Daily GK Update- 30th Sept, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Lok Sabha Speaker Launches ‘NIDHI 2.0’ Scheme: The Speaker of Lok Sabha, Om Birla has inaugurated the NIDHI 2.0 (National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry) scheme, during an event organised by the Ministry of Tourism, on the occasion of 2021 World Tourism Day. The NIDHI 2.0 database will have more inclusivity, by not only including accommodation units, but also travel agents, tour operators, & others. About NIDHI scheme:

(1) The NIDHI scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism to facilitate the digitalization of the tourism sector and promote ease of doing business for the hospitality & tourism sector, by encouraging all accommodation units to register themselves on the platform to become part of the hospitality industry.

(2) As a part of the occasion, the Ministry of Tourism signed an MoU with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and The Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI) to actively promote and support ‘sustainability initiatives’ in the tourism sector of each other.

 

2. GoI starts work to develop ‘Parshuram Kund’ in Arunachal Pradesh: The government of India has started work for the development of ‘Parshuram Kund’, a Hindu pilgrimage site on the Brahmputra plateau in the lower reaches of the Lohit river in Arunachal Pradesh. The project costing Rs 37.88 crore was sanctioned under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.

About the scheme: The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2014-15 with complete financial assistance by the Government of India. It was targeted to develop tourism infrastructure to harness pilgrimage and heritage tourism destinations for its direct and multiplier effect upon employment generation and economic development.

Note: Arunachal pradesh CM: Pema Khandu; runachal Pradesh Governor: B. D. Mishra.

 

3. Aveek Sarkar re-elected as Press Trust of India Chairman: Aveek Sarkar, the Editor Emeritus and Vice Chairman of the Ananda Bazar Group of Publications, was re-elected Chairman of Press Trust of India (PTI), the country’s largest premier news agency. Sarkar is a man of varied interests and counts books, food, wine and art among his principal loves. He was captain of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) for 10 years. Sarkar’s re-election for a two-year term was ratified by PTI’s Board of Directors at their meeting. K N Shanth Kumar, Director of The Printers (Mysore) Pvt. Ltd. which brings out Deccan Herald and Kannada language daily Prajavani, was elected as the Vice-Chairman.

Note: PTI Headquarters location: New Delhi; PTI Founded: 27 August 1947.

 

4. Union Minister Jitendra Singh launches “Amrit Grand Challenge Program-जनCARE”: As a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh (Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology) launched the “AmritGrand Challenge Program” titled “जनCARE”. The Grand Challenge aims to identify 75 Start-Up and entrepreneurs, who come out with Innovative Ideas and Solutions for India’s healthcare challenges, that can work in Low Resource Settings, for strengthening Healthcare Delivery in India. About the scheme:

(1) The Challenge has been launched jointly by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), NASSCOM and NASSCOM Foundation, as a nationwide “Discover – Design – Scale” program.

(2) The “जनCARE” Amrit Challenge will recognise start-ups in fields like Innovations in Telemedicine, Digital Health, mHealth with BIG Data, AI, BlockChain and other technologies.

The Challenge will end on December 31, 2021.

 

5. Indra Nooyi memoir “The secrets to balancing work and family life”: In her book, My Life in Full: Work, Family and our Future, Indra Nooyi focuses on the importance that organisational support plays in working women’s lives. For instance, she lists the offer of three months of paid leave by BCG to take care of her father in India when he was diagnosed with cancer. Indra Nooyi tells the story of that journey in her memoir, My Life in Full (published by Hachette India) in 313 pages that are packed with her experiences of settling in America, negotiating the boardroom, balancing work and family life and what the pandemic has meant for workplaces.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Fumio Kishida to become Japan’s next PM: Japan’s former Foreign Minister, Fumio Kishida has won the ruling party’s leadership election, virtually ensuring that he will become the country’s next prime minister. Kishida won 257 votes in a runoff to defeat Taro Kono, a popular vaccines minister who previously held the positions of defence and foreign minister.

The 64-year-old replaces outgoing party leader Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is stepping down after serving only one year since taking office last September. Kishida previously served as LDP policy chief and was foreign minister between 2012-17, during which he negotiated accords with Russia and South Korea, with whom Japan’s relations are often frosty.

Note: Japan Capital: Tokyo; Japan Currency: Japanese Yen.

