Daily GK Updates – 20th Dec, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gujarat gets new online fire safety approval system, first state to do so: A new mechanism for approval and renewal of fire safety certifications for buildings has been put in place in Gujarat by bringing the entire process online through a portal called Fire Safety COP, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said.Gujarat will be the first State to do this. The system, which will be implemented from January 26 next year, comes after recent incidents of fire in COVID-19 facilities in which several patients died, including in Rajkot on November 27. As part of the new system, the government has approved the process of training and empaneling private ”fire safety officers (FSOs)” to carry out periodic inspection, testing and maintenance of fire safety systems in buildings and renewal of certificates.

 

2. Andhra CM Jaganmohan launches ‘YSR Free Crop Insurance scheme’ for farmers: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy has launched the ‘YSR Free Crop Insurance’ scheme for the benefit of farmers in the state. Simultaneous with the launch, Rs 1,252 crore was credited into the bank accounts of 9.48 lakh farmers who have lost their crops during 2019.Crop loss compensation for 2020 will be paid in April 2021, after the Planning Department submits its report.  Chief Minister Reddy said that 10,641 Rythu Bharosa Kendrams are set up, integrated with village secretariats to support the farmers. The government has initiated e-cropping, where details of all crops are uploaded in a database, including the crop loss numbers. All this information, crop loss compensations would be displayed at the RBKs for social audit.

 

3. Maharashtra govt all set to launch ‘MahaSharad’ platform: Maharashtra’s Department of Social Justice is all set to launch an ambitious scheme for distribution of assistive devices to lakhs of persons with disabilities through MahaSharad Digital Platform to coincide with NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s 80th birthday. It will be available on Play Store by March 2021. Maharashtra System for Health and Rehabilitation Assistance” or MahaSharad platform has been created to provide various devices to persons with disabilities free of cost through the Commissionerate for persons with Disability. Modern equipment and devices help divyang to lead life like normal individuals. Several people, organizations, private companies, industrialists and others are willing to make available such equipment for divyang. The MahaSharad platform will help such donors meet needy divyang. Those in need can start registering on the portal from today itself.

 

4. Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati elected as Vice President of ABU: The CEO of Prasar Bharati, Shashi Shekhar Vempati has been elected as the Vice President of Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) for a period of three years. Prasar Bharati is India’s largest public broadcasting agency. The Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia–based Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), is one of the largest broadcasting associations in the world.

Note: Prasar Bharati Founded: 23 November 1997; Prasar Bharati Headquarters: New Delhi

Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union President: İbrahim Eren; Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union Formation: 1 July 1964.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NASA selects Raja Chari as commander of SpaceX Crew-3 mission: NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have selected Indian-American Raja Chari to be the Commander of the SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station. Presently Raja Chari,  is a colonel in the US Air Force. He will be the commander of SpaceX Crew-3 mission, while Nasa’s Tom Marshburn will be pilot and ESA’s Matthias Maurer will serve as a mission specialist. This mission is expected to be launched next year. When Chari, Marshburn, and Maurer arrive at the orbiting laboratory, they will become expedition crew members for the duration of their six-month stay. The crew will have a slight overlap with the Crew-2 astronauts, who are expected to launch in the spring of 2021.

About Raja Chari: Chari was born in Milwaukee, but considers Cedar Falls, Iowa, his hometown. Raja Chari’s father Srinivas Chari left for the US from Hyderabad at a young age for an engineering degree. He is a colonel in the US Air Force and joins the mission with extensive experience as a test pilot. For Raja Chari, this will be the first spaceflight. He became a Nasa astronaut in 2017.

Note: The administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Jim Bridenstine; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States.

 

2. WHO, IFRC sign memorandum of understanding on emergency medical teams: WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and IFRC Secretary-General Mr Jagan Chapagain signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on implementing the Emergency Medical Team (EMT) initiative. The MoU, also known as the Red Channel Agreement, is the culmination of years of collaboration between IFRC and the WHO Emergency Medical Team Initiative. The new agreement will bring more synergies to health emergency response between the two international organisations, particularly in technical standards, accountability, and coordination.

