Daily GK Updates - 14th Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Price Monitoring and Resource Unit set up in Karnataka: Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri DV Sadananda Gowda has announced the establishment of a Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (PMRU) in Karnataka. The PMRU has been established by National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, in association with Karnataka State Drug Control Department. PMRU will assist NPPA in monitoring the prices of drugs, ensuring availability of drugs as well as raising consumer awareness. The PMRU will act as collaborating partner of NPPA with information collecting mechanism at the grass-root level. The State Drug Controller will directly supervise the Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (PMRU) in order to increase the outreach of NPPA. The recurring and non-recurring expenses of PMRUs are borne by NPPA under the Central Sector Scheme named Consumer Awareness, Publicity and Price Monitoring (CAPPM).

Note: Chief Minister of Karnataka: B.S. Yediyurappa; Governor: Vajubhai Vala.

 

2. Goa’s Harmal Chillies, Moira bananas, Khaje gets GI tag: Goa’s traditional festive sweet dish ‘Khaje’, spicy Harmal Chilli and Myndoli Banana (Moira Banana) has obtained Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indications Registry. Khaje got a GI tag under foodstuffs falling in Class-30 and Moira Banana under Class-31. The Bicholim based All-Goa Khaje Producers Association (AGKPA) applied for the GI tag of Khaje through the department of science and technology in 2019. Myndoli Banana Growers Association, Ibrampur, Pernem applied for the GI tag of Moira bananas. The Harmal-Pernem Chilli Growers Association had made the application for the GI tag of Harmal Chillies.

About GI tag: GI registration in India is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 which came into force with effect from September 2003. A GI tag protects the produce from being illegally used and ensures benefits to the local growers’ community.

Note: Geographical Indications Registry headquartered: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Goa Capital: Panaji; Governor of Goa: Satya Pal Malik; Chief Minister of Goa: Pramod Sawant.

 

3. Assam Launches ‘Orunodoi’ Scheme to financially empower women: The Assam government has announced a new scheme named ‘Orunodoi’ (the rising sun), whose main objective is to financially empower women. Under this scheme Rs 830 per month would be provided each to one female member in around 17 lakh poor families. The Orunodoi scheme is Assam’s biggest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme till date. State government has earmarked a sum of Rs 280 crore for the new scheme. Key Features of the scheme:

To avail the benefits of the scheme, the nominated beneficiary should be a permanent resident of Assam and their composite household income should be less than Rs two lakh per annum. District-wise selection of beneficiaries would begin from August 17 and the beneficiaries would start receiving the amount in the bank account of a female family member on the first day of every month, starting from October. Initially around 17 lakh families would be covered and the number would subsequently increase to 25 lakh. Priority would be given to households with widows, divorced, unmarried or separated women, and disabled persons.

Note: Assam Capital: Dispur; Assam Governor: Jagdish Mukhi; Assam Chief Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal.

 

4. Indigenous AUM Photonic System developed to monitor Air Quality: Air Unique-quality Monitoring (AUM) Photonic System has been indigenously developed with the prime objective of real-time remote monitoring of air quality. The system has been developed by Prof. Rao Tatavarti, Director of Gayatri Vidya Parishad-Scientific and Industrial Research Centre & GVP College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam along with the support of Department of Science and Technology’s Clean Air Research Initiative. The system is portable, compact, low powered and economical. It works on plug and play system and do not require any setting uptime. It has the capability to identify, classify, and quantify various pollutants simultaneously (of orders of less than one part per billion) including meteorological parameters, with very high precision, sensitivity as well as accuracy.

 

5. Isher Judge Ahluwalia steps down as ICRIER chairperson; Succeeded by Pramod Bhasin: Noted economist Isher Judge Ahluwalia has stepped down as Chairman of the economic think tank Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), due to declining health. She was elected chairperson on August 8, 2005, and had held the position for 15 years. Isher will continue as Chairperson Emeritus, a position specially created for her.

Pramod Bhasin has been appointed as a new Chairman of Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER). He is currently the vice-chair of the board of governors at ICRIER.

Note: Director & Chief Executive of ICRIER: Dr Rajat Kathuria; Headquarters of ICRIER: New Delhi.

 

6. MoRTH rolls out Atulya microwave disinfecting device: Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has rolled out microwave device titled ‘Atulya’ in Nagpur. It is can disinfect any premises in just 30 seconds. It has been certified by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). It is fully indigenous and has been manufactured under MSME. It can be hand handled and can disinfect any premises up to 5 metres area, besides surface areas, home and office furniture, beds, new boxes.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Historic peace agreement between UAE & Israel: President of USA, Donald J. Trump, Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Nahyan have agreed to the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. About peace agreement between UAE & Israel:

(1) This historic diplomatic agreement will advance peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and the courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel. All three countries face many common challenges and will mutually benefit from historic achievement.

(2) Delegations from Israel and the United Arab Emirates will meet and sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment, the establishment of reciprocal embassies, and other areas of mutual benefit.

(3) Opening direct ties between two of the Middle East’s most dynamic societies and advanced economies will transform the region by spurring economic growth, enhancing technological innovation, and forging closer people-to-people relations.

(4) The United Arab Emirates and Israel will immediately expand and accelerate cooperation regarding the treatment of and the development of a vaccine for the coronavirus. Working together, these efforts will help save Muslim, Jewish, and Christian lives throughout the region.

Israel and the United Arab Emirates will join with the United States to launch a Strategic Agenda for the Middle East to expand diplomatic, trade, and security cooperation.

(5) The United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates share a similar outlook regarding the threats and opportunities in the region, as well as a shared commitment to promoting stability through diplomatic engagement, increased economic integration, and closer security coordination.

Note: Israel Capital: Jerusalem; Currency: Israeli Shekel

United Arab Emirates Capital: Abu Dhabi; Currency: United Arab Emirates dirham; President: Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

 

2. Israel & United States successfully tests an advanced missile defense system Arrow 2: On 13 August 2020, Israel successfully carried out the test of an advanced missile defense system, Arrow 2, to intercept long-range ballistic attacks. The test was conducted from the Palmachim Air Base in central Israel and over the Mediterranean Sea. The Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) conducted the test jointly with the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) and the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The Arrow weapon system of Israel consists of the Arrow, Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 interceptor missiles. The Arrow-2 interceptor engaged a Sparrow target missile which stimulated a long-range surface to surface missile, performed the planned trajectory and destroyed the target. The system will serve as the top tier integrated Israeli shield built to withstand various missile salvoes. It is a multi-layered system designed and manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries and Boeing, US-based industry. It has been designed to defend the short and mid-range rockets and long-range missiles were introduced in March 2000.

Note: Israel President: Reuven “Ruvi” Rivlin; Israel Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu; Israel Capital: Jerusalem; Israel Currency: Israeli New Shekel.

 

3. Book titled “Our Only Home: A Climate Appeal to the World” by Dalai Lama to hit stands in November 2020: The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has penned a new book on climate change titled titled “Our Only Home: A Climate Appeal to the World”. The book will be released in November 2020. It has been published by Hanover Square Press. In his latest book, Dalai Lama calls on political decision makers to fight against deadlock and ignorance on the issue of climate change and to stand up for a different, more climate-friendly world and for the younger generation to assert their right to regain its future.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sports Ministry to organise “Fit India Freedom Run”: “Fit India Freedom Run” would be organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports from 15th August to 02nd October 2020. The ministry is organising “Fit India Freedom Run” to mark the 74th Independence Day of India on August 15 to 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2. This would be the largest country-wide run, targeted to encourage fitness among the masses while following the COVID-19 protocols. Government of India has decided to encourage participants of the event to run at their own pace – anywhere and at any time of their convenience in order to keep up with the current pandemic situation and social distancing norms.

Note: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports: Kiren Rijiju.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. LIC starts ‘Special Revival Campaign’ to revive lapsed policies: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has announced a special scheme to revive lapsed policies named ‘Special Revival Campaign’. This campaign is open from 10 August to 9 October during which customers can revive their individual lapsed policies. Under this scheme:

(1) The policies of specific eligible plans can be revived within five years from the date of the first unpaid premium subject to certain terms and conditions.

(2) Though it is not offering any concessions in medical requirements, some concessions may be allowed in late fee under plans other than term assurance and other high-risk plans.

(3) Those policies that have lapsed during the premium- paying term and not completed policy term as on the date of revival, are eligible to be revived during the campaign.

(4) The campaign is launched to benefit those policyholders who were not able to pay the premium due to unavoidable circumstances and their policy lapsed. It always makes better sense to revive an old policy to restore cover.