 

2. World Maritime Day 2021: 30th September: World Maritime Day 2021 is observed globally on 30th September. The exact date of celebrating World Maritime Day is left to the individual governments but is usually celebrated during the last week in September. The theme of World Maritime Day 2021 is “Seafarers at the core of shipping’s future”. The theme for this year reflects a clear need to raise awareness of seafarersʹ crucial role in world trade and increase their visibility. The World Maritime theme for 2021 will provide the opportunity to focus on seafarers as the people at the heart of shipping, while also allowing for activities to delve into specific topics relevant to the role of the seafarer in safety, maritime security, environmental protection and seafarersʹ well-being; and the future of seafaring against a backdrop of increased digitalization and automation.

Note: International Maritime Organization Headquarters location: London, United Kingdom; International Maritime Organization Founded: 17 March 1948; International Maritime Organization Secretary-General: Kitack Lim.

 

3. International Translation Day: 30th September: Every year, International Translation Day is marked on 30 September. The International Federation of Translators (FIT) organise the day ever since it was set up in 1953. The day aims to celebrate the work of language translation professionals which facilitates dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to the development and strengthening of world peace and security. International Translation Day 2021 theme: “United in translation”.

History: The International Federation of Translators (FIT) organise the day ever since it was set up in 1953. The first official celebration of ITD was held in 1991. The day also marks the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator who is considered the patron saint of translators.

Note: International Federation of Translators President: Kevin Quirk; International Federation of Translators Secretary-General: Real Paquette.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ICC launches T20 World Cup anthem: The International Cricket Council has launched the official anthem of the upcoming T20 World Cup along with a campaign film featuring ‘avatars’ of Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli and West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard. The song is composed by Bollywood music director Amit Trivedi, an animated film that features young fans from all over the world engaged in T20I cricket and includes some of the sport’s biggest superstars. The tournament will begin on October 17 in Oman and UAE, with the final to be played in Dubai on November 14.

About the song: India captain Kohli leads the group of players brought to life as ‘avatars’ in the animation, that interact with each other throughout. Kohli is joined by fellow captain Pollard of the reigning champions, West Indies as well as Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and Rashid Khan of Afghanistan. Launched in collaboration with ICC’s global broadcast partner Star Sports, the film premiers worldwide on Thursday across ICC, BCCI, and Star Sports’ social media handles.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI removes Indian Overseas Bank from Prompt Corrective Action framework: Reserve Bank of India has announced the removal of Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) restrictions on Indian Overseas Bank (IOB). This decision gives the bank more freedom for lending, especially to corporations and grow the network, subject to prescribed norms. IOB was placed under PCA in 2015. The bank has provided a written commitment that it would comply with the norms of Minimum Regulatory Capital, Net NPA and Leverage ratio on an ongoing basis and has apprised the RBI of the structural and systemic improvements that it has put in place which would help the bank in continuing to meet these commitments. IOB is being tipped as a privatisation candidate. In 2021, RBI has also removed PCA restrictions on IDBI Bank and UCO Bank.

Note: Indian Overseas Bank Headquarters: Chennai; Indian Overseas Bank CEO: Partha Pratim Sengupta; Indian Overseas Bank Founded: 10 February 1939.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Yemeni humanitarian organization wins Nansen Refugee Award 2021: A humanitarian organization from Yemen has been declared as the winner of the 2021 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award. The organisation named “Jeel Albena Association for Humanitarian Development”, founded in 2017 by Ameen Jubran has won the prestigious honour to support and provide a lifeline to tens of thousands of Yemenis people displaced by the country’s conflict.

About the award: The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award honours individuals, groups or organizations for going above and beyond the call of duty to protect refugees, other displaced and stateless people.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Ministry of Defence inks deal with Airbus Defence & Space, Spain for 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for IAF: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a $2.5 billion contract with Airbus Defence and Space, Spain, for the acquisition of 56 Airbus C-295 medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The C-295 aircrafts  will replace the ageing Avro HS-748 aircraft fleet of Indian Air Force (IAF). Under the deal, Airbus Defence and Space will work with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to jointly execute the project. The first 16 aircraft in the deal will be delivered in fly-away condition while the remaining 40 will be assembled in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), as part of an industrial partnership between Airbus and TASL. The IAF will be the 35th operator of the C-295 worldwide. 

