Daily GK Updates - 30th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurates India’s first 3D printed house at IIT-M: The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman virtually inaugurated the first 3D printed house in India at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M). The concept of this 3D printed house was conceived by former IIT-M alumni. The single-storey home has been built in just five days over an area of about 600 sq. ft using ‘Concrete 3D Printing” technology.The house is by IIT-Madras based start-up ‘TVASTA Manufacturing Solutions’, within the campus, in association with Habitat for Humanity’s Terwilliger Centre for Innovation in Shelter. The 3D Printed House would help to meet the deadline of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of the ‘housing for all’ scheme by 2022.

 

2. TV Somanathan named finance secretary by ACC: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of T V Somanathan as the new Finance Secretary. He will replace Ajay Bhushan Pandey who superannuated in February 2021. Somanathan, a 1987 batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre, was currently serving as the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. Earlier, he has served as a joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. Somanathan was awarded the Gold Medal for the Best IAS trainee of his cohort. He holds a PhD in Economics from Calcutta University and is a chartered accountant, chartered management accountant and chartered secretary.

 

3. Cricketer RavindraJadeja becomes ASICS brand ambassador: Japanese Sportswear brand ASICS announced that it has appointed RavindraJadeja, the all-rounder of the Indian cricket team and Chennai Super Kings as its brand ambassador. The company, which focuses on sporting gear for the running category. ASICS has been working with young and fresh athletic talent across various genres of sports. In India, ASICS is promoted by actor Tiger Shroff. In Asia, ASICS currently has over 55 stores across India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.

 

4. Ayushman Bharat Diwas: 30th April: Every year, the Ayushman Bharat Diwas is celebrated on April 30 in India. The Ayushman Bharat Diwas is celebrated to achieve twin missions. They are to promote health and wellness to the poor and also to provide insurance benefits to them. The day aims to promote affordable medical facilities in remote areas of the country based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census database. It will also promote health and wellness and provide insurance benefits to the poor.Ayushman Bharat Scheme:

(1) The Scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2018.

(2) According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme has so far operationalised 75,532 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre. It has fixed a target of 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centre by 2022.

(3) The beneficiaries are chosen from the Socio-Economic Census Database.

(4) It is the largest health cover in the world.

(5) It aims to provide five lakh rupees of health cover per family per year.

(6) The scheme also covers fifteen days of pre-hospitalisation and fifteen days of post-hospitalisation. This includes the expenses of medicines and tests.

(7) The scheme subsumed the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme and RashtriyaSwasthyaBimaYojana.

(8) The scheme has packages that include knee replacement, bypass and other treatments provided at 15% cheaper than the Central Government Health Schemes.

Note: Minister of State (IC) of the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH): Shripad Yesso Naik.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. China Launches Robot Prototype ‘NEO-01’ Clear Space Debris: The Chinese government has launched a robot prototype named as ‘NEO-01’, in the Earth’s low orbit, on its Long March 6 rocket. The 30kg robot prototype has been developed by Shenzhen-based space mining start-up ‘Origin Space’.

Main Purpose: To observe small celestial bodies in deep space and to experiment with space debris removal techniques. NEO-01 will use a large net to capture debris left behind by other spacecraft and then burn it using its electric propulsion system.

 

2. India Ranks 49th in Chandler Good Government Index 2021: India has been placed at 49th position among 104 nations in the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) 2021. Finland has topped the CGGI Index 2021 and Venezuela is the last ranked country at 104.

Index: Rank 1: Finland

Rank 2: Switzerland

Rank 3: Singapore

Rank 4: Netherlands

Rank 5: Demark

About the Chandler Good Governance Index: The Chandler Good Governance Index is released by the Chandler Institute of Governance headquartered in Singapore. The index is prepared based on seven pillars namely leadership and foresight, strong institutions, robust laws and policies, attractive market place, financial stewardship, helping people rise, global influence and reputation.

 

3. International Jazz Day: 30th April: The International Jazz Day is celebrated on 30 April every year to highlight the importance of jazz and its diplomatic role in uniting people in all corners of the globe. The 2021 celebration marks the 10th Anniversary of International Jazz Day. The day was created on the idea of jazz pianist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock.

History of International Jazz Day: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed 30 April as International Jazz Day on November 2011. The day was designated to bring together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts from across the world to celebrate and learn about the art of jazz and its impact.

Note: Director-General of UNESCO: Audrey Azoulay; UNESCO formation: 4 November 1946; UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI joins network for greening financial system: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has joined the Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) as a member. The central bank joined the NGFS on April 23, 2021. Green finance assumed significance in the context of climate change. The RBI expects to benefit from the membership of NGFS by learning from and contributing to global efforts on green finance, which has assumed significance in the context of climate change. Launched at the Paris One Planet Summit on December 12, 2017, the NGFS is a group of central banks and supervisors willing to share best practices and contribute to the development of environment and climate risk management in the financial sector, while mobilising mainstream finance to support the transition towards a sustainable economy.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. ADB Projects India’s GDP to grow 11% in FY22: The Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected the growth rate of India’s economy, in its latest flagship Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021, as follows:

FY22 (2021-22): 11%

FY23 (2022-23): 7%

ADB has based the rate on the “strong” vaccine drive being undertaken across the country, however, it has also cautioned that the recent surge in COVID cases may put the country’s economic recovery at “risk”.