Note: LIC Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Chairman of LIC: M R Kumar; LIC founded: 1 September 1956.

 

2. Sameer Gehlaut Steps down as Chairman of Indiabulls Housing Finance, SS Mundra appointed non-executive Chairman: Sameer Gehlaut, the co-founder and Chairman of Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd ( IBHFL) has stepped down as the Executive Chairman of the company, and taken up the role of Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director of IBHFL. Gehlaut has stepped down to take charge as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Indiabulls Ventures Ltd, a subsidiary company of IBHFL. Meanwhile, Subhash Sheoratan Mundra, the former deputy governor of Reserve Bank of India, has taken over as the Non-Executive Chairman of IBHFL.

Note: Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd Headquarters: Gurugram; Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd Founded: 2005.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Sudha Murthy, ITC’s Sivakumar bags Gramodaya awards: Chairperson of Infosys Foundation, Sudha Murty and Group Head of Agri and IT Businesses of ITC Ltd, Sivakumar Surampudi are among the winners of the Gramodaya Bandhu Mitra Puraskaras. The other winners include Padma Bhushan Vijay Bhatkar, Padmasri SP Verma, Vilas Shinde (Director, Sahyadri Farms), Koosam Rajamouli, Former Sarpanch of Gangadevipalli in Telangana, Brig Pogula Ganesham, Founder of Palle Srujana, and Govinda Rajulu Chintala, Chairman of the Nabard.

Note: Gramodaya Bandhu Mitra Puraskaras instituted by Gramodaya Chamber of Commerce and Technology (GCOT), a not-for-profit organisation founded by the alumni of Osmania University. The awards recognise “Yeoman service rendered by individuals and institutions to provide succour and uplift the vast majority of our population dependent on agriculture and allied activities for livelihood”. The awards were constituted to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. ICG’s fourth Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Sarthak’ launched: An Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for the Indian Coast Guard has been launched and re-christened as Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Sarthak’. Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has designed and developed the Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Sarthak’ which is the 4th in the series of five OPVs. ‘Sarthak’ has been built indigenously and is designed in such a way that it carries a twin-engine helicopter, four high speed boats along with one inflatable boat for swift boarding and Search & Rescue operations. It will be deployed extensively for EEZ surveillance, Coastal Security and other duties.

The Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) ‘Sarthak’ is 105 metres long and fitted with state-of-the-art Navigation and Communication equipment, sensor and machinery. It displaces approximately 2350 tons and has been propelled by two 9100 KW diesel engines. It has been designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots, with an endurance of 6000 Nautical Miles.

Note: Director General of Indian Coast Guard: Krishnaswamy Natarajan.

 

2. Raksha Mantri launches Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation: The Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) has been launched by the Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The NIIO, a three-tiered organisation, will enable its end users to interact with academia as well as industry for the promotion of innovation and indigenisation for self-reliance in defence, with the help of its dedicated structures. The twin aspects of innovation and indigenisation would be brought together by the Naval Technology Acceleration Council (N-TAC), which will also offer apex level directives. It also includes a working group under the N-TAC, which will be responsible for the implementation of the projects. To fulfill the objective of induction of emerging disruptive technology in an accelerated time frame, Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC) has been established.

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Famous Malayalam lyricist Chunakkara Ramankutty passes away: Famous Malayalam Poet-Lyricist, Chunakkara Ramankutty (84 years) passed away in Thiruvananthapuram. He is known for writing over 215 songs for 76 movies. His career peaked in 1984 when he wrote 32 songs in that year. His famous work includes ‘Syamameghame nee’ (Adhipan), ‘Sindoorathilakavumayi’ (Kuyiline thedi), ’Nee Arinjo Mele Manath’ (Kandu Kandarinju), ‘Hridayavaniyile gayikayo’ (Kottayam Kunjachan). He was awarded with Guru Shreshta Award of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi in 2015.

 

2. Congress spokesperson Rajiv Tyagi passes away: Congress leader and spokesperson Rajiv Tyagi (53 years) passes away due to heart attack at his residence in Sector 16, Vasundhara, Ghaziabad. His death was followed after an intense discussion on a Hindi news channel on the violence in Bengaluru. He was known for being a prominent figure in news debates. He was appointed the official spokesperson of Congress while he was serving as the General Secretary at Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee.