Dailly GK Updates - 4th March, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 108 Indian Science Congress to be held in Pune in January 2021: The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) announced that the 108th edition of the Indian Science Congress is scheduled to be held in Pune in January 2021. This will be the fourth time that the city will host the prestigious meet in the last 100 years. The event will be held at Symbiosis International University’s Lavale campus between January 3 and 7. Theme of the 108th Indian Science Congress will be ‘Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment’. It focuses on economic growth, environmental protection and social inclusion of all communities using science and technology. It will also see deliberations on providing equal opportunities to women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) while achieving sustainable development. Dr Vijay Laxmi Saxena has been elected general president of the Indian Science Congress, 2021.

Note: Indian Science Congress Association President: K.S.Rangappa; Indian Science Congress Association Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.

2. Ajay Bhushan Pandey appointed as the new Finance Secretary: Revenue secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey has been appointed as the new Finance Secretary of India replacing Rajiv Kumar by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Ajay Kumar, IAS officer of Maharashtra cadre (1984 batch), had earlier worked as chief executive officer of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the organization behind the Aadhaar.

Note: Union Minister of Finance: Nirmala Sitharaman.

3. Sudhanshu Pandey takes charge as new CMD of MMTC Ltd: Sudhanshu Pandey has assumed additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director of MMTC Ltd, India’s largest public sector trading body. Presently he is serving as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry MMTC (former Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation) is India’s single largest international trading company for product lines like minerals, metals and precious metals.

MMTC Headquarters: New Delhi; MMTC Established: 26 September 1963.

4. Bureau of Energy Efficiency launched Star Rating programme in New Delhi: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), an agency of the Government of India, under the Ministry of Power, has launched Star Rating Programme for Light Commercial Air Conditioners (LCAC) and Deep Freezers, in its 19th foundation day in New Delhi. BEE also launched Urja Dakshata Information Tool (UDIT) (www.udit.beeindia.gov.in) developed in association with US (United States) based World Resources Institute (WRI), to facilitate a database on energy efficiency.

Note: Bureau of Energy Efficiency(BEE) Director-General: Shri Abhay Bakre; Bureau of Energy Efficiency Headquarters: New Delhi; Bureau of Energy Efficiency Parent organization: Ministry of Power.

5. ICAR inks MoU with Patanjali Bio Research Institute: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Patanjali Bio Research Institute, Haridwar. As per the MoU, the specific work plans will be developed to work on the collaborative research programmes in the areas of national interest related to sustainable agriculture development suitable to different agro-ecologies of the country.

Note: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and President ICAR: Narendra Singh Tomar; Headquarters of ICAR: New Delhi; ICAR founded: 16 July 1929.

6. National safety day: 4 March: National Safety Day is celebrated on 4 March to commemorate the foundation day of National Safety Council of India. This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the safety measures to prevent mishaps and accidents due to lack of awareness. The Campaign is aimed at renewing the commitment of employees and the general public to work safely throughout the year. The ultimate objective of the Campaign is to ensure integration of OSH in work culture and lifestyle.

7. National Security Day: March 4: In India, March 4 is celebrated as National Security Day (Rashtriya Suraksha Diwas) every year. The day aims to show gratitude to all the security forces, including policemen, para-military forces, commandos, guards, army officers, and other persons involved in security, who sacrifice their life in maintaining the peace and security of the people of the country. 4 March also marks the day when National Security Council (NSC) of India was established.

8. Grand Rangotsav in Mathura Vrindavan begins: Grand Rangotsav showcasing the unique colours of holi has began with the famous Laddoo Holi in Mathura Vrindavan followed by Latthmar Holi, Chadi Holi and foolon ki holi. On this occasion, various Ghats along with 35 temples will be be illuminated through "coloured concept lighting" in Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon, including Krishna Janmabhoomi, Dwarkadhish Temple and intersections in the towns.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian-American Seema Verma included in US Coronavirus Task Force: Indian-American health policy consultant Seema Verma has been appointed as one of the key members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force constituted by US President Donald Trump. This task force is constituted to combat the deadly disease that has claimed six lives in the country and infected over 90 others. The task force led by Secretary, Health and Human Services Alex Azar. US Vice President Mike Pence announced the appointment of Seema Verma, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Note: Capital of USA: Washington, D.C.; Currency of USA: US Dollar.

2. World Bank announces 12 billion USD aid to fight coronavirus: The World Bank announced 12 billion USD to assist countries that are grappling with economic impacts of coronavirus. The virus has reached 60 countries so far. World Bank President David Malpass announced that the fund can be used for medical equipment or health services and will include expertise and policy advice helping in fast and effective recovery.

Note: President of World Bank: David Robert Malpass; Headquarter of World Bank: Washington DC.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. All India Police Athletic Championship began in Haryana: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju inaugurated 68th edition of All India Police Athletic Championship began at Bhanu in Panchkula District of Haryana. The 68th edition of All India Police Athletic Championship aims to enhance India’s performance in the Olympics scheduled to be held in 2028. To achieve this feat, the Government of India has identified more than 15,000 children and has also commenced their training in 284 Sports Authority of India training centres across the country.

2. Shafali Verma gained the top spot in the ICC women's T20I rankings: Teen sensation Shafali Verma rises to top in ICC women’s T20 rankings, riding on her stellar run at the ongoing World Cup scoring a total of 161 runs in four innings. She has become only the second India player after Mithali Raj to top the women's T20 International rankings. The 16-year-old Shafali has replaced New Zealand's Suzie Bates, who had been at the top of batting charts since October 2018.

3. BharatPe has signed up 11 Indian cricket players as brand endorsers: Fintech platform ‘BharatPe’ has signed up 11 Indian national level cricket players as its brand ambassadors. The players comprise Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shubhman Gill. The Delhi-based platform had brought actor Salman Khan as brand ambassador last year.

4. Jaydev Unadkat broke 21-year-old record in Ranji Trophy: Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat broke a 21-year-old record in history of Ranji Trophy to emerge as the highest-wicket taking pacer in a single season. With his 10 wickets in the semis, three in the first innings and seven in the second, Unadkat took his tally of wickets to 65 in the 2019/20 season as he surpassed Karnataka's Dodda Ganesh who had 62 wickets in 1998/99.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBL Bank inks partnership with Zomato to launch co-branded credit cards: India private sector bank, RBL Bank (formerly known as Ratnakar Bank ltd) inks partnership with Online food ordering and delivery app Zomato to launch co-branded credit cards, powered by Mastercard. This partnership will help the online food delivery platform further cement its position in India’s dining market by offering benefits such as Zomato credits on purchases, and increase the reach of its flagship membership program Zomato Gold. The card that starts with an annual membership of ₹500 (plus taxes) for the basic edition will also offer a complimentary Zomato Gold membership. The card comes under two variants, the basic Edition Classic card and a more premium Edition Card.

Note: MD & CEO of RBL Bank: Mr Vishwavir Ahuja; Headquarters of RBL Bank: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Headquarters of Zomato: Gurugram, Haryana; CEO of Zomato: Deepinder Goyal.

2. Paytm subsidiary gets IRDAI’s brokerage licence to offer insurance products: Indian digital payments platform Paytm’s subsidiary, Paytm Insurance Broking, has received the brokerage licence from the Insurance Regulatory and Authority of India (IRDAI). Paytm will now offer insurance in various categories namely automotive, health and life. In addition to this, Paytm customers can also get policy management and claim settlement at select merchant points.

Note: The parent organization of Paytm: One97 Communications; Headquarters of Paytm: Noida, Uttar Pradesh; President of Paytm: Amit Nayyar.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. IIT Mandi signs deal with NABARD for setting up FPOs: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi & Enabling Women of Kamand (EWOK) Society has inked a tripartite deal with the National Bank For Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for setting up three Farmer Producer Organization in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. NABARD has sanctioned an amount of Rs 35 lakhs to EWOK Society and IIT Mandi for 3 FPOs to be established in the next 3 years.

Note: NABARD Formation: July 12, 1982; NABARD Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; NABARD Chairman: Harsh Kumar Bhanwala.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. President Kovind confers 61st Lalit Kala Akademi awards: On March 4, 2020, President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, conferred the 61st annual Lalit Kala Akademi Awards on 15 meritorious artists at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship is the highest honour for the fine arts in India, conferred by the Government of India to eminent artists for their lifetime achievements in the field of visual arts. It is awarded by the Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art.

Below is the complete list of winners of 61st annual National Lalit Kala Akademi Awards:

S. No.	Award Winner	State
1	Anoop Kumar Manzukhi Gopi	Thrissoor, Kerala
2	David Malakar	Kolkata, West Bengal
3	Devendra Kumar Khare	Vadodara, Gujarat
4	Dinesh Pandya	Mumbai, Maharashtra
5	Faruque Ahmed Halder	Kolkata, West Bengal
6	Hari Ram Kumbhawat	Jaipur, Rajasthan
7	Keshari Nandan Prasad	Jaipur, Rajasthan
8	Mohan Kumar T	Bengaluru, Karnataka
9	Ratan Krishna Saha	Mumbai, Maharashtra
10	Sagar Vasant Kamble	Mumbai, Maharashtra
11	Satwinder Kaur	New Delhi
12	Sunil Thiruvayur	Ernakulam, Kerala
13	Tejaswi Narayan Sonawane	Solapur, Maharashtra
14	Yashpal Singh	Delhi
15	Yashwant Singh	Delhi

OBITUARIES

1. Buddhist religious leader in Bangladesh Suddhananda Mahathero passes away: The head of the Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha Sanghanayaka Suddhananda Mahathero passed away in Dhaka. He was a revered figure among the Buddhists of Bangladesh. He is known for running many social service activities particularly the orphanage at Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery which takes care of more than 350 children. Government of Bangladesh awarded the Ekushey Award to him in 2012.