Note: President of ADB: MasatsuguAsakawa; Headquarters: Manila, Philippines; ADB Established: 9 December 1966.

 

2. IHS Markit Estimates GDP Growth Rate of India at 9.6% for FY22: London-based financial services company IHS Markit has projected the GDP growth rate of the Indian economy to grow at 9.6 per cent in FY22 (2021-22). The revision is based on factors like ongoing lockdown and mobility curbs coupled with fears of an extension, time-wise and across more Indian cities.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. KrithiKaranth becomes 1st Indian woman to get ‘Wild Innovator Award’: Dr. Krithi K Karanth, Chief Conservation Scientist at Bengaluru-based Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), has been chosen as the first Indian and Asian woman for the 2021 ‘WILD Innovator Award’. This award given by the ‘‘WILD ELEMENTS Foundation” brings together a coalition of innovators, advocates and partners to “disrupt the status quo and identify solutions to global sustainability and conservation,”. The Foundation’s distinctive approach to addressing climate change is the “Power of Three,” recognising the interconnectedness of animal-kind, humankind, and plantkind for the future planetary wellness of our shared home.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO Conducts Maiden Trial of Python-5 Air to Air Missile Using LCA Tejas: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully test-fired the 5th generation Python-5 Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) from Tejas aircraft, at Goa. This adds the Python-5 Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) in the air-to-air weapons package of India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas. The trials also aimed to validate the enhanced capability of the already integrated Derby Beyond Visual Range (BVR) AAM on Tejas. Python-5 air-to-air missile (AAM) has been manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel and is one of the most sophisticated guided missiles in the world.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Noted Odia and English Author Manoj Das Passes Away: Eminent Indian educationist, popular columnist and prolific author, who wrote in Odia and English, Manoj Das has passed away. The first book of Das was of poetry called ‘SatavdiraArtanada’, in Odia, which was published when he was in high school. He was honoured with Padma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2020 for his contributions in the field of literature and education. 

Daily GK Updates - 29th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Haryana to provide jobs to abandoned, surrendered children under HARIHAR scheme: The Haryana cabinet approved a policy to provide jobs on compassionate grounds and economically weaker section (EWS) status to children either abandoned or surrendered and turned 18-year-old while living in child-care institutions across state. The children abandoned when below 5 years of age and surrendered before turning one-year-old will be eligible for benefits of HARIHAR initiative of the Haryana government. Under the policy, eligible children will get benefits of education, employment, and financial support. The policy provides for free schooling, higher education, technical education, skill development and industrial training, apart from financial assistance up to the age of 25 years or marriage, whichever is earlier, and one-time interest-free loan for buying a house in Haryana.

 

2. Over 14,400 ha area in Andaman & Nicobar becomes first large territory to get organic certification: About 14,491 hectare (ha) area in Andaman and Nicobar has been certified as organic, the first large contiguous territory to be done under a government scheme, Agriculture Ministry said. After Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands, Lakshadweep and Ladakh are proactively taking steps for the transformation of their traditional organic areas to certified organic. There are traditional areas in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, north-eastern states and tribal belts of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh and desert districts of Rajasthan which can be transformed to certified organic.

 

3. AP inks MoU with Microsoft to skill over 1.6L: In a major initiative, the state government has roped in Microsoft to take up skill development training for college students and unemployed youth in Andhra Pradesh. Microsoft has agreed to provide training to about 1.62 lakh students in the coming one year. This is considered to be the biggest and first-of-its-kind initiative by a state government to cover its entire cohort of young graduates. The move is aimed at accelerating digital skilling of youth to enable their employability in the industry

 

4. IIT Kharagpur and NCDC Sign MoU to promote Sustainable Developments in Cooperatives, Agriculture and Allied Sectors: IIT Kharagpur and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) have signed an MoU towards greater collaboration in issues and areas related to the development of cooperatives, agriculture and allied sectors and to the holistic approach towards sustainable development. The scope of the MoU will involve the advancement of training, action research, studies, policy analysis, policy advice, consultancy, monitoring, evaluation, system development and technology development.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Missing Indonesian Navy Submarine ‘KRI Nanggala’ found split into three parts on seabed: The Indonesian navy submarine ‘KRI Nanggala (402)’, that went missing on 21 April 2021, in the waters off the coast of Bali Island, is reported to be found split into three pieces on the sea bed, at a depth of 850 meters. Indonesian military leaders declared that the KRI Nanggala is divided into three parts: the hull of the ship, the stern of the ship, and the main parts, which was found cracked. All the 53 crew aboard the submarine have been confirmed dead. KRI Nanggala (402) was launched 40 years ago in 1980, and commissioned in 1981. From India, the Indian Navy sent their deep-submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV) from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, to the search area, to assist Indonesian Navy in search operation.

