Daily GK Potion – 24th September 2014
- Ikea signed MoU with Telangana government.
- Ikea is one of the world’s largest retailers in furniture.
- It was one of the first companies in India to be allowed 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail under the government’s liberalized policy.
- ICICI Bank launched saving banks account for minors
- Any minor above 10 years can open savings account in ICICI bank. The account is named ‘Smart Star’.
- The bank will offer them personalised cheque book and a debit card with a picture of his or her choice.
- ASIAD: Rower Dushyant Chauhan won the bronze medal in the final of the lightweight men’s single sculls event of the rowing competition.
- Liar’s Dice will represent India for Oscars
- Hindi Road drama Liar’s Dice will be India’s nomination for the Best Foreign Film at the 87th Academy Awards.
- The movie, directed by Kerala State award-winner Geetu Mohandas, stars national award winners Geetanjali Thapa and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
- The movie has already won two national awards for best actress for Geethanjali Thapa (who played the protagonist, Kamala), and best cinematographer for Rajeev Ravi (Geetu’s husband).
- SBI approves 1:10 share split to broaden participation
- The central board of SBI at its meeting has approved to reduce the face value of equity shares of the bank from Rs. 10 per share to Rs. 1 per share and to increase the number of issued shares in proportion thereof.
- Mars Orbiter Mission successful
- India is the first country to succeed at Mars Mission in very first attempt.
- With $ 74 million i.e. Rs 450 crore, it is the cheapest mission undertaken by any space organization.
- India is the first Asian country to achieve the feat and ISRO is the fourth space agency to send a satellite to red planet.
- Supreme Court cancels allocation of 214 coal blocks
- Supreme Court has cancelled all coal blocks except 4.
- The four functional coal blocks exempted from cancellation are two ultra mega power projects, one operated by NTPC and another by SAIL.
- As per the order, 36 operational coal blocks have been cancelled and they are ordered to stop production after March 1, 2015. The court also directed for a penalty of Rs 295 per tonne imposed on all cancelled coal block holders.