 

3. Bangladesh-India Cotton Fest held in Dhaka: The second Bangladesh-India Cotton Fest 2020 was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bangladesh Cotton Association (BCA) jointly organized the festival, in cooperation with Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Indian Cotton Association Ltd. (ICAL), India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI). Salman F Rahman, private industry and investment adviser to the prime minister, was the chief guest at the event, organised by Bangladesh Cotton Association. The festival focuses on the development of trade relations between the two countries.

 

4. International Human Solidarity Day: 20th December: International Human Solidarity Day is observed globally on 20 December every year to celebrate unity in diversity and raise awareness about the importance of solidarity. According to the United Nations Millennium Declaration, solidarity is among the fundamental values that are essential to international relations. The General Assembly, on 22 December 2005, by resolution 60/209 identified solidarity as one of the fundamental and universal values that should underlie relations between peoples in the twenty-first century, and in that regard decided to proclaim 20 December of each year International Human Solidarity Day.

What is Solidarity: Solidarity is defined as an awareness of shared interests and objectives that create a psychological sense of unity and ties in a society that bind people together as one.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket: Pakistan’s star pacer, Mohammad Amir has announced his retirement from international cricket citing ‘mental torture’ by the management as the reason behind his decision. Left-arm fast bowler Amir made his international debut in July 2009. In his ODI debut, in the same month, Amir bagged 3 wickets for 45 runs in his 10 overs, announcing the start of a star career. However, his potentially big career was hindered by his infamous match-fixing involvement with Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SEBI forms new department to check promoter frauds: Market regulator SEBI has set up a specialised department to tackle cases of diversion of funds, bank loans and resources by company promoters. The new department will be known as the Corporation Finance Investigation Department (CFID). The new department will even check if resources like company land, guest houses or vehicles are misused by promoters.

 

2. Aceware Fintech launches service for doorstep withdrawal of money: Aimed at enabling withdrawal of money from a bank account from the comfort of home, Aceware, a fintech company based in Infopark, has launched Ace Money Micro ATM service in Kochi. Initially, the service will be available in Kochi city, and the company has already recruited delivery executives for rolling out the service. The company is planning to expand the service to all the municipalities in the State by January 2021. Aceware is rolling out the service in association with ICICI Bank. Customers can place an order for money on Ace Money app, which can be downloaded from Google Play Store and App Store. The money will be delivered at the doorstep within 30-40 minutes after placing the order.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Amazon and CII join hands to bring e-commerce gains to MSMEs in 10 states: At the 17th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Global SME Business Summit, Amazon.in and CII signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring the benefits of ecommerce to micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in 10 states across India. Amazon.in and CII will work closely with the Ministry of MSME to enable lakhs of MSMEs across these states to leverage technology to reach customers in India and globally.

 

2. NSDC partners with Byju”s to support skilling of teachers, trainers: Edtech major Byju’s said it has inked an agreement with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to support the skilling of teachers and trainers. Sharing a vision to accelerate Skill India Mission, the partners aim at empowering teachers and trainers with the key skills and digital tools to make learning engaging, effective and personalised for children and youth. Byju’s will support NSDC by providing free access to its educational content and tools to help teachers, and will share its digital educational content (scholastic and non-scholastic) as free licences with the NSDC ecosystem to equip teachers as well as students for a quality learning experience.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. SAIL gets Golden Peacock Environment Management Award 2020: Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has been awarded with the prestigious Golden Peacock Environment Management Award for the year 2020 in the Steel Sector by the Institute of Directors. The company has been the winner of this award for successive two years and this bears testimony to the efforts made by it for sustainable and environmentally responsible steel making. This award is one of the most coveted awards in the category.

Why this award was given to SAIL: SAIL, as its Corporate Responsibility for Environment Protection continuously focuses on adopting various environmental measures including, upgrading of pollution control facilities, treatment & recirculation of wastewater from individual units & outfalls, enhancement in the green cover in & around Plants & Units, efficient handling of different solid wastes (viz. process waste, hazardous waste, canteen/township waste), carbon sequestration through afforestation, eco-restoration of mined out area, among others. Also, the impact of SAIL’s initiatives and best practices on improving cleaner environment, reducing emissions & discharges, mitigating impacts of climate change and helping the Company to conduct its operations in environmentally benign manner has been recognized.

Note: Chairman of SAIL: Anil Kumar Chaudhary; SAIL Headquarters: New Delhi; SAIL founded: 19 January 1954.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 35th Edition of India-Indonesia CORPATs: The 35th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy is being conducted from 17 to 18 December 2020. The 35th IND – INDO CORPAT will contribute towards the Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship across the Indo Pacific. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kulish, an indigenously built missile corvette along with P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) will undertake coordinated patrol with Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Cut Nyak Dien, a Kapitan Pattimura (Parchim I) class corvette and an MPA of the Indonesian Navy.

To reinforce maritime links, the two navies have been carrying out CORPAT along their International Maritime Boundary Line since 2002, with the aim of ensuring safety and security of shipping and international trade in the region. CORPATs build up understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitate the institution of measures to prevent and suppress Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy.

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh; Indian Navy Founded: 26 January 1950

Daily GK Updates – 19th Dec, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Maharashtra Government Introduces Unified Development Control Rules for Real Estate: The Government of Maharashtra has approved the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations, (UDCPR), to strengthen and bring uniformity in the real estate construction laws of the state. The new set of rules will apply on all municipal corporations, councils and nagar panchayats in the entire state except Mumbai and some neighbouring areas like hill stations, eco-sensitive zones and specified corporation areas. This uniform set of regulations will specify everything from height of buildings to the width of roads and size of amenity spaces. It will help to increase the stock of affordable housing projects and improve ease of doing business as well as help the developers to improve their resource management

 

2. Finance Ministry notifies updated viability gap funding scheme: The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme was notified by the Ministry of Finance under which various infrastructure projects will be selected for financial support to provide a boost to the sector. According to the VGF scheme, the Empowered Committee (EC) chaired by the economic affairs secretary will sanction a funding amount of up to Rs 200 crore, while projects requiring more than Rs 200 crore would be approved by the Empowered Committee, after the approval from the Minister of Finance. The VGF scheme will be known as the ‘Scheme for Financial Support to PPPs’ (Public-Private Partnerships) in the infrastructure sector.This will be a central sector scheme and administered by the Finance Ministry.

 

3. AP CM virtually launches ‘Jagananna Jeeva Kranthi’ scheme: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy virtually launched ‘Jagananna Jeeva Kranthi’ scheme, under which 2.49 lakh units of sheep and goats will be distributed to women in a phased manner at a cost of ₹1,869 crore. The scheme aims at improving the living standards of women with less investment. Under the scheme, women belonging to the Backward Classes, the Scheduled Castes (SCs), and the Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the age group of 45-60 years would get 2.49 lakh sheep and goat units. Each unit consists of 15 sheep or goats (with one ram or billy) in each unit. The State would facilitate and provide suggestions, in case the women want to buy the sheep and goats on their own.

 

4. Ministry of AYUSH approves 200 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres in Almora district of Uttarakhand: The Ministry of AYUSH has approved 200 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres in almora district of Uttarakhand under centrally sponsored scheme of National AYUSH Mission. In  this regard, Arvind Lal Vandana Lal (ALVL) Foundation, New Delhi is providing support to the department of AYUSH, Uttarakhand, in operationalization of AYUSH HWCs in Almora district of Uttarakhand.  The Central Government will provide necessary technical support. The ALVL Foundation will support in Population Enumeration, creation of Health Cards in the catchment population of the HWCs and help in training and capacity building of HWC team. The Central Government has decided to operationalise 12,500 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres in phased manner by the year 2023-2024 throughout the country.

