GK and Current Affairs Updates

India will host second edition meeting of Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) on 21 August 2015 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The meeting will be attended by the heads of 14 island nations from Indo-Pacific oceanic region. It is seen as India’s first step towards greater engagement with the region, which is important from geostrategic and economic standpoint. Earlier in November 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Fiji had proposed to hold FIPIC summits regularly to increase ties among the participating nations.

Indian women’s recurve archery team has won silver medal in World Archery Championship held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Indian women’s team included trio of Laxmirani Majhi, Deepika Kumari, and Rimil Buriuly. In the final match of World Championship they lost to Russia by 4-5 score. The winning Russian women’s team included trio of Ksenia Perova, Inna Stepanova and Tuyana Dashidorzhieva. While, Indian archer Rajat Chauhan has won silver medal in the World Archery Championships in the compound category. It was India’s first-ever individual medal in the World Archery Championships.

Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) launched “Kotak Bharat”, mobile banking app primarily for “un-banked” regions. “Kotak Bharat” is the ‘inclusive digital banking’ app launched by KMB that is primarily targeted to benefit customers in the under-banked and un-banked regions, who can access its services in their preferred language. One major benefit of this app is that it requires no internet connectivity.

 Master Prabhroop Sekhon (14 year old) won two gold medals in 300 metre and 500 metre Roller Skating at the Special Olympics World Summer Games. The event is being held at Los Angeles, USA.

Government of India has decided to celebrate first National Handloom Day on 7th August. This day will be celebrated every year as National Handloom Day. Observance of this day aims at development of Handloom weavers in the country. It also seeks to promote genuine, global quality Handloom in international market.

Singapore has appointed Indian-origin businessman Karan Singh Thakral as the country's Non-Resident Ambassador to Denmark. Karan Singh Thakral (81) has served as Singapore's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. He is an Executive Director in the Thakral Group of Companies. Thakral is chairman of the South Asia Business Group and 'Business India' in Singapore as well as chairman of Givo Limited in India

Beijing (china) will host 2022 Winter Olympics and summer Olympics declared by Olympic organisation, becoming the first city in the world to stage both the Summer and Winter Games.

A Chinese firm has set up the world’s first unmanned factory at Dongguan city where all the processes are operated by robots. Changying Precision Technology Company, known as the "world factory", which manufactures cell phone modules has 60 robot arms. This has reduced China's dependence on manual workers. In the plant, all the processes are operated by computer- controlled robots, computer numerical control machining equipment, unmanned transport trucks and automated warehouse equipment.

Actor Jaaved Jaaferi has been appointed  in as brand ambassador for India International Animation and Cartoon Film Festival (I.I.A.C.F.F), which will provide a platform for cartoonists and animators to showcase their talent. The five-day event will be held from 1^st October till 5^th October and will take place in New Delhi. 

Eminent vocalist Vasundhara Komkali died at her residence in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. Popular classical singer, was the wife of eminent musician late Pandit Kumar Gandhrav. She was recognised with several awards, including prestigious Padma Shri award.