 

2. Russia plans its own space station in 2025: Russia’s space agency said it hoped to launch its own orbital station in 2025 as Moscow considers withdrawing from the International Space Station programme to go it alone and build and manage its own floating laboratory that will be launched into orbit by 2030. The project would mark a new chapter for Russian space exploration and an end to more than two decades of close cooperation with the United States aboard the ageing International Space Station (ISS).

 

3. International Dance Day: 29th April: The International Dance Day is observed globally on 29 April every year. The day celebrates the value and importance of the dance and encourages participation and education in this art form through events and festivals. The day 29 April has been chosen as it marks the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727–1810), who is known as the creator of modern ballet. The theme of International Dance Day 2021: ‘Purpose of dance’. The day was created in 1982, by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO.

Note: International Theatre Institute Founded: 1948; Headquarters of International Theatre Institute: Paris, France.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. BOB Financial and Mastercard to launch world’s first QR on Card programme to simplify digital payments: Mastercard and BOB Financial Solutions Limited (BFSL) have come together to offer an easy, frictionless payment solution for cardholders with the launch of ConQR – a Mastercard QR on Card solution. This solution uses a Mastercard patented technology which enables cardholders/ SMEs to accept cashless payments using their cards. By doing so, QR on Card makes payments more flexible and empowers cardholders (mainly small merchants) to spend and earn on the same card. The solution does not require cardholders to give out personally identifiable information to receive payments, providing them with an important layer of security.

 

2. Govt Appoints Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth on RBI Board: The Reserve Bank said the government has appointed Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth on the central bank’s board. Seth replaces Tarun Bajaj, who was appointed as Revenue Secretary earlier this month. The nomination of Seth is effective from April 24, 2021, and until further orders, it said. In addition to the Economic Affairs Secretary, the other government nominee director on the central board is Financial Services Secretary Debasish Panda.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Paytm launches ‘Wealth Community’ for young investors: Home-grown digital financial services platform Paytm has launched a new video-based wealth community called the Paytm Wealth Community. Paytm Wealth Community is an investing community based on video, and will enable users to attend live sessions conducted by subject matter experts across an array of wealth topics like Stocks, F&O, IPO, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Gold, Fixed Income, and Personal Finance. The community is meant to tap young users and has been designed for the needs of the “new Indian investor.”

 

2. India-Singapore tie-up looking to promote tech startups: The Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and Start-up Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) of IIT-Kanpur have come together to provide a gateway of opportunities to tech-based start-ups to usher a circular economy and an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The purpose of the launchpad is to encourage start-ups to take advantage of the Singapore-India trade and technology corridor. The two institutions are collaborating to identify young, indigenous talent to provide them with an array of incubation services.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Argentina, Brazil, Uganda and Vanuatu crowned ICC Global Development award winners: Argentina, Brazil, Uganda and Vanuatu were announced as the global winners of the ICC development awards for 2020.The awards are given to members for working to grow cricket in emerging markets in partnership with the ICC.

(1) The global award for the ICC Development Initiative of the Year has been awarded to Cricket Argentina for producing 17 coaching, umpiring and scoring courses in Spanish to attract local audiences in South America to cricket.

(2) Cricket Brazil has been awarded the 100% Cricket Female Cricket Initiative of the Year after taking a huge step forward in the development of the women’s game in South America by awarding 14 professional central contracts to the women’s national team.

(3) The ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year has been awarded to the Vanuatu Cricket Association for providing cricket to fans during the pandemic when the Women’s T20 Grand Final was the only live sporting event available.

(4) The Uganda Cricket Association has won the Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year for supporting hundreds of their players, volunteers and their families through a COVID-19 relief programme.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Agneepath, Ram Lakhan Editor WamanBhonslepassee away: National-award winning editor WamanBhonsle passed away at his residence in Mumbai due to age-related issues. He was 87. In his four-decade-long career, he worked with several noted filmmakers including SubhashGhai, ShekarKapur, Mahesh Bhatt, Gulzaar, Raj Sippy, Anil Ganguly, Sunil Dutt, others. He was the man at the editing table for more than 230 films.

 

2. Ex-chief of SSB Arun Chaudhary passes away: Former Sahasthra Seema Bal chief Arun Chaudhary died of Covid. He was 66. A 1977-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Bihar cadre, Chaudhary served for nearly two decades in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) where he headed the Jammu and Kashmir desk. In his early service days, he served in various positions in his cadre state and also had a stint with the Central Industrial Security Force, where he headed its airport security unit. 

Daily GK Updates - 28th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre extends Rs 50 lakh insurance scheme for healthcare workers for one year: After an unprecedented spike in covid-19 positive cases, the Centre extended the Rs 50 lakh insurance scheme for about 22 lakh healthcare providers for another year with immediate effect.The scheme implemented by New India Assurance was slated to end on April 24. The insurance provides a comprehensive personal accident cover of Rs 50 lakh to a total of around 22.12 lakh public healthcare providers, including community health workers, who may have to be in direct contact and care of patients suffering from coronavirus infection and who may be at risk of being impacted by this. The scheme is funded through the National Disaster Response Fund, operated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

 

2. Haryana launches ‘Covid Emergency Loan Scheme’: To ensure uninterrupted flow of vital medical supplies to fight the Covid-19 pandemic in the State, Haryana Government announced “Haryana Covid Emergency Loan Scheme” for new and old entrepreneurs supplying medicines, oxygen and other medical facilities to Covid-19 patients. For this, the State Government has set up a fund of Rs 500 crore. Under the scheme, Haryana Government will help businessmen, presently working in the state, to increase their current production or to set up new units to meet various requirements to tackle Covid-19 pandemic.

 

3. Maharashtra to appoint oxygen nurses to curb wastage of oxygen at hospitals: Maharashtra Health Minister Dr. Rajesh Tope has said that the state needs to appoint oxygen Nurses to curb wastage of oxygen and to maintain data of oxygen storage at hospitals. He gave the example of Nandurbar district which adopted the good practice of appointing oxygen nurses in the year 2020. The primary job of an oxygen nurse is to monitor the requirement of oxygen every 2-4 hours round the clock, its use among patients and to ensure minimum wastage. Instruction has been issued to all government medical colleges and hospitals to set up a dedicated team of nurses.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India third highest military spender in 2020: India has retained its position as the third biggest military spender in the world in 2020, according to new data titled ‘SIPRI Military Expenditure Database’ published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on April 26, 2021.

Top 5 nations: As per the new report, the top five biggest spenders in 2020 were the United States ($778 billion), China ($252 billion), India ($72.9 billion), Russia ($61.7 billion) and the United Kingdom ($59.2 billion) respectively. These five nations together accounted for 62 per cent of global military expenditure.

Global Expenditure: Globally, the military spending in 2020 rose to $1981 billion. This value is an increase of 2.6 per cent in real terms as compared to 2019.

 

2. WHO unveils global immunization strategy to save 50 million lives by 2030: A UN-led global immunization strategy was unveiled to reach more than 50 million children who have missed lifesaving jabs against measles and other diseases because of COVID-19 disruption. WHO, along with UNICEF and the vaccine alliance Gavi, said their new global strategy has the potential to save 50 million lives within less than a decade. A WHO survey showed more than one third of countries were still seeing disruptions to their routine immunisation services. The joint statement said, around 60 mass vaccination campaigns were currently postponed in 50 countries, putting 228 million people, mostly children, at risk of diseases such as measles and polio.

 

3. Workers’ Memorial Day: 28th April: The Workers’ Memorial Day, also known as International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers occurs every year on 28 April. The day has been organized worldwide by the International Trade Union Confederation since 1996. Theme 2021: ‘Health and Safety is a fundamental workers‘ right.’ Its purpose is to remember workers killed in incidents at work or by diseases caused by work and honour the victims of occupational accidents and diseases by organizing worldwide mobilizations and awareness campaigns on this date.

 

4. World Day for Safety and Health at Work: 28th April: World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed globally on 28 April every year. This day is observed to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally and raise awareness to ensure health and safety at the workplace. The theme for 2021 is “Anticipate, prepare and respond to crises – Invest Now in Resilient Occupational Safety and Health Systems”.

History of World Day for Safety and Health at Work: The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work. It is persisted 28 April and has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.

Note: Headquarters of International Labour Organization: Geneva, Switzerland; President of International Labour Organization: Guy Ryder; International Labour Organization Founded: 1919.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. DeepikaKumari-led Women’s Recurve Team Wins Gold at World Cup Archery Stage 1: Indian women’s recurve team held its nerve to pip Mexico 5-4 (27-26) in an intriguing final to grab a gold medal in the Archery World Cup Stage 1. Locked 4-4 in the shoot-off, the Indian team comprising seasoned DeepikaKumari, AnkitaBhakat and Komalika Bari shot 27 to edge out their Mexican rivals by one point and claim their first World Cup team gold after seven years. This was India’s fifth recurve women’s team gold in World Cup having won in Shanghai- 2011, Medellin-2013, Wroclaw-2013 and 2014 previously. In another match, the Indian mixed recurve team of Atanu Das and AnkitaBhakat won the bronze medal after a 6-2 victory over USA.

 

2. Haryana and Delhi to host Khelo India Youth Games in November 21st To December 5th, 2021: The fourth edition of ‘Khelo India Youth Games-2021’ will be held in Panchkula, Ambala, Shahabad, Delhi and Chandigarh from November 21 to December 5, in which various sports activities under-18 category would be organised. Besides this, some BRICS Games 2021 would also be organized during Khelo India.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Shivalik Small Finance Bank Limited Begins Operations: The UP-based Shivalik Small Finance Bank Limited commenced operations as a Small Finance Bank (SFB) with effect from April 26, 2021. It must be remembered that the Shivalik Mercantile Co-operative Bank (SMCB) is the first urban co-operative bank (UCB) in India to receive licence from RBI to operate as a Small Finance Bank (SFB). The bank has received the licence from RBI under Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 to carry on the business of small finance bank in India. Shivalik SFB area of operation is Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Note: Shivalik Small Finance Bank Limited MD and CEO: Suveer Kumar Gupta.

 

2. ArunRaste named new MD & CEO of NCDEX: Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has given approval to the appointment of ArunRaste as MD and CEO of National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) for a period of 5 years. Raste is currently associated with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) as an Executive Director and prior to NDDB, he has worked with organisations like IDFC First Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, NABARD, ACC Cement, and a non-profit NGO IRFT.

Note: NCDEX Founded: 15 December 2003; NCDEX Headquarters: Mumbai; NCDEX Owner: Government of India (100%).

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Oxford Economics Projects India’s FY22 GDP Growth Forecast to 10.2%: The Global forecasting firm Oxford Economics has revised downwards the GDP growth forecast for India to 10.2 per cent for fiscal 2021-22. Earlier it predicted this at 11.8 per cent. The downward revision is based on the country’s serious health burden, weak vaccination rate and lack of a convincing government strategy to contain the pandemic.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Uttar Pradesh won e-panchayat award: The Uttar Pradesh government won the “E-Panchayat Puraskar 2021”, ranking first in Category I. It was followed by Assam and Chhattisgarh at the second position, while Odisha and Tamil Nadu stood third. Every year, the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj awards those states, which ensure maximum use of information technology to keep a tab on the work done by gram panchayats.

Note: UP Capital: Lucknow; UP Governor: Anandiben Patel; UP Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO develops single crystal blades for helicopter engines: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed single-crystal blades technology for helicopters and has supplied 60 of these blades to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as part of their indigenous helicopter development programme for engine application. The DRDO will develop a total of five sets (300 blades) of single-crystal blades. This is part of a programme taken up by the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) to develop five sets of single-crystal high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades using a nickel-based superalloy.

Note: Chairman DRDO: Dr G Satheesh Reddy; DRDO Headquarters: New Delhi; DRDO Established: 1958.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Renowned Gujarati poet and folk singer DadudanGadhvi Passes Away: Veteran Gujarati poet and folk singer DadudanPratapdanGadhvi has passed away. He was 80 years old. He was also known as Kavi Dad. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021 for his contribution in literature and education. Besides, he had written songs for 15 Gujarati films. 

Daily GK Updates - 27th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Army signs MoU with HPCL & NIEDO for Ladakh Ignited Minds project:Ladakhi youth Army under the aegis of Fire and Fury Corps signed MoU for Ladakh Ignited Minds project with corporate partner Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and executing agency National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) HQ 14 Corps Leh.

About the project:

(1) The project Ladakh Ignited Minds: A Centre of Excellence and Wellness has been conceptualized to secure a better future for the youth of UT of Ladakh.

(2) The programme under the aegis of Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army would be executed by National Integrity & Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) a Kanpur-based NGO.

(3) The Army would oversee the overall operations to include administration and logistics with requisite funding support through Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).

(4) The dignitaries stated that Army is doing all-out efforts not only for skill development but also for providing employment opportunities to the underprivileged and disadvantaged sections of Ladakh.

Note: Governor & Administrators of Ladakh: Radha Krishna Mathur.

 

2. PESB selects Amit Banerjee as CMD of BEML: Public Enterprise Selection Board selected Amit Banerjee as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Earth Movers Limited, (BEML) an Indian Public Sector Undertaking. The PESB announced on meeting held on April 26, 2021. Currently, he is serving as Director (Rail & Metro), BEML Limited. In his professional career spanning over three decades in BEML, Shri Banerjee has worked in R&D and manufacturing functions. His experience involves the design & development of various products like SSEMU, Metro cars, Catenary Maintenance Vehicle, etc.

Note: Bharat Earth Movers Limited Headquarters: Bengaluru; Bharat Earth Movers Limited Founded: May 1964.

 

3. IIT Kharagpur Signs MoU with Ministry of housing & Urban Affairs to set up an Accelerator Centre: IIT Kharagpur and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) have signed a MoU to set up an Accelerator Centre for Research & Development at the Institute. This MoU will provide the opportunity of innovation & incubation assistance to carry out activities like technology and product development. The Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators-India (ASHA-India) initiative under the Global Housing Technology Challenge-India (GHTC-India) is one of its kind innovations.

