Daily GK Updates - 4th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Postage Stamp to Commemorate 750th Birth Anniversary of Sri Vedanta Desika Released: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu released a postage stamp to commemorate the 750th birth anniversary of Sri Vedanta Desikan in New Delhi. The stamp has been released by Indian postal department. Born in 1268 CE, Vedanta Desikan was Sri Vaishnava philosopher and one of the most brilliant stalwarts of Sri Vaishnavism in the post-Ramanuja period. The basis of his spiritual teachings was peace and humanity.

2. BHEL successfully commissions two units of a lift irrigation project in Telangana: The Central Public Sector undertaking Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has successfully commissioned two motor - pump set units for the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (LIS) in Telangana. Under the scheme, 89 cubic metres per second of water will be lifted to a height of 106 metres from the Sripada Yellampalli reservoir to Medaram reservoir and will be used for irrigation and water supply in nearby drought-prone areas. In Telangana, BHEL has so far commissioned 27 pump-motor projects totalling to 753 MW.  

3. Gates Foundation Appoints Sanjay Ubale as India Policy Head: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have hired Sanjay Ubale, head of the infrastructure and urban solutions at Tata Sons, as its policy director for India. Sanjay will oversee the Seattle-based charity's healthcare, poverty alleviation, and educational activities in the country. Ubale, who has spent over a decade at Tata Group, was previously the CEO of Tata Realty & Infrastructure.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UK Parliament 1st In World to Declare Climate Emergency: The UK parliament became the first national legislative body in the world to declare a climate change emergency.
ii. It also calls for the government to work towards carbon neutrality before 2050 and for ministers to draft proposals within the next 6 months to restore the country's environment and create a "zero waste economy."

2. US Air Force General Tod Wolters sworn in as NATO Commander: US Air Force General Tod D. Wolters has been sworn in as the top military officer of the 29-nation NATO military alliance. The former pilot Mr Wolters has served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He became Supreme Allied Commander Europe at a ceremony at NATO's military headquarters in Mons in southern Belgium. He will also be the commander of U.S. forces in Europe.

3. International Firefighters' Day: 4th May: International Firefighters' Day (IFFD) is observed on May 4. It was instituted after a proposal was emailed out across the world on January 4, 1999 due to the deaths of five firefighters in tragic circumstances in a bushfire in Australia. Symbol of International Fire Fighters Day is the red and blue ribbon. The IFFD ribbons are linked to colours symbolic of the main elements firefighters work with – red for fire and blue for water. These colours also are internationally recognised as representing emergency service.

4. Coal Miners Day: 4th May: Coal Miners Day is observed every year on 4 May to highlight the toughest profession and the people working in coal mines. This day show appreciation for the sacrifices, honour the accomplishments and remember the tragedies that these hardworking individuals experience

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Spain legend Xavi Hernandez announces retirement from football: Barcelona legend from Spain Xavi Hernandez (39 years) has announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the current season. Xavi helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012. He holds a Barcelona record with 767 appearances and helped the club win 25 titles, including four Champions Leagues and eight Spanish leagues.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Paytm President Bhushan Patil Resigns: Bhushan Patil, president at Paytm, has quit the company. Patil, who joined Paytm after a five-year stint with Alibaba, had initially joined the Noida-based company to look after its cross border commerce business. Patil joined Paytm in March 2016.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Asia-Pacific to Grow 5.7% in 2019: ADB: The Asia-Pacific region s expected to grow at 5.7% in 2019. According to the bank’s Asian Development Outlook 2019 report released in April, developing Asia which comprises 45 nations ranging from China to Tuvalu is projected to grow by 5.7% in 2019. However, the growth outlook for developing Asia is expected to moderate to 5.6 % in 2020.

2. IGNOU to launch a course on GST: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will launch an awareness programme on Goods and Services Tax (GST) from its July 2019 session. The program will be launched in collaboration with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The programme would be beneficial to people who are engaged in maintaining accounts and filing of various indirect tax returns. It would also benefit entrepreneurs engaged in small-scale business ventures as it gives an overview of the procedures and formalities to comply under the GST Act.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Dr Devi Prasad Shetty honoured with PC Chandra Puraskaar 2019: Padma Bhushan Dr Devi Prasad Shetty has been honoured with the 27th Lifetime PC Chandra Puraskaar 2019 at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre. Dr Shetty is India’s most reputed cardiac surgeons and humanitarian. Swami Suviranandaji Maharaj, the General Secretary of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and gave away the award.

DEFENCE

1. India to Purchase 10 Kamov-31 Choppers from Russia for INR 3,600 cr: The defence ministry has approved the procurement of 10 Kamov Ka-31 Airborne Early Warning and Control helicopters for the Indian Navy. The cost of the deal would be around Rs 3,600 crore and the 10 helicopters would be deployed on the aircraft carriers and warships of the Navy including the INS Vikrant and Grigorovich-class frigates.

 OBITUARIES

1. Chewbacca Actor Peter Mayhew From ‘Star Wars’ passes away: English-American actor Peter Mayhew (74-years) passed away at his North Texas home. Peter Mayhew best known for portraying Chewbacca in the Star Wars film series. He played the character in all his live-action appearances from the 1977 original to 2015's The Force Awakens before his retirement from the role. Mayhew was also an active philanthropist.