Daily GK Updates - 5th Sept, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Minister of Education launches mobile app “EnglishPro”: Union Minister of Education has launched a free mobile app named as “EnglishPro“. The mobile application has been developed by the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad under University Social Responsibility (USR). This app will be “a useful digital tool” and will act as an educational resource for the teachers, students and for people from varied backgrounds. The first-of-its kind initiative by any university in the country, the mobile application “EnglishPro” will help learners in developing Indian English Pronunciation in the unique “Indian” way. In the near future, EFLU will also come up with more advanced versions of the mobile application to address the larger learner-needs.

 

2. Uttar Pradesh Govt to set up exclusive anti-electricity theft police stations in every district: The state government of Uttar Pradesh has announced to set up exclusive anti-electricity theft police stations in each of the 75 district of state to address the problem of frequent cases of power theft. Out of the total 75 districts, these police stations have already started functioning in 63 districts. The numbers of enforcement teams have also been raised from 33 to 88. People can file a case in these stations if there are any irregularities and crimes related to electricity.

 

3. National Teachers’ Day: 5th September: In India, the Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year on the 5th of September since 1962. The day marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, an Indian philosopher, academic, and statesman, who defined the role of the teacher as someone who acts not only as an educator but also as a moral mentor and inculcates values among students. He was the second President of India (1962 to 1967) and the first Vice President of India (1952–1962).

National Teachers Awards: The Ministry of Education presents the National Teachers Awards on the occasion every year to acknowledge and encourage extraordinary and meritorious efforts of teachers from across the length and breadth of the country. In 2020, the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, conferred National Awards on 47 teachers from across the country. The award ceremony was held virtually for the first time.

 

4. Ayushmann Khurrana appointed as Brand Ambassador of Bajaj Allianz Life: Private life insurer, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited has appointed bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana as its brand ambassador. As the brand ambassador of the life insurer, actor will be promoting the products as well as the digital services of the Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited. The bollywood actor is also set to feature in the upcoming campaign “Smart Living” of the private life insurer which encompasses its Term Plan “Smart protect Goal” and the newly digital service “Smart Assist” which collectively seeks to secure and enable its customer’s life goal amid these uncertain times.

Note: MD & CEO of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited: Tarun Chugh.

 

5. Sikkim Celebrated Pang Lhabsol Festival: The festival of cultural heritage and historical importance Pang Lhabsol is celebrated in Sikkim. It is one of the most historically significant festivals celebrated in Sikkim. It is a unique festival of Sikkim and commemorates the consecration of Mount Khangchendzonga as the guardian deity of Sikkim. To this day the mountain god is invoked and prayed upon at Pang Lhabsol to continue protecting Sikkim. The festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month of the Tibetan calendar corresponding to late August/early September. The ‘chaams’ which are part of this festival are unique and the spectacular Pangtoed or warrior dance was choreographed by the third Chogyal Chador Namgyal, which is said to have appeared to him in a vision.

 

6. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Programme, 2020: Under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Goa is paired with Jharkhand. Lot of exchange activities are happening on this front. The intensity of programmes is less due to lockdown and so the focus is laid on virtual events. Lokotsav programmes held earlier in Goa in Panaji evoked good response. Stalls of Jharkhand displayed delicacies from that state and Goans enjoyed savouring the same. Folk dances presented by Jharkhand artistes also were appreciated by Goan artistes. Later Goan artistes also visited Jharkhand and presented Goan folk dances. Bangle making workshops were held in Goa wherein experts from handicraft arena of Jharkhand guided Goan artistes.

 

7. APIIC signs MoU with CSIR-IICT to establish a bulk drug park: The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd (APIIC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) to establish a bulk drug park in the state. CSIR-IICT is the knowledge partner and will offer needed technical backing to make the proposal which will be submitted by the Andhra Pradesh government to the Department of Pharmaceuticals to seek financial assistance from the Centre. The Mou was signed in the virtual presence of Mekapati Goutham Reddy, Minister for Industries, Andhra Pradesh.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Prahlad Singh Patel virtually attends BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meet: The 5th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting was held under the chairpersonship of Russian Federation. India was represented by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in the 5th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meet. The participants of the meeting deliberated on the impact of the epidemiological situation on the cultural sphere in the BRICS countries. It also reviewed the possible implementation of joint cultural online-projects within BRICS. The 5th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting featured the participation of delegates from Culture Ministries of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Republic of India, the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of South Africa.

2. India attends Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Meeting of BIMSTEC: India participated in the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) of the regional grouping BIMSTEC on 2 September 2020 to discuss ways to further expand cooperation among its member nations to effectively deal with key challenges including impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The key meeting of BIMSTEC was held under the chairmanship of Sri Lanka. The Indian delegation at the meeting was headed by Secretary (East) in Ministry of External Affairs Vijay Thakur Singh. Some key areas of discussion included ways to deepen cooperation among the member nations including cooperation in dealing with economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and holding of the next summit of the grouping.

 

3. Dwayne Bravo becomes cricket ambassador for “SBOTOP” sportsbook brand: West Indies cricket icon Dwayne Bravo has become the first cricket ambassador for “SBOTOP” sportsbook brand. Isle of Man betting group Celton Manx has appointed the West Indies cricketer as the cricket ambassador for its flagship sportsbook. Dwayne Bravo has represented West Indies in all formats of the cricket. He has represented the country in 256 test matches and 120 one-day-internationals and is also considered as one of the best ever ‘all-rounders’ of the sport.

 

4. International Day of Charity: 5th September: United Nations celebrates the International Day of Charity globally on 05th September every year. The day is being celebrated to sensitize and mobilize people, NGOs, and stakeholders all around the world to help others via volunteer and philanthropic activities. The day also recognizes the role played by charity in reducing humanitarian crises and human suffering within and among nations.

United Nations designated 05th September as the International Day of Charity to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for “work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace.”

Note: Secretary-General of United Nations: António Guterres.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sumit Nagal becomes 1st Indian to win grand slam singles main draw match in 7 years: India’s Sumit Nagal registered his maiden Grand Slam victory when he defeated American Bradley Klahn in the first round of the US Open 2020. Nagal advanced to the next round winning 6-1, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in a contest that lasted two hours and 12 minutes.  The win ensures the 122nd-ranked will take at least USD 1,00,000 (Rs 73 lakh approximately) for making it to the second round at Flushing Meadows. The result means Nagal is the first Indian male tennis star in seven years to win a main draw match at the US Open. The last Indian to do so was Somdev Devvarman in 2013. The 23-year-old will next take on Austrian Dominic Thiem who went past  Spanish rival Jaume Munar 7-6(6) 6-3 who retired due to injury.

After professional tennis across the world was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak earlier this year, Nagal decided to stay in Germany where he trains and took part in exhibition events before taking part in a Challenger event in Prague as part of his preparations for the US Open – the second Major event of 2020.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI releases revised Priority Sector Lending Guidelines: The Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Guidelines have been reviewed by the Reserve Bank of India. The review was executed to align the PSL Guidelines with evolving national priorities. The new guidelines will make better credit penetration into credit deficient areas and increase the lending to small as well as marginal farmers and weaker sections. It will also enhance credit to renewable energy, and health infrastructure. In the revised PSL Guidelines, the Reserve Bank of India has included some fresh categories eligible for finance under priority sector. These include loans to farmers for installation of solar power plants; loans for establishment of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plants; and bank finance to start-ups of up to Rs 50 crore. Some key features of revised PSL guidelines are as follows:

(1) To address the issue of regional disparities in the flow of priority sector credit, RBI has assigned higher weightage to incremental priority sector credit in ‘identified districts’ where priority sector credit flow is relatively low.

(2) The targets stipulated for “small and marginal farmers” as well as “weaker sections” are being increased in a phased manner.

(3) Credit limit has been raised for the Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs)/Farmers Producers Companies (FPCs) undertaking farming with assured marketing of their produce at a pre-determined price.

(4) The loan limits for renewable energy have been doubled.

(5) The credit limit for health infrastructure (including those under ‘Ayushman Bharat’) has been doubled to improve the health infrastructure.

Note: RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikant Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. European Investment Bank announces 650 Million Euro for Kanpur Metro Project: The Luxembourg based European Investment Bank (EIB) will invest EUR650 million for the construction of the first city metro line of Kanpur. Kanpur is the fifth metro rail project to receive EIB funds in India and also the second-biggest investment made by the EIB outside the European Union.. This project is the second metro rail project supported by the EIB in Uttar Pradesh. Prior to this, EIB made EUR450 million investment for Lucknow metro rail system. The EU bank has also invested in metro rail systems in Bhopal, Pune, and Bangalore in India.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Rajnath Singh attends SCO Defence Minister meet in Moscow; inks deal with Russia to manufacture AK-47 203 rifles: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the joint meeting of the Defence Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Moscow. Russia on 4 September 2020. Mr. Singh was on three-day visit to Russia from 3-5 September 2020 to attend the combined meeting of Defence Ministers of SCO, CIS and CSTO members. Rajnath Singh will also be participating in the 75th anniversary event to commemorate Victory Day.

Deal with Russia to manufacture AK-47 203 rifles: During his visit, Rajnath Singh, on behalf of India finalised a major deal with Russia on 3rd September 2020 for the manufacturing of AK-47 203 rifles. The deal says that the Indian Army has a requirement of 7,70,000 AK-47 203 rifles. Of this total number, 1,00,000 will be imported and the rest will be manufactured in India. The AK-47 203 is the latest and most advanced version of the AK-47 rifle. It will replace the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56×45 mm assault rifle.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Producer-Director Johnny Bakshi passes away: Veteran producer-director Johnny Bakshi has passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 82. Johnny Bakshi mostly worked as a producer, in his career spanning over four decades. He was best known for producing films such as Raavan (1984), Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee (1993), and Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain, (1974). As a director, his films includes Daku Aur Police (1992) and 1994 movie Khudai. He also acted in Haar Jeet (1990) and Papa Kehte Hai (1996).