 

4. JhumpaLahiri comes out with New Novel ‘Whereabouts’: Renowned American author JhumpaLahiri has launched her new novel titled “Whereabouts”. The book is an English translation of the Italian novel ‘Ias Dove MiTrovo’ which was written by the author JhumpaLahiri itself and published in 2018. The novel has been translated into English by the author herself. The book is about an unnamed female protagonist over 45 years as she looks at her life, glancing, sideways, back and forth, chronicling life, relationships and burden of relationships, in short, succinct chapters.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Saudi Arabia to join ‘Net Zero Producers Forum’ on climate change: Saudi Arabia will join the United States, Canada, Norway, and Qatar in forming ‘Net Zero Producers Forum’ for oil and gas producers to discuss how they can support the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The state news agency Saudi Press Agency, SPA, yesterday reported that Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude exporter, will be part of the new platform, which will discuss ways to achieve net zero carbon emission targets to limit global warming.

In the past, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said the kingdom aims to reduce its carbon emissions by generating 50% of the country's energy from renewables by 2030. US President Joe Biden unveiled plans to cut emissions by 50%-52% from 2005 levels at the start of a two-day climate summit kicked off on Earth Day and attended virtually by leaders of 40 countries.

 

2. India builds infrastructures for three educational institutions in Nepal: India has built infrastructures three educational institutions in Nepal’s Palpa district and handed it over in the last two days, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu announced. Newly constructed buildings of Shree Rambha Higher Secondary School, Shree Laxmi Higher Secondary School and Shree Nava Adarsha Multiple Campus respectively, built with Government of India’s financial assistance of NRs. 98.37 Million, were virtually inaugurated by Shri Karun Bansal, First Secretary (DP&R) of the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, District Coordination Committee, Palpa and School Management Committee and local representatives.

 

3. World Immunization Week 2021: 24th- 30th April: World Immunization Week is celebrated every year in the last week of April (24th- 30th April). It aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Immunization saves millions of lives every year and is widely recognized as one of the world’s most successful health interventions. Using the theme ‘Vaccines bring us closer’, World Immunization Week 2021 will urge greater engagement around immunization globally to promote the importance of vaccination in bringing people together, and improving the health and wellbeing of everyone, everywhere throughout life.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Manchester City won League Cup football tournament: Manchester City won the League Cup for a record-equalling fourth time in succession with a deserved victory over a disappointing Tottenham Hotspur side at Wembley. City’s victory equalled Liverpool’s achievement in the early 1980s of winning the competition four years in a row.

 

2. Archery Couple DeepikaKumari and Atanu Das Shoots Triple Gold as India Finish with Four Medals: Newly-wed archery couple DeepikaKumari and Atanu Das led the show with two individual gold medals as India capped their best ever show in a World Cup, claiming three golds and one bronze in the tournament’s first stage. Also, this was India’s best ever individual recurve men’s result since JayantaTalukdar triumphed in Croatia way back in 2009. The two are now automatically qualified for this season’s most-coveted Archery World Cup Final.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Caps Tenure of Private Banks MD & CEO at 15 Years: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has capped the tenure of Managing Director and Chief Executive of commercial banks to 15 years. The same limit will also be applicable to whole-time directors (WTD). This means that the same incumbent cannot hold the post for more than 15 years. The revised instructions will be applicable to all the Private Sector Banks including Small Finance Banks (SFBs) and wholly owned subsidiaries of Foreign Banks. However, it will not be applicable to foreign banks operating as branches in India. According to the new rules:

(1) The MD & CEO or WTD who is also a promoter/ major shareholder, cannot hold these posts for more than 12 years.

(2) The upper age limit for MD & CEO and WTDs in private banks has been retained at 70 years.

(3) The instructions shall come into effect from the date of issue of this circular, that is April 26, 2021, however, in order to enable a smooth transition to the revised requirements, banks are permitted to comply with these instructions latest by October 01, 2021.

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

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. 93rd Academy Awards (Oscars Awards 2021) announced: The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, also known as the Oscars Award, took place in Los Angeles on April 25, 2021. The award is presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). 2021 Oscars honoured the best films of 2020 and early 2021. American drama ‘Nomadland’ won most honours with three awards. Chloe Zhao, who directed “Nomadland”, was crowned best director, and with this, she became the only second woman to claim the title and the first woman of colour to win that award. Indian film personalities Irrfan Khan and BhanuAthaiya were honoured in the “In Memoriam” montage showcased at the event. Complete List of Winners:

Best Picture: Nomadland

Best Director: Chloe Zhao, Nomadland

Best Actress: Frances McDormand, Nomadland

Best Actor: Anthony Hopkins, The Father

Best Supporting Actress: YounYuh-jung, Minari

Best Supporting Actor: Daniel Kaluuya, Judas And The Black Messiah

Best Original Screenplay: Promising Young Woman

Best Adapted Screenplay: The Father

Best Animated Feature Film: Soul

Best International Feature Film: Another Round

Best Original Score: Soul

Best Original Song: Fight For You, Judas And The Black Messiah

Best Documentary Feature: My Octopus Teacher

Best Documentary Short: Colette

Best Live Action Short: Two Distant Strangers

Best Animated Short: If Anything Happens I Love You

Best Sound: Sound Of Metal

Best Production Design: Mank

Best Cinematography: Mank

Best Makeup And Hair: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Best Costume Design: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Best Film Editing: Sound Of Metal

Best Visual Effects: Tenet

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Tyler Perry

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India Joins Rescue Ops for Missing Indonesian Submarine “KRI Nanggala-402”: The Indian Navy has joined the rescue operation for an Indonesian submarine and its 53-person crew that went missing more than 4 days ago. Indonesia had sought assistance from India after its 44-year-old submarine, KRI Nanggala-402, went missing while conducting a torpedo drill north of the island of Bali. The Navy’s Deep-Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSVR) left from Visakhapatnam.

Note: Indonesia President: Joko Widodo; Indonesia Capital: Jakarta; Indonesia Currency: Indonesian rupiah.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Indian Nuclear Scientist Krishnamurthy Santhanam Passes away: Indian nuclear scientist Krishnamurthy Santhanam, who played a noteworthy role in the 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran, has passed away. He was deeply associated with Defence Research and Development Organization(DRDO), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). Santhanam was the field director of Defence Research and Development Organization during the tests of Pokhran-II. He was awarded with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, in 1999 by the Government of India.

 

2. Doyen of Indian Classical Music PanditRajan Mishra Passes Away: Renowned Hindustani classical singer, from ‘Banaras Gharana’ of India, PanditRajan Mishra, has passed away. He was a vocalist in the khyal style of Indian classical singing. Mishra was awarded Padma Bhushan in the field of art in 2007. PanditRajan Mishra was also a recipient of the SangeetNatakAkademi Award, the Gandharwa National Award and the National TansenSamman. 

Daily GK Updates - 26th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. COVIRAP Technology IIT Kharagpur: The IIT Kharagpur has efficiently commercialised the healthcare product COVIRAP. COVIRAP is a diagnostic technological know-how to become aware of COVID-19 virus. The technology is also successful in trying out influenza, dengue, and malaria. Tuberculosis and Japanese Encephalitis. Also, science can be used to take a look at different vector-borne diseases. About COVIRAP:

(1) The trying out fee of the COVIRAP based totally system is Rs 500. COVIRAP is a cuboid formed portable testing device.

(2) The gadget will minimise the want for real time PCR machines and also for thermal cyclers.

(3) It is successful in delivering the outcomes in an hour. This will assist to scale up the screening of COVID-19 in rural and peripheral areas.

(4) The COVIRAP based totally machines can be developed at a cost of much less than Rs 10,000.

(5) COVIRAP conducts COVID-19 test the usage of a swab sample. It does not require a separate facility for RNA extraction.

 

2. Appointment of Retired Judges as Ad-Hoc Judges in HC: The Supreme Court cleared the way for the appointment of retired judges as ad-hoc judges in High Courts (HCs) below Article 224A of the Constitution to deal with the mounting backlog of cases. Around fifty-seven lakh cases in HCs are pending. This will be relevant for two to three years to clear the backlog.

Article 224A: The Chief Justice of an HC for any State might also at any time, with the preceding consent of the President, request any person who has held the workplace of a Judge of that Court or of any different High Court to sit down and act as a Judge of the High Court for that State.

 

3. Special Task Force to Monitor J&K Government Employees: The government of J&K constituted a Special Task Force (STF) for identifying and scrutinising the authorities personnel who are involved in any cases associated with posing a chance to the security or anti-national activities.The Special Task Force will have the ADGP, (CID), J&K, as its chairman and the IGP, representatives of the Home Department; Law Department, Justice Member and Parliamentary Affairs and the concerned department as its members. The STF will scrutinise instances of personnel suspected of activities requiring action under Article 311(2)(C) of the Indian Constitution. The STF has been tasked to collect documents of such personnel and engage with other contributors of the Terror Monitoring Group (TMG) for identifying such different employees.

 

4. A new book title “Living Mountain” by Amitav Ghosh: “The Living Mountain” is a new story by Jnanpith winner and internationally renowned author Amitav Ghosh, written during the course of the pandemic. It is a fable for the current times: a cautionary tale of how humans have systematically exploited nature, leading to an environmental collapse. HarperCollins Publishers India will publish The Living Mountain as a special standalone edition in January 2022 under its prestigious Fourth Estate imprint. The book will also be published simultaneously in Hindi, and as an ebook and an audiobook.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. China names its first-ever Mars rover “Zhurong”: China has named its first-ever Mars rover “Zhurong” after an ancient fire god ahead of a landing attempt on the Red Planet in May. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) revealed the name at the sixth China Space Day held in Nanjing. The Chinese name for Mars, “Huoxing,” literally means “fire star.” Zhurong was the most popular of 10 shortlisted names for a public vote that opened in January, and that choice was backed by an expert panel and the CNSA itself. The rover carries panoramic and multispectral cameras and instruments to analyze the composition of rocks. Zhurong will also investigate subsurface characteristics with ground-penetrating radar if all goes according to plan.

Note: China Capital: Beijing; China Currency: Renminbi; China President: Xi Jinping.

 

2. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham leads global vaccination drive: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham, is fronting a global initiative to inspire confidence in vaccines and encourage parents around the world to vaccinate their children against deadly diseases. In a powerful video released ahead of World Immunization Week, Beckham talks about the loss of everyday activities due to COVID-19, such as hugs with family, spending time with friends, and being with the people we love, and encourages parents to vaccinate themselves so that they can be safe.

Note: UNICEF Headquarters: New York, United States of America; UNICEF Executive Director: Henrietta H. Fore.

 

3. World Intellectual Property Day: 26th April: World Intellectual Property Day is observed globally on April 26 every year. It was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life” and “to celebrate creativity and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the world”. Theme 2021: ‘Intellectual property and small businesses: Taking big ideas to market’.

History of World Intellectual Property Day: WIPO proclaimed, 26 April was chosen as the date for World Intellectual Property Day because it coincides with the date on which the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization entered into force in 1970.

Note: Headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization: Geneva, Switzerland; CEO of World Intellectual Property Organization: Daren Tang.

 

4. International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day: 26th April: The International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed every year on April 26 to raise awareness of the consequences of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the risks of nuclear energy in general. The United Nations (UN) proclaimed the day on April 26, 2016, that marked the 30th anniversary of the 1986 nuclear disaster. On this day in 1986, a reactor exploded at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine with devastating consequences.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rafael Nadal clinches 12th Barcelona Open title: Rafael Nadal beat StefanosTsitsipas 6-4, 6-7, 7-5 to win his 12th Barcelona Open title. It was Nadal’s 87th career title, and his 61st title on clay. This is the second tournament where Nadal has captured 12 or more titles. The 13-time Roland Garros champion will return to No. 2 in the FedEx ATP Rankings.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI cancels licence of Bhagyodaya Friends Urban Co-operative Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Maharashtra-based Bhagyodaya Friends Urban Co-operative Bank Limited due to inadequate capital. On liquidation, every depositor is entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of Rs 5 lakhs from the DICGC subject to the provisions of the DICGC Act, 1961.

According to the regulator, the bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in the full and public interest would be adversely affected if the bank is allowed to carry on its banking business any further. The bank has failed to comply with the requirements and the continuance of the bank is prejudicial to the interests of its depositors.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Goldman Sachs Downgrade India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 10.5% for FY22: Wall Street brokerage, Goldman Sachs revised downward the GDP growth forecast of India for the fiscal year 2021-22 (FY22) to 10.5 per cent from the earlier estimate of 10.9 per cent. The downward revision is due to the increasing number of pandemic cases and a host of key states announcing stricter lockdowns, thus affecting economic activities.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 19th India-Franch Naval Exercise “VARUNA” begins: The 19th edition of the Indian and French Navy bilateral exercise ‘VARUNA-2021’ conducted in the Arabian Sea from 25 to 27 April 2021. During the three day exercise, the units of both the navies will undertake high tempo-naval operations at sea, which will include advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, intense fixed and rotary wing flying operations, tactical manoeuvres, surface and anti-air weapon firings, underway replenishment and other maritime security operations.

Indian Navy: The Indian Navy will participate with its guided-missile stealth destroyer INS Kolkata, guided-missile frigates INS Tarkash and INS Talwar, Fleet Support Ship INS Deepak, with Seaking 42B and Chetak integral helicopters, a Kalvari class submarine and P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

French Navy: The French Navy will be represented by the Aircraft Carrier Charles-de-Gaulle with Rafale-M fighter, E2C Hawkeye aircraft and helicopters Caïman M and Dauphin embarked, Horizon-class Air defence destroyer Chevalier Paul, Aquitaine-class multi-mission frigate FNS Provence with a Caïman M helicopter embarked and Command and supply ship war.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Supreme Court judge MM Shantanagoudar passes away: Supreme Court judge Justice Mohan M Shantanagoudar passed away. Justice Shantanagoudar was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court on February 17, 2017. He would have remained in office till May 5, 2023.

About the Mohan M Shantanagoudar: Shantanagoudar was born on May 5, 1958, in Karnataka and got himself enrolled as an advocate on September 5, 1980. He was appointed as an additional judge of the Karnataka High Court on May 12, 2003, and became a permanent judge in the court in September 2004. Later, Justice Shantanagoudar was transferred to the Kerala High Court, where he assumed charge as the acting chief justice on August 1, 2016. He became the chief justice of the Kerala High Court on September 22, 2016, before being elevated as an apex court judge.

 

2. Former Maruti Suzuki MD JagdishKhattar Passes Away:JagdishKhattar, the former Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki, has passed away. He had served at Maruti Suzuki India Limited from 1993 to 2007. He is credited for establishing Maruti as India’s largest car company.

Khattar joined Maruti in July 1993 as Director, and was eventually elevated as Managing Director in 1999, first as government nominee, and then in May 2002, as Suzuki Motor Corporation nominee. After his retirement from Maruti in October 2007, Khattar launched an entrepreneurial venture named Carnation Auto.