Daily GK Update- 16th Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurates Rs 100 lakh crore PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan: With the vision of holistic and integrated infrastructure development in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan, from Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The Rs 100 lakh crore PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan aims to provide multi-modal connectivity to economic zones in the country.

Under the new project: A centralised portal will be set up to bring together the infrastructure schemes (which are to be completed by 2024-25) of as many as 16 Ministries & State Governments on a common platform, for integrated planning and coordinated implementation, instead of planning & designing separately by each ministry and department. Through the PM Gati Shakti campaign, the government aims to lend more speed (Gati) and power (Shakti) to infrastructure connectivity projects by connecting all concerned departments on one platform. PM Modi also inaugurated the new exhibition complexes of ITPO and reviewed the model of the new exhibition complex at Pragati Maidan.

 

2. Haryana bans govt employees from participation in politics, elections: Facing farmers’ protests over new farm laws for over a year now, the Haryana government has banned the participation of its employees in politics and elections. A notification has also been issued from the office of the chief secretary in this regard while implementing Haryana Civil Services (Government Employees Conduct) Rules, 2016. The administrative secretaries, heads of department, managing directors, chief administrators of boards, corporations, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners of Haryana, registrar of universities of Haryana and registrar (general), Punjab and Haryana High Court have been directed to ensure compliance of Rules 9 and 10 of Haryana Civil Services (Government Employees’ Conduct) Rules, 2016 in letter and in spirit. Any violation of the same should invite immediate and strict disciplinary action.

Note: Haryana Capital: Chandigarh; Haryana Governor: Bandaru Dattatraya; Haryana Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar.

 

3. Amit Khare appointed advisor to PM Modi: Former bureaucrat Amit Khare, who last month retired as higher education secretary, has been appointed as advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for two years on contract basis. Mr Khare, a 1985 batch (retired) IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre, had superannuated on September 30. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Khare as advisor to the prime minister in Prime Minister’s Office, in the rank and scale of secretary to government of India.

 

4. India’s first Atal Community Innovation Center launched in Jaipur: India’s 1st Atal Community Innovation Center (ACIC) was inaugurated at Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur (VGU). It will be the first centre in the country to be set up by the Government of India, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and NITI Aayog.

About the ACIC: ACIC aims to support and nurture innovative ideas that can take the shape of big ideas and help transform society for a better tomorrow. This center, started under the joint aegis of Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog and VGU, will benefit the hardworking, passionate and courageous businessmen of Rajasthan who want to take their business towards heights.

 

5. EESL appoints Arun Kumar Mishra as CEO: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of Public Sector Undertakings under the Ministry of Power has announced the appointment of Arun Kumar Mishra as chief executive officer (CEO) on deputation. He will be responsible for EESL’s operations across the nation.

About the EESL: EESL, an energy service company (ESCO), is among the earliest entrants in India’s energy efficiency market estimated at around ₹74,000 crores and is presently running the world’s largest domestic lighting programme. With India rolling out the world’s largest electricity smart metering programme, EESL and IntelliSmart, its joint venture with India’s quasi-sovereign wealth fund National Investments and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), have been present in India’s smart meter programme space.

Note: EESL Headquarters location: New Delhi; EESL Founded: 2009; EESL Chairman: K.Sreekant.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Germany launches World’s First Self-Driving Train: German rail operator, Deutsche Bahn and industrial group, Siemens launched the first automated & driverless train of the world. The self-driving train was launched in the city of Hamburg. This project is being developed by ‘Siemens and Deutsche Bahn’. It is being dubbed as “world-first”. The project is part of a 60-million-euro modernisation of the rapid urban rail system of Hamburg. These automated trains will offer a reliable service without laying a single kilometre of new track.

Note: Germany Capital: Berlin; Germany Currency: Euro; Germany President: Frank-Walter Steinmeier; Germany Chancellor: Angela Merkel.

 

2. Sajjan Jindal appointed chairman of World Steel Association: World Steel Association (WSA) has elected Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and Managing Director of JSW Steel Ltd, as Chairman for the year 2021-22. Jindal is the first representative from India to serve as Chairman of the WSA.  JSW Steel is the flagship business of the diversified $13 billion JSW Group and engaged in the manufacturing of iron and steel products in India and across the globe.

About the World Steel Association: Worldsteel acts as the focal point for the steel industry, providing global leadership on all major strategic issues impacting the industry, particularly focusing on economic, environmental and social sustainability. Worldsteel members represent approximately 85% of the world’s steel production, including more than 160 steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations and steel research institutes.

Note: World Steel Association established: 1967; World Steel Association headquartered: Brussels, Belgium.

 

3. World Food Day: 16th October: World Food Day (WFD) is celebrated every year on 16 October across the globe to eradicate worldwide hunger from our lifetime. WFD also commemorates the date of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. Theme 2021: “Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow”.

History: The main focus of this day is that food is a basic and fundamental human right. WFD commemorates the day in 1945 when the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was founded.

Note: Food and Agriculture Organization Head: Qu Dongyu; Food and Agriculture Organization Headquarters: Rome, Italy; Food and Agriculture Organization Established: 16 October 1945.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. IPL 2021 won by Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the finals to win the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) title. This was the 14th edition of IPL which is an India-based Cricket league in 20-20 format. This was the 4th win of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL, having previously won the tournament in 2010, 2011, and 2018. About IPL 2021:

(1) M.S. Dhoni is the captain of CSK the winning team.

(2) Eoin Morgan is the captain of the Runner up team i.e Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He is from England

(3) The first half of IPL was played in India, while the second half was played in UAE. The finals were held at Dubai International Stadium.

(4) Player of the Tournament: Harshal Patel (RCB)

(5) Highest Run Scorer (Orange Cap): Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK) (635 runs)

(6) Highest Wicket Taker (Purple Cap): Harshal Patel (RCB) (32 wickets)

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IndusInd Bank gets authorised by RBI to collect Direct and Indirect Taxes; IndusInd Bank has announced, that it has been authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the collection of Direct and Indirect Taxes, on behalf of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). With this, its customers will be able to pay their Direct and Indirect taxes through ‘Indusnet’ and ‘Indusmobile’ platforms.

The authorization has been awarded basis a recommendation from the Controller General of Accounts as well as the Ministry of Finance (Govt. of India), and comes close on the heels of the Bank being appointed as an ‘Agency Bank’ of the RBI to conduct government business. With this, IndusInd Bank customers will soon be able to pay their Direct and Indirect taxes through the Bank’s state-of-the-art digital platforms such as ‘Indusnet’ – its net banking platform and ‘IndusMobile’ – its mobile banking application.

Note: The IndusInd Bank CEO: Sumant Kathpalia; The IndusInd Bank Headquarters: Pune; The IndusInd Bank Owner: Hinduja Group; The IndusInd Bank Founder: S. P. Hinduja; The IndusInd Bank Founded: April 1994, Mumbai.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. IMF Projects Indian Economy to grow at 9.5% in FY22: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has estimated the Indian economy to grow by 9.5% in the current fiscal year, i.e 2021-22 (FY22) and 8.5% in FY23 (2022-23), in its latest World Economic Outlook report, released on October 12, 2021. Meanwhile, IMF expects the global gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 5.9 per cent in 2021 and 4.9% in 2022.

In its World Economic Outlook (WEO), the IMF has maintained India’s gross domestic product (GDP) estimates for next financial year at 8.5 per cent, unchanged from its July projections. The WEO, titled ‘Recovery During a Pandemic Health Concerns, Supply Disruptions, and Price Pressures’, has forecast world economic growth at 4.9 per cent for 2022, the same as earlier.

Note: IMF Headquarters: Washington, D.C. U.S; IMF Managing Director and Chairman: Kristalina Georgieva; IMF Chief Economist: Gita Gopinath.

 

2. Fire-Boltt ropes in Virat Kohli as new brand ambassador: Indian wearable brand Fire-Boltt has named cricket captain Virat Kohli as its new brand ambassador. The skipper will participate in different marketing, ad and endorsement campaigns of the homegrown brand. Fire-Boltt had a few months earlier brought on board actor Vicky Kaushal as its first brand ambassador. Fire-Boltt is a wearable, gaming, and audio brand offering a bouquet of premium quality audio, fitness, and fashion products. The products by Fire-Boltt include smartwatches, Bluetooth earphones, Bluetooth headphones, true wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, lifestyle shoes, among others.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 17th Edition of Indo-US Joint Military Exercise “Ex Yudh Abhyas 2021: The 17th edition of the Joint Military Training Exercise “Ex Yudh Abhyas 2021” between the Indian Army and the United States Army, is scheduled to take place from October 15 to 29, 2021 at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska in USA. The Indian contingent will comprise of 350 personnel of an Infantry Battalion Group. About the exercise:

(1) The exercise will further enhance understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the two Armies. The previous version of the exercise was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Bikaner, Rajasthan in February 2021.

(2) The exercise aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between two Armies.

(3) The joint exercise will focus on Combined Arms Manoeuvres in cold climatic conditions and is primarily aimed at sharing tactical level drills and learning best practices from each other. The exercise will culminate after a 48-hour long validation.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. IFFCO chairman Sardar Balvinder Singh Nakai passes away: Fertiliser major IFFCO’s Chairman Balvinder Singh Nakai has passed away. He was an eminent farmer – cooperator and was deeply involved in providing strength to the Indian cooperative movement for the last three decades. He made pioneering contributions towards empowering farmers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Daily GK Update- 16th Sept, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India to organize first-ever Global Buddhist Conference in November 2021 : India is set to host first-ever Global Buddhist Conference in Nava Nalanda Mahavihara campus, in Nalanda, Bihar on November 19 and 20, 2021. It is being organized by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). It focuses on making India the center of Buddhism, by promoting Buddhist activities.Theme: Buddhism in Literature. Conference will be conducted at Dharamsala, Gangtok, Sarnath, and Telangana in India and overseas in Cambodia, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.

 

2. NITI Aayog, RMI, and RMI India launches ‘Shoonya’ Campaign : NITI Aayog, with RMI and RMI India has launched ‘Shoonya Campaign’ to promote zero-pollution delivery vehicles by working with consumers and industry.Aim: To accelerate adoption of electric vehicles in urban deliveries segment and create consumer awareness about zero-pollution delivery. As part of campaign, corporate branding and certification programme is being launched to recognize and promote industry’s efforts towards transitioning to EVs for final-mile deliveries

 

3. IIT Bombay rolls out language translator ‘Project Udaan’ : IIT Bombay has launched ‘Project Udaan’ to break the language barrier in education, which hampers the flow of messages. It is a donation-based project, which can translate scientific and technical content from English to Hindi and all other Indian languages. The project uses an AI-based translation software ecosystem, to translate engineering textbooks and learning materials, and all main streams of higher learning, in the desired language

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

1. South Korea has successfully tested indigenously developed submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). South Korea is the first country without nuclear weapons to develop SLCM missile system.With this, South Korea joins only a handful of countries to have successfully developed SLBM. Other countries that have tested or developed SLBMs: United States, Russia, China, Britain, France, North Korea, and India, which have typically designed them to carry nuclear weapons.

 

2. International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer: 16 September : International Day for the Preservation for Ozone layer (World Ozone Day) is observed every year on September 16 to spread awareness about the depletion of the Ozone Layer and search for solutions to preserve it. Theme for 2021 World Ozone Day: Montreal Protocol – keeping us, our food and vaccines cool UN General Assembly proclaimed this day in 1994 commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS:

1. Sri Lanka great Lasith Malinga retires from all forms of cricket  : Malinga, in January of 2021 had announced his retirement from franchise cricket, shortly after Mumbai Indians had released the veteran pacer - the leading wicket-taker in the IPL from their squad. Having already retired from Test cricket in 2011 and ODIs in 2019, Malinga continued to play T20 cricket, but the fast bowler decided to bring curtains down entirely on his international career and will go down as one the best fast bowlers of all time. Malinga finishes with 546 international wickets. With 107 wickets in T20Is, Malinga is the leading wicket-taker in the format, just one more than Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib-Al-Hasan. Malinga bows out with a splendid career for Sri Lanka. His biggest achievement came in 2014 when he led his country to T20 World Cup win in Bangladesh. He is the only bowler to claim five hat-tricks in limited-overs cricket - three in ODIs and two in T20Is.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Tata Steel commissions India’s first plant to capture CO2 : Tata Steel has commissioned India’s first carbon capture plant that extracts CO2 directly from the blast furnace gas, at its Jamshedpur Centre. With this, Tata Steel has become country’s first steel company to adopt such a carbon capture technology. It can capture 5 tonnes of CO2 per day (5-tonne per day (TPD)). The company will reuse the captured CO2 on site to promote circular carbon economy. CEO & MD of Tata Steel: T. V. Narendran.

 

2. Govt approves PLI scheme for Auto Industry and Drone Industry : Govt has approved Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Auto Industry and Drone Industry to enhance manufacturing capabilities It will incentivize emergence of Advanced Automotive Technologies global supply chain in India It will help create additional employment for 7.6 lakh people The scheme will also provide incentives worth 26,058 crore for over 5 years PLI Scheme for auto sector will bring fresh investments of over 42,500 crore in 5 years

 

3. SpaceX launches first all-tourist crew into orbit: The crew of the Inspiration4, the first-ever orbital flight crewed entirely by tourists, is now officially in orbit, according to a Livestream from SpaceX. The SpaceX rocket blasted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The passengers will now spend three days aboard their 13-foot-wide Crew Dragon capsule in orbit at a 350-mile altitude. The crew includes 38-year-old billionaire Jared Isaacman, who personally financed the trip; Hayley Arceneux, 29, a childhood cancer survivor and current St. Jude physician assistant; Sian Proctor, 51, a geologist and community college teacher with a PhD; and Chris Sembroski, a 42-year-old Lockheed Martin employee and lifelong space fan who claimed his seat through an online raffle.

 

DEFENCE

1. Indian Military Contingent participates in SCO Exercise ‘Peaceful Mission’ : Indian military contingent comprising of an all arms combined force of 200 personnel is participating in Exercise titled as ‘Peaceful Mission 2021’. It is a Joint Counter Terrorism Exercise between Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states. It is being hosted by Russia in Orenburg Region of South West Russia from September 13 to 25, 2021. 2021 is the 6th edition of biennial multilateral Exercise Headquarters of SCO: Beijing, China.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Ramnath Kovind presents National Florence Nightingale Awards 2020 : President of India, Ram Nath Kovind has conferred National Florence Nightingale Awards 2020 at a virtual ceremony to 51 health care workers and nurses for their selfless dedication and compassion, especially during COVID-19. The Award was instituted by Indian Government in 1973 and are named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. WHO declared 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Mid-wife 2020 also marked 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale

 

2. National Mineral Development wins Rajbhasha Keerthi Puraskar : National Mineral Development under Ministry of Steel has won highest and most prestigious award, Rajbhasha Keerthi Puraskar during Rajbhasha Diwas Samaroh in New Delhi. Award was received by Shiva Shanmuganathan, Executive Director (Corporate Affairs) on behalf of NMDC. NMDC has been winning this award for the last 3 years in a row, which goes on to show its dedication towards the implementation of Hindi as the Official Language.

 

Daily GK Update- 8th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Himachal Pradesh is Building ‘Forest Ponds’ to Harvest Rainwater: Under the ParvatDhara scheme, the Himachal Pradesh government has initiated rejuvenation of water sources and recharging aquifers through the forest department with an outlay of Rs 20 crore. The work was started in 10 forest divisions that include Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Jogindernagar, Nachan, Parvati, Nurpur, Rajgarh, Nalagarh, Theog and Dalhousie. Under the scheme, the cleaning and maintenance of existing ponds have been done. Also, the construction of new ponds, contour trenches, dams, check dams and retaining wall to control the soil erosion has been done. The scheme aims to enhance the water level by retaining water for the maximum period. Efforts are also being made to improve the green cover by planting fruit-bearing plants.

Note: Himachal Pradesh Governor: BandaruDattatreya; Himachal Pradesh CM: Jai Ram Thakur.

 

2. Govt to extend payment of provisional pension up to a period of 1 year from date of retirement in view of pandemic situation: Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions DrJitendra Singh said that the Government has decided to extend the payment of provisional pension up to a period of one year from the date of retirement in view of the pandemic situation. Similarly orders have been issued to extend the benefit of lump sum compensation to the NPS employees also, if they suffer a disability in the performance of duty and are retained in Government service in spite of such disablement.

 

3. Oil and Gas PSUs inks MoU for Shri BadrinathDham: The top Oil and Gas PSUs of India, including IndianOil, BPCL, HPCL, ONGC and GAIL, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with the Shri BadrinathUtthan Charitable Trust, for Construction and Redevelopment of Shri BadrinathDham in Uttarakhand as a Spiritual Smart hill Town. Under the MoUs:

(1) These PSUs will contribute Rs. 99.60 crore in the first phase of the project.

(2) Phase I will include developmental activities such as river embankment work, building all-terrain vehicular path, building bridges, beautifying existing bridges, establishing gurukul facilities with accommodation, creating toilet and drinking water facilities, installing streetlights, mural paintings etc.

(3) The initiative is part of the Government’s effort to boost tourism by attracting more tourists, which in turn would strengthen the economy of the state. The rejuvenation work of Shri BadrinathDham is expected to be completed within a span of three-year time.

 

4. Rs, 379 crore transferred into accounts of 16,844 beneficiaries under Sambal scheme in Madhya Pradesh: In Madhya Pradesh, 379 crore rupees have been transferred into the accounts of 16 thousand 844 beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Jan-Kalyan Sambal scheme. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said state government accords high priority to benefit the poor families of unorganised sector workers. Meanwhile, Free SwasthaAahar Yojana (Healthy Food Scheme) for the corona patients of Bhopal is also being launched. The patient will get nutritious food on time free of cost in the hospital where he is admitted.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Serum Institute to invest £240 million to expand its vaccine business in UK: Serum Institute of India (SII) is expanding its vaccine business in the United Kingdom with an investment of £240 million. The serum has already started phase one trials in the UK of a one-dose nasal vaccine for coronavirus, in partnership with Codagenix INC. This was a part of the £533 million of new Indian investment in the UK in growing sectors such as health and technology. Serum’s investment will support clinical trials, research & development and possibly manufacturing of vaccines. This will help the UK and the world to defeat the coronavirus pandemic and other deadly diseases.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: The SII was founded by Cyrus Poonawalla (Adar Poonawalla’s father) in 1966. Adar Poonawalla joined the Serum Institute of India in 2001 and became the CEO of the company in 2011.

 

2. Meghan Markle set to release Children’s Book ‘The Bench’: Meghan Markle will be releasing her new book, titled The Bench, on June 8, which was inspired by a poem she wrote to her husband, Prince Harry, on his first Father’s Day as a dad to son Archie. The book, with watercolour illustrations by Christian Robinson, began as a poem that Markle says she wrote for Harry on the first Father’s Day after Archie was born.

 

3. World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: 8th May: The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed every year on 8 May. The day aims to celebrate the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, to reduce the suffering of people and enabling them to lead a dignified life with independence, humanity, impartiality, universality, unity and neutrality. Theme 2021 World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: ‘Unstoppable’

History of the day: The day also marks the anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant (8 May 1828), who was the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). He was the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.

Note: President of the ICRC: Peter Maurer; Headquarters of ICRC: Geneva, Switzerland.

 

4. World Thalassemia Day: 8th May: World Thalassemia Day is celebrated on May 8 every year to commemorate Thalassemia victims and to encourage those who struggle to live with the disease. The theme for 2021 World Thalassemia Day is “Addressing Health Inequalities Across the Global Thalassaemia Community”.

About the Thalassemia: Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that is characterised by less haemoglobin and lesser than normal blood cells. A person suffering from thalassemia has at least one of the parents as a carrier of the disease.

 

5. World Migratory Bird Day: 8th May: World Migratory Bird Day 2021 is observed globally on 8 May. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of migratory birds and the importance of international cooperation to conserve them. “Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird!” is the theme of this year’s World Migratory Bird Day. The 2021 World Migratory Bird Day theme is an invitation to people everywhere to connect and re-connect with nature by actively listening to – and watching birds – wherever they are. At the same time, the theme appeals to people around the world to use their own voices and creativity to express their shared appreciation of birds and nature.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Swimming: Srihari Nataraj creates third national record in two days, wins gold at Uzbekistan Open: Indian swimmer Srihari Nataraj created a national record in 50m backstroke while winning his second gold of the Uzbekistan Open Championship in Tashkent. The 20-year-old clocked 25.11 seconds to bag the top prize at the FINA-accredited Olympic qualifying event. It was Srihari’s third national record in two days as the Bengaluru swimmer had rewritten the national marks twice in 100m backstroke, his pet event.

 

2. Tokyo Olympics 2020: Indian gymnast PranatiNayak gets Asian quota, to compete at Games: India gymnast PranatiNayak, who had claimed a bronze in vault at the Asian Artistic Gymnastic Championships in 2019, is set to compete at the Tokyo Olympics after qualifying through the continental quota. The 26-year-old from West Bengal is the second reserve behind Sri Lanka’s ElpitiyaBadalge Dona MilkaGeh for the Asian quota and became eligible to compete from the zone following the cancellation of the 9th Senior Asian Championships, which was scheduled to be held from May 29-June 1 in Hangzhou, China, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Kotak Mahindra Bank to Extend Online Payments to Farmers & Traders: Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMBL) announced it has been selected as a digital payments partner by the National Agriculture Market (eNAM), a pan-India electronic trading portal for farm produce. KMBL will enable and facilitate online transactions for all stakeholders on the eNAM platform, including farmers, traders and farmer producer organisations (FPOs).

Under this initiative, Kotak will provide payment, clearing and settlement services on the eNAM platform to facilitate trade between a buyer and seller of Agri produce. Kotak has integrated its payment system and portal directly with the payment interface of eNAM, to enable quick and safe transactions for Agri participants who have joined the platform.

About the eNAM:eNAM was formed on April 14, 2016, as a unified national market for agricultural commodities by networking Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across the country. eNAM currently covers 1,000 mandis across 18 states and three union territories. There are around 1.68 crore farmers registered on the platform.

Note: Kotak Mahindra Bank CEO: Uday Kotak; Kotak Mahindra Bank Establishment: 2003; Kotak Mahindra Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Kotak Mahindra Bank Tagline: let’s make money simple.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Rolls-Royce and HAL Sign MoU for Supporting MT30 Marine Engine Business: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Rolls-Royce have signed an MoU to establish packaging, installation, marketing, and services support for Rolls-Royce MT30 marine engines in India. Through this MoU, Rolls-Royce and HAL will expand their long-standing partnership in India and work together in the area of marine applications for the first time. This partnership will leverage the rich experience of HAL’s IMGT (Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine) Division that works on marine gas turbines with Indian shipyards.

About the MT30 marine engines: The MT30 is billed as the world’s most power-dense, best-in-class naval gas turbine currently in service with naval programmes worldwide in various propulsion arrangements across seven ship types. The MT30 has the potential to provide next-generation capabilities to the Indian Navy’s future fleet. The MT30 can deliver its full power of up to 40 MW in ambient temperatures up to 38 degrees Celsius, without any power degradation throughout the life of the ship.

Note: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited: CMD: R Madhavan; Hindustan Aeronautics Limited HQ: Bengaluru;

Rolls-Royce CEO: Torsten Muller-Otvos; Rolls-Royce Founder: BayerischeMotorenWerke AG; Rolls-Royce Founded: 1904; Rolls-Royce Headquarters: Westhampnett, United Kingdom.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Senior Journalist Shesh Narayan Singh Passes Away of Covid-19: Veteran senior journalist Shesh Narayan Singh has passed away while undergoing treatment for COVID-19. He was 70. A columnist, political commentator and an expert on foreign policy, SheshNarain Singh had a career spanning over two decades. 

Daily GK Updates - 15th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. EC launched ‘C-vigil’ app : The Election Commission of India is introducing the unique internet based mobile app C-vigil in the upcoming assembly polls.The ‘C-vigil stands for citizens vigil’ and will be operationalized for the first time as a pilot project.The C-Vigil mobile application gives the common man the opportunity to click pictures and take videos of violations and send it to concerned election officers.

2. Air Quality Warning System launched in Delhi : Earth Sciences Minister Dr Harshvardhan unveiled an Air Quality early warning system for Delhi region, in New Delhi.The system will help combat air pollution in Delhi by getting information 2-5 days in advance.The system has been developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting and India Meteorological Department.

3. Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas : Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas is observed on 15 October in India.The day is being celebrated to increase the active participation of women in agriculture.In 2016, the Ministry of Agriculture had decided to observe 15th October as Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas.The Ministry will discuss the challenges that women farmers face in crop cultivation, animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries.

4. IRCTC launched AI chatbot ‘Ask Disha’ : The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) launched a chatbot, Ask Disha.It is aimed at facilitating accessibility by answering users’ queries pertaining to various services offered by IRCTC.Ask Disha- is powered by artificial intelligence (AI).The Ask Disha chatbot has been developed by IRCTC and CoRover Private Limited.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day of Rural Women on 15 Oct : International Day of Rural Women is observed on 15 October every year.The day recognizes rural women’s importance in enhancing agricultural and rural development worldwide.The theme for the year 2018 is “Sustainable infrastructure, services and social protection for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls”.

2. India and China to train Afghan diplomats : India and China have launched their first joint programme for Afghanistan to train its diplomats.An understanding to launch a joint programme in Afghanistan was reached during an informal summit between India and China in April 2018.10 Afghan Diplomats will be travelling to India for the 1st India-China joint training programme for Afghan diplomats.3. India and Sri Lanka sign two MoU : India and Sri Lanka signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for construction of 1200 houses through 50 model villages, using Indian grant assistance of 60 crore Srilankan rupees.The project will target low income landless and homeless beneficiaries.As per the new MoUs, 600 houses each will be constructed in the Southern and Northern Provinces of Sri Lanka

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. WPI inflation rises to 5.13% in September : Wholesale inflation based on the wholesale price index (WPI) stood at 5.13% in September 2018 as compared to 4.53% in August 2018.WPI increased mainly due to the rise in the cost of petrol and diesel.Food articles witnessed hardening of prices with deflation at 0.21% in September as against 4.04% in August.The WPI is published by the Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

DEFENCE:

1. Indian Navy acquired DSRVs : Indian Navy has inducted its first Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRVs)It is deployed to rescue the drowned or disaster-struck submarines at high sea.At present, the US, China, Russia and a few other countries have the capabilities to deploy DSRVs.The second DSRV is expected to be inducted at Visakhapatnam in 2019.

SPORTS:

1. India men, women hockey teams won silver medal : India men’s and women’s team won silver medals each in the Hockey competition at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.Men’s hockey team was defeated by Malaysia and Women’s hockey team was defeated by Argentina.India are 10th in the medals tally with Russia leading the way (43) ahead of Hungary (21) and China (25).

2. Great Britain won Sultan Johar Cup : In Hockey, Great Britain won the 2018 Sultan of Johor Cup in Johar Bahru, Malaysia.Great Britain defeated India in the final.India settled for the silver medal at the eighth Sultan of Johor Cup U-18 hockey tournament.The other teams in the tournament were Japan, Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand.

Daily GK Updates - 10th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President Kovind inaugurates Accountants General conference in New Delhi : President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the two days Accounts General conference in New Delhi.The Accounts General from all over the country is participating in the conference, organized by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.The meeting deliberates the most modern audit techniques to further improve audit effectiveness and enhance accountability in public spending.

2. Cyclone 'Titli' intensifies into severe cyclonic storm : According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone 'Titli' over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast.The cyclonic storm is likely to make a landfall between Gopalpur in Odisha and Kalingapatanam in Andhra Pradesh at a wind speed of 145 kmph.

3. Uttarakhand CM flags off test run of state’s first electric bus : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh ‘Rawat flagged off the test run of the state’s first electric bus to encourage the operation of pollution-free vehicles.The Electric Vehicle Policy was framed by the Uttarakhand Government.In the recent Investors Summit, a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) of 700 crore rupees was signed for the operation of electric buses in the state.In this connection, a bus has been provided by a Hyderabad based company for test run on Dehradun-Mussoorie and Haldwani-Nainital road for one month.

3. Govt. to commemorate 550^th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev next year  : The Union Govt. will commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev (founder of Sikhism) next year with events across the globe.According to Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma, special programmes will be organised in the country as well as in different parts of the world to mark the occasion.

4.  IAF launches a mobile Health app for citizens of India  : The Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched an innovative mobile health App named ‘MedWatch’ for citizens of India.The app is conceived by the doctors of IAF and developed in house by Directorate of Information Technology (DIT) with ZERO financial outlay.‘MedWatch’ will provide correct, Scientific and authentic health information to air warriors and all citizens of India.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World Mental Health Day: 10th October : The World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10th October to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.The theme for this year is " Young people and mental health in a changing world”.

2.  Nikki Haley resigns as US Ambassador to United Nations : US Ambassador to the United Nations (since 2017) Nikki Haley (Indian American) resigned directly to US President Donald Trump.At United Nations, she has been a vocal critic of Russia and a supporter of US sanctions.According to US President Donald Trump, Nikki Haley will continue as the US Ambassador to the United Nations until the end of the year.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE:

1.  India, Japan navies hold the joint military exercise in Vizag : The third edition of Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) was carried out by the naval forces in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.The objective of the exercise to improve interoperability and imbibe the best of the practices.The Indian Navy is represented by three indigenously designed and built warships and a fleet tanker including, INS Satpura, anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kadmatt, missile corvette and INS Shakti (fleet tanker).