Daily GK Updates - 31st January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad to become World’s Largest Cricket Stadium: The Sardar Patel Stadium in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, also known as Motera Stadium, is being redeveloped to emerge as the largest arena for cricket. The new stadium will have a seating capacity of 1,10,000 spectators. It will overtake the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia which is the largest cricket stadium in the world at the moment with a total seating capacity of 100,024 fans. The stadium is scheduled to be unveiled in February 2020.

2. Economic Survey 2020: Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman presented Economic Survey 2019-20 in the Parliament on 31 January 2020. This year’s Economic survey is being prepared by the Chief Economic Advisor, Krishnamurthy V Subramanian. The report followed by a press conference where the Chief Economic Advisor and his team discuss the economic roadmap for the next fiscal. It is a review of the developments in the country’s economy over the previous year. It presents a summary of the performance of the government’s major development programmes undertaken during that period. It also details the main policy initiatives of the government.

3. IAHE committee headed by YS Malik submits its reports: Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE) has submitted its final report to the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari. The Committee is headed by Yudhvir Singh Malik. The committee in its report says that there is a strong need for enhancement of knowledge, skill and expertise of the engineers to maintain the massive road network of India inefficient, environment-friendly and safe manner at economical costs.

4. Assam tops in budgetary practices: Transparency International: According to the survey conducted by Transparency International, Assam tops in terms of budget formulation followed by Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The states that were ranked lower in terms of the budget formulation are Goa, Maharashtra and Punjab. The survey was conducted by the organization based on four parameters such as budgetary process, public disclosure, post-budget fiscal management and efforts to make budget citizen-friendly.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President Trump inks USMCA North American trade deal: US President Donald Trump has signed the new ‘United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA)’ North American trade pact with Canada and Mexico into law. The USMCA, crafted over years of negotiation between the three countries, will replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that was entered into in 1994 between the three countries. It also makes changes to e-commerce, intellectual property protection and dispute settlement for investors, as well as imposing tougher labour provisions, requiring reforms to Mexico’s laws.

Note: President of United States: Donald Trump; Capital: Washington, D.C.

2. Eimear Noone Oscars’ first female conductor: Irish composer Eimear Noone will be the first woman to conduct an orchestra at the Oscars guest-segment. She will lead the 42-piece orchestra at the Academy Awards as it plays excerpts from five nominated scores on Sunday 9 February. She’s widely hailed as the world’s leading composer of video game music and at 22 became the first woman to conduct at the National Concert Hall. Teen sensation Billie Eilish has been announced as a performer for the 2020 Academy Awards ceremony. The announcement was made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

3. Gita Sabharwal appointed UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand: Gita Sabharwal of India has been appointed as the Resident Coordinator in Thailand by the United Nations. She was appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres with the host Government’s approval. The UN Resident Coordinator is the highest-ranking representative of the UN development system at the country level. The Resident Coordinators are designated representatives of the UN Secretary-General and they report directly to him.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Rani Rampal named 2019 World Games Athlete of the Year: Indian women’s team captain Rani Rampal became the 1st-ever hockey player worldwide to win the prestigious ‘World Games Athlete of the Year’ award 2019. The 25-year-old Rani has been part of the Indian women's hockey team since she was 15 years old and has made 240 appearances for the national team. Rani played an integral role in the team's successful qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She was the player of the tournament in the FIH Women’s Series Finals in Hiroshima, Japan.

2. Bala Devi first woman footballer to bag a professional contract: Bala Devi from Manipur becomes the first Indian women footballer to bag a professional contract from a foreign club. Bala a former India captain who earlier played in the Maldives for New Radiant sports club is among a group of 14 new players signed by the Scottish giants Rangers FC for 18 months. She is the highest international goal-scorer in South Asia. In 2015 and 2016 she was awarded AIFF Woman Player of the Year title

3. Mizoram defeats Sikkim in the North East Dr T Ao Football Trophy 2020: The Northeast Dr. T Ao Football Trophy 2020 was held at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, Nagaland on 28 January 2020. Two times champion Mizoram defeated Sikkim by 1-0 goal to emerge as the champion. Mizoram midfielder David Lalrinmuana scored the lone goal to secure the title for the team. Nagaland defeated Arunachal Pradesh by 4-2 to claim the third position.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI appoints Janak Raj as member of MPC: The RBI appointed its executive director Janak Raj as member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). Raj replaces M D Patra, who has been elevated as Deputy Governor of the RBI recently. The government had in 2016 constituted MPC to set the benchmark interest rate. The MPC is headed by the RBI governor. Of the six members, three are nominated by the government, while the remaining three are from the RBI (including the governor).

