing games. Venkat Rahul Ragala
earned India the fourth Gold medal after lifting 338 kilograms in the Men’s 85 kg category.

18. Indian Women’s TT Team Wins Gold

i. India has bagged three more Gold, one Silver and two bronze medals at the 21st Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast on the fourth day. Indian women’s Table Tennis team won their first ever Gold Medal defeating Singapore.
ii.  Manika Batra led Table tennis team’s victory was historic as Singapore had never lost since 2002.

Schottky diode full explanation

Schottky diode definition

Schottky diode is a metal-semiconductor junction diode that has less forward voltage drop than the P-N junction diode and can be used in high-speed switching applications. 

What is a schottky diode?

In a normal p-n junction diode, a p-type semiconductorand an n-type semiconductor are used to form the p-n junction. When a p-type semiconductor is joined with an n-type semiconductor, a junction is formed between the P-type and N-type semiconductor. This junction is known as P-N junction. 

In schottky diode, metals such as aluminum or platinum replace the P-type semiconductor. The schottky diode is named after German physicist Walter H. Schottky.

Schottky diode is also known as schottky barrier diode, surface barrier diode, majority carrier device, hot-electron diode, or hot carrier diode. Schottky diodes are widely used in radio frequency (RF) applications.

When aluminum or platinum metal is joined with N-type semiconductor, a junction is formed between the metal and N-type semiconductor. This junction is known as a metal-semiconductor junction or M-S junction. A metal-semiconductor junction formed between a metal and n-type semiconductor creates a barrier or depletion layer known as a schottky barrier.

Schottky diode can switch on and off much faster than the p-n junction diode. Also, the schottky diode produces less unwanted noise than p-n junction diode. These two characteristics of the schottky diode make it very useful in high-speed switching power circuits. 

When sufficient voltage is applied to the schottky diode, current starts flowing in the forward direction. Because of this current flow, a small voltage loss occurs across the terminals of the schottky diode. This voltage loss is known as voltage drop.

A silicon diode has a voltage drop of 0.6 to 0.7 volts, while a schottky diode has a voltage drop of 0.2 to 0.3 volts. Voltage loss or voltage drop is the amount of voltage wasted to turn on a diode.

In silicon diode, 0.6 to 0.7 volts is wasted to turn on the diode, whereas in schottky diode, 0.2 to 0.3 volts is wasted to turn on the diode. Therefore, the schottky diode consumes less voltage to turn on.

The voltage needed to turn on the schottky diode is same as that of a germanium diode. But germanium diodes are rarely used because the switching speed of germanium diodes is very low as compared to the schottky diodes.

Symbol of schottky diode

The symbol of schottky diode is shown in the below figure. In schottky diode, the metal acts as the anode and n-type semiconductor acts as the cathode.

Metal-semiconductor (M-S) junction

Metal-semiconductor (M-S) junction is a type of junction formed between a metal and an n-type semiconductor when the metal is joined with the n-type semiconductor. Metal-semiconductor junction is also sometimes referred to as M-S junction. 

The metal-semiconductor junction can be either non-rectifying or rectifying. The non-rectifying metal-semiconductor junction is called ohmic contact. The rectifying metal-semiconductor junction is called non-ohmic contact.

What is a schottky barrier?

Schottky barrier is a depletion layer formed at the junction of a metal and n-type semiconductor. In simple words, schottky barrier is the potential energybarrier formed at the metal-semiconductor junction.The electrons have to overcome this potential energy barrier to flow across the diode.

The rectifying metal-semiconductor junction forms a rectifying schottky barrier. This rectifying schottky barrier is used for making a device known as schottky diode. The non-rectifying metal-semiconductor junction forms a non-rectifying schottky barrier.

One of the most important characteristics of a schottky barrier is the schottky barrier height. The value of this barrier height depends on the combination of semiconductor and metal.

The schottky barrier height of ohmic contact (non-rectifying barrier) is very low whereas the schottky barrier height of non-ohmic contact (rectifying barrier) is high.

In non-rectifying schottky barrier, the barrier height is not high enough to form a depletion region. So depletion region is negligible or absent in the ohmic contact diode.

On the other hand, in rectifying schottky barrier, the barrier height is high enough to form a depletion region. So the depletion region is present in the non-ohmic contact diode.

