DAILY GK BULLETS | FEB 4 | S W A G

1. World Cancer Day 2016 observes with theme We can. I can. 

• World Cancer Day (WCD) 2016 was observed across the world on 4 February 2016. The day was observed with year’s theme – We can. I can.  
• World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer. 
• The tagline of the theme reflects on what you can do and asks to make a pledge and takes action and make a difference in fight against cancer. 
• The World Cancer Day 2016-2018 will explore how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.

2. Microsoft acquires SwiftKey 

• Technology giant Microsoft is all set to buy software keyboard and SDK application maker SwiftKey. 
• SwiftKey is a free keyword application that powers more than 300 million Android and iOS devices. 
• With this acquisition, Microsoft intends to integrate SwiftKey technology with their Word Flow technology for Windows. Swiftkey was founded by SwiftKey Jon Reynolds and Ben Medlock.

3. 12 nations sign historic Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement 

• All 12 Pacific Rim countries have signed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement in Auckland, New Zealand making it one of the biggest trade deals in history. 
• These 12 countries are: Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Canada, United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Australia and New Zealand. 
• TPP is Free Trade Area and these member countries across the Pacific Rim are home to 800 million people and account for 40% of global trade. 
• Objectives of TPP: 
• (i) Lower trade barriers such as tariffs. 
• (ii) Establish a common framework for intellectual property 
• (iii) Enforce standards for labour law and environmental law 
• (iv) Establish an investor-state dispute settlement mechanism.

4. Sri Lanka celebrates I-Day 

• Marked by symbolism of high degree, the 68th Independence Day of Sri Lanka was on 04 Feb 2016 celebrated with an uncommon element – the rendering of the Tamil version of the national anthem at the government’s main event of the day. 
• The celebration got off to a colourful start as the Sinhala version of the anthem was played and President Maithripala Sirisena hoisted the national flag. 
• But, what captured the attention of many was that the Tamil version was sung by school students at the end of the event.

5. Maharashtra announces Babasaheb Ambedkar Special Group Incentives Scheme 

• Maharashtra government has announced Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Special Collective Incentive Scheme for the economically backward Dalit entrepreneurs. 
• Decision in this regard was taken by state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. 
• Under it, special facilities will be given to Dalit entrepreneurs besides the present Collective Incentive Scheme 2013. 
• 20% plots for small and medium scale industries will be reserved for the Dalits within Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).

6. CSIR launches India’s first ayurvedic anti-diabetic drug 

• The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has launched the country’s first anti-diabetic ayurvedic drug named BGR-34 for type two Diabetes mellitus. 
• BGR-34 stands for Blood Glucost Regulator and offers effective, safe, patient-friendly solution for managing type two Diabetes. 
• The drug BGR-34 is developed jointly by National Botanical ResearchInstitute (NBRI) and Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), the Lucknow-based research units of CSIR.

7. Pandian appointed AIIB Vice-President 

• Former IAS officer D J Pandian has been appointed vice-president and chief investment officer (CIO) of Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). 
• He is retired IAS officer of Gujarat cadre and had served as chief secretary of the state. He also had worked on deputation with the World Bank. 
• He was also the MD of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC).

8. Haryana, Ontario ink pact for cooperation 

• Haryana and the Province of Ontario in Canada signed an MoU aimed at enhancing commercial and cultural ties. 
• The MoU was signed by the Managing Director of Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, Sudhir Rajpal, and Deputy Minister of Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade, Helen Angus, in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, and Premier of Prince Edward Island, Wade MacLauchlan.

9. TCS becomes world’s most powerful IT Services brand 

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced that it has been rated as the World’s Most Powerful Brand in IT Services by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation firm. 
• TCS emerged as the IT services industry’s most powerful brand with a score of 78.3 points earning it an AA+ rating. 
• Brand Finance is the world’s leading brand valuation and strategy consultancy.

10. RSarangi maestro Pandit Ram Narayan selected for Bhimsen Joshi Award 

• Noted sarangi player Pandit Ram Narayan has been selected for the lifetime achievement award, instituted by Maharashtra government in memory of Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, for year 2015-16. 
• The Department of Culture has instituted this award which includes Rs 5 lakh in cash, a citation and a memento.

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