Daily GK Update 1st July 2014

1. State Bank of India (SBI), the nation's largest bank, has launched six digital branches across the country, as part of a pioneering program to offer next generation banking solutions to India's growing mobile phone and internet-savvy customer base.The bank engaged Accenture (NYSE:ACN) to develop the digital business strategy for its branch program, which features a range of advanced digital banking capabilities, including instant account opening with personalized debit cards, instant loan approvals for car and home loans and remote expert advisors available via video links. Accenture helped SBI in designing the branch layouts, implementing the digital processes and technology at the branches, and providing back-end integration, including employee training. The branches are located in major metropolitan areas across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Ahmedabad.
2. IDBI Bank on Tuesday introduced mobile banking service for its customers. This facility enables the customer to meet all banking needs such as fund transfer, bill payments, visa money transfer, DTH/ mobile recharge and much more from any destination.
3. India announced a new liberal visa policy for nationals of Afghanistsan on humanitarian grounds. The Policy was released by Union Home Ministry and will be effective from 1 July 2014.The new policy allows nationals of Afghanistan to stay in India on stay visa or resident permit for a period of two years at a time. Besides, Afghanistan nationals below 12 years or above 65 years are also granted exemption from police reporting.
4. Former Haitian president Leslie Francois Manigat on 27 June 2014 died at the age of 83. He was elected as the President of Haiti in January 1988 but was overthrown by General Henri Namphy in June 1988.
5. Orkut, Google’s first social networking site, will cease to exist after September 30 with the Internet giant deciding to shut down the service launched 10 years ago.
6. Lou Vincent has been banned for life from having any involvement in cricket by the England and Wales Cricket Board after pleading guilty to match-fixing.