The non-rectifying metal-semiconductor junction (ohmic contact) offers very low resistance to the electric current whereas the rectifying metal-semiconductor junction offers high resistance to the electric current as compared to the ohmic contact.

The rectifying schottky barrier is formed when a metal is in contact with the lightly doped semiconductor, whereas the non-rectifying barrier is formed when a metal is in contact with the heavily doped semiconductor.

The ohmic contact has a linear current-voltage (I-V) curve whereas the non-ohmic contact has a non-linear current-voltage (I-V) curve.

Energy band diagram of schottky diode

The energy band diagram of the N-type semiconductor and metal is shown in the below figure.

The vacuum level is defined as the energy level of electrons that are outside the material. The work function is defined as the energy required to move an electron from Fermi level (E_F) to vacuum level (E₀).

The work function is different for metal and semiconductor. The work function of a metal is greater than the work function of a semiconductor. Therefore, the electrons in the n-type semiconductor have high potential energy than the electrons in the metal.

The energy levels of the metal and semiconductor are different. The Fermi level at N-type semiconductor side lies above the metal side.  

We know that electrons in the higher energy level have more potential energy than the electrons in the lower energy level. So the electrons in the N-type semiconductor have more potential energy than the electrons in the metal.

The energy band diagram of the metal and n-type semiconductor after contact is shown in the below figure.

When the metal is joined with the n-type semiconductor, a device is created known as schottky diode. The built-in-voltage (V_bi) for schottky diode is given by the difference between the work functions of a metal and n-type semiconductor.

How schottky diode works?

Unbiased schottky diode

When the metal is joined with the n-type semiconductor, the conduction band electrons (free electrons) in the n-type semiconductor will move from n-type semiconductor to metal to establish an equilibrium state.

We know that when a neutral atom loses an electron it becomes a positive ion similarly when a neutral atom gains an extra electron it becomes a negative ion.

The conduction band electrons or free electrons that are crossing the junction will provide extra electrons to the atoms in the metal. As a result, the atoms at the metal junction gains extra electrons and the atoms at the n-side junction lose electrons.

The atoms that lose electrons at the n-side junction will become positive ions whereas the atoms that gain extra electrons at the metal junction will become negative ions. Thus, positive ions are created the n-side junction and negative ions are created at the metal junction. These positive and negative ions are nothing but the depletion region.

Since the metal has a sea of free electrons, the width over which these electrons move into the metal is negligibly thin as compared to the width inside the n-type semiconductor. So the built-in-potential or built-in-voltage is primarily present inside the n-type semiconductor. The built-in-voltage is the barrier seen by the conduction band electrons of the n-type semiconductor when trying to move into the metal.

To overcome this barrier, the free electrons need energy greater than the built-in-voltage. In unbiased schottky diode, only a small number of electrons will flow from n-type semiconductor to metal. The built-in-voltage prevents further electron flow from the semiconductor conduction band into the metal.

The transfer of free electrons from the n-type semiconductor into metal results in energy band bending near the contact.

Forward biased schottky diode

If the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the metal and the negative terminal of the battery is connected to the n-type semiconductor, the schottky diode is said to be forward biased.

When a forward bias voltage is applied to the schottky diode, a large number of free electrons are generated in the n-type semiconductor and metal. However, the free electrons in n-type semiconductor and metal cannot cross the junction unless the applied voltage is greater than 0.2 volts. 

If the applied voltage is greater than 0.2 volts, the free electrons gain enough energy and overcomes the built-in-voltage of the depletion region. As a result, electric current starts flowing through the schottky diode.

If the applied voltage is continuously increased, the depletion region becomes very thin and finally disappears.

Reverse bias schottky diode

If the negative terminal of the battery is connected to the metal and the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the n-type semiconductor, the schottky diode is said to be reverse biased.

When a reverse bias voltage is applied to the schottky diode, the depletion width increases. As a result, the electric current stops flowing. However, a small leakage current flows due to the thermally excited electrons in the metal.

If the reverse bias voltage is continuously increased, the electric current gradually increases due to the weak barrier.

If the reverse bias voltage is largely increased, a sudden rise in electric current takes place. This sudden rise in electric current causes depletion region to break down which may permanently damage the device.

