Daily GK Update- 27th July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Rudreswara Temple inscribed as India’s 39th UNESCO World Heritage List: The KakatiyaRudreswara Temple, (also known as the Ramappa Temple) at Palampet, Mulugu district, near Warangal in Telangana has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, during the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO. With this latest induction, there are 39th World Heritage Sites located in India.

About the Rudreswara temple: The Rudreswara temple was constructed in 1213 AD during the reign of the Kakatiya Empire. The iconic 13th-century temple is also known as Ramappa temple, named after its architect, RamappatheRudreswara temple was the only nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage site tag for the year 2019 by the Indian government.

Note: UNESCO headquarters: Paris, France; UNESCO Head: Audrey Azoulay; UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945.

 

2. IPS officer Nasir Kamal appointed DG of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security: Senior IPS officer Nasir Kamal has been appointed the Director-General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). He is a 1986-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved Kamal’s appointment to the post of Director General in BCAS for a tenure up to his superannuation on July 31, 2022.

 

3. CRPF signs MoU with C-DAC to train manpower of force in advanced technologies: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has signed an MoU with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing C-DAC to train the manpower of the force in advanced technologies and undertake joint projects. The MoU aims at augmenting the technical capabilities of CRPF by training its manpower in advanced areas like the Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, AI, etc.

The agreement will also provide the expertise of C-DAC in the form of a Technology Partner and Knowledge Partner in developing various ICT solutions of CRPF. The MoU will go a long way in providing CRPF personnel with customised advanced courses aligned to the needs of the field and practical applications.

Note: Central Reserve Police Force Headquarters: New Delhi, India; Central Reserve Police Force Formed: 27 July 1939; Central Reserve Police Force Motto: Service and Loyalty; CRPF director general: Kuldiep Singh.

 

4. A book title ‘An Ordinary Life: Portrait of an Indian Generation’ by Ashok Lavasa: Former election commissioner Ashok Lavasa has come out with a book titled “An Ordinary Life: Portrait of an Indian Generation.” In this book, Ashok Lavasa narrates about his father, Udai Singh, and his own experience on how his father’s principles served as a moral compass in his life, and can in ours too. Ashok Lavasa resigned as election commissioner in 2020 to become vice-president of the Asian Development Bank.

 

5. CRPF observes 83rd Raising Day on 27 July: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), observed its 83rd Raising Day on 27 July 2021. CRPF is India’s largest Central Armed Police Force, under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Its headquarter is located in New Delhi. It came into existence as the Crown Representative’s Police on 27 July 1939. After Indian Independence, it became the Central Reserve Police Force on the enactment of the CRPF Act on 28 December 1949.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Sweden joins International Solar Alliance: Sweden has ratified the framework agreement for the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and is now a member of the global platform, which is an initiative of India aimed at promoting renewable energy and sustainable development. Sweden hopes to bring its expertise and its experience in renewable energy and clean energy technologies to discussions in the ISA to contribute to meeting the challenges related to climate change. In April 2018, Prime Minister Modi visited Stockholm during which both sides agreed to further deepen innovation partnership for a sustainable future. The ISA has been conceived as an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform to increase the availability of solar energy technologies to enhance energy security and sustainable development.

Note: Capital of Sweden: Stockholm; Currency: krona; PM of Sweden: Stefan Lofven.

ISA Headquarters: Gurugram; ISA Founded: 30 November 2015; ISA Founded: Paris, France;ISA Director-General: Ajay Mathur

 

2. United Kingdom reports cases of ‘Norovirus’ infection: The United Kingdom is now reporting an outbreak of norovirus. Public Health England (PHE) recently issued a warning regarding Norovirus. England has recorded 154 cases of norovirus in the country. An increase in norovirus cases in educational settings has been reported. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is very contagious that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. People suffering from norovirus disease can shed billions of virus particles. And to make people sick only a few of them is required.

How virus contracted: A person can contract this virus by coming in direct contact with an infected person. This virus can also be contracted by consuming contaminated water and food and also touching contaminated surfaces with one’s hands and then putting them in the mouth unwashed.

Symptoms of the virus: Symptoms of norovirus are vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and nausea. This virus can cause inflammation of the intestines or the stomach and it is termed acute gastroenteritis. Other symptoms of this virus are headache, fever and body aches. People generally develop the symptoms within 12 to 48 hours and they can last up to 1 to 3 days.

Note: Prime minister of United Kingdom: Boris Johnson; Capital of the United Kingdom: London.

 

3. India Enters WTO’s Top 10 Agricultural Produce Exporters In 2019: India has entered the top ten list of agricultural produce exporters in 2019 with a significant share within the export of rice, soya beans, cotton and meat, according to a World Trade Organisation (WTO) report on trends in world agricultural trade in recent 25 years. In 2019, India ranked ninth with a share of 3.1% in global agricultural exports. Earlier this place was New Zealand. Similarly, Mexico has ranked seventh with a share of 3.4% in global agricultural exports, which was previously followed by Malaysia. In the ‘meat and edible meat offal’ category, India was ranked eighth with a 4 per cent share in global trade.

While the US, which topped the list in 1995 (22.2%), was overtaken by the European Union in 2019 (16.1%). Brazil maintained its ranking as the third-largest exporter, increasing its share from 4.8% in 1995 to 7.8% in 2019. China climbed from the sixth spot in 1995 (4%) to fourth in 2019 (5.4%).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. China’s Yang Qian Wins First Gold Medal of Tokyo Olympics: Yang Qian of China took gold in the women’s 10m air rifle final to secure the first gold medal of the 2020 Summer Games at the Asaka Shooting Range on 24th July. AnastasiiaGalashina of Russia won silver, while Nina Christen of Switzerland won the bronze medal.

 

2. PramodBhagat named Differently Abled Sportsman of the Year 2019: World No. 1 para shuttlerPramodBhagat was named Differently Abled Sportsman of the Year at Indian Sports Honour for 2019. The delay in the announcement was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indian Sports Honours are awards given annually by the RPSG Group in association with the ViratKohli Foundation to outstanding sports personalities of India. The awards were founded in 2017. Bhagat, who won two gold medals and a bronze at the Dubai Para-Badminton Tournament this year, will be participating in singles and mixed doubles events at the Paralympics which opens in Tokyo from August 24.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IFC lends $250 million to HDFC Ltd to boost green housing finance: HDFC Ltd has got a loan of $250 million from International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank Group, to be used by India’s largest housing finance company for green housing. Green housing is regarded as a luxury market in the country but has climate benefits. Its partnership with HDFC would help change perceptions about the market. At least 25 per cent of the funding is for green affordable housing.Benefits of the loan:

(1) IFC’s $250 million loans to HDFC Ltd will support its moves to grow its affordable housing and emerging green affordable housing portfolio by improving access to such housing for people on lower incomes.

(2) Aligned with the government of India’s goal to provide ‘Housing for All,’ the funding will also help generate jobs,”. Green affordable housing can help India on its path to deliver on its commitments under the Paris Agreement, to reduce a third of its carbon emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels.

(3) Green and energy-efficient housing can help cut emissions, as residential housing accounts for about 24 per cent of the nation’s electricity consumption.

(4) This partnership with HDFC offers multiple benefits for India, as it can play a leading role in developing the country’s nascent green affordable housing market while delivering jobs and a climate dividend.

Note: Headquarters of HDFC Bank: Mumbai, Maharashtra; MD and CEO of HDFC Bank: SashidharJagdishan; The tagline of HDFC Bank: We understand your world;

International Finance Corporation Founded: 20 July 1956; International Finance Corporation Executive Vice President & CEO: MakhtarDiop; International Finance Corporation Headquarters: Washington, D.C., U.S.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Yusuffali to be Abu Dhabi CCI’s vice-chairman: Lulu Group chairman, M AYusuff Ali has been appointed as the Vice-Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI). Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi & Dy. Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces issued a resolution to form a new Board of Directors for Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI). HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan recently had honouredYusuffali with the ‘Abu Dhabi Award 2021’, the highest civilian honour for his almost 5-decade long contributions in the fields of economic development & philanthropy.

About the ADCCI: ADCCI is the apex govt. body of all business established in Abu Dhabi and functions as an effective bridge between the Govt and business sector. Each of the business establishments in Abu Dhabi, one of the wealthiest and most influential economic hubs in the region, has to be licensed by ADCCI. Yusuffali is the only Indian in the 29-member board, which is primarily constituted of Emirati business owners and CEOs.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Rajnath Singh flags-in Indian Army’s Skiing Expedition “ARMEX-21”:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has flagged in the Indian Army’s skiing expedition that was conducted in the Himalayan mountain ranges between March 10 and July 6. The expedition, called ARMEX-21, was flagged off at Karakoram Pass in Ladakh on March 10 and culminated at Malari in Uttarakhand on July 6 covering 1,660 km in 119 days.

About the ARMEX-21: The ARMEX-21 was conducted in the mountain ranges of the Himalayan region to promote the adventure activity in the country and the Indian Army,” it stated. During the expedition, the team travelled through several passes at a height of 5,000-6,500 meters and through glaciers, valleys and rivers.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Bangladesh’s legendary folk singer Fakir Alamgir passes away: Bangladesh’s legendary folk singer, Fakir Alamgir has passed away due to complications from COVID-19. He was born on February 21, 1950, in Faridpur, Alamgir began his music career in 1966. The singer was a key member of cultural organisations ‘KrantiShilpiGosthi’ and ‘GanaShilpiGosthi’ and played an important role during Bangladesh’s 1969 uprising. During Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, Alamgir joined the ‘Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra’ and performed frequently to inspire freedom fighters. Some of his popular songs include “O SokhinaGesos Kina”, “Shantahar”, “Nelson Mandela”, “Naam Tar Chhilo John Henry”, “Banglar Comrade Bondhu”, among others. He also founded the cultural organization ‘WrishizShilpiGosthi’ in 1976, and also served as the president of GonoSangeetShamanyaParishad (GSSP). Alamgir was conferred with the EkusheyPadak, the country’s second-highest civilian award, in 1999.