2. Two loan products launched by Indian Bank: On 30th January the Indian Bank announced the launch of two products. First one is ‘Surya Shakthi’ for rooftop solar set up for captive consumption and the second one is a Corporate Loan, a finance product in aid of units under stress for working capital. Extension of corporate loan would be after evaluation and on a case by case basis, at a concessional rate, for a longer-term to help the units tide over their liquidity.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Google grants $1 mn to promote news literacy in India: In an effort to counter fake news and misinformation in India Technology giant Google(Google News Initiative (GNI)) has announced USD 1 million grant to promote news literacy among Indians to avoid spreading of misinformation. The money will be given to Internews, a global non-profit organisation, which will select a team of 250 journalists, fact checkers, academics and NGO workers for the project. A curriculum will be developed by a team of global and local experts, who will roll out the project in seven Indian languages. The local leaders will then roll out the training to new internet users in non-metro cities in India, enabling them to better navigate the internet and assess the information they find. The announcement is a part of Google’s USD 10 million commitment worldwide to media literacy.

Google has also launched a new application called “Tangi” focuses on Do It Yourself videos. The name of the application has been inspired by TeAch aNd GIve.

Note: Google CEO: Sundar Pichai; Founded: 4 September 1998.

2. Indian-origin Arvind Krishna elected new CEO of IBM: Indian-origin technology executive Arvind Krishna has been elected Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of American IT giant International Business Machines (IBM). Krishna is currently IBM Senior Vice President for Cloud and Cognitive Software and will succeed Virginia Rometty. Thus, Krishna joins the club that includes Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga and Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Dr. Partap chauhan honoured with Ayurveda ratan award 2020: Partap Chauhan has been conferred with Prestigious Ayurveda Ratan Award 2020 in Brussels, Belgium The award was announced during Ayurveda Day Celebration at the European Parliament. The All-Party Parliament Group on Traditional Medicines organized a meeting at in Brussels, Belgium with the aim of formulating a roadmap to legalize Ayurveda in Europe.

DEFENCE

1. SAMPRITI-IX: India-Bangladesh joint exercise to be held in Meghalaya: The 9th edition of joint military training exercise between India-Bangladesh ‘SAMPRITI-IX’ will be conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya from February 3 to February 16. Exercise SAMPRITI is an important bilateral defence cooperation endeavour between India and Bangladesh hosted alternately by both countries. During the joint military exercise, a Command Post Exercise and a Field Training Exercise will be conducted.

Note: Prime Minister of Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina; Capital: Dhaka; Currency: Taka.

OBITUARIES

1. Padma Shri awardee Tushar Kanjilal passes away: Famous social worker, environmentalist, educationist & writer Tushar Kanjilal passed away. The Government of India awarded Tushar Kanjilal the 4th highest civilian honour of Padma Shri in 1986. He also received the Jamnalal Bajaj Award in 2008.

2. Eminent Assamese litterateur Sashi Sarma Passes Away: Eminent litterateur, writer, academician and intellectual from Assam Shashi Sarma passed away following ailing health conditions. He was 89. As per Sarma’s wish, his body has been donated posthumously at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for research activities.

Daily GK Updates - 30th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World’s biggest meditation centre in Hyderabad: The World’s largest meditation centre was inaugurated at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, Telangana. This centre is built to mark the 75th anniversary of the formation of Shri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM) and Heartfulness Institute. The centre is dedicated to the first guide of Heartfulness Lalaji Maharaji. The centre that can accommodate one lakh meditation practitioners at a time was unveiled in the presence of Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and other dignitaries.

Note: Chief Minister of Telangana: K. Chandrashekar Rao; Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan.

2. Surajkund Mela 2020: The 34th edition of the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela, the largest crafts fair in the world will be held from 1st February to 16th February 2020 at Surajkund, District Faridabad, Haryana. President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the mela. The fair aims to showcase the unique richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India. Theme State for the Year 2020: Himachal Pradesh. Partner Nation for the Year 2020: Uzbekistan. The Mela is organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs. About 20 countries & all the states of India will be participating in the Mela.