V-I characteristics of schottky diode

The V-I (Voltage-Current) characteristics of schottky diode is shown in the below figure. The vertical line in the below figure represents the current flow in the schottky diode and the horizontal line represents the voltage applied across the schottky diode.

The V-I characteristics of schottky diode is almost similar to the P-N junction diode. However, the forward voltage drop of schottky diode is very low as compared to the P-N junction diode.

The forward voltage drop of schottky diode is 0.2 to 0.3 volts whereas the forward voltage drop of silicon P-N junction diode is 0.6 to 0.7 volts.

If the forward bias voltage is greater than 0.2 or 0.3 volts, electric current starts flowing through the schottky diode. 

In schottky diode, the reverse saturation current occurs at a very low voltage as compared to the silicon diode.

Difference between schottky diode and P-N junction diode

The main difference between schottky diode and p-n junction diode is as follows:

In schottky diode, the free electrons carry most of the electric current. Holes carry negligible electric current. So schottky diode is a unipolar device. In P-N junction diode, both free electrons and holes carry electric current. So P-N junction diode is a bipolar device.

The reverse breakdown voltage of a schottky diode is very small as compared to the p-n junction diode.

In schottky diode, the depletion region is absent or negligible, whereas in p-n junction diode the depletion region is present.

The turn-on voltage for a schottky diode is very low as compared to the p-n junction diode.

In schottky diode, electrons are the majority carriers in both metal and semiconductor. In P-N junction diode, electrons are the majority carriers in n-region and holes are the majority carriers in p-region.

Advantages of schottky diode

• Low junction capacitance

We know that capacitance is the ability to store an electric charge. In a P-N junction diode, the depletion region consists of stored charges. So there exists a capacitance. This capacitance is present at the junction of the diode. So it is known as junction capacitance.

In schottky diode, stored charges or depletion region is negligible. So a schottky diode has a very low capacitance.

• Fast reverse recovery time

The amount of time it takes for a diode to switch from ON state to OFF state is called reverse recovery time.

In order to switch from ON (conducting) state to OFF (non-conducting) state, the stored charges in the depletion region must be first discharged or removed before the diode switch to OFF (non-conducting) state.

The P-N junction diode do not immediately switch from ON state to OFF state because it takes some time to discharge or remove stored charges at the depletion region. However, in schottky diode, the depletion region is negligible. So the schottky diode will immediately switch from ON to OFF state.

• High current density

We know that the depletion region is negligible in schottky diode. So applying is small voltage is enough to produce large current.

• Low forward voltage drop or low turn on voltage

The turn on voltage for schottky diode is very small as compared to the P-N junction diode. The turn on voltage for schottky diode is 0.2 to 0.3 volts whereas for P-N junction diode is 0.6 to 0.7 volts. So applying a small voltage is enough to produce electric current in the schottky diode.

• High efficiency
• Schottky diodes operate at high frequencies.
• Schottky diode produces less unwanted noise than P-N junction diode.

Disadvantages of schottky diode

• Large reverse saturation current

Schottky diode produces large reverse saturation current than the p-n junction diode. 

Applications of schottky diodes

• Schottky diodes are used as general-purpose rectifiers.
• Schottky diodes are used in radio frequency (RF) applications.
• Schottky diodes are widely used in power supplies.
• Schottky diodes are used to detect signals.
• Schottky diodes are used in logic circuits.

Daily news 2 April 2018

National News

1. India Becomes 2nd Largest Producer of Mobile Phones in the World
i. India is now the second-largest mobile phone producer in the world after China. According to the data shared by Indian Cellular Association with the government, annual production of mobile phones in India increased from 3 million units in 2014 to 11 million units in 2017.
ii. With this, India replaced Vietnam to become the second largest producer of mobile phones in 2017. 

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Vietnam Capital- Hanoi, Currency- Vietnamese dong, President- Tran Dai Quang.



2. Delhi Becomes 1st City to Roll-Out Euro VI Fuel
i. With an aim to combat the rising levels of air pollution in Delhi-NCR region, petrol pumps in the capital started supplying ultra-clean Bharat Stage VI grade fuel (both petrol and diesel).
ii. This move makes New Delhi the first city in the country to switch from BS-IV grade fuels to BS-VI (equivalent to fuel meeting Euro-VI emission norms).

