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Friday, August 28, 2020

Daily GK Updates - 28th Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Piyush Goyal e-launches “National GIS-enabled Land Bank system”: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal has virtually launched the “National GIS-enabled Land Bank system“. The system was launched during virtual meeting with the industry, ministers of states, UT administrators and senior officers of the central and State Governments. This initiative is being supported by National e-Governance Division, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics, Invest India, and National Center of Geo-Informatics. National GIS-enabled Land Bank system has been developed by integration of Industrial Information System (IIS) with State GIS Systems. Initially, the system has been launched in the six states. The system will be improved further to make it an effective, transparent mechanism of land identification as well as procurement. Industrial Information System (IIS) portal is a GIS-enabled database of industrial areas/clusters across the states and about 3,300 industrial parks across 31 States/UTs have been mapped on the System. It contains information about forest, drainage, raw material heat maps; multiple layers of connectivity.

 

2. ISRO signs MoU with VSSUT to set up Incubation Centre: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up the first of its kind innovation cum incubation centre, VSSUT Space Innovation Centre (VSSSIC) to promote space research. ISRO and VSSUT will collaborate to develop high-end simulation tools, miniature test facilities like Static test facility and solid propulsion research lab and establishment of testing facilities for the scaled-down model. Important features of MoU:

(1) ISRO will offer technical consultancy support and financial assistance of Rs 50 lakhs for the development of infrastructure of VSSUT.

(2) ISRO and VSSUT will collaborate to develop high-end simulation tools, miniature test facilities like Static test facility and solid propulsion research lab and establishment of testing facilities for the scaled-down model.

(3) VSSSIC will explore the latest global trends in space technology and will take up related projects that benefit India.

(4) ISRO will ease the limited utilisation of rocket launching facilities like Thumba, Sriharikota or Balasore (under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

(5) These facilities have all kinds of safety systems that are required for the launch of future sounding rockets of VSSSIC.

Note: ISRO Chairman: K Sivan; ISRO Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.

VSSUT Vice-Chancellor: Atal Chaudhuri; VSSUT Headquarters: Sambalpur, Odisha.

 

3. NITI Aayog releases report on Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2020: NITI Aayog has released the report on Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2020 in partnership with the Institute of Competitiveness. The report evaluates the export preparedness and performance of Indian states. It aims to identify the challenges and opportunities; improve the effectiveness of government policies; and promote a facilitative regulatory framework. Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu occupied the top three ranks in the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2020. Some important highlights of the report:

(1) Most Indian states performed well on average in the sub-pillars of Exports Diversification, Transport Connectivity, and Infrastructure.

(2) Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu occupied the top three ranks in the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2020.

(3) Delhi has performed the best, followed by Goa and Chandigarh among the Union Territories.

(4) According to the report, India faces the following three fundamental challenges in the export promotion: (i) intra- and inter-regional disparities in export infrastructure; (ii) poor trade support and growth orientation among states; (iii) poor R&D infrastructure to promote complex and unique exports.

Note: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog: Amitabh Kant.

 

4. Uttar Pradesh government launches NRI unified portal: Uttar Pradesh government has launched the NRI unified portal. Overseas Indians and NRIs will be able to get their issues resolved with the help of this portal in cooperation with local administration or the State Government, as there are many instances when they could not find a platform to help their families resolve the problems related to their house as well as issues with local administration. The state government will also create a database of the state’s migrant workers employed in different countries of the world and will help offer assistance during any emergency.The portal will also offer an opportunity to those who want to go abroad.

Note: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Aditya Nath; Governor: Anandiben Patel.

 

5. Ministry of Social Justice launches Mental Health Rehabilitation helpline ‘KIRAN’: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a 24×7 Mental Health Rehabilitation helpline number under the name ‘Kiran’ to assist people to cope with mental health issues, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The toll-free HELPLINE number 1800-599-0019 will operate through 25 Institutions in 13 languages. The helpline will provide callers support for early screening, first-aid, psychological support, distress management, mental well-being, preventing deviant behaviours, psychological crisis management among other things.

 

6. A book title ‘Cricket Drona’ on renowned coach Vasoo Paranjape: A book title ‘Cricket Drona’ on renowned coach Vasudev Jagannath Paranjpe or Vasoo Paranjape will be released on September 2, 2020. The book is written by Vasudev Jagannath Paranjpe’s son and current national selector Jatin Paranjpe along with Cricket Journalist Anand Vasu and published by Penguin. The essence of the Book:

(1) The book talks about the impact of Paranjpe on shaping the careers of India’s greatest cricketers like Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma.

(2) The book will be a first-hand chronicle of stories, life lessons and game-changing experiences written by people who have crossed paths with Vasudev Paranjpe at some point in their career.

(3) The book also consists of essays written by Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Donald Trump formally re-nominated as Republican presidential candidate: US President Donald Trump was formally re-nominated as the Republican Party's presidential candidate for the November 3 elections. Trump secured sufficient votes to be re-nominated as the presidential candidate during the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Trump, 74, who faces formidable challenge from former Democratic vice president Joe Biden, 77, delivered his acceptance speech from the South Lawns of the White House on August 27. Mike Pence was also re-nominated as the Vice-Presidential candidate.