Daily GK Update- 29th Sept, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Hardeep Singh Puri launches 7th edition of Swachh Survekshan: Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri has launched the 7th edition of Swachh Survekshan 2022. The seventh edition of the annual cleanliness survey in the urban areas, under which district rankings have been introduced for the first time. The voice of senior citizens and young adults will also be given priority. This survey will create a level playing field for smaller cities by introducing 2 population categories:-under 15,000 & btw 15,000-25,000. The scope of the survey has been expanded to now cover 100 per cent wards for sampling as compared to 40 per cent in previous years, according to the ministry. The Mission is also committed to continuously engage with citizens to improve the quality of public sanitation infrastructure and services. To this end, the ‘Sarvajanik Shauchalay Safai Jan Bhagidari Utsav’ will be facilitated to assess the quality of community and public toilets and capture citizen feedback for process improvement in future.

 

2. Sojat Mehndi and Judima rice wine gets GI tag: Judima, homemade rice wine from Assam and Sojat Mehndi (Henna) from Rajasthan, has been awarded the geographical indication (GI) tag. A GI tag is awarded to products associated with a specific geographical origin. Award of a GI sign not only helps in tracing the origins of products but also helps in confirming authenticity and marketing of indigenous specialities.

About the Judima: Judima is a local fermented drink made with rice, brewed by the Dimasa community in Assam. It derives its name from the words Ju which means wine and Dima means ‘belonging to the Dimasa’. It is the first traditional brew in all of the northeast to bag GI tag.

About the Sojat Mehendi: Sojat Mehendi, originating from Mehendi leaves grown in Sojat, is naturally cultivated using rainwater. Sojat tehsil of the Pali district in Rajasthan has a suitable geological structure, topography and drainage system, climate and soil for naturally cultivating the mehndi leave crop.

 

3. CavinKare CMD CK Ranganathan named as new AIMA president: Chairman & managing director CavinKare Pvt Ltd, CK Ranganathan has been appointed president of All India Management Association (AIMA) for a period of one year till the National Management Convention is held in September 2022. He takes over from Harsh Pati Singhania, vice chairman & managing director, JK Paper Ltd. Under his leadership, technology will drive AIMA”s services and the new initiatives would include face recognition tools for admission and recruitment testing services and remotely proctored semester examination for education institutes.

About the AIMA: AIMA is the national apex body of the management profession in India. It works closely with industry, government, academia and students to further the cause of the management profession in India.

 

4. Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh takes charge as DG of NCC: Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh has taken charge as the 34th Director-General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC). He succeeds Lt Gen Tarun Kumar Aich. He was commissioned into the PARACHUTE REGIMENT in 1987. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun as well as NCC, he attended the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the National Defence College Course in New Delhi. Lt Gen Singh has been a Company Commander in the counter-insurgency environment in Nagaland and the Siachen Glacier.

Note: NCC Founded: 16 April 1948; NCC Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to bag IAEA external auditor job: India has been elected as the external auditor to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a prestigious institution that promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy, for a period of six years from 2022 to 2027 after beating Germany and the United Kingdom among other counties. India’s comptroller and auditor general GC Murmu was selected as the external auditor of IAEA and the ministry of external affairs (MEA).

In the first round of voting for the post, Germany got 36 votes, India 30, the UK eight, Russia 11, Turkey 9, Egypt 20, Republic of Korea 2 and the Philippines 7 votes. The second round boiled down to the race between India and Germany with India managing to beat the European country.

Note: IAEA Headquarters: Vienna, Austria; IAEA Founded: 29 July 1957.

 

2. 4th Indo-US Health Dialogue Held in New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar has led the Indian delegation at the 4th Indo-US Health Dialogue, held in New Delhi. The US delegation for the dialogue is led by Ms Loyce Pace, Director, Office of Global Affairs at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The two-day Dialogue is a platform to deliberate upon multiple ongoing collaborations in the health sector between the two countries. About the Dialogue:

(1) The two-day Dialogue will be leveraged as a platform to deliberate upon multiple ongoing collaborations in the health sector between the two countries.

(2) The issues planned for deliberations in this round also encompass areas of concern pertaining to strengthening of epidemiological research and surveillance, vaccine development, One Health, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, health systems and health policies etc.

(3) An MoU was finalised between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India and the Department of Health and Human Services of the United States of America, in the field of the health sector, covering issues like Health Safety and Security; Communicable Diseases & Non-Communicable Diseases; Health Systems; and Health Policy.

 

3. World Heart Day: 29th September: World Heart Day is observed on 29th September annually to draw people’s attention to heart illness and the range of associated health issues. The day which is celebrated annually creates awareness of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) including heart disease & stroke and highlights the preventive and control measures. The theme for World Heart Day 2020: “Use Heart To Beat Cardiovascular Disease”.

Note: World Heart Federation Founded: 2000; World Heart Federation Headquarters location: Geneva, Switzerland; World Heart Federation Chairman: Rajeev Gupta.

 

4. International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste: 29th September: International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is celebrated on September 29, since 2020, to promote and implement global efforts to resolve the issue of food wastage. The United Nations General Assembly designated 29 September as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste in 2019. The theme for 2021 is Stop food loss and waste. For the people. For the planet. The main objective of this day is to take steps towards responsible consumption and production as well as zero hunger, along with working towards addressing the problem of climate change through sustainable food habits.

History: In 2019, the 74th United Nations General Assembly designated 29 September as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, recognizing the fundamental role that sustainable food production plays in promoting food security and nutrition.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rohit Sharma first to score 1,000 runs against one team in IPL: Rohit Sharma became the first batter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history to score 1000 runs against a single team during Mumbai Indians’ (MI) contest against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The 34-year-old achieved the feat in the fourth over of MI’s innings. Rohit now has 1015 runs against KKR at an average of 46.13 and a strike rate of 132.16, including six fifties and one hundred.

 

2. US beats Europe Won Ryder Cup golf tournament: The United States has clinched the 2021 Ryder Cup after rookie Collin Morikawa secured the final half-point to get to a 19-9 victory, which is the largest margin of victory in Ryder Cup history since the 28-point format came about. It’s the first time since 1979 and 1983 that Team USA won back-to-back home Ryder Cups after winning in 2016 at Hazeltine. The Americans lost in 2018 in France and seven of the last 10 Ryder Cups against Europe, so a dominant 2021 victory could change the tide in the rivalry.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes 2 cr penalty on RBL Bank for deficiencies in regulatory compliance: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 2 crore on RBL Bank for non-compliance with provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. RBI said the penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in it under the provisions of section 47 A (1) (c) read with section 46 (4) (i) of the Act. An examination carried out by the RBI showed that the private lender was non-compliant in opening five savings deposit accounts for a cooperative bank.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also fined the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) State Co-operative Bank, Srinagar with an Rs 11 lakh penalty for inadequacy in regulatory adherence. According to the report, contravention of section 23 read with section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as the J&K State Co-operative Bank had opened branches without getting a prior nod from RBI.

Note: RBL Bank Founded: August 1943; RBL Bank Headquarters: Mumbai; RBL Bank MD & CEO: Vishwavir Ahuja.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Mastercard ropes Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen as its Global Ambassador: The financial services company, Mastercard Inc. has named Magnus Carlsen, the highest-rated chess player of all time, as its global brand ambassador. This step is part of a move by Mastercard for adding chess in its coveted list of sports sponsorship. It has joined the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour as an official partner, in its first sponsorship move into chess. The Norwegian chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen joins the like of other competitive players lineup of ambassadors like Lionel Messi, Naomi Osaka, Crystal Dunn and Dan Carter.

Note: Mastercard Headquarters: New York, United States; Mastercard President: Michael Miebach.

 

2. MCA extends the tenure of Company Law Committee by 1 year: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has once again extended the tenure of the Company Law Committee by one year until September 16, 2022. Corporate affairs secretary Rajesh Verma is the present chairperson of the committee. The committee was constituted in 2019 and has a total of 11 members. The committee was set up to suggest measures to improve the functioning of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), make recommendations on issues pertaining to the implementation of the Companies Act and Limited Liability Partnership Act. The tenure of the panel was extended in 2020 also, till September 17, 2021.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. 2021 Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar winners announced: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for science and technology 2021, were announced during the 80th foundation day of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Every year, CSIR presents this award to scientists below 45 years of age for their contributions in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, medicine, engineering and earth, atmosphere, ocean and planetary sciences. The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. Here is the list of 11 scientists awardees:

Biological Sciences category:

(1) Dr Amit Singh, department of microbiology and cell biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.

(2) Dr Arun Kumar Shukla, department of biological sciences and bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.

Chemical sciences category:

(1) Two researchers from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, Dr Kanishka Biswas from the International Centre of Materials Science and Dr T Govindaraju, from the Bio-organic Chemistry Laboratory, announced as recipients.

Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences category:

(1) Dr Binoy Kumar Saikia from Coal and Energy Research Group, CSIR North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, was named recipient.

Engineering sciences category:

(1) Dr Debdeep Mukhopadhyay, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, received the award under the engineering sciences category.

Mathematical sciences category:

(1) Dr Anish Ghosh, school of mathematics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai.

(2) Dr Saket Saurabh, The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai.

Medical sciences:

(1) Dr Jeemon Panniyammakal, Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram.

(2) Dr Rohit Srivastava, department of biosciences and bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.

Physical sciences:

(1) Dr Kanak Saha, from Pune’s Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, received the award for physical sciences.

Daily GK Update- 28th Sept, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Supreme Court introduces FASTER system: Supreme Court of India has approved an electronic system named FASTER (Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records). The FASTER system will be used for transferring e-authenticated copies from courts to prisons. A three-judge bench of Chief Justice N.V. Ramana, Justice Nageswara Rao and Justice Surya Kant has instructed state governments, Union territories, prison departments and other authorities concerned to make arrangements at prisons to accept e-authenticated copies.

Under the FASTER system, courts can send e-authenticated copies of bail orders, stay orders, interim orders and proceedings through secured electronic communication to duty officers at prisons. The apex court was hearing a suo motu case which it took up in July this year after a news report indicated that inmates at a prison in Agra continued to be lodged in jail three days after they had been granted bail.

Note: 48th Chief Justice of India (CJI): Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana; Supreme Court of India Established: 26 January 1950.

 

2. Naga Cucumber from Nagaland gets geographical identification tag: Nagaland’s “sweet cucumber” was awarded a geographical identification (GI) tag as an agricultural product under provisions of The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The cucumber is one of the most important crops in the Northeast region. Nagaland has the fifth-highest cultivation of this fruit area-wise and ranks third in production.

About the Naga cucumber: Naga cucumber is recognised for its sweetness and unique green colour. It is rich in potassium and has low calories. The cucumber is not the first product from the small state to receive a vaunted GI tag. Both the regional variants of tree tomato (tamarillo) and the famed Naga king chilli are also GI tagged.

Note: Chief Minister of Nagaland: Neiphiu Rio; Governor of Nagaland: Jagdish Mukhi.

 

3. Cyclonic Storm ‘Gulab’ hits Andra and Odisha: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Odisha and Andhra Pradesh after the ‘Cyclone Gulab’ made landfall over Northwest and adjoining West-central Bay of Bengal. Cyclone Gulab was named by Pakistan. The word “Gulab” refers to Rose in English.  During the landfall, the wind speed could hover between 90 kmph and 100 kmph.

The name Gulab is from the list of cyclone names that is maintained by the World Meteorological Organisation/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (WMO/ESCAP) Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC). The panel comprises 13 countries namely, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Maldives, Oman, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, who choose the names of cyclones in the region.

 

4. MGR Railway Station gets powered by solar energy: Dr MG Ramachandran Central (DRM) or Chennai Central railway station will get 100 per cent of energy through Solar Energy. The Chennai Central railway station comes under the South Central Railway (SCR) zone and which is going to become the world’s largest green railway network. The station will now become the first Indian Railways station, which will get 100 per cent day energy through solar panels.

About the Station: The solar power capacity of the station is 1.5 MW and Solar panels are installed on the shelters of the station. South Central Railways has adopted the concept of ‘energy neutral’ railway stations and become the first Indian Railway zones to do so. India has targeted to become “net-zero carbon emission” before the year 2030.

 

5. A new book title “The Battle of Rezang La” written by Kulpreet Yadav: A new book has titled “The Battle of Rezang La” written by Kulpreet Yadav. A new book tells the story of 120 Indian soldiers who put up a valiant fight against the 5,000-strong Chinese military troops in the 1962 Indo-China war, preventing a possible occupation of the entire Ladakh region. The Battle of Rezang La”, published under Penguin Random House’s ”Veer” imprint, is written by ex-naval officer and author Kulpreet Yadav.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. WHO revises air quality norms for first time since 2005: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced a tight revision in its air quality guidelines (AQG). This is the first revision in the global air quality by WHO since 2005. In the new guidelines, WHO has lowered the acceptable exposure levels to key pollutants, including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter (PM). Under the new guidelines:

(1) WHO has lowered acceptable thresholds for several pollutants, including PM 2.5. Now, PM 2.5 concentrations must remain below 15µg/m³.

(2) According to the new limits, average annual PM2.5 concentrations should not be higher than 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

(3) Air pollution kills at least 7 million people prematurely each year. The revised guidelines encourage countries to slash fossil fuel emissions.

(4) These guidelines are not legally binding on countries. The reduced level of air pollution will improve the health of people.

India Scenario:

(1) India continues to remain one of the most polluted countries in the world. Air pollution has become the main threat to health in many countries.

(2) The average concentration of PM2.5 in 2020 in New Delhi was 17 times higher than the recommended levels.