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

The major difference in standards between the existing BS-IV and the new BS-VI auto fuel norms is the presence of sulphur.

3. Kerala to Host Asia's Largest Startup Conclave
i. Asia's largest startup ecosystem congregation, Huddle Kerala, will be held at Kovalam. The initiative is envisaged to provide a platform for start-ups to pitch their products and interact with a wide array of technology and industry leaders from around the world.
ii. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the conclave, being organised by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) in association with Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and IAMAI Startup Foundation.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Palaniswamy Sathasivam is the present Governor of Kerala.

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala.



4. Foundation Stone Of Naitwar Mori Hydro Electric Project Laid In Uttarakhand
i. R K Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, laid the foundation stone of the 60 MW Naitwar Mori Hydro Electric Project (NMHEP) along with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat in Uttarkashi.
ii. The Proposed NMHEP is located on the river Tons – a tributary of the Yamuna, in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This run-of-the-river project was allocated to SJVN Ltd by the Government of Uttarakhand.

5. U.P. CM Inaugurates India’s Longest Elevated Road in Ghaziabad
i. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated a 10.30-km-long elevated road, touted to be the longest of its kind in the country, connecting UP Gate and Rajnagar Extension, Ghaziabad.
ii. Built at a cost of Rs1,147 crore, the six-lane elevated road is supported on 227 pillars. The road will make it easier to commute between Delhi and Ghaziabad.

6. Mangaluru Airport Adjudged India's Cleanest Airport
i. The Mangalore International Airport has been adjudged the cleanest airport in the country. Airport director VV Rao received the award during the 23rd annual day celebrations of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in New Delhi.
ii. In the survey conducted across 53 airports in the country by AAI, Mangaluru airport was adjudged the cleanest.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

The Chairman of Airports Authority of India is Guruprasad Mohapatra.

International News

7. World Autism Awareness Day- 2 April
i. The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
ii. The theme for WAAD 2018 is "Empowering Women and Girls with Autism".

8. USA and South Korea Begin Joint Military Exercise- 'Foal Eagle'
i. The United States and South Korea began their joint military training exercise named 'Foal Eagle. More than 11,500 U.S. troops and nearly 300,000 South Korean forces will take part in the four-week exercises.
ii. Foal Eagle, the largest annual joint military exercise in South Korea, usually runs about two months. Its start was delayed this year at the request of South Korea until after the Winter Olympics.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

South Korea President- Moon Jae-in, Capital- Seoul.




Banking News

9. SIDBI Foundation Day- Launches 'Samridhi- virtual assistant' & ' Bankability Kit'
i. SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) has celebrated its foundation day. Chairman Managing Director of SIDBI Mohammad Mustafa launched a series of initiatives from its Lucknow bank headquarters.
ii. An MoU was signed with The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. and two MSMEs were issued insurance policies. Chairman SIDBI also launched 'Samridhhi- the virtual assistant' on banks revamped universal loan portal www.udyamimitra.in. During the day, a ‘Bankability Kit’ (brought in partnership with Bank of Baroda and IDBI Bank) was also launched.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

SIDBI CEO- Dr Kshatrapati Shivaji, Founded- 2 April 1990, Headquarter- Lucknow.



10. Jana Small Finance Bank Commences Operations
i. Jana Small Finance Bank (formerly Janalakshmi Financial Services) announced commencement of its banking operations.
ii. To cover its extensive customer base, Jana Bank will initially open 19 branches across 18 States and expand to 200 banking outlets,  including the 25% unbanked rural branches by June 2018.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Ramesh Ramanathan is the chairman of Jana Group.





Ajay Kanwal is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Jana Small Finance Bank.





Jana Small Finance Bank headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka.



11. SEBI Doubles Investment Limit of Angel Funds to Rs10 crore
i. Looking to provide an impetus to early-stage start-ups, markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) decided to double the investment limit by angel funds in venture capital undertakings to Rs10 crore from the current Rs5 crore.
ii. The SEBI board has approved amendments to Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) regulations with respect to ‘Angel Funds.’ Further, SEBI would halve the minimum corpus size required for an angel fund to register with it to Rs5 crore.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Exam-

SEBI- Securities and Exchange Board of India.





SEBI Chairman- Ajay Tyagi, Headquarters- Mumbai.



12. RBI Changes Methodology for Bond Valuation to Check Manipulation
i. In a bid to prevent the possibility of manipulation in the prices of securities, especially government securities (G-Secs), the Reserve Bank of India has changed the methodology used by debt market players, including banks and primary dealers, for their valuation.
ii. As per a central bank directive, security/bond valuation will be based on the weighted average price of the last half-an-hour of trading on the last trading day of every quarter against the last traded price earlier.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Dr Urjit Patel is the 24th Governor of RBI.





RBI Headquarters in Mumbai.





RBI was Established on 1st April 1935.

Awards

13. J.C. Daniel Award for Sreekumaran Thampi
i. Lyricist and director Sreekumaran Thampi has been selected for the J.C. Daniel Award, the Kerala government’s highest honour for lifetime contribution to Malayalam cinema. The award comprises of Rs5 lakh and a citation.
ii. The award was distributed at the Kerala State Film Award distribution function in Kollam. Thampi made his debut in 1966 with Kattumallika.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Kerala CM- Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor- Justice (Retd.) Palaniswamy Sathasivam.

Appointments 

14. Debjani Ghosh Appointed New President of Nasscom
i. Debjani Ghosh, former managing director of Intel South Asia, is the new president of Nasscom. She has replaced R.Chandrashekhar upon completion of his term.
ii. A big propagator of gender diversity and equal representation in corporate India, Ms Ghosh was the first woman to lead Intel India and MAIT (Manufacturers' Association for Information Technology).

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

National Association of Software and Services Companies is the full form of Nasscom.

Raman Roy is the chairman of Nasscom.

15. US Diplomat DiCarlo Becomes 1st Female UN Political Chief
i. Long-serving American diplomat Rosemary DiCarlo was appointed to become the first woman to head UN political affairs, one of the most high-profile positions at the world body. DiCarlo has replaced Jeffrey Feltman.
ii. DiCarlo also served as deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs and director for United Nations affairs at the national security council in Washington.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 24th of October 1945. 





It is currently made up of 193 Member States.





The Headquarters of UN: New York, USA.





Antonio Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

16. Lt Gen Harpal Singh Takes Charge as Director General Border Roads 
i. Lt Gen Harpal Singh an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla has been appointed as Director General Border Roads (DGBR).
ii.  He commanded a Border Roads Task Force in Jammu & Kashmir valley.

17. Shuttler Kidambi Srikanth Appointed as Deputy Collector in Andhra Pradesh
i. Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth was appointed as a Deputy Collector in the state government by the CM of Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu.
ii. K Srikanth was recently being awarded the Padma Shri award, India's fourth highest civilian honour. The Cabinet also announced a reward of Rs 2 crore for the shuttler.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Kidambi Srikanth became the first Indian to win four Superseries titles in a calendar year after winning the French Open earlier in 2017.

18. Chandra Bhushan Appointed Deputy Election Commissioner
i. Senior bureaucrat Chandra Bhushan Kumar has been appointed as Deputy Election Commissioner as part of a major bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the government.
ii. A total of 13 officers have been appointed as joint secretaries in different central government departments. Bhushan has been appointed to the post for five years.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Om Prakash Rawat is the present Chief Election Commissioner of India.

Sports News

19. Miami Open 2018- Complete List of Winners
i. The Miami Open, sometimes known as the Miami Masters, is an annual tennis tournament for men and women currently held in Florida, the USA.
ii. American John Isner won his first ever Masters 1,000 title with a victory over German Alexander Zverev in the Miami Open final. S. Stephens won in the Women's singles category.

Find the Complete List of Winners Here

20. Kerala Lifts Their 6th Santosh Trophy
i. Kerala has lifted their sixth Santosh Trophy Football title. In a thrilling final at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
ii. Kerala held their nerves to beat defending champions and 32-time winners Bengal via penalty shootout. Locked 2-2 after extra time, Kerala goalkeeper V Mithun put up a stellar show in the tie-breaker to help his side win 4-2.

Obituaries

21. Former Manipur CM R K Dorendra Singh Passes Away
i. Former Manipur Chief Minister R K Dorendra Singh passed away in Imphal.
ii. He was 83. Dorendra Singh had been chief minister of the state four times between 1974 to 1993. Before becoming the chief minister, he was the Speaker of Manipur Assembly.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Manipur CM- Nongthombam Biren Singh, Governor- Dr. Najma A. Heptulla.

Daily news 5 april 2018

National News

1. Important Cabinet Approvals- 04th April 2018

i. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given the following set of approvals. The important Cabinet Approvals are given as follows-
ii. The Cabinet has approved-
1. Cooperation Arrangement between India and Afghanistan for cooperation in the field of food safety and related areas,
2. MoU between India and Iran on the establishment of an expert group on trade remedy measures
Find More Cabinet Approvals Here

2. Cabinet Approves Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018 

i. The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018 for better protection and promotion of human rights in the country.
ii. Salient Features of the Bill are as follows:

It proposes to include “National Commission for Protection of Child Rights” as deemed Member of the Commission;

It proposes to add a woman Member in the composition of the Commission;





It proposes to enlarge the scope of eligibility and scope of selection of Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission as well as the State Human Rights Commission; and





It proposes to incorporate a mechanism to look after the cases of human rights violation in the Union Territories.

International News

3. EAM Sushma Swaraj on 3-Day Visit to Azerbaijan

i. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has begun her three-day visit to Azerbaijan to participate in the Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Baku. 
ii. Ms Swaraj held bilateral consultations with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov. 

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

President of Azerbaijan- Ilham Aliyev, Capital- Baku, Currency- Azerbaijani manat.

4. Russia Starts Building Turkey's 1st Nuclear Power Plant

i. The Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) was awarded a construction licence for Akkuyu NPP, Turkey's first nuclear power plant, which is being built in Mersin province, in southern Turkey. JSC Akkuyu Nuklear is the Russian-owned company which is responsible for the project.
ii. The USD20 billion project to build the four-unit, 4800 MWe plant is part of Erdogan's '2023 Vision' marking 100 years since the founding of modern Turkey and is intended to reduce the country's dependence on energy imports. 

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Turkey Capital- Ankara, Currency- Turkish lira, President- Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Economy/Business News

5. 1st Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement Released by RBI

i. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 6.0%.
ii. Consequently, the Reverse Repo Rate (RRR) under the LAF remains at 5.75%, and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 6.25%. India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth marginally upward to 6.6% from 6.5% in the first advance estimates. 
iii. Retail inflation, measured by the year-on-year change in the CPI, fell from a high of 5.1% in January to 4.4% in February due to a decline in inflation in food and fuel. CPI inflation excluding food and fuel remained unchanged at 5.2%.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Syndicate Bank PO 2018 Exam-

Dr Urjit Patel is the 24th Governor of RBI.

RBI Headquarters in Mumbai.



6. Flipkart Partners With MakeMyTrip to Offer Travel Services

i. Homegrown e-commerce giant Flipkart has forged a strategic partnership with online travel company MakeMyTrip to offer travel services on its platform.
ii. Additionally, the services of MakeMyTrip's other brands, Goibibo and redBus, will be available to Flipkart consumers as part of the deal.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Flipkart CEO- Kalyan Krishnamurthy, Headquarters- Bengaluru.

Appointments

7. Subrata Bhattacharjee Appointed as Next Ambassador of India to Serbia

i. Subrata Bhattacharjee has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Serbia.
ii. He is an IFS poffice of 1989 batch. He is currently Joint Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Serbia Capital- Belgrade, Currency- Serbian dinar.

8. SBI Life Appoints Sanjeev Nautiyal As New MD & CEO

i. SBI Life Insurance has appointed Sanjeev Nautiyal as its new Managing Director and CEO. He replaces Arijit Basu, who takes over a key role in the State Bank of India Group.
ii. Nautiyal started his career with State Bank of India in 1985 as a probationary officer in the bank’s Lucknow Circle.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

SBI Life Insurance is a joint venture life insurance company between State Bank of India and and BNP Paribas Cardif.

It headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra.



9. Himanta Biswa Sarma Elected BAI President

i. Assam Health and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was unanimously elected the Badminton Association of India (BAI) President during its annual general body meeting in Goa.
ii. Ajay Kumar Singhania was elected the Secretary General of BAI. Mr Sarma had taken over as the interim BAI President in 2017 after the demise of Akhilesh Das Gupta. He will serve for four years.

Sports News

10. CWG 2018: Mirabai Chanu Wins India’s First Gold Medal

i. Weightlifter and current world champion Mirabai Chanu has clinched India’s first gold medal of the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Mirabai Chanu becomes the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2018.
ii. After finishing with the best lift of 86 kg in the snatch round, the 23-year-old finished with a total score of 196 points. She competed in the 48 kg category.

11. CWG 2018: Weight Lifter P. Gururaja Wins Silver

i. On the first day of competitions at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018, in Australia, India began their campaign with a Silver Medal in Weightlifting. In the 56 kilogram category, P Gururaja lifted a total weight of 249 kg to finish second in the event.
ii. The 25-year old Gururaja equalled his personal best. Malaysia took the Gold, while Sri Lanka settled for the Bronze.

Static/Current Takeaways Important for NABARD Grade-A Exam 2018-

Australia Capital- Canberra, Currency- Australian Dollar, Prime Minister- Malcolm Turnbull

Fabric patterns vocabulary:

1. Floral: a floral design depicts flowers in patterns.

2. Striped: stripes are the group of lines that differs in color.

3. Checked(checkered): a checked pattern is a simple design that alternates two different colored squares.

4. Polka dotted: Polka dot is a pattern of spaced circular spots.

5. Chevron: Chevron is a pattern of zigzag stripes.

6. Plaid(tartan): a cloth having a crisscross design.

7. Ikat: Ikat is a resist dye technique used to pattern textiles.

8. Paisley: colorful swirled pattern of curved shapes.

9. Plain: simple fabric with no design.

10. Pin striped: a pattern of very thin stripes of any color running in parallel.

11. Greek key: is a pattern of squares and rectangles.

12. Animal print: pattern that resembles the skin and fur of an animal. For e.g. zebra, leopard, snake skin prints.

13. Geometric: simple geometric forms in design, like, square, triangle, circle etc.

Human sounds

:

1. Burp - expel gas from the stomach

2. Belch - expel gas

3. Whisper -  to speak very softly.

4. Mumble - to speak softly and unclear, usually in a low voice

5. Stutter - to speak nervously and repeat sounds(h-h-h-hello)

6. Snore - to breathe during sleep with harsh.

7. Snort - a cry or noise made to express displeasure.

8. Giggle - To laugh gently or in a high-pitched voice.

9. Puff - forceful exhalation through the nose or mouth

10. Pant - breathe noisily

11. Hum - sing with closed lips

12. Hiccup - breathe spasmodically

13. Groan - an utterance expressing pain

14. Laugh - the sound of laughing

15. Scream - sharp piercing cry

16. Sniff - to inhale through the nose especially for smelling

17. Sneeze -  involuntary expulsion of air from the nose

18. Sigh - breathe heavily to show disappointment

19. Slurp - eat noisily

20. Yawn - intake of breath through a wide open mouth

21. Cough - exhale abruptly, as when one has a chest cold or congestion

22. Sneer - express through a scornful smile

Hairstyles vocabulary:

1. Bangs: Bangs are short hair that cover your forehead.(பெண்களின் முன் நெற்றியை மறைக்கும் வகையில் இருக்கும் சிகை)
2. Braid: a length of hair made up of three or more interlaced strands.(தலைமுடியை மூன்று அல்லது நான்காக பிரித்து ஒன்றோடொன்று நெருக்க பின்னி இருப்பது)
3. Bun: a  hairstyle in which the hair is drawn back into a tight coil at the back of the head. (ஆண்கள் தலைமுடியை பின்னோக்கி சீவி இருக கட்ட சிறிய கொண்டை போன்று வைப்பது)
4. Buzzcut: Buzz cuts are commonly used in the military.(இராணவ வீரர்கள் வெட்டும் சிகை அலங்காரம்)
5. Cornrows: Cornrows are multiple braids that stay close to the head.(ஆப்பிரிக்க மக்கள் பெரும்பாலும் வைத்திருக்கும் ஒரு சிகை அலங்காரம்)
6. Updo: An “updo” is any style in which the hair is pulled up and back. Often used for formal events.(நடு உச்சி எடுத்து பின்னோக்கி சீவி இருக்கும் பெண்களுக்கான சிகை அலங்காரம்)
7. Layers: Hair with layers is shorter in some places and longer in others.(சிலஇடங்களில் நீளமாக சில இடங்களில் குட்டையாக இருக்கும் ஒரு வகை சிகை அலங்காரம்)
8. Part: Hair with a “part” is divided in the middle or on one side.(தலையின் ஒரு பக்கப்பகுதியில் ஒட்ட வெட்டி பிற பகுதியில் முடி இருப்பது)
9. Perm: These are curled hair and is chemically treated to change its shape.(வேதிப்பொருள் பயன்படுத்தி வடிவத்தையே மாற்றுதல்)
10. Ponytail: a hairstyle in which the hair is drawn back and tied at the back of the head so as to hang down.(குதிரைவால் சிகை அலங்காரம்)
11. Spiky: Spiky hair has one or more sharp points.
12. Chignon: a knot or coil of hair arranged on the back of a woman's head.
14. Shoulder length: hair that reaches a person's shoulders.
15. Pig-tails: a bunch of hair or one of two bunches on either side of the face.

Asking directions pharse

1. Excuse me! Can you tell me the way to the bank, please?

2. Where is the station?

3. Is there a restaurant nearby?

4. Could you direct me to the airport, please?

5. I am looking for this address, would you mind guiding me, please?

6. How do I find the nearest hospital?

7. Could you tell me how to get to the bus station?

8. From where can I get a taxi?

9. Is the library far from here?

10.  Excuse me! Do you know where the post office is?
11.  Is there a grocery shop here?

12. What is the best way to get to the amusement park from here?

13. Do you know where the shopping center is?

14. Are you from around here?

15. How far is this address from here?

16.  I would like to go to the museum, can you help me, please?

Giving directions:

1. Go straight

2. Turn right

3. Turn left

4. Take a U-turn

5. Cross the road

6. Take the first right

7. Cross the bridge

8. At the roundabout, take the first exit

9. Take the second left

10. It's on the corner

11. It's this way

10 WhatsApp messages to wish someone who just got engaged:

10 WhatsApp messages to wish someone who just got engaged:

1. Congratulations to the beautiful couple. Wishing you a wonderful journey as you build your new life together.

( அழகான உங்கள் இருவருக்கும் வாழ்த்துக்கள். உங்கள் புதிய வாழ்க்கை அருமையாக இருக்க வாழ்த்தகிறேன்.)

2. Congratulations! You guys make a great pair. Your engagement is a wonderful news.

(வாழ்த்துக்கள்! நீங்கள் இருவரும் சிறப்பான ஜோடி. உங்கள் நிச்சயதார்த்தம் ஒரு சிறப்பான செய்தி.)

3. Congratulations on your engagement. You make a wonderful couple.

( உங்கள் நிச்சயதார்த்தத்திற்கு வாழ்த்துக்கள். நீங்கள் மிகச்சிறந்த இணை.)

4. I am really happy for you. Wish you a blissful life ahead.

( எனக்கு மிகவும் மகிழ்ச்சி. மகிழ்ச்சியான வாழ்க்கை அமைய வாழ்த்துக்கள்.)

5. May your engagement be the beginning of a lifetime filled with special love and happiness.

( சிறப்பான அன்பும் மகிழ்ச்சியுமாக உங்கள் வாழ்க்கை முழுதும் இருக்க வாழ்த்துக்கள்.)

6. Wishing the both of you a world of happiness and joy on this wonderful day. Congratulations on your engagement, we are so delighted for you!

( பெரும் மகிழ்ச்சியும் அன்புமாக இந்த நாள் இருக்க வாழ்த்துக்கள். நிச்சயதார்த்தத்திற்கு வாழ்த்துக்கள். எங்களுக்கு மிக மகிழ்ச்சி.)

7. Wishing you all the best for the future. Stay together, always.

8. My heart is overjoyed with the news of your engagement. Congratulations and lots of love.

9. Wishing you loads of happiness and togetherness in future.

10. Congratulations to the lovely couple. Wishing you a wonderful journey as you build your new life together.