ENGLISH NEWS - 28-09-2016

DAILY G.A UPDATE : 28-09-2016

In this competitive age, everyone needs to be updated with the current affairs. So, here is the important news for your upcoming exams like IBPS PO, IBPS CLERK, RRB and many more. 

1. Obama names first ambassador to Cuba in five decades

The United States has tapped Jeffrey DeLaurentis, America's top diplomat in Havana, to become the first official ambassador to Cuba in five decades. 

Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced a thaw in relations in December 2014. 

Since then, Washington and Havana have taken once-unthinkable steps to mend ties after more than half a century of enmity. 

President Obama has visit Cuba and relaxed portions of the US embargo imposed since 1962. 

Flights have resumed and cruise ships can now sail from Miami to Havana. 

US companies like Airbnb and Netflix now operate in Cuba and American hotel group Starwood recently opened a Sheraton in Havana. 

DeLaurentis is already in Havana and previously worked in Bogota and at the United Nations. 

2. World Bank unanimously reappoints President Jim Yong Kim

Jim Yong Kim has been elected as the president of World Bank for his second term. His tenure will be of five years.

3. India 39th most competitive economy in the world: WEF

India has climbed 16 places to the 39th rank on the Global Competitiveness Index prepared by the World Economic Forum as improved business sophistication and goods market efficiency pushed its ranking higher. 

For the eighth straight time, the list is topped by Switzerland as the most competitive economy. Singapore and the US are at the second and third positions, respectively.

The jump of 16 places for India from last year's 55th place is the highest for any economy this year. India is also the second-most competitive among BRICS nations behind neighbouring China, which is ranked at the 28th position. 

On the index, India has a score of 4.52 while that of Switzerland is 5.81. 

At the fourth spot is Netherlands, followed by Germany (5), Sweden (6) and the UK (7), Japan (8), Hong Kong SAR (9) and Finland (10). 

This year, 138 economies have been assessed for their competitiveness while there were 140 economies in the 2015-16 rankings.

4. Former Israeli President Shimon Peres dies

Nobel Prize winner and former Israeli president and Prime Minister, Shimon Peres, died. He was 93. 

5. Australia's raconteur bowler Max Walker dead at 68

Former Australia medium-pace bowler and colourful television commentator Max Walker has died aged 68.

Cricket Australia said Walker played 34 Tests between 1972-73 and 1977. He took 138 wickets at 27.47 and played 17 one-day internationals.

Sporting a handlebar moustache, the Tasmanian was a fan favourite nicknamed "Tangles" for his unusual bowling action. 

A key figure into the launch of World Series Cricket in the late 1970s, Walker backed up quick legends Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson.

6.Official Emblem launched for FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 unveiled the Official Emblem for what will be the country’s first international football event. The ceremony at Goa’s Marriott Hotel was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Praful Patel, Chairman of the LOC and of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 will be held in six venues across the country during October 2017.