Daily GK Update- 18th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Himachal Government launches ‘AyushGhar-Dwar’ program: Himachal Government has launched the ‘AyushGhar-Dwar’ program to keep the home isolated Covid-19 positive patients healthy by practising Yoga. This program has been started by the Department of AYUSH in collaboration with the Art of Living organisation. Yoga Bharti’s instructors would provide their services in the program. During the launch, about 80 home isolated Covid positive patients from all over the state were also connected virtually. Under the program, approximately 1000 virtual groups on social media platforms like zoom, WhatsApp and Google meet will be formed to connect with COVID positive patients in home isolation. The initiative intends to provide a holistic healthcare approach through AYUSH to ensure not only physical but also mental, social and spiritual wellbeing.

Note: Himachal Pradesh Governor: BandaruDattatreya; Himachal Pradesh CM: Jai Ram Thakur.

 

2. Punjab to join global COVAX alliance to procure anti-Covid vaccines: Facing an anti-Covid vaccine “shortage”, the Punjab government decided to join the global COVAX alliance for sourcing the immunisation shots at the best price. By doing so, Punjab will become the first state in the country to take the initiative of addressing the vaccine shortage amid the deadly second wave of the pandemic. Abbreviated as COVAX, the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access is a worldwide initiative aimed at providing equitable access to anti-Covid vaccines. COVAX is co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi and the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside key delivery partner UNICEF.

 

3. Footwear Brand Bata India appoints Gunjan Shah as new CEO: Footwear Company Bata India has appointed Gunjan Shah as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will join Bata in his new role from 21 June 2021, for a period of five years. Shah replaces Sandeep Kataria, who has been elevated as the Global CEO of Bata Brands in November 2020. Prior to this, Shah was the Chief Commercial Officer (COO) at Britannia Industries.

Note: Bata Corporation is a multinational footwear and fashion accessory manufacturer and retailer, with it’s headquarter located in Lausanne, Switzerland and an Indian branch based in Gurugram, Haryana.

 

4. A book titled “Sikkim: A History of Intrigue and Alliance” released: The book “Sikkim: A History of Intrigue and Alliance”, published by HarperCollins India, released on May 16, which is celebrated as Sikkim Day. Former diplomat Preet Mohan Singh Malik combines insights into the unique history of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim with the intriguing story of how it became India”s 22nd state in his new book. The objective of the book, he says, is to clarify and establish the primacy of strategic issues that lay behind India”s decision to accept the demand that Sikkim is merged with India.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. China becomes the world’s first country to ban synthetic cannabinoids: China will become the world’s first country to ban all synthetic cannabinoid substances. The ban is likely to come into effect on July 1. The move comes as China tries to curb the manufacturing & trafficking of the drug. The synthetic cannabinoids are highly camouflaged, as some are found in e-cigarette oil, and some are found in cut tobacco made from various flower petals, or plant stems and leaves. In Xinjiang, it has a commonly known nickname of “Natasha.”

About the Synthetic cannabinoids: Synthetic cannabinoids are highly camouflaged, as some are found in e-cigarette oil & some are found in cut tobacco made from leaves, flower petals, etc. The synthetic cannabinoid has become one of the most-abused new psychoactive substances. Cannabinoid substances pose a severe threat to society, where the abuse of such substances gives rise to incidents such as intentional injuries and impaired driving.

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

 

2. Sir David Attenborough named COP26 People’s Advocate: Sir David Attenborough, world-renowned broadcaster & natural historian, has been named COP26 People’s Advocate for the U.K.’s Presidency of UN climate change summit in Glasgow this November. Attenborough has already inspired millions of people in the U.K. & around the world with his passion & knowledge to act on climate change and protect the planet for future generations.

Note: COP26:- 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties.

 

3. Indian-American NeeraTanden appointed as White House senior adviser: Indian-American NeeraTanden has been appointed senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden. She is currently the president and CEO of a progressive think-tank, Center for American Progress (CAP). She withdrew her nomination as Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget due to stiff opposition from Republican senators. MsTanden previously served as a senior adviser for health reforms at the US Department of Health and Human Services. She worked with Congress and stakeholders on particular provisions of former President Barack Obama’s signature legislative achievement, the Affordable Care Act.