Note: Haryana Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar; Governor: Satyadeo Narayan Arya.

3. World Sustainable Development Summit 2020 Begins in New Delhi: The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2020 is being held in New Delhi from 29 to 31 January 2020. The theme of the 2020 edition of the Summit is ‘Towards 2030 Goals: Making the Decade Count’. SDS is the annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), being organized since 2001 to provide an international platform to facilitate the exchange of knowledge on all aspects of sustainable development. In its 2020 edition, the Summit will be addressing the broad themes of- circular economy, water, energy, industry transitions, and e-mobility.

Note: Director-General of TERI: Dr Ajay Mathur; Headquarters of TERI: New Delhi; Founded of TERI: 1974; Founder of TERI: Darbari S Seth.

4. SC allows centre to introduce African cheetah to suitable wildlife habitat in India: The Supreme Court (SC) allowed the Centre to introduce the African cheetah to suitable habitat in India. The apex Court's decision followed a petition filed by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) seeking permission for the introduction of the African cheetah as rare Indian cheetah is almost extinct in the country. The government's plan is to import the Cheetah from African countries like Namibia and reintroduce them in India.

5. 16th Mumbai International Film Festival begins: The 16th Mumbai International Film Festival-2020 for Documentary, Short Fiction and Animation films), inaugurated at Nehru Centre Auditorium, Worli, Mumbai. The oldest and largest film festival for non-feature films in South Asia, which began in 1990, is organized by the Films Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and Government of India.

6. Martyrs' Day 2020: Martyrs' Day is celebrated every year on January 30 and March 23 to pay homage to the victims who fought for the freedom of India. On January 30, 1948, the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated at Birla House, New Delhi. So, the Government of India announced the day as Martyr's Day. March 23 is also celebrated as Martyr's Day because on this day Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were hanged by the British.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Brexit deal approved by the European Parliament: The European Parliament overwhelmingly approved Britain’s departure terms from the EU.  The vote was 621 to 49 in favour of the Brexit deal that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson negotiated with the other 27 EU leaders. Britain is the first country to leave the EU. With this its members reduced to 27. The EU Parliament backed Britain’s departure in the wake of the country’s vote to leave in a referendum in June 2016.

Note: European Union Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium; European Union Founded: 1 November 1993.

2. NTPC engaged as PMC by Togo for 300 MW solar projects: African country Togo has appointed NTPC as its project management consultant (PMC) for about 300 MW of solar power projects. Togo has identified 2 different plots of land- one each of 70 and 500 acres in Dapaong & Mango that will combine to produce 283 MW. With this, Togo becomes the 1st ISA nation to get the services of NTPC. NTPC will undertake various activities for the selection of the Solar Project Developers on a competitive basis.

3. Nepal Sets Guinness World Record for Highest Altitude Fashion Show Event: Nepal has created a new Guinness World Record for the highest altitude fashion show event ever held.  The Mount Everest Fashion Runway was held at the 5340 metres (17515 ft) elevation at Kala Patthar, near the Everest base camp. The event was organized by RB Diamonds and KASA Style in support of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), as a part of the Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign of NTB. 18 supermodels from 10 different countries including Finland, Italy, Sri Lanka and Singapore walked the ramp to create history. The fashion gala aimed to raise awareness about climate change as well as to promote sustainable fashion.

Note: Nepal Prime minister: KP Sharma Oli; President: Bidhya Devi Bhandari; Capital: Kathmandu; Currency: Nepalese rupee.

4. World Leprosy Day 2020: 30 January: World Leprosy Day is observed around the world on the last Sunday of January every year to raise global awareness of this deadly ancient disease and call attention to the fact that it can be prevented, treated and cured. This year World Leprosy Day 2020 fall on 26 January 2020. But in India, World Leprosy Day is celebrated on the 30th January each year to coincide with the death of Mahatma Gandhi, who passed away on that day in 1948. This year’s theme 2020: “Leprosy isn’t what you think”.

Note: The day was initiated in 1954 by French philanthropist and writer, Raoul Follereau, as a tribute to the life of the Mahatma Gandhi who had compassion for people afflicted with leprosy.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Indian Cyclist Esow Alben Wins gold in men’s Keirin individual event: In Cycling, India’s Esow Alben has bagged a gold in the men’s Keirin individual event of the Six Day Berlin Track Cycling Tournament. The 18-year-old finished on top of the podium after defeating Czech Republic’s Tomas Babek, while Maximilian Lev of Germany won bronze. The Six Days of Berlin is a six-day track cycling race held annually in Berlin, Germany.

Note: Capital of Germany: Berlin, Currency of Germany: Euro; Chancellor of Germany: Angela Merkel.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. BSE signs licensing agreement with ICE Futures Europe: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has signed a licensing agreement with Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Futures Europe. Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Futures Europe is an operator of global exchanges and clearinghouses.

Note: Managing Director and CEO of BSE: Ashish Kumar Chauhan; Chairman of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE): Vikramajit Sen; BSE Established: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Founded: 9 July 1875.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee conferred D.Lit degree by Calcutta University: Nobel laureate Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee conferred the honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by Calcutta University at its annual convocation in Kolkata. The Vice-Chancellor of the University Ms Sonali Chakraborty Banerjee presented the Degree to him. Banerjee, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2019 along with two others for “their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty”, is one of the directors of Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) which he had founded in 2003.

DEFENCE

1. Assam Rifles Builds War Memorial in Nagaland to Honor 357 Martyrs: The Assam Rifles has constructed a combined war memorial in Nagaland for the 357 Army and Assam Rifles personnel killed while fighting insurgency in the northeastern state of Nagaland. The memorial named as “Veer Samriti”, is spread over 13,500 sq ft and was built by 44 Assam Rifles at Mokokchung, the Assam Rifles Battalion location in Nagaland. Since 1955 Nagaland has seen in-numerous insurgency, taking lives of 357 personnel from the Army and Assam Rifles. The names of all the 357 martyrs have been carved on a single granite stone each.

Note: DG of Assam Rifles: Lt Gen Sukhdeep Sangwan; The Assam Rifles came into being in 1835.

2. Indian Coast Guard commissions’ high speed interceptor boat: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has commissioned a high-speed interceptor boat C-448 in Mangaluru, Karnataka on January 29. The water-jet-propelled vessel will be deployed for patrolling and rescue operations. It has an endurance of 500 nautical miles at 20 knots and is capable of doing speeds of up to 45 knots. This interceptor boat built by L&T shipyard will have a crew of 12 and is commanded by Assistant Commandant Apoorva Sharma.

Note: Indian Coast Guard founded: 18 August 1978; Headquarters: New Delhi

Daily GK Updates - 29th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Jitendra Singh launches Bhuvan Panchayat V 3.0 Web portal: Union Minister of State for PMO Jitendra Singh launched the Bhuvan Panchayat V3 web Portal in Anthariksh Bhavan, ISRO Head Quarters in Bengaluru. This web Portal will enhance network application of gram panchayats. The Portal will function with the help of satellite technology developed by ISRO. The Web portal is an easy to use Geo portal developed for database visualization, data analytics, model-based products and services for the benefit of Gram Panchayat members and other stakeholders.

Note: ISRO Director: k. Sivan; Headquarters: Bengaluru, Established: 1969.

2. West Bengal becomes fourth state to pass resolution on CAA in house: West Bengal became the fourth state to pass an assembly resolution against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). The Kerala and Congress-ruled Punjab passed similar resolutions on December 31 and January 17. The CAA was given last month to fast-track the citizenship process for non-Muslims who have entered India from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh before 2015, and triggered protests across the country. The resolution demanded that the NRC and NPR process be withdrawn immediately.

Note: Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 passed by the Parliament of India within 2 days on 11 December. The act seeks to relax the requirement of residence in India for citizenship by naturalization from 11 years to 5 years for migrants covered under the Act.

3. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray inaugurates Nagpur Metro’s Aqua line: The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated 18.5 kilometre-long stretch of Nagpur Metro Aqua line of Maha Metro Rail Network. The newly inaugurated Nagpur Metro Aqua line passing over the Ambazari Lake in the city will connect the east and west parts of the city. This Metro line will facilitate the commuters coming from Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation’s Hingana area and adjoining areas of the outskirts of the city. This Line will have six stations starting from Lokmanya Nagar to Sitabuldi Interchange Metro Station. Nagpur Metro is the Greenest Metro deriving 65 per cent of its power consumption from Solar Energy. Nagpur Metro network is now operational up to 24.5 kilometres.

Note: Governor of Maharashtra: Bhagat Singh Koshyari; Capital: Mumbai.

4. Odisha launches virtual police station: Odisha govt. has launched a virtual police station where people can lodge complaints from their respective districts regarding the theft of their vehicles without visiting Police Station. The e-police station will function from the State Crime Records Bureau in Bhubaneswar. CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the facility along with road accident case documents module and medico-legal opinion system projects of Odisha Police.

Note: Odisha CM: Naveen Patnaik; Governor: Ganeshi Lal.

5. India’s first underwater metro expected to be complete by March 2022: The country’s first underwater metro project is set to complete its East-West Project of Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation, which runs partly under the Hooghly River, West Bengal, by March 2022. The new line is expected to carry about 900,000 people daily and will take less than a minute to cross the Hoogly River. Currently, it takes 20 minutes in the ferry to cross the river and an hour to cross the Howrah Bridge.

Note: Managing Director of Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director (MD): Manas Sarkar; Chairman of Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation: Suneet Sharma.

Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation founded: 2008.

6. Anand appointed secretary of National Commission for Minorities: B. Anand was appointed as the secretary of National Commission for Minorities. He is also holding additional charge of financial advisor, department of biotechnology and ministry of earth sciences. Also, Sanjay Kumar Singh has been appointed as additional secretary, department of agricultural research and education and secretary. Mr. Singh is currently additional secretary, the ministry of panchayati raj.

Note: list of Secretary

New Cabinet Secretary-Rajeev Gauba

New Defence Secretary- Ajay Kumar

New home secretary- Ajay Kumar Bhalla

New Information and Broadcasting Secretary- Ravi Mittal

New foreign secretary- Harsh Vardhan Shringla

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Diplomat Joao Vale de Almeida is appointed as first post-Brexit UK ambassador: Portuguese diplomat Joao Vale de Almeida was appointed as the head of future EU diplomatic mission to the UK after Brexit on 24 January. The UK's exit was scheduled for 31 January 2020. Almeida will head the first EU delegation to the UK as of the first day of February. Joao Vale de Almeida is an experienced EU diplomat. He has experience as the European Union’s U.S. ambassador in 2010-2014. Prior to his appointment to London, he was the EU ambassador to the United Nations.

2. “Samvidhaan” announced as the Oxford Hindi Word of the Year 2019: Oxford University Press (OUP) named “Samvidhaan” (Constitution) the Oxford Hindi Word of 2019. The word was chosen as 2019 saw the values of democracy, secularism, justice, liberty, equality and fraternity being tested on the touchstone of the Constitution or “Samvidhaan”.

Note: The Oxford Hindi Word of the Year is a word or expression that has attracted a great deal of attention and reflects the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of the past year.

The Oxford English Dictionary is the principal historical dictionary of the English language, published by Oxford University Press; Headquarters: United Kingdom.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Nethra Kumanan becomes first Indian woman sailor to win World Cup medal: Chennai’s Nethra Kumanan clinched a bronze medal in the Sailing World Cup to become the first woman from the country to achieve the feat. Participating in the Hempel World Series in Miami, Unites States of America, Nethra won bronze in round two of the tournament to create history. Erika Reineke of the USA and Vasilieia Karachaliou of Greece claimed the gold and silver respectively in the laser radial event.

2. Indian Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra qualifies for Tokyo Olympics: Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra qualified for the Tokyo Olympics with a throw of 87.86 meters at the Athletics Central North East meeting in South Africa. The 22-year-old Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medallist breached the Olympic qualification mark of 85 meters in his fourth attempt. Neeraj missed the IAAF World Championships, the Diamond League and the Asian Championships due to an elbow injury.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Sachin Bansal steps down as director of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank: Sachin Bansal has resigned as independent director of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, a role he took up in May 2019. Bansal said he was stepping down in the interest of propriety and to prevent conflict of interest arising out of the fact that his wholly-owned firm Navi Technologies has applied for a banking license.

Note: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Founder: Samit Ghosh; Founded: 1 February 2017; Headquarter: Bengaluru

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. India’s Pavan Sukhdev wins 2020 Tyler Prize: Indian environmental economist Pavan Sukhdev was awarded the 2020 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. He received the award jointly alongside conservation biologist Gretchen C Daily. Pavan Sukhdev was honoured with the 2020 Tyler Prize for his outstanding work in the sphere of the green economy. While receiving the award, Sukhdev stated that one does not have to be an environmentalist to care about protecting the environment. Sukhdev was the head and special adviser of UNEP’s 'Green Economy Initiative'. The initiative was a major project launched by the then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

2. Noted theatre personality Sanjna Kapoor to be conferred French honour: Noted theatre personality Sanjna Kapoor, the daughter of Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor, will be conferred prestigious French honour, Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, for her outstanding contribution to theatre. French Culture Minister Franck Riester, currently on an official visit to India, will confer the insignia of the distinction on Sanjna Kapoor in a special investiture ceremony.

DEFENCE

1. Indian Navy launches 'Operation Vanilla' to help cyclone-hit Madagascar: The Indian Navy has launched ‘Operation Vanilla’ to provide assistance to the affected population of Madagascar post devastation caused by Cyclone Diane. An Indian Navy Shardul-class amphibious warfare vessel, INS Airavat (L24) has been diverted to Antsiranana based on a request received from Madagascar, whilst mission deployed in the Southern Indian Ocean. The ship will undertake the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission as part of ‘Operation Vanilla’. During the port call, the ship, in coordination with Embassy of India and Government of Madagascar is planned to undertake relief operations to provide succour to the flood-affected populace. The Indian Navy ship is also geared to set up medical camp and provide food, water and other necessary relief material. At least 26 people have died in Madagascar after almost a week of heavy rain in the north-west of the island, according to reports.

OBITUARIES

1. Former women’s hockey team captain Sunita Chandra passes away: Former Indian women’s hockey team captain Sunita Chandra passed away. She was awarded prestigious Arjuna Puraskar. She had played for the Indian women’s hockey team between 1956 to 1966 and served as skipper from 1963 to 1966.

Daily GK Updates - 28th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Passes Resolution to Abolish State Legislative Assembly: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved the draft bill on 27 January 2020 to abolish the state’s Legislative Council. The Bill will be debated in the ongoing session of Assembly and similar resolution will be adopted in the Legislative Assembly and sent to the Centre for necessary follow-up action. The ruling YSR Congress is in minority with just nine members in the 58-member Legislative Council as against the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) which has 28 members. The cabinet felt that the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was misusing its majority in the Legislative Council to halt bills passed by the Legislative Assembly.

Note: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister: Jagan Mohan Reddy; Governor: Biswabhushan Harichandan; Capital: Amaravati.

2. Lala Lajpat Rai Birth Anniversary: 28th January: The ‘Year-2020’ marks the 155th birth anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai (Punjab Kesari), one of the greatest freedom fighters of India. Lala Lajpat Rai was born on January 28, 1865, in a Jain Punjabi family in Dhudikae village of Moga district,Punjab. He was part of the famous radical trio 'Lal Bal Pal', who advocated the Swadeshi movement in India. He played a pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle.

3. Maharashtra government launched Shiv Bhojan scheme: Maharashtra government launched the "Shiv Bhojan" scheme. It has been launched on a pilot basis. It aims to provide a meal to the poor for just Rs.10. Under the Shiv Bhojan scheme, the thalis or lunch plates will be available to people at designated centres and canteens during a stipulated time in all the districts. District Guardian Minister Aslam Shaikh inaugurated the Shiv Bhojan Thali canteen at the civic-run Nair Hospital in Mumbai. Another centre was inaugurated by Tourism Minister and Mumbai suburban district Guardian Minister Aaditya Thackeray at the Collector's office in Bandra.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Britain Unveils New 50 Pence Coin to Celebrate Brexit: Britain has minted a new 50 pence coin to mark the country’s departure from the European Union (EU), known by the term “BREXIT” (British exit). The coin bears the inscription “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations”. Britain will leave the EU at 2300 GMT on 31st January 2020. The distribution of the coins will begin from 31 January and about 3 million of the coins will be distributed from banks, post offices and shops.

Note: Prime minister of United Kingdom: Boris Johnson; Capital of the United Kingdom: London.

2. India appoints Taranjit Singh Sandhu as India’s next Ambassador to USA: Senior diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the United States. He replaces Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who has been named as India’s next foreign secretary. Sandhu is the current High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka since January 24, 2017.