 

2. IIT Alumni Council signs MOU with Russia for building Quantum Computers: Indian Institute of Technology’s (IIT) Alumni Council has signed an agreement with Russia’s Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) and Russoft to build the world’s largest and fastest hybrid quantum computer in India. The most promising areas for Indo-Russian joint projects are Information and Communications Technology, space exploration, climate change, quantum technology and data security. The objective of the agreement is to use technology in the areas of healthcare, agriculture, transport and logistics, pollution and weather forecast to achieve the mission of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. As a part of the agreement, the Russian state-owned companies, which are key Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) owners, will transfer critical modules in cryogenics, cryptography and modularised cloud management technology to IIT Alumni Council.

Note: IIT Alumni Council President: Ravi Sharma; IIT Alumni Council Headquarter: New Delhi.

 

3. 5th virtual BRICS Industry Minister’s Meeting held: The Industry Ministers of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries held a meeting through video mode to discuss ways to boost cooperation in areas including 5G and Artificial Intelligence. From India, the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Som Parkash, participated in the meeting. The meeting adopted a joint statement on cooperation in new industries, such as 5G, AI and the industrial Internet, among BRICS countries. It is also likely that BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting will be organised in early September 2020, which will be arranged by Russia, the current Chair of BRICS.

Note: BRICS President: Marcos Prado Troyjo; BRICS Headquarters: Shanghai, China.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India plans to host BRICS Games in 2021: India is planning to host BRICS Games 2021, which will be aligned with the Khelo India Games scheduled for next year. This announcement came after Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju attended a meeting of Sports Ministers of the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). India will get the chairmanship of the five-nation independent international group in 2021. BRICS Games 2021 will be held during the same time and at the same venues as of Khelo India Games 2021 so that our players from various parts of the country who will gather for Khelo India Games will have the benefit of witnessing BRICS Games from close quarters. BRICS Games were formed at 8th BRICS Summit held in Goa, India in 2016. First edition of the BRICS Games were held in Guangzhou, China in 2017

Note: Sports Minister: Kiren Rijiju

BRICS Headquarters: Shanghai, China; BRICS President: Marcos Prado Troyjo

 

2. Bryan brothers announce retirement from the sport: The most successful men’s doubles pair in tennis history, Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan have announced their retirement from the sport. The brother’s pair captured an Open Era record with 119 trophies in 26 seasons which comprises all four Grand Slams, all nine ATP Masters 1000s as well as the Olympic gold medal. The Bryan brothers’ first major success came at the 2003 French Open and reached to No. 1 spot in the ATP Doubles Rankings on 8 September 2003 and spent a total time of 438 weeks at the top.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank & Adobe partners to enhance digital customer experiences: HDFC Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Adobe to enhance the Digital Experiences of its Customers. The partnership is powered by Adobe Experience Cloud Solutions and will help HDFC Bank to deliver personalised digital experiences to existing as well as new customers, at anytime and anywhere. The Bank will use platforms like Data Management Platform in Adobe Audience Manager to develop a deep understanding of the customers. The collected data will enable HDFC to deliver focussed campaigns and communication to customers through email, mobile and off-line channels. HDFC Bank’s customers can now look forward to: Usage of any device to do different types of end-to-end transactions; Opening of accounts digitally, without visiting an HDFC branch; A platform to apply for loans digitally from home 24×7; Managing investments without any physical interface.

Note: HDFC Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; HDFC Chairman: Deepak Parekh

 

2. Vinay Tonse becomes new MD and CEO of SBI Mutual Fund: Vinay Tonse has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SBI Mutual Fund (MF). He will replace Ashwani Bhatia, who has been now appointed as the managing director (MD) of State Bank of India. Tonse joined SBI as a Probationary Officer in 1988 and has worked across different locations in India and abroad. Over his tenure of 32 years with the State Bank of India, he has traversed through various functions and assignments possessing rich experience in several facets of commercial banking such as corporate credit, treasury, retail and international banking.

Note: SBI Mutual Fund Founded: June 1987; SBI Mutual Fund Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Dutch author Marieke Lucas Rijneveld wins International Booker Prize 2020: Dutch Author, Marieke Lucas Rijneveld won the International Booker Prize 2020 for her debut novel ‘The Discomfort of Evening’. Rijneveld became the youngest author to win the prize at the age of 29. The book tells the fictional story of Jas, a girl in a devout Christian farming family, whose brother dies in an accident after she wishes he would die instead of her rabbit. The book was first published in Dutch in 2018 and eventually translated into English by Michele Hutchison. The £50,000 prize ($66,000) will be split equally between the author and translator to give equal recognition to both.

About International Booker Prize: The International Booker Prize is an international literary award given annually to a book translated to English and published in the UK or Ireland. The Prize aims to encourage publishing and reading of quality fiction from all over the world and also to promote the work of translators. Both novels and short-story collections are eligible for the prize. The Booker prizes are sponsored by Crankstart, a charitable foundation.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Computer Pioneer Arnold Spielberg passes away: Arnold Meyer Spielberg, a pioneered computer designer & an innovative engineer passed away at the age of 103. Spielberg and Charles Propster designed the GE-225 mainframe computer in the late 1950s while working for General Electric. The machine allowed computer scientists at Dartmouth College to develop the programming language BASIC, which would be essential to the rise of personal computers in the 1970s and ‘80s. Spielberg was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 6, 1917. He is the father of filmmaker Steven Spielberg and helped them to produce his first full-fledged movie, ‘Firelight’, made in 1963. Achievements of Arnold Spielberg:

Spielberg helped to develop the 1st point-of-sale computerised cash register, it is regarded as his greatest contribution. Also, he designed and patented the 1st electronic library system, which was implemented as an interrogation system for data stored on an array of magnetic tapes.

 

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