Daily GK Update- 21st Sep, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to Be Home to Cheetahs after 70 Years: Eight African cheetahs are from Namibia into their new habitat at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The PM released the five female and three male cheetahs into the Park’s quarantine enclosures as part of his efforts to revitalise and diversify the country’s wildlife and habitat, his office has said.

The Cheetah: The last cheetah in India died in 1947 in Korea district in present day Chhattisgarh, which was earlier part of Madhya Pradesh, and the species was declared extinct from India in 1952. According to reports, the cheetah has lost 90 percent of its global habitat in the last 100 years. The ‘African Cheetah Introduction Project in India‘ was conceived in 2009, with a plan to introduce the big cat by November last year in Kuno National Park, but it suffered a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How Cheetahs are brought to India: The cheetahs board a customised Boeing 747-400 aircraft from Namibia’s capital Windhoek and arrive in Gwalior after completing an overnight journey lasting 10 hours and traversing 8,000 kilometres. The felines then be shifted from Gwalior to Kuno National Park (KNP) in an Indian Air Force (IAF) Chinook heavy-lift helicopter. The cheetahs, aged between four and six years, not be tranquilised for the journey. The aircraft bringing the animals has been sourced from a UAE-based aircraft company by Action Aviation. It carries the image of a tiger on its nose.

 

2. Jharkhand ups reservations for SC, ST, and others to 77%: Jharkhand Government agreed to the proposal for granting 77 percent reservation in state government jobs for the SC, ST, Backward Classes, and OBC and further economically weaker sections. The chief minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren hiked the OBC reservation to 27 percent which was earlier 14 percent. Key Points:

a)      The decision of granting reservation was taken in the backdrop of tribals’ demand that the last land survey is conducted by the British government in 1932.

b)      The development came amid a political crisis in Jharkhand over the threats to Chief Minister Hemant Soren of his disqualification as an MLA.

c)       The state government will also request the center to the inclusion of the bill in the Ninth schedule of the constitution.

d)      In the proposal job reservation policy, local people of the SC community will have a quote of 12 percent, ST 28 percent, extreme Backward Class 15 percent, OBC 12 percent, and economically weaker sections 10 percent.

 

3. Election Commission of India launched BLO e-Patrika: The Election Commission of India has released a new digital publication ‘BLO e-Patrika’ at an interactive session held with BLOs spread across the states in India. In states/UTs, 50 BLOs from nearby states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi joined the event physically at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Over 350 BLOs joined the meeting via video-conferencing from the office of Chief Electoral Officers (CEO). Key Points related to BLO e-Patrika:

a)      BLOs are the direct links of the Commission with the people.

b)      They are the primary source of information for every voter across the length and breadth of the country.

c)       The BLO e-Patrika is released to ensure a cascading information model for a better informed and motivated Booth Level Officer.

d)      The themes of the bimonthly e-Patrika include subjects related to EVM-VVPAT Training, IT application, special summary revision, Minimum SVEEP Activities at polling booths, Postal Ballot facilities, accessible elections, Electoral Literacy Clubs, Unique voter awareness initiatives, and National Voters Day.

 

4. Delhi Police First Force to Make Collection of Forensic Evidence Mandatory: Delhi Police has become the first police force in India to make a collection of forensic evidence mandatory in crimes punishable by more than six years. Delhi is a union territory and is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora issued a ‘Standard Order’, to all the police units. Key Points:

a)      The order came into force after Home Minister Amit Shah pushed at Zonal Council Meeting.

b)      In the Zonal Council Meeting, Mr. Amit Shah informed that the government was going to overhaul the British-era Indian penal code.

c)       The changes in making the collection of forensic evidence compulsory in criminal cases punishable was one of the initial steps.

d)      Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the fact that custodial torture has roots in colonial India, however, the conviction of a criminal can be achieved based on forensic evidence.

e)      The Delhi police order also suggests that the force has its own ‘mobile crime team van’, in each district. The forensic Mobil van will be allotted to each district to provide scientific and forensic assistance on the spot.

 

5. Manoj Bajpayee publishes book “Muskurate Chand Lamhe aur Kuchh Khamoshiyan”: At a ceremony in New Delhi, well-known actor Manoj Bajpayee published a book titled Muskurate Chand Lamhe aur Kuchh Khamoshiyan in the presence of Apurva Chandra, the secretary of information and broadcasting. A variety of poetry are offered in the book. Jiwesh Nandan is the author of it. Mr. Apurva Chandra expressed his opinions at the time and remarked that the book is focused on humour and philosophy.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Queen Elizabeth II funeral, buried at Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Chapel: The royal family bid farewell to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in a private ceremony at Windsor Castle. A smaller crowd bid the Queen Elizabeth II farewell in St George’s Chapel after the official burial earlier that day at London’s Westminster Abbey, where world leaders, members of European royal families, and the general public had assembled. Key Points:

a)      2,000 people, including heads of state, gathered in Westminster Abbey for Queen Elizabeth II funeral.

b)      The casket was then carried to Wellington Arch in a procession that included soldiers and musicians from the armed forces.

c)       After the casket departed the abbey, the Queen’s children, including King Charles III, followed behind it. Prince William and Prince Harry, his sons, joined them. Later, the Queen’s casket was transported to Windsor Castle.

d)      The Queen’s coffin was lowered into the royal vault during a ritual of commitment in St. George’s chapel, and her imperial relics were laid out on the altar.

e)      In the King George VI Memorial Chapel located within St. George’s Chapel, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were interred after the monarch passed away on September 8 at the age of 96. The coffin of Prince Philip was removed from its current location and buried next to his wife.

Note: Capital of the United Kingdom: London; Prime Minister of the United Kingdom: Mary Elizabeth Truss a.k.a. Liz Truss; King of the United Kingdom: King Charles III

 

2. World Alzheimer’s Day: 21st September: World Alzheimer’s Day is observed annually on September 21 to raise awareness about neurological disorders. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and affects the person’s memory, mental ability, and ability to carry out simple tasks. This year’s theme for World Alzheimer’s Month is ‘Know Dementia, know Alzheimer’s’. It is in continuation with the last year’s campaign which focused on warning signs and diagnosis of dementia and also the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dementia community around the world. However, this year, special emphasis will be laid on post-diagnosis support for dementia.

World Alzheimer’s Day History: World Alzheimer’s Day was first marked on 21 September 1994 at the opening of ADI’s annual conference in Edinburgh. The day was celebrated to mark the 10th anniversary of the organization, which was founded in 1984.

 

3. International Day of Peace: 21st September: The International Day of Peace is observed globally on September 21. This year’s theme is “End racism. Build peace.” The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

Symbol of International Peace Day: The Peace Bell was donated by the United Nations Association of Japan in 1954. It has become tradition to ring the bell twice a year: on the first day of spring, at the Vernal Equinox, and on 21 September to celebrate the International Day for Peace.

International Day of Peace History: The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. This year’s UN page on International Day of Peace highlights the ace-based discrimination at borders.

Note: United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA; United Nations was founded on 24 October 1945; Mr Antonio Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. 15 year old Pranav Anand becomes India’s 76th Chess Grandmaster: 15 year old, Pranav Anand from Bengaluru, Karnataka became India’s 76th Chess GrandMaster (GM) after winning against International Master (IM) Emin Ohanyan of Armenia. He received the title after he crossed the 2,500 Elo points in the ongoing World Youth Chess Championship in Mamaia, Romania. A month before Pranav Anand became India’s 76th GM, Pranav Venkatesh became India’s 75th Grandmaster.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. FinMin to allow RRBs to raise funds via IPO, rights issue: Draft guidelines for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to raise capital from the capital market have been released by the Finance Ministry, opening the door for raising capital through rights issues, private placements with a selected group of investors, like major banks and insurance companies, and initial public offerings (IPO). Key Points:

a)      The government has issued a thorough model of guidelines for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to acquire capital and put the responsibility on sponsor banks to select suitable RRBs.

b)      There are currently 43 RRBs around the nation, sponsored by 12 Scheduled Commercial Banks, with 21,892 branches. Deposits and loans and advances (net) held by RRBs as of March 2022 totaled $5,62,538 crore and $3,42,479 crore, respectively.

c)       The Government of India (GoI), the respective State Governments (SGs), and the Sponsor Banks (SBs) jointly own RRBs, with equity contribution in the ratio GoI: SG: SB:: 50:15:35.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India Ratings Cuts FY23 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.9%: India Ratings became the latest agency to cut its FY23 gross domestic product forecast. The ratings agency cut the forecast to 6.9 per cent from 7 per cent, joining other institutions who have cut their projections to below 7 per cent since the release of the April-June quarter GDP data.

Other Agencies Prediction: Global rating agency Fitch also lowered India’s economic growth forecast for FY23 to 7 per cent from its June 2022 estimate of 7.8 per cent. It now expects the GDP to slow further to 6.7 per cent in FY24 as compared to its earlier forecast of 7.4 per cent. India Ratings projects GDP growth of 7.2 per cent in July-September FY23 quarter, 4 per cent in October-December and 4.1 per cent in February-March.

 

2. Air India Unveiled Transformation Plan Vihaan.AI: Air India, a Tata group-owned airline, unveiled a comprehensive Vihaan.AI to establish itself as a world-class global airline of Indian origin. The plan aims to focus on growing both its network and fleet, revamping its customer’s proposition, enhancing reliability and on-time performance, taking a leadership role in technology, sustainability, and innovation, and investing in the best talent in the airline industry. Key Points related to Vihaan.AI:

a)      In the coming five years, Air India will strive to increase its market share to at least 30% in the domestic market.

b)      It aims to grow significantly in the international routes from the present market share.

c)       The immediate focus of the airline is to fix the basics and readying itself for growth.

d)      More focus on building for excellence and establishing scale to become a global industry leader.

e)      This plan is the blueprint for Air India’s brand-new foundation.

 

3. India Stands 4th in Global Crypto Adoption Index 2022: Blockchain analysis platform Chainalysis published its global crypto adoption index for 2022 of nations with the highest cryptocurrency adoption rate with India ranking fourth in the list, two spots down from last year. Chainalysis report noted that the emerging markets dominate the Global Crypto Adoption Index this year.

What the Report Said: The report noted, “Out of our top 20 ranked countries, 10 are lower-middle income: Vietnam, Philippines, Ukraine, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Morocco, Nepal, Kenya, and Indonesia. Eight are upper-middle income: Brazil, Thailand, Russia, China, Turkey, Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador.”

Countries Performance:

a)      On the index, India ranks above the US, UK and Russia suggesting that the country’s crypto community is not far behind in pushing for further use of the technology.

b)      The Philippines and Ukraine have taken the second and third rankings, respectively, showing a significant preference for crypto adoption in the near future.

c)       The global index is led by Vietnam for the second consecutive year, emerging as the country that is most eager to embrace cryptocurrency adoption.

d)      After landing thirteenth on the ranking in 2021, China reentered the top ten this year. This is very intriguing given the Chinese government’s crackdown on cryptocurrency activities since last year.

 

AWARDS AND HONORS

 

1. GRSE awarded Prestigious ‘Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar’ for 2021-22: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineering Limited (GRSE), Kolkata, has been awarded with the ‘Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar’ by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. GRSE was awarded by the Government of India for the best implementation of official language under public sector undertakings in region ‘C’ for the year 2021-22. Key Points: 

a)      The ‘Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar’ was presented to Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Home.

b)      GRSE has received the ‘Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar’ for the best official language Implementation during 2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2014-2015, 2015-2016, and 2016-2017.

c)       The ‘Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar’ is the highest award given by the government of India in the field of official Language Implementation.

d)      GRSE is the only Defence, and public sector undertaking in Kolkata to receive this award.

 

2. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling recognised as best zoo: The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP) in West Bengal’s Darjeeling has been adjudged the best zoo in the country, while Kolkata’s Alipore Zoological Garden has secured the fourth position. There are around 150 zoos across the country. As per the list, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai has secured the second position, followed by the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysore, Karnataka. About the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:

a)      The zoological park is internationally recognised for its breeding and conservation programmes of endangered animal species of the eastern Himalayas, including the Snow Leopard and the Red Panda. The Red Panda is one of the top attractions of PNHZP, besides others such as the Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Goral and Himalayan Thar.

b)      Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (also called the Darjeeling Zoo) is a 67.56-acre (27.3 ha) zoo in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal.

c)       The zoo was opened in 1958, and an average elevation of 7,000 feet (2,134 m), is the largest high-altitude zoo in India. It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions and has successful captive breeding programs for the snow leopard, the critically endangered Himalayan wolf and the red panda.