 

5. Goa Liberation Day: 19th December: Goa Liberation Day is observed on 19 December every year in India and it marks the day Indian armed forces freed Goa in 1961 following 450 years of Portuguese rule. Goa Liberation Day is marked by an abundance of events and festivities in Goa though this time because of the pandemic the celebrations are expected to be muted. A torchlight procession is ignited from three different locations in the state, eventually all meeting at the Azad Maidan.

History of Goa Liberation Day: The Portuguese colonised several parts of India in 1510 but by the end of the 19th-century Portuguese colonies in India were limited to Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra, Nagar Haveli and Anjediva Island. The Goa liberation movement, which sought to end Portuguese colonial rule in Goa, started off with small scale revolts. On August 15, 1947, when India gained its Independence, Goa was still under the Portuguese rule.

The Portuguese refused to give up their hold over Goa and other Indian territories. Following a myriad of unsuccessful negotiations and diplomatic efforts with the Portuguese, the former prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, decided that military intervention was the only option. The 36-hour military operation, conducted from December 18, 1961, was code-named ‘Operation Vijay’ meaning ‘Operation Victory,’ and involved attacks by the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Army.

Note: Goa Capital: Panaji; Governor of Goa: Bhagat Singh Koshyari; Chief Minister of Goa: Pramod Sawant.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. GoI inks $1-bn loan pact with NDB to support Indian Economy: The Government of India and the New Development Bank (NDB) have signed a loan agreement worth $1,000 million for ‘supporting India’s economic recovery from COVID-19’. The loan has a tenor of 30 years, including a 5-year grace period. The programme will support Indian Government in mitigating the adverse economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic and enable economic recovery in the rural areas. Under the agreement, Shanghai-based NDB will lend financial support for:

(1) The loan will support expenditures on rural infrastructure related to natural resource management (NRM) and rural employment generation under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

(2) The programme will support the government in mitigating the adverse economic impact of Covid-19 pandemic and enable economic recovery in the rural areas through natural resource management works which will facilitate economic activity and employment generation to stimulate rural demand.

(3) The programme will improve the livelihood of rural poor along with providing income opportunities to migrant workers who returned home due to job loss caused by Covid-19 pandemic.

Note: New Development Bank Headquarters location: Shanghai, China; New Development Bank President: Marcos Prado Troyjo; New Development Bank Founder: BRICS; New Development Bank Founded: 15 July 2014.

 

2. India and World Bank sign $400 million project to protect India’s poor: The Government of India and the World Bank have signed a $400 million project to protect vulnerable groups in urban and peri-urban areas across the country impacted by COVID-19. This is the second such assistance in the series of two ‘Accelerating India’s COVID-19 Social Protection Response Programme’. Under the first operation, $750 million was approved by World Bank in May 2020.

Under this project: World Bank will support India in its efforts at providing social assistance to the poor and vulnerable households, severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme will strengthen the capability of state and central governments in India to provide coordinated and adequate social protection to the poor and vulnerable from the shocks triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Note: Headquarters of World Bank: Washington, D.C., United States; President of World Bank: David Malpass; World Bank Founded: July 1944.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Qatar to host 2030 Asian Games, 2034 edition in Saudi Arabia: The 2030 Asian Games were awarded to Doha, Qatar and the 2034 event went to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after a deal was struck between the rival nations. Doha beat Riyadh for the 2030 Games in the vote at the Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) general assembly. The vote took place amid a bitter and long-running political dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Saudi Arabia is one of four countries which has imposed a trade and travel boycott on Qatar since 2017. The OCA reached a deal to vote on the 2030 host but to give the other candidate the 2034 event.

Note: Olympic Council of Asia Headquarters: Kuwait City, Kuwait; Olympic Council of Asia President: Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah; Olympic Council of Asia Founded: 16 November 1982;  Olympic Council of Asia Motto: Ever Onward.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Canara Bank unveils “FX 4 U” for forex remittance via Internet Banking: Canara Bank has launched FX 4 U that enables its entire internet banking users to handle forex transactions hasslefree. FX 4 U is used for forex remittance through internet banking. With this development, eligible customers will be able to undertake remittance facility in adherence to the FEMA regulations 1999. About FX 4 U:

(1) Once the letter of credit (LC) module is activated, the corporate customers can make and submit LC applications with documents through internet banking.

(2) Corporate customers can make and submit the LC applications along with documents through internet banking once the LC module is activated.

(3) The transactions that are submitted through internet banking will flow seamlessly to the Centralized Process Centre – Forex Transactions(CPCFT), where the Compliance and accounting will be done and transmitted through The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT).

Note: Syndicate Bank was amalgamated into Canara Bank on April 2020.

Canara Bank Founded: July 1906 by Shri Ammembal Subba Rao Pai; Canara Bank Tagline: Together We Can; Canara Bank MD & CEO: L V Prabhakar; Canara Bank Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka.

 

2. Equitas Small Finance Bank launches 3-in-1 account for saving, trading & demat: Equitas Small Finance Bank Ltd, (SFB) has launched a 3-in-1 account, which allows its customers to invest in wide variety of financial product using a single platform. A 3-in1 account (savings +trading+ demat) will help the customers to keep all their banking and financial investments under one umbrella entity. The bank will provide stock broking and demat services through referral arrangement with brokerage firms for trading and depository services. The financial products offered through the 3-in-1 account includes direct equity and F&O trading, MF investment across all AMCs, ETFs, corporate FDs, corporate bonds, government bonds, insurance products, National Pension Scheme (NPS) and initial public offerings.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. SBI Ecowrap Report Projects India GDP to contract 7.4% in FY21: The State Bank of India, in its research report ‘Ecowrap’ has revised the GDP growth of India at (-) 7.4 percent in FY21. Earlier this forecast was (-) 10.9 percent. The SBI research report has also forecast India’s GDP growth in FY22 at 11 percent. The report also believes that it would take seven quarters from the fourth quarter of FY21 for GDP to reach the pre-pandemic level in nominal terms.

Note: Chairman of State Bank of India: Dinesh Kumar Khara; SBI Founded: 1 July 1955; SBI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Coast Guard’s OPV ‘Sujeet’ commissioned in Goa: Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Sujeet’, which is second in the series of 5 OPVs was commissioned at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Vasco Town, Goa by Raj Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production). The vessel has been designed and built indigenously by GSL. The 1st ship in series – ICGS (ICG Ship) Sachet was commissioned by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in May 2020. The ship was commissioned in the presence of K Natarajan, Director General of Indian Coast Guard and others. About Sujeet:

(1) Sujeet has been equipped with features like Integrated Bridge System, Integrated platform management system, power management system and high power external fire-fighting.

(2) It is capable of carrying 1 twin-engine helicopter, 4 high-speed boats, 2 inflatable boats for boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol.

(3) The ship will be based at Goa and will be deployed extensively for EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) surveillance and other duties.

(4) The ship will be 105 metres long and weigh 2400 tonnes.

(5) At present, ICG has stated that it has 155 ships and 62 Aircraft at its disposal with 35 more ships in various stages of construction at shipyards across India.

Note: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Director General of ICG: KrishnaswamyNatarajan; Indian Coast Guard Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. South Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-duk passes away: Renowned South Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-duk died of complications from COVID-19 in Latvia. He was 59. Kim K-duk was a South Koren filmmaker who was conferred with various awards for his work. He was the recipient of Golden Lion at 69th Venice International Film Festival and the Silver Lion for Best Director at the 61st Venice International Film Festival. Kim Ki-duk made his directorial debut in 1996 with Crocodile.The late filmmaker’s last release was a Russian film titled Dissolve. The film was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. Other popular releases of the filmmaker include Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring, 3-Iron, One on One, Samaritan Girl, Arirang and Pietà.

Daily GK Updates – 18th Dec, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurates world’s largest renewable energy park in Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the 30,000 megawatt (MW) capacity hybrid renewable energy park in Kutch district of Gujarat. It will be the largest renewable energy park of its kind in the world. It is expected to play a major role in fulfilling India’s vision of generating 450 GW (4,50,000 mw) of power by 2030. Key features of the renewable energy park: The park is being constructed between Khawda and Vighakhot villages near India-Pakistan border. The renewable park will have two dedicated zones, one each for the wind energy and solar energy. It will be spread over 72,600 hectares of waste land, including 49,600 hectares for solar project and 23,000 hectares of land for wind power.

 

2. Maha Govt introduces Unified Development Control Rules for Real Estate: The Government of Maharashtra has approved the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations, (UDCPR), to strengthen and bring uniformity in the real estate construction laws of the state. This uniform set of regulations will specify everything from the height of buildings to the width of roads and the size of amenity spaces.

About Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations: The new set of rules will apply on all municipal corporations, councils and Nagar panchayats in the entire state except Mumbai and some neighbouring areas like hill stations, eco-sensitive zones and specified corporation areas. It will help to increase the stock of affordable housing projects and improve ease of doing business as well as help the developers to improve their resource management.

Note: Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray; Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

 

3. Om Birla releases book on 19th anniversary of Parliament attack: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has released a book on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the Parliament attack on 13 December. He released the book ‘The Shaurya Unbound’ (English Version) and ‘Samundar Samawe Boond Mein’ (Hindi Version) was released on the 2001 incident. As many as 14 people including the five terrorists died during the incident.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Norway signs MoU with Clean Ganga Mission in India: The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) has signed an MoU with cGanga, a think-tank of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) for development of sludge management framework in India. Through this initiative, Norway intends to deepen the relationship with India especially in the prevention of climate change and conservation of the environment. The MoU was signed during the 5th edition of the India Water Impact 2020, held from 10-15 December 2020. The event is co-organised by National Mission for Clean Ganga and Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies.

Note: Norway Currency: Norwegian krone; Norway Capital: Oslo; Prime Minister of Norway: Erna Solberg.

 

2. International Migrants Day: 18th December: The International Migrants Day is observed globally on 18 December every year. In December 2000, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 18 December as International Migrants Day after considering the large and increasing number of migrants in the world. The theme of International Migrants Day 2020 is ‘Reimagining Human Mobility’. The day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, which was adopted by the United Nations (UN) on 18 December 1990.

 

3. Arabic Language Day: 18th December: UN Arabic Language Day is observed annually on December 18 every year. The day was established by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2010 to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six of its official languages throughout the Organization. December 18 was chosen as the date for the Arabic language as it is “the day in 1973 when the General Assembly approved Arabic as an official UN language “.

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Yash Vardhan wins 10m air rifle event in online meet: Junior Asian champion Yash Vardhan of India won the 10m air rifle event at the 6th edition of the International Online Shooting Championship (IOSC). The 17-year-old Yash shot a score of 251.9 to win the title with a margin of 1.2 point. Yash, who had finished second in the third edition of IOSC, shot the best qualification score of 633.0, just 0.5 point less than the world record.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI re-appoints Uday Kotak as MD of Kotak Mahindra Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Uday Kotak as Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank for a further period of three years, with effect from January 1, 2021. Kotak is founder managing director and promoter of the bank. RBI has also approved the appointment of part-time chairman Prakash Apte and Dipak Gupta as Joint MD of the bank for a period of three years.

Note: Kotak Mahindra Bank Establishment: 2003; Kotak Mahindra Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Kotak Mahindra Bank Tagline: Lets make money simple.

 

2. India Post Payments Bank unveils new digital payment app ‘DakPay’: The India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) along with Department of Posts (DoP) launched a digital payment application called ‘DakPay’ on 15 December 2020, in an effort to provide Digital Financial inclusion at the last mile across India. The app was launched by Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad.

About the “DakPay” app:

(1) The app ‘DakPay’ will facilitate the customers of the DoP and IPPB in easy digital transactions and other banking and postal services.

(2) This innovative App will help people transfer and receive money with ease and those who do not have smartphones can also do money transaction on this App with the assistance of postmen.

(3) DakPay is not just a digital payment app but a suite of digital financial and assisted banking services provided by India Post and IPPB through the trusted Postal network across the nation to cater to the financial needs of various sections of the society.

Note: MD and CEO of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB): J Venkatramu; India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Headquarters: New Delhi.

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) was incorporated as Payments Banking Company under Section 22 (1) of Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. S&P revises India’s GDP contraction forecast in FY21 to 7.7%: S&P Global Ratings (previously Standard & Poor’s) has raised India’s GDP growth projection for the FY21 (2020-21) to – 7.7 per cent from – 9 per cent estimated earlier. The lower contraction rate is based on rising demand and falling COVID infection rates. The US-based S&P rating agency has projected India’s growth to rebound to 10 per cent in the next fiscal, i.e. 2021-22 (FY22).

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. UNEP announces 2020 Champions of the Earth Award: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced six laureates of the 2020 Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmental honour. The Champions were chosen for their transformative impact on the environment and their leadership in urging bold and decisive action on behalf of the planet and its inhabitants. The Champions of the Earth Award is presented in 5 categories: (1) Lifetime Achievement; (2) Inspiration and Action; (3) Policy Leadership; (4) Entrepreneur Vision; (5) Science and Innovation. The 2020 Champions of the Earth Award has been bestowed upon 6 individuals. The list of winners is given below.

Policy Leadership: Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji, honoured in the Policy Leadership category for his global climate action work and his commitment to climate-responsive national development

Inspiration and Action: Yacouba Sawadogo (Burkina Faso), honoured in the Inspiration and Action category for teaching farmers his traditional nature-based solution to regenerate their soil and turn barren land into arable land and forest across Africa

Inspiration and Action:  Nemonte Nenquimo (Ecuador), awarded in the Inspiration and Action category for her leadership and unifying work with indigenous communities that halted drilling in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest

Science and Innovation: Dr Fabian Leendertz (Germany), honoured in the Science and Innovation category for his discoveries in zoonotic and his work in One Health

Entrepreneur Vision:  Mindy Lubber (USA), recognized in the Entrepreneurial Vision category for her commitment to turning capital markets green by mobilizing top investors and companies and making the business case for climate action and sustainability

Lifetime Achievement Award: Professor Robert D. Bullard (USA) who was awarded the Champion of the Earth Lifetime Achievement award for his commitment and service to environmental justice.

About Champions of the Earth award: The UN Environment Program (UNEP) is presenting the Champions of the Earth Award since 2005, to inspire and motivate more people to act for nature. The award recognizes outstanding environmental leaders from the public and private sectors, and from civil society for their pioneering initiatives aimed at healing the planet amid natural and man-made threats and whose activities have had a positive impact on the environment.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indigenously-built Coast Guard interceptor boat C-454 commissioned: The interceptor boat C-454, built by Larsen and Toubro at its Hazira plant, will operate from Gujarat under the control of the Commander Coast Guard Region North-West of the Indian Coast Guard. It was commissioned by Surat Police Commissioner Ajay Tomar.

About Interceptor Boat C-454: This interceptor boat is built indigenously by L&T Jetty, Hazira. It is capable of a high speed of 45 knots having the capability to operate in shallow waters. The vessel is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment designed for the high-speed interception, close coast patrol, low-intensity maritime operations, search and rescue and maritime surveillance.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Aerospace Scientist Shri Roddam Narasimha passes away: Eminent aerospace scientist and Padma Vibhushan awardee, Roddam Narasimha has passed away. He had served at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where he taught Aerospace Engineering from 1962 to 1999. He also served as the director of the National Aerospace Laboratories from 1984 to 1993. The central government bestowed the second-highest civilian award of India, Padma Vibhushan on him in 2013 for his contribution in the field of aerospace engineering. Together with the Missile Man of India and former president Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Prof Narasimha had authored a book –“Developments In Fluid Mechanics and Space Technology”.

 

2. Former Australian Test cricketer all-rounder Eric Freeman passes away: Former Australia Test all-rounder, Eric Freeman has passed away. He made his Test debut against India at the Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground) in 1968 during which his opening scoring shot was a six, and he became the first player to achieve the feat. Freeman received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2002 for his services to sport. After retiring from cricket in the 1973-74 season he took up the career as administrator, coach and broadcaster. Freeman was also an elite football player, representing Port Adelaide and he topped the club’s goalkicking list in all five of his complete seasons.

 

3. Eswatini’s Prime Minister, Ambrose Dlamini passes away: Ambrose Dlamini, the Prime Minister of Eswatini, a country in Southern Africa, has passed away after contracting coronavirus. He was appointed as the tenth prime minister of the country in October 2018.

Note: Eswatini Capitals: Mbabane, Lobamba; Currency: Swazi lilangeni.

Daily GK Updates – 17th Dec, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NITI Aayog releases ‘Vision 2035: Public Health Surveillance in India’: NITI Aayog has released a white paper titled ‘Vision 2035: Public Health Surveillance in India’ on 14 December 2020. The ‘Vision 2035: Public Health Surveillance in India’ is a continuation of the work on Health Systems Strengthening. The building blocks for this vision are an interdependent federated system of governance between the Centre and states. About the “Vision 2035: Public Health Surveillance in India”:

(1) The vision of this white paper is to make India’s public health surveillance system more responsive and predictive to enhance preparedness for action at all levels.

(2) The citizen-friendly public health surveillance system will ensure individual privacy and confidentiality, enabled with a client feedback mechanism.

(3) India aims to provide regional and global leadership in managing events that constitute a public health emergency of international concern.

(4) Public health surveillance (PHS) is an important function, requiring primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care.

(5) The white paper lays out India’s vision of 2035 for public health surveillance through the integration of the three-tiered public health system into Ayushman Bharat.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog: Amitabh Kant; Chairperson of NITI Aayog: PM Narendra Modi.

 

2. 9th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit held in Dehradun: The 9th edition of Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The four-day-long summit was organised by Indian Mountain Initiative (IMI) and hosted by Sustainable Development Forum Uttaranchal (SDFU), Dehradun. The theme for 2020 SMDS was ‘Emerging Pathways for Building a Resilient Post COVID-19 Mountain Economy, Adaptation, Innovation and Acceleration’.

About the Summit: The Summit deliberated on issues such as migration, water security, climate resilience and innovative solutions for the farm sector, and disaster risk reduction in the Indian Himalayas. The focus of the summit was on building pathways toward a resilient and sustainable mountain economy in the context of a post-COVID-19 scenario and Climate Change.

 

3. Ola to set up world’s largest scooter factory in Tamil Nadu: The SoftBank-backed mobility platform, Ola has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government, to set up its first factory in the state, at an investment of Rs 2,400 crore. Upon completion, the Ola factory in Tamil Nadu will be the largest scooter manufacturing facility in the world. Initially, the factory will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 2 million units.

The factory is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an AtmaNirbhar Bharat and will make India a manufacturing hub for two-wheeled electric vehicles. The new factory will also reduce the dependence of India on import of electric vehicles, boost local manufacturing, create jobs and also improve the technical expertise in the country.

Note: Tamil Nadu Capital: Chennai; Tamil Nadu Chief Minister: Edappadi K. Palaniswami; Tamil Nadu Governor: Banwarilal Purohit.

 

4. Maharashtra Cabinet clears draft bill for proposed ‘Shakti Act’: The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the introduction of two draft bills pertaining to the prevention of incidents of violