Daily GK Update- 11th Dec, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sunil Arora invited to join top international democracy body IDEA: Former chief election commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora has been invited to join the board of advisers at the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, also known as International IDEA. IDEA has a 15-member board of advisers, all of whom are eminent personalities from a wide variety of backgrounds. The election commission of India official statement that Sunil Arora has rich leadership experience, knowledge and skills to contribute significantly to the working of the International Institute. Sunil Arora had served as the 23rd Chief Election Commissioner of India from December 2018 to April 2021. It was under his tenure that the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections were conducted. About the International IDEA: 

(1) The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) was established in 1995. It is an intergovernmental organization based in Stockholm, Sweden. India is one of the founding members of the institute.

(2)The key mission of International IDEA is to support sustainable democracy worldwide. It currently has 34 member countries, which include new, old, small and large democracies from all continents.

Note: International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Founded: 27 February 1995; International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Stockholm, Sweden; International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Secretary-General: Kevin Casas-Zamora.

 

2. RBI: Gujarat became India’s Largest Manufacturing Hub: Gujarat has left behind Maharashtra to become the country’s leading manufacturing hub, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Gujarat saw its Gross Value Addition (GVA) in manufacturing grow by 15.9 per cent annually between FY12 to FY20 to stand at Rs 5.11 lakh crore, data shows. GVA is an economic metric that measures the supply of goods and services in an economy. Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s annual growth rate stood at nearly half of Gujarat’s at 7.5 per cent for the same time period and its GVA for manufacturing stood at Rs 4.34 lakh crore in FY20. Maharashtra is still the leading provider of services in India, with the state’s services GVA growing by 12.6 per cent annually, standing at Rs 15.1 lakh crore in FY20.

Note: Gujarat Capital: Gandhinagar; Gujarat Governor: Acharya Devvrat; Gujarat Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel.

 

3. Unix signs Jasprit Bumrah as Brand Ambassador: Unix, an Indian Mobile Accessories manufacturing brand, has signed Indian Cricket Fast Bowler, Jasprit Bumrah as its Brand Ambassador to increase the visibility of their products. The products include wearable mobile electronics such as Chargers, Earphones, Data Cables, Power Banks, Wireless Speakers, Smartphone Batteries, Bluetooth neckbands and TWS are mostly manufactured and marketed across India through distributors.

 

4. A book on ‘Public Service Ethics’ authored by Prabhat Kumar: The Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu launched ‘Public Service Ethics- A Quest for Naitik Bharat’ authored by Prabhat Kumar, published by IC Centre for Governance, at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas, New Delhi. The book highlights the multiple dimensions element of human character, the practice of ethical principles as a way of life. It marked the importance of accountability, integrity, transparency and trustworthiness of the public governance system.

 

5. VP launched book ‘The Midway Battle: Modi’s Roller-coaster Second Term’: Vice President (VP) M. Venkaiah Naidu launched a book titled ‘The Midway Battle: Modi’s Roller-coaster Second Term’ authored by Gautam Chintamani and published by Bloomsbury India at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas, New Delhi. The book mentioned the political scenario of India. It marks the second tenure of the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Midway Battle shed light on the various legislations like the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, triple talaq, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act as well as farming laws.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Adama Barrow wins second term as Gambia’s President: The President of Gambia, Adama Barrow, won the second term as President during Gambia’s presidential election by achieving over 53% votes from 50 of 53 constituencies. He defeated his main challenger Ousainou Darboe who won 27.7% of vote. The results of the election were declared by Electoral commission Chairman Alieu Momarr Njai. Adama Barrow’s assumption as President 5 years ago ended more than 20 years of the dictatorship of former dictator Yahya Jammeh.

Note: Gambia Capital: Banjul; Gambia Currency: Gambian dalasi.

 

2. International Mountain Day: 11th December: International Mountain Day is observed globally on December 11 every year. The day is celebrated to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world. The theme of this year’s International Mountain Day (IMD) on 11 December will be sustainable mountain tourism. Sustainable tourism in mountains can contribute to creating additional and alternative livelihood options and promoting poverty alleviation, social inclusion, as well as landscape and biodiversity conservation. It is a way to preserve the natural, cultural and spiritual heritage, to promote local crafts and high-value products, and celebrate many traditional practices such as local festivals.

History of the day: The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2003 to encourage the sustainable development of mountains. United Nations had declared 2002 as the UN International Year of Mountains. Mountains are home to 15% of the world´s population and host about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. They provide fresh water for everyday life to half of humanity. Their conservation is a key factor for sustainable development and is part of Goal 15 of the SDGs.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. BWF: Viktor Axelsen, Tai Tzu Ying named 2021 BWF Player of the Year: Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and China’s Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying were named Male and Female player of the year 2021 respectively by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). It was the first season-ending award in this category for both Vicktor Axelsen and Tai Tzu Ying — the All England champions of 2020. Viktor Axelsen is the Olympic champion and Tai Tzu Ying is the Tokyo Games, silver medallist. Viktor Axelsen was rewarded for his extraordinary run starting from the Barcelona Spain Masters in February 2020.

Other awards:

Category	Name
Most improved player of the Year	Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin
Pair of the Year	Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu
Para Badminton Pair of the Year	Lucas Mazur and Faustine Noel
Female Para Badminton Player of the Year	Leani Ratri Oktila
Male Para Badminton Player of the Year	Qu Zimo
Eddy Choong Most Promising Player	Kunlavut Vitidsarn
Special mention	Kevin Cordon

Note: Badminton World Federation Founded: 1934; Badminton World Federation Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Badminton World Federation President: Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PNB launched “PNB Pride-CRMD module” app for differently-abled employees: Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched the PNB Pride-CRMD module tool, an android-based application for differently-abled employees to monitor and effectively follow up with the special mention account (SMA) borrowers. The Pride-CRMD module has built-in TalkBack software that allows the visually impaired to access the system freely and to interact with customers by tapping on their phones. Punjab National Bank emphasized the abilities of differently-abled staff members and the utilization of their skills in the conceptualization of PNB warriors and implementation of PNB Pride. Aim of the app:

(1) The app aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, it said, adding that the platform opens new vistas of opportunities for ‘PNB Warriors’ with visual or any other physical impairment, helping them to make a valuable and tangible contribution.

(2) This tool shall be compatible with iOS also very soon, it said. SMA accounts are stressed loans recognized early, enabling banks to initiate timely remedial actions, and preventing such borrowers from slipping to the non-performing assets (NPA).

Note: Punjab National Bank Founded: 1894; Punjab National Bank Headquarters: New Delhi; Punjab National Bank MD & CEO: S. S. Mallikarjuna Rao; Punjab National Bank Tagline: The Name You Can Bank Upon.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Ravindra Jadeja ropes as Brand Ambassador of Kinara Capital: Bangalore based innovative, fast-growing fintech, Kinara Capital signed the Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, as its official brand ambassador on the occasion of the company’s 10th anniversary. Kinara Capital provide loan service to India’s MSMEs. Till date, Kinara Capital has disbursed 70,000 collateral-free loans. With this partnership, Kinara aims to boost its outreach in financing the MSME sector in the country. With a current AUM of INR 1000 crores, Kinara Capital plans to grow 500 per cent by the year 2025.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. GRSE launches first large survey vessel Sandhayak for Indian Navy: Indian shipbuilder Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has achieved a new milestone with the launch of the first large survey vessel for the Indian Navy. Called Sandhayak, the vessel is the first in the series of four ships being built under the Survey Vessel Large (SVL) project. It has been built at GRSE. Indian State Defence Minister Ajay Bhatt, who was present at the launch ceremony, said that the ship’s launch is a new milestone for the country’s vision of ‘New India’ by 2030. In October 2018, the Indian Ministry of Defence and GRSE signed the contract to build the four survey ships. Featuring over 80% indigenous content by cost, the ships are fully designed by GRSE and are being built using ‘Integrated Construction’ concepts.

Note: GRSE Chairman & Managing Director: Rear Admiral V K Saxena; GRSE Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. India’s 1st Woman Psychiatrist Sarada Menon passes away: Padma Bhushan Dr Mamballaikalathil Sarada Menon, India’s 1st woman Psychiatrist and the longest-serving head of the Institute of Mental Health has passed away. She was born in a Malayali family in Mangaluru, Karnataka. She was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1992 for social works.

Daily GK Update- 9th Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre approves setting up 7 PM MITRA Parks in 5 years: The Centre has approved the setting up of seven new mega textile parks, or PM MITRA parks across the country in an effort to help furthering the growth of the textile sector in the economy and position India strongly on the Global textiles map. The Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks (PM MITRA) will be based on the 5F vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The ‘5F’ Formula consists of Farm to fibre; fibre to factory; factory to fashion; fashion to foreign. These parks will be set up at Greenfield and Brownfield sites in different States by a Special Purpose Vehicle which will be owned by the State Government and Government of India in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Mode. The total outlay for the project has been set at Rs 4,445 crore for five years.

 

2. Andhra government launched ‘Swechha’ programme: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched the ‘Swechha’ program to tackle the stigma attached to menstruation, prioritize female personal hygiene, and encourage a healthy dialogue of information. ‘Swechha’ (meaning freedom) is intended to ensure affordable access to health and menstrual hygiene in adolescent girls and women. Under the initiative:

(1) The state government will provide good quality branded sanitary napkins to female students at government educational institutions free of cost.

(2) Ten sanitary napkins will be given every month to about 10 lakh adolescent girls studying from 7th-12th grades in all government schools and intermediate colleges across the state at a financial outlay of INR 32 crores.

(3) A total of 120 napkins per year is allotted to every female student, even during summer vacations, the students will be supplied with their quota before they leave school.

Note: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy; Governor: Biswa Bhusan Harichandan.

 

3. India’s first e-fish market App Fishwaale launched in Assam: Assam Minister for Fisheries, Environment and Forest and Excise, Parimal Suklabaidya launched an App Fishwaale, India’s first e-fish market. Table size fish such as bhangon, mrigal and rohu and freshwater and seawater frozen fish (icebox) will be available coupled with dry fish packets, dry fish raw, fish pickles and processed fish products. Developed by Aqua Blue Global Aquaculture Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with the fisheries department at a function held at Sri Madhabdev Bhawan auditorium, the minister called the app “a one-stop solution for aquaculture” that will help both the buyers and sellers. This platform will help the fish farming community get a reasonable price for their produce and lead to the elimination of middlemen.

Note: Assam Governor: Jagdish Mukhi; Assam Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma.

 

4. Palghar’s famed Wada Kolam rice gets GI tag: A variety of rice widely grown in Wada in the Palghar district has been given a ‘Geographical Indication’ tag, which will give it a unique identity as well as wider markets. Wada Kolam, also known as Zini or Jhini rice, is a traditional variety grown in the Wada tehsil of Palghar, with the grain being off white in colour. Wada Kolam rice commands a price of Rs 60-70 per kg in domestic markets and has a sizeable demand overseas as well. Wada Kolam has been grown in Palghar for years. It is known for its small grain, aroma, taste and for being light for digestion. It is gluten-free. However, it is a low yielding crop.

 

5. Health Minister released “The State of the World’s Children 2021” report: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has released UNICEF’s global flagship publication “The State of the World’s Children 2021; On My Mind: promoting, protecting and caring for children’s mental health in New Delhi. The report details the significant impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children’s mental health. UNICEF India Representative Dr Yasmin Ali Haque presented some key findings of the report. As per the report, around 14 per cent of 15 to 24-year-olds in India, or 1 in 7 of them, reported often feeling depressed or having little interest in doing things.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India slips 6 ranks on Henley Passport Index 2021: India’s rank has slipped by six places from last year to 90 on the Henley Passport Index 2021, which lists the world’s most travel-friendly passports Japan and Singapore hold the first rank on the passport index. The index covers 227 destinations and 199 passports. The index comes at a time when countries are easing travel restrictions for international visitors after almost two years since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rankings are based on the survey of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) data.

Top 5 countries in the Index:

Rank 1: Japan, Singapore

Rank 2: Germany, South Korea

Rank 3: Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain

Rank 4: Austria, Denmark

Rank 5: France, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden

World’s 5 least powerful passports: Afghanistan; Iraq; Syria; Pakistan; Yemen

 

2. World Migratory Bird Day 2021: 9th October: Every year, World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is officially celebrated twice in a year since it started in 2006. Firstly it is held on the Second Saturday of May and again on the Second Saturday of October. In 2021, the WMBBD falls on May 08, 2021, and October 09, 2021. The theme for 2021 WMBD is “Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird!”. The day is observed to spread awareness for the need to conserve migratory birds and their habitats. The day is organized by a collaborative partnership among two UN treaties namely the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and the Colorado-based non-profit organization, Environment for the Americas (EFTA).

 

3. World Post Day: 9th October: World Post Day is celebrated each year on October 9 globally. The purpose of World Post Day is to create awareness of the role of the postal sector in people’s and businesses’ everyday lives and its contribution to the social and economic development of countries. The theme of 2021 World Post Day is “Innovate to recover.”

History of World Post Day: World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern. It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in the celebrations. Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.

Note: Universal Postal Union Headquarters: Bern, Switzerland; Universal Postal Union Director-General; Masahiko Metoki; Universal Postal Union Founder: Heinrich von Stephan; Universal Postal Union Founded: 9 October 1874.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Naamya Kapoor clinches gold medal in Women’s 25-metre Air Pistol event of ISSF Junior World Championship: India’s 14-year-old shooter Naamya Kapoor clinched the gold medal in the women’s 25-metre air pistol event of the ISSF Junior World Championship in Lima, Peru. The teenager finished on the top step of the podium ahead of celebrated compatriot Manu Bhaker who won the bronze medal. Kapoor shot 36 in the finals to claim the top prize ahead of France’s Camille Jedrzejewski with 33 and 19-year-old Olympian Bhakar with 31, who has already won three gold medals so far in the tournament. Another Indian shooter, Rhythm Sangwan finished fourth in the final. India lead standings with seven gold, six silver and three bronze for a total of 16 medals.

 

2. Germany unveils Euro 2024 championship logo: Germany has unveiled the logo for soccer’s 2024 European Championship during a ceremony with a light show in the stadium that will hold the final. The logo features an outline of the Henri Delaunay Cup — the bulbous tournament trophy — set on a coloured oval outline that resembles the Olympiastadion’s roof. It features colours from the flags of UEFA’s 55 member nations, set in 24 slices around the trophy to represent the 24 teams that will ultimately qualify for the tournament in Germany. Logos for each of the 10 host cities; Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart were also presented. The tournament is due to be played in June and July 2024 with the match schedule to be confirmed next year.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI grants license to NARCL under Sarfaesi Act: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted the National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) the licence to register as an asset reconstruction company (ARC). The Licence is given under Section 3 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act 2002.

As per Section 3 of the SARFAESI Act, a company can carry the business of asset reconstruction only after obtaining a certificate of registration from RBI and, having the owned fund of not less than Rs 2 crore or such other amount not exceeding 15% of total financial assets acquired or to be acquired by the securitisation company or reconstruction company. The NARCL has been incorporated under the Companies Act, and public sector banks will hold 51 per cent in NARCL.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. BharatPe launches ‘buy now, pay later’ platform, postpe: Fintech company BharatPe, announced its entry into the ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ (BNPL) category with the launch of ‘postpe’. The new platform provides credit to customers to buy now, but pay later from anywhere. Customers using the postpe platform can download the app from Play Store and avail interest-free credit limit of up to Rs 10 lakh. The company said that postpe is not only limited to big-ticket purchases but can also be used for micro-purchases, making it the first of its kind.

About the BharatPe: BharatPe stated that it aims to facilitate a loan book of $300 million on postpe in the first 12 months for its lending partners. The fintech company added that customers can shop across offline as well as online and repay easily through EMIs. All a customer has to do is scan the QR code through the postpe app and pay using credit. Users can also pay through a postpe card that will be accepted across millions of offline as well as e-commerce platforms. Cashbacks and rewards are also on offer.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of BharatPe: Ashneer Grover; Headoffice of BharatPe: New Delhi; BharatPe Founded: 2018.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. The Nobel Peace Prize 2021 announced: The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov “for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace”. Maria Ressa uses freedom of expression to expose abuse of power, use of violence and growing authoritarianism in her native country, the Philippines. Dmitry Muratov has for decades defended freedom of speech in Russia under increasingly challenging conditions.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee is convinced that freedom of expression and freedom of information are crucial prerequisites for democracy and protection against war and conflict. The 2021 peace prize laureates are representative of all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions.