CURRENT GK
1.GM to stop India sales by Dec. :-
Following lukewarm demand for its cars, GM has decided to cease vehicle sales operations in India by the end of 2017. GM will stop sales of its Chevrolet brand of vehicles in India including the Beat, Cruze, Tavera, Spark, Enjoy and Trailblazer on December 31, 2017.
The U.S. company said it would, however, continue to provide support to its affected customers, employees, dealers and suppliers.
2.China reports progress on South China Sea code of conduct :-
China says it has reached agreement with the 10 countries of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations on the rough outline of a legally binding code of conduct designed to prevent clashes in the strategic South China Sea.
State media on Friday quoted Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin as saying that the agreement reached the day before laid a “solid foundation” for further negotiations.
3.GST rules in place, first list of goods and rates is out :-
Aiming to keep most items, especially those of mass consumption, at affordable prices, the states and the Centre evolved a consensus on the first day of the 14th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting on Thursday to keep 81 per cent of a total of 1,211 items at the modal tax rate of 18 per cent or below.
The Council also gave final approval to seven rules pertaining to registration, payment, refund, invoice debit, credit note, input tax credit, valuation, and composition scheme — essential prerequisites for the industry to gear up for the transition to GST. Two rules on transition provisions and returns have been sent for legal vetting.
4.Iran voters to give verdict on economy, diplomacy :-
Iranians head to the polls Friday for a vote that has become a referendum on President Hassan Rouhani’s policy of opening up to the world and efforts to rebuild the stagnant economy.
He faces stiff competition from hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi, 56, who has positioned himself as a defender of the poor and called for a much tougher line with the West.
Mr. Rouhani, a 68-year-old moderate cleric, has sought to frame the election as a choice between greater civil liberties and “extremism”.
5.Japan: Emperor Akihito’s abdication bill approved by Shinzo Abe govt, first in 200 years :-
In a historic move, the cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday approved a bill allowing Emperor Akihito to abdicate the Chrysanthemum throne and hand over duties to Crown Prince Naruhito. The announcement was made by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga. The move is likely to be implemented in December 2018, when Emperor Akihito turns 85. This is the first time in about 200 years that Japan will see such a shift.
6.Japan cabinet approves bill to allow emperor to abdicate :-
Japan’s Cabinet approved a bill on Friday that would allow Emperor Akihito to step down, paving the way for the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in nearly two centuries.
The 83-year-old emperor, who has had heart surgery and prostate cancer treatment, said in rare public remarks last year he feared age might make it hard for him to fulfil his duties.
7.Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave dies: ‘No memorials, plant trees, conserve water’ :-
Just a week ago, Anil Madhav Dave was entrusted to take a decision that could have turned out to be the defining moment of his stint in the Environment Ministry. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the top regulatory body on the use of genetically modified (GM) organisms, had recommended the commercial cultivation of a transgenic variety of mustard, and Dave, as the final authority, was supposed to endorse or reject that recommendation.
8.Adityanath to face off with Lalu :-
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will soon face off Lalu Prasad in Patna, the RJD leader’s home turf. BJP president Amit Shah has deputed him to visit Bihar’s capital and address meetings to mark the third anniversary of the Narendra Modi government.
“All BJP Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers have been deputed to travel to the States — especially those not ruled by the BJP — between May 27 and June 15, but preferably between May 27 and 30, to speak at public meetings to highlight the work of their own and of the Centre.
9.ICJ snubs Pakistan, accepts India’s key argument: Round one to India, Kulbhushan Jadhav :-
Categorically rejecting Pakistan’s arguments of sovereignty and its claims of due process, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague Thursday stayed the execution of former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav until the court gives its final decision after the completion of proceedings.
Jadhav, 46, who is in Pakistan’s custody since March last year, had been sentenced to death by a military court — its proceedings were secret — on April 10 on charges of espionage and subversive activities.
Within hours of the verdict, India called it “the first step in ensuring justice”, and one which was a “matter of great relief” for people of the country.
10.Roger Ailes, former Fox News chief, dies at 77:-
Roger Ailes, former chief executive of Fox News Channel, has died at age 77, Fox News said on Thursday.
Ailes resigned from Fox News last July following allegations of sexual harassment, marking an abrupt end to his 20-year reign over America’s most lucrative and powerful cable news channel for conservatives.
11.Women will get option to say no to triple talaq, Muslim board tells SC :-
The all India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) told the Supreme Court on Thursday that it would enable Muslim brides to include in the nikahnama (marriage contract) a provision allowing them to say no to triple talaq.
“We also don’t want the practice to go on. We had a meeting yesterday. It will be part of the nikahnama. We will send an advisory to all ‘qazis’ stating that they should avoid instant triple talaq,” senior counsel Kapil Sibal, appearing for the AIMPLB, told a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar.
12.SEBI seeks clarification over Idea-Vodafone merger :-
Market regulator SEBI has sought clarification from Aditya Birla Group firm Idea Cellular regarding its proposed merger with Vodafone Plc’s Indian unit.
Besides, the companies approached the Competition Commission of India (CCI) last month regarding the proposed merger and are awaiting the fair trade regulator’s nod in this regard.
In March, Vodafone India and Idea Cellular announced merger of their operations to create the country’s largest mobile phone operator worth more than USD 23 billion with a 35 per cent market share.