Note: Union Minister of External Affairs:  Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

3. Khalid Bin Khalifa Al Thani Named new Prime Minister of Qatar: Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Qatar by the country’s ruler, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, on 28 January, 2020. He replaces Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

Note: Qatar Capital: Doha; Currency: Riyal

4. Saudi Arabia says Israeli citizens still not welcome: Saudi Arabia has announced that Israeli citizens are not allowed to visit the kingdom, home to Islam's holiest sites. This decision comes after Israel's Interior Ministry said Israeli citizens (Muslims and Jews) have the right to travel to Saudi Arabia for religious and business visits. Like most Arab countries, Saudi Arabia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Israel has peace deals with only two Arab countries Jordan and Egypt.

OTHER UPDATES:

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Assam Wins Best Tableaux Award at 71st Republic Day Parade: The Tableaux of Assam has bagged the first prize at the Republic Day Parade, 2020 among the States/Union Territories. The theme of Assam’s tableau was “Land of unique craftsmanship and culture”, displaying bamboo and cane work and Bhortal Nritya performed by Xattriya dancers. Odisha and Uttar Pradesh won tied second prize. The tableaux of National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and Jal Shakti Mission were jointly adjudged the best tableau among the Ministries and Departments. Central Public Works Department (CPWD) got the Special Prize for their tableau based on the theme Kashmir se Kanyakumari. Tableaux from 16 States/UTs and 6 Ministries/Departments were displayed at the parade.

2. Grammy Awards 2020 Announced: The 62nd edition of the Annual Grammy Awards ceremony was held on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles. The award is presented by The Recording Academy to recognize achievements in the American music industry. The 2020 Grammy awards recognize the best recordings, compositions, and artists from October 1, 2018 to August 31, 2019.

Here is the list of winners of Grammy Awards 2020:

Sr. No.	Category	Winner
1	Album Of The Year	When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (Billie Eilish)
2	Record Of The Year	Bad Guy (Billie Eilish)
3	Best New Artist	Billie Eilish
4	Best Rap Album	Igor (Tyler, The Creator)
5	Best R&B Album Winner	Ventura (Anderson .Paak)
6	Best Rap Song	A Lot
7	Best Country Album	While I’m Livin’ (Tanya Tucker)
8	Song Of The Year	Bad Guy ( Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell)
9	Best Rock Album	Social Cues (Cage The Elephant)
10	Best Rock Song	This Land (Gary Clark Jr.)
11	Best Dance/Electronic Album	No Geography (The Chemical Brothers)
12	Producer Of The Year, Classical	Blanton Alspaugh
13	Best Music Video	Old Town Road
14	Best Country Song	Bring My Flowers Now
15	Best Folk Album	Patty Griffin
16	Best Comedy Album	Sticks & Stones (Dave Chappelle)

3. Dr. N Kumar honoured with Harit Ratna Award 2019: Dr N Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, has been conferred ‘Harit Ratna Award 2019’. This award is organised by the All India Agricultural Students Association. He was awarded for the dissemination of Rs 30-crore entrepreneurship project in agri-business and also for motivating students towards the agriculture sector in Tamil Nadu. The award was conferred at the 5th National Youth Convention at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya in Raipur recently.

DEFENCE

1. GRSE set to deliver ASW corvette INS Kavaratti to Navy soon: Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) is set to deliver anti-submarine warfare stealth corvette INS Kavaratti to the Indian Navy. INS Kavaratti is 104th warship constructed by GRSE. 'Kavaratti' is the last of the four Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) stealth corvettes built by the GRSE for the Indian Navy under Project P28. Three of the four corvettes, INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt and INS Kiltan were commissioned in 2014, 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Note: Chief of Navy Staff (CNS): Karambir Singh.

OBITUARIES

1. Assamese linguist Golok Chandra Goswami passes away: Veteran academician, linguist and litterateur of Assam, Dr. Golok Chandra Goswami passed away at the age of 96. He was a pioneer in the field of scientific study of Assamese language. His book titled ‘An Introduction to Assamese Phonology’ is regarded as the path breaking contribution to the linguistic study of Assamese language. He was honoured with the Asam Sahitya Sabha’s ‘Sahityacharya’ title, ‘Bhashacharya’ title by Asom Bhasha Bikash Samiti and ‘Anundoram Borooah Award’ by the Anundoram Barooah Institute of Language, Art and Culture.

2. Noted South Actress Jameela Malik Passes Away: Veteran actress Jameela Malik, known for her critically acclaimed roles in a handful of movies in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu, has passed away. She was 73. Jameela was the first Keralite woman to graduate from the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.