Daily GK Update- 14th Aug, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IMD-UNDP and Japan collaborate for climate action in 10 States and UTs: IMD-UNDP initiates a new project to speed up climate action in 10 States and Union Territories throughout the nation has been unveiled by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the government of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). During the years 2022–2023, the project of IMD-UNDP will be implemented in the following states: Bihar, Delhi–NCR, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. UNDP India has received a $5.16 million climate grant from Japan for the project of IMD-UNDP. This is a component of the worldwide assistance provided by Japan to 23 nations through the UNDP‘s “Climate Promise — From Pledge to Impact” initiative.

IMD-UNDP: Key Points:

a)      India made a commitment to reduce its projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030, install 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, reduce its carbon intensity by less than 45% by the end of the decade, and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 at the COP26 summit in Glasgow in November 2021.

b)      The collaborative endeavour of IMD-UNDP will help Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reach net-zero emissions and guarantee development that is climate resilient.

c)       The Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will work with the IMD to implement it (MNRE).

d)      The new NDCs for India were approved by the Cabinet to be communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change one week before to the launch.

 

2. Andhra Pradesh government signed an MoU with NISG for integrated land management system: Andhra Pradesh government has signed an MoU with National Institute for Smart Government (NISG). Under the agreement, NISG will assist the Andhra Pradesh government in the preparation and development of an integrated land management system with advanced technology in fixing the boundaries. The agreement was signed as part of the implementation of the YSR Jagananna Saswatha Raksha scheme.

Note: Andhra Pradesh Capital: Amaravati; Chief Minister: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy; Governor: Biswabhusan Harichandan

 

3. Telangana launched ‘Nethanna Ku Bima’ Scheme for weavers: Telangana Government has launched ‘Nethanna Ku Bima’ Scheme, an insurance scheme, which covers handloom and power loom weavers in the State. This scheme was launched by Telangana Handlooms Minister, KT Rama Rao virtually. The insurance coverage scheme will be implemented in association with LIC. In case of natural or accidental death of a weaver Rs. 5 lakh would be deposited into the nominees’ account within 10 days.

Note: Telangana Capital: Hyderabad; Chief Minister: K. Chandrashekar Rao; Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan

 

4. Amit Shah launched onboarding of cooperatives on GeM portal: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has launched the onboarding of cooperatives on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. The move will allow cooperatives to procure through the GeM portal like other government buyers—Central and state ministries, departments, public sector enterprises, autonomous institutions and local bodies. Over 300 cooperatives have been onboarded as buyers on the GeM portal to enable them to purchase goods and services at competitive prices.

 

5. Samudrayaan mission to send humans 6,000 meters deep in ocean: The Indian government will soon start its mega ocean mission called ‘Samudrayaan’ to unlock the mysteries in the heart government of deep water. With this mission, India will be joining the elite club of nations such as the US, Russia, Japan, France, and China to have niche technology and vehicles to carry out subsea activities. Samudrayaan Mission is aimed to develop a self-propelled manned submersible to carry three human beings to a water depth of 6,000 m in the ocean with a suite of scientific sensors and tools for deep ocean exploration. Developed indigenously, MATSYA 6000 is a manned submersible vehicle. It will facilitate the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in conducting deep ocean exploration. It has an endurance of 12 hours of operational period and 96 hours in case of emergency.

 

6. PM Narendra Modi Observes Partition Horrors Remembrance Day 2022: In his last year’s Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared August 14 to be observed as “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day” to remind the nation of the sufferings and sacrifices of Indians during the partition in 1947. The day, which coincides with Pakistan’s Independence day, will be observed in memory of the “struggles and sacrifices of our people”.

Meanwhile, India is all set to celebrate 75 years of Independence with preparations in full swing. A large number of ASI monuments across the country have been lit up in tri-colour theme, and citizens and political parties across the country have kicked off ‘tiranga’ rallies under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. Earlier this week, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla inaugurated an exhibition on the ‘Horrors of Partition’ at the Parliament Library Building.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Argentina’s Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios named UNMOGIP’s head: An experienced Argentinean navy officer, Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios has been named Head of Mission and Chief Military Observer for the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Major General José Eladio Alcain of Uruguay steps down in favour of Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rio of Argentina as Head of Mission and Chief Military Observer for UNMOGIP, whose task is about to be completed.

About UNMOGIP: Established in January 1949, UNMOGIP. The duties of UNMOGIP have been to watch, to the degree practicable, developments relevant to the strict enforcement of the ceasefire of December 17, 1971, which followed the 1971 India-Pakistan conflict and a later ceasefire agreement, and to report thereon to the Secretary-General. After the Simla Agreement and the ensuing formation of the Line of Control, India has claimed that UNMOGIP has lost all relevance and is no longer useful (LoC).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Tata Steel Chess India Tournament 2022: Women’s section introduced for first time: The 4th edition of the Tata Steel Chess India tournament will be held in Kolkata from November 29 to December 4, 2022. For the first time, a separate women’s section has been added in the tournament, which had only the Open section so far. Tata Steel Chess India (rapid and blitz) is one of the most important chess tournaments in India. Top Indian female players like Koneru Humpy, D Harika, and R Vaishali will compete in the maiden women’s edition.

About Tata Steel Chess India: World-class chess came to Kolkata in the form of the first inaugural Tata Steel Chess India tournament in November 2018. In 2019, World Champion Magnus Carlsen won both Rapid and Blitz in his usual magnificent fashion, while the other super GMs wowed chess enthusiasts with their precision power play. Tata Steel has a long-standing association with chess and cherishes the global standing Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk Ann Zee has acquired over the years.

 

2. 1st edition of Women’s IPL to be held in March 2023: The 1st Edition of Women Indian Premier League will be starting from March 2023 to be held in a one-month window and in all likelihood with five teams, a senior BCCI official confirmed. The BCCI bigwigs have discussed the issue and a March window has been found for the tournament after the Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Both BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah in separate interviews had earlier confirmed that 2023 is the year when WIPL would start. A lot of cricket lovers believe that WIPL will bring in a revolution and the standard of women’s cricket in India will have a quantum leap. It is understood that teams like Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings have all expressed their interest in buying teams.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. State Bank of India launched “Utsav fixed deposit scheme”: The largest lender in the nation, State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced a unique term deposit programme called “Utsav Deposit Scheme”. This fixed deposit scheme has higher interest rates and is only available for a limited time. This programme is introduced on the occasion of the nation’s 76th year of Independence, celebrated as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Different rates of the schemes: On Utsav Fixed Deposit Scheme: SBI is offering an interest rate of 6.10% per annum on fixed deposits with a tenure of 1000 days. And senior citizens will be eligible to get an additional interest rate of 0.50% over and above the regular rate. These rates are effective as of 15th August 2022 and the scheme is valid for a period of 75 days.

Different rates of the schemes:

a)      Interest rates on fixed deposits under ₹2 Cr were recently increased at SBI. SBI announced the new interest rates on August 13, 2022, and as a result of the adjustment, the bank increased interest rates by 15 bps for various tenors.

b)      SBI increased interest rates on fixed deposits maturing in 180 to 210 days from 4.40% to 4.55%.

c)       SBI increased interest rates from 5.30% to 5.45% for fixed deposits with maturities of one year to less than two years.

d)      The interest rate on deposits maturing in 2 years to less than 3 years has increased to 5.50% from 5.35%, while the interest rate on deposits maturing in 3 years to less than 5 years has increased from 5.45% to 5.60%.

e)      SBI increased the interest rate on fixed deposits maturing in 5 years and up to 10 years from 5.50% to 5.65%.

Note: SBI Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara; SBI Headquarters: Mumbai; SBI Founded: 1 July 1955.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Satpura to 75 Lap “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Run” at San Diego: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Satpura reached the San Diego Harbour North American Continent on 13th August to celebrate the 75 years of Independence of India. The INS Satpura conducted a 75 Lap Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Run at the San Diego US Navy Base on the Independence Day of India. The ship hoisted the Indian Tricolour flag in the presence of the Indian diaspora and distinguished local dignitaries in the North American Continent on the historic occasion of 75 years of Independence of India. The arrival of INS Satpura to the San Diego US Navy Base is a historic event as it is the first time an Indian Naval Warship has reached the western coast of North America. This event demonstrates the capability and advancement of the Indian Navy after 75 years of Independence. About INS Satpura:

a)      Indian Naval Warship, INS Satpura, and P81 LRMRASW aircraft participated in one of the largest multilateral naval exercises, The Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii.

b)      On June 27, INS Satpura reached Hawaii for the multilateral naval exercises whereas P81 aircraft arrived on 22 July 2022.

c)       INS Satpura and one P81 Maritime participated in the exercise which spans over six weeks of intense operations and training aimed at enhancing the exchange of information and building trust among the Navies of foreign countries.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran stock market investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala passes away: Veteran stock market investor, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala passed away at the age of 62. Often referred to as ‘India’s Warren Buffett’ and the Big Bull of Indian markets, Jhunjhunwala’s net worth was $5.8 billion. An investor with a Midas touch, Jhunjhunwala was the 48th richest man in the country.

a)      A chartered accountant by education, he chose Dalal Street instead of auditing accounts. In 1985, Jhunjhunwala invested Rs 5,000 as capital.

b)      By September 2018, that capital had inflated to Rs 11,000 crore. His portfolio includes companies like Star Health, Titan, Rallis India, Escorts, Canara Bank, Indian Hotels Company, Agro Tech Foods, Nazara Technologies, Tata Motors.

c)       Overall, he had a stake in 47 companies at the end of the June quarter. Titan, Star Health, Tata Motors and Metro Brands were some of his largest holdings.

d)      He was the chairman of Hungama Media and Aptech and was on the board of directors of firms such as Viceroy Hotels, Concord Biotech, Provogue India and Geojit Financial Services.

 

2. Indian American journalist Uma Pemmaraju passes away: An Indian American journalist, Uma Pemmaraju has passed away at the age of 64. She was a part of various shows such as The Fox Report, Fox News Live, Fox News Now, and Fox On Trends.

Pemmaraju paved the way for Indian American journalists in the field of investigative reporting by receiving many Emmy Awards over the span of her career. The Big Sisters Organization of America awarded her The Woman of Achievement Award. She also won the Texas AP Award and the Matrix Award from the Women in Communications for reporting. She was also featured as one of Spotlight Magazine’s “20 Intriguing Women of 1998.”