 

4. World AIDS Vaccine Day: 18th May: World AIDS Vaccine Day, (also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day), is observed annually on May 18 to promote the continued urgent need for a vaccine to prevent HIV infection and AIDS.  The first World AIDS Vaccine Day was thus observed on May 18, 1998, to commemorate the anniversary of Clinton’s speech. The concept of World AIDS Vaccine Day was proposed on May 18, 1997, during a commencement speech at Morgan State University made by then-President Bill Clinton, which underlined the need for a vaccine to curb the spread of HIV.

 

5. International Museum Day: 18th May: The International Museum Day is celebrated on 18 May, since 1977, to raise awareness about the fact that “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples”. The theme of International Museum Day 2021: “The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine”. It is coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

Note: President of International Council Of Museums: SuayAksoy; International Council Of Museums Headquarters: Paris, France; International Council Of Museums Founder: Chauncey J. Hamlin; International Council Of Museums Founded: 1946.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rafael Nadal wins 10th Italian Open title: Rafael Nadal beat world number one Novak Djokovic to win a 10th Italian Open title. Second seed Nadal won through 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 in 2hr 49min against the defending champion in the 57th career showdown between the pair. The victory also earned Nadal a 36th ATP Masters 1000 crown, equalling Djokovic’s record since the series was established in 1990.In the women’s category, Polish teenager IgaSwiatek crushed Czech ninth seed Karolina Pliskova 6-0, 6-0 to win the Italian Open title. Swiatek, ranked 15, claimed her third WTA title.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IOB gets shareholders’ nod for Rs 4,100 cr infusion by Centre: The state-owned Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has received shareholders’ approval for issuance of 246,54,23,932 equity shares to the government of India (GoI) on preferential basis for a capital infusion of Rs 4,100 crore. The issue price of the equity share was Rs 16.63 per share (including share premium of Rs 6.63 per share). Of the Rs 4,100 crore, an amount of Rs 2,465.42 crore will be credited to the share capital account and Rs 1,634.58 crore will be credited to the share premium account. Accordingly, the shareholding of the GoI will increase to 96.38 percent from 95.84 percent.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Airline Company GoAirrebrands itself as ‘Go First’: Wadia Group-owned, GoAir has rebranded itself as ‘Go First’, with the new motto “You Come First”. The decision to rebrand after 15 years is part of the company’s attempt to operate the carrier in an ULCC (ultra-low-cost carrier) airline model, to tide over the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Go First will operate narrow-body aircraft across its fleet, comprising Airbus A320 and A320 Neos (new engine option) planes under ULCC plans. This will not only ensure the safety, comfort and time-saving for the passengers but also help them to experience the benefits of the next-gen fleet, at ultra-low-cost fares, so that their travel plans are never hampered.

Note: GoAir Founder: JehangirWadia; GoAir Founded: 2005; GoAir Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Andrea Meza crowned 69th Miss Universe 2020: Miss Mexico Andrea Meza has been crowned as the 69th Miss Universe 2020. On the other hand, Miss India’s AdlineQuadrosCastelino made it to the Top 4.  Brazil’s Julia Gama is the first runner-up, Peru’s JanickMaceta is the second runner-up while India’s AdlineCastelino and Dominican Republic’s Kimberly Perez are third runner-up and fourth runner-up, respectively. This year, the pageant is being held in Miami, Florida’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood. ZozibiniTunzi of South Africa crowns her successor in the event.

 

2. NBA creates social justice award, named for Abdul-Jabbar: The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced the creation of a new award — the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award, to recognise players who are making strides in the fight for social justice. Each NBA team will nominate one player for consideration; from there, five finalists will be selected and ultimately one winner. The winning player will receive $100,000 for the charity of his choice.

About the Abdul-Jabbar: Abdul-Jabbar won three consecutive NCAA championships (1967 to 1969) while at UCLA. In between them, he, alongside famed sociologist Harry Edwards, helped organize a boycott of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City due to the then-recent assassinations of civil rights leaders Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., and the continued mistreatment of Black people in America.

Note: NBA Founded: 6 June 1946, New York, United States; NBA Commissioner: Adam Silver; NBA Headquarters: New York, United States.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Famous Mathematician MS Narasimhan Passes Away: Noted Indian mathematician, Professor MS Narasimhan has passed away. Professor Narasimhan, along with C. S. Seshadri, were known for their proof of the Narasimhan–Seshadri theorem. He is the only Indian to receive the King Faisal International Prize in the field of science. He was graduated from Loyola College, Chennai, and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bombay Narasimhan had also obtained PhD from Mumbai University.