(3) The pollution level is also higher than the recommended levels in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

 

2. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak launches space start-up Privateer: Apple’s co-creator Steve Wozniak has launched a new space start-up called Privateer Space, bringing potential competition to a field dominated by billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson. Privateer will be represented at the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference, scheduled to run from September 14-17 in Hawaii. The global space economy, which has attracted many top companies such as Tesla and Amazon, involves various activities such as research and development, space tourism and the utilisation of space. Bank of America predicts the space economy will have more than tripled in size by 2030, with a $1.4 trillion market value.

 

3. International Day for Universal Access to Information: 28th September: The International Day for the Universal Access to Information (commonly known as Access to Information Day) is observed globally on 28th September every year. The International Day for Universal Access to Information 2021 highlights the importance of expanding access to information laws, and their implementation worldwide to build back strong institutions for sustainable development and to uphold the vision of information as a public good, as well as to strengthen international cooperation in the field of implementing the right to information as a fundamental right.

History of the day: On 17 November 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 28 September as International Day for Universal Access to Information. Considering that several civil society organizations and government bodies in the world have adopted and currently celebrate this observance, the UN General Assembly also adopted 28 September 2019 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

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

 

4. World Rabies Day: 28th September: World Rabies Day is celebrated annually on September 28 to raise awareness about the impact of rabies on humans and animals, provide information and advice on how to prevent the disease and take efforts to control rabies. 2021 is the 15th edition of World Rabies Day. The theme for the WRD in 2021 is ‘Rabies: Facts, not Fear’. The day also marks the death anniversary of the French chemist and microbiologist, Louis Pasteur’, who developed the first rabies vaccine.

Note: Global Alliance for Rabies Executive Director: Louis Nel; Global Alliance for Rabies Control Founded: 2007; Global Alliance for Rabies Control Headquarters: Manhattan, Kansas, United States.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sania Mirza & Zhang Shuai Win Ostrava Open WTA Doubles Title: India’s Sania Mirza and her Chinese partner Zhang Shuai won the women’s doubles title in the women’s doubles final at the Ostrava Open in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The second-seeded Indo-Chinese duo defeated the third seeded pair of American Kaitlyn Christian and New Zealander Erin Routliffe 6-3 6-2 in the summit clash in one hour and four minutes. This was Sania’s second final of the season, following a runner-up finish at the WTA 250 Cleveland event in the US last month with Chirstina Mchale.

 

2. England cricketer Moeen Ali announces retirement from Tests: England cricket all-rounder Moeen Ali has announced his retirement from the Test match career. The 34-year-old Ali made his debut in Test cricket in 2014 and represented England in 64 Test matches. He took 195 Test wickets including 5 five-wicket hauls and scored five-Test match centuries during his Test career. Moeen, however, will continue to play limited-overs cricket for England.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI sets WMA Limit for Central Government for at Rs. 50,000 crore: The Reserve bank of India has set the limit for Ways and Means Advances (WMA) for the second half of the financial year 2021-22 i.e October 2021 to March 2022 at Rs. 50,000 crore. The Reserve Bank may trigger fresh floatation of market loans when the Government of India utilises 75 per cent of the WMA limit. The Reserve Bank retains the flexibility to revise the limit at any time, in consultation with the Government of India, taking into consideration the prevailing circumstances.

The interest rate on WMA/overdraft will be:

(1) For WMA: Repo Rate

(2) For Overdraft: Two per cent above the Repo Rate

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. NASSCOM: Cryptotech industry can add $184B of economic value in India: The crypto industry in India has the potential to add $184 billion of economic value, in the form of investments and cost savings, by 2030, according to a report from the country’s premier trade body for the tech industry. The report, entitled “Crypto Industry in India,” was published by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) in conjunction with Binance-owned crypto exchange WazirX.

The “CryptoTech” industry – companies involved in trading, payments, remittances, retail and more – is expected to reach a size of $241 million in India by 2030, and $2.3 billion globally by 2026. The industry currently employs 50,000 people in India, a number which NASSCOM expects to grow to over 800,000 by the end of the decade.

Note: NASSCOM Chairperson: Rekha M Menon; NASSCOM Headquarters: New Delhi; NASSCOM Founded: 1 March 1988.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO conducts successful maiden flight test of Akash Prime Missile: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried a successful maiden test flight of a new version of the Akash Missile named ‘Akash Prime’ from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The success of the test flight demonstrates the competence of DRDO in the design and development of world-class Missile systems. The missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking enemy aircraft, in its maiden flight test after improvements.

In comparison to the existing Akash System, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy. Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance under low-temperature environments at higher altitudes. A modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon system has been used for the current flight test. The range stations of ITR comprising Radars, Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and Telemetry stations monitored the missile trajectory and flight parameters.

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

Daily GK Update- 27th Sept, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amit Shah addresses first ‘National Cooperative Conference’: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah has inaugurated and addressed the first-ever National Cooperative Conference (Sehkarita Sammelan) at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The minister outlined the government’s vision and roadmap for the development of the Cooperative sector. About the conference:

(1) This conference was India’s first such cooperative conference, to provide a platform for accelerating and strengthening Indian cooperatives on the global stage.

(2) The conference was organised jointly by the IFFCO, National Cooperative Federation of India, Amul, Sahakar Bharti, NAFED, KRIBHCO and all cooperatives together.

(3) Over 2,100 representatives from different states and various cooperative sectors across the country participated in the conference to contribute towards realizing the dream of a self-reliant India.

 

2. Centre notifies Rs 400 crore Scheme for “Promotion of Medical Device Parks” to support the medical devices industry; The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has notified the “Scheme for Promotion of Medical Device Parks”. The scheme aims to create proper infrastructure in the medical device industry sector, through higher levels of investments, to support the industry reach its potential. Total financial outlay of the scheme is Rs. 400 crore. The tenure of the scheme is five years, from FY 2020-2021 to FY 2024-2025. The Medical Devices Parks will provide common infrastructure facilities at one place to create a robust ecosystem for the medical device manufacturing in the country and also reducing the manufacturing cost significantly.

 

3. Debabrata Mukherjee elected chief of Audit Bureau of Circulations: The chief marketing officer of United Breweries, Debabrata Mukherjee, was unanimously elected chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for 2021-2022. Mukherjee, who has over 27 years of experience, was responsible for managing brands such as Kingfisher, Heineken and Amstel. A publisher member on the council, Pratap G. Pawar of Sakal Papers, was unanimously elected deputy chairman for the year.

About Audit Bureau of Circulations: ABC is a non-profit circulation-auditing organisation. It certifies and audits the circulations of major publications, including newspapers and magazines in India.

Note: Audit Bureau of Circulations Founded: 1948; Audit Bureau of Circulations Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

4. The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India by Vijay Gokhale: A book titled “The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India” authored by Vijay Gokhale. In this new book, former foreign secretary of India, Vijay Gokhale, unpacks the dynamics of India-China relations through the prism of six historical and recent events. The book gives a practitioner’s insight into strategies, tactics, and tools that China uses for diplomatic negotiations. His 1st book is “Tiananmen Square: The Making of a Protest” was published earlier this month.

 

5. A book title “The Fractured Himalaya” authored by Nirupama Rao: A book titled “The Fractured Himalaya: How the Past Shadows the Present in India-China Relations”, authored by Nirupama Rao. The book traces how the origins of the dispute between India and China form part of a living history that shapes their fractious relationship today. Understanding this complex panorama yields lessons for all of us who seek a wider perspective on China and its profile in the Indo-Pacific. Nirupama Rao is a former Foreign Secretary.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi addresses 76th UNGA in New York: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has addressed the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York. He is the first world leader scheduled to address the UN General Assembly at 6.30 PM IST. Prior to this, PM Modi had addressed UN General Assembly in 2019. The theme of the 2021 UN General Assembly session was ‘building resilience through hope – to recover from Covid-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations. During the address:

(1) PM spoke on various global issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the need to combat terrorism focusing on Afghanistan and Extremism, and the need to strengthen the United Nations.

(2) Over 109 heads of state and government addressed the UN General Assembly while around 60 addressed the debate through pre-recorded video statements at the event.

(3) Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked Chanakya, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, and Rabindranath Tagore in his address.

 

2. Gordon Brown appointed WHO Ambassador for Global Health Financing: The WHO announced the appointment of The Rt Hon Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, as WHO Ambassador for Global Health Financing. He is widely credited with preventing a second Great Depression through his stewardship of the 2009 London G20 summit. He mobilized world leaders to commit an additional $1.1 trillion to restore credit, growth and jobs. Mr Brown has tirelessly called on wealthy nations as well as the private sector to ensure the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, advocating for a concerted global effort — rooted in science and sound economics – to save lives, end the pandemic and restore livelihoods the world over.

Note: President of the World Health Organisation: Tedros Adhanom; Headquarters of WHO: Geneva, Switzerland; WHO founded: 7 April 1948.

 

3. World Tourism Day: 27th September: World Tourism Day is observed globally on 27th September every year. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide. In the ongoing pandemic times, it is important to raise awareness about the tourism sector given that 90% of world heritages sites closed as a result of the pandemic last year and young people in rural communities were unemployed. The theme for World Tourism Day 2021 is “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”. UNWTO has designated it as an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person.

History of the day: Ever since 1980, World Tourism Day is celebrated annually across the world on September 27. It was on this day in 1970 when the Statutes of the United Nations World Tourism Organization were adopted which are considered a milestone in global tourism.

Note: United Nations World Tourism Organization Headquarters location: Madrid, Spain; United Nations World Tourism Organization Head: Zurab Pololikashvili; United Nations World Tourism Organization Founded: 1 November 1974.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India claim three silver medals at 2021 Archery World Championships: The team India archers settled for three silver medals at the 2021 World Archery Championships, held in Yankton, South Dakota, United States. The three silver medals were won in Women’s Compound Individual, Women’s Compound Team and Compound Mixed Team competitions. Besides this, Vennam Jyothi Surekha of Vijayawada became the first Indian woman archer to win three silver medals at a world championship. The 25-year-old achieved this feat after she won the medal in each of the three categories.

Note: Women’s Compound Individual: Jyothi Surekha Vennam; Women’s Compound Team: Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Muskar Kirar and Priya Gurjar; Compound Mixed Team: Abhishek Verma and Jyothi Surekha Vennam

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI allows lenders to sell fraud loans to ARC: The Reserve Bank of India has allowed lenders/banks to transfer of loans that have been classified as fraud by these lenders to Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs). Stressed loans including fraud loans that are in default for more than 60 days or classified as NPA are permitted to be transferred to ARCs. This comes in the wake of banks reporting frauds aggregating Rs 3.95-lakh crore between FY19 and FY21.

New guidelines:

(1) Under the new guidelines, loans can be transferred only after a minimum holding period (MHP) of three months in case of loans with tenor up to 2 years, and six months for those with the tenor of more than 2 years.

(2) In case of loans where the security does not exist or cannot be registered, the MHP shall be calculated from the date of the first repayment of the loan.

(3) Here are figures for loans declared as fraud by banks for various financial years:

For 2020-21 (FY21): loans worth Rs 1.37 trillion were declared as fraud

For 2019-20 (FY20): loans worth Rs 1.81 trillion were declared as fraud

For 2018-19 (FY19): loans worth Rs 64,539 crore were declared as fraud

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. 75 Divyangjan felicitated with Hunarbaaz Awards: The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Hyderabad under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development presented Hunarbaaz Awards to 75 differently-abled candidates from 15 states. The award ceremony was organised to commemorate Antyodaya Diwas that marks the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and also as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

About the awards: The awards have been designed for those candidates who were trained through Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) and Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETI) schemes of the Ministry in various trades, then got placed and worked in the organizations for more than one year or were successfully settled in the trade of their choice as self-employed.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India Army to organise ‘Bijoya Sanskritik Mahotsav’ in Kolkata: Indian Army will organize “Bijoya Sanskritik Mahotsav” from 26 to 29 September in Kolkata. This Mahotsav will be observed to mark the golden jubilee of the India-Pak war 1971. The event will be inaugurated by Lieutenant General Manoj Pande, Army Commander, Eastern Command. Various cultural programs including a film screening, theatre plays, musical concerts, and band performances will be conducted during this event. It will be organized as part of the Swarnim Vijay Varsha celebrations to commemorate the golden jubilee of the India-Pak war.

About the India- Pak war 1971:

(1) The war started on 3 December 1971 and ended on 16 December 1971. It was a military confrontation between India and Pakistan for the Independence of Bangladesh.

(2) The war started when Pakistan launched airstrikes on 11 Indian airbases. It was perhaps the first time in which India’s all three forces fought in unison.

(3) It ended after the chief of the Pakistani forces, General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, along with 93,000 troops, surrendered to the joint forces of the Indian Army and Bangladesh’s Mukti Bahini.

(4) On August 2, 1972, India and Pakistan signed the Shimla Agreement under which the former agreed to release all the 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Noted women’s right activist and author Kamla Bhasin passes away: Women’s rights activist and noted author, Kamla Bhasin, has passed away battling cancer. She started working on developmental issues in the 1970s and her work focused on gender, education, human development and the media. The noted poet and author has authored several books, especially on gender theory and feminism, many of which have been translated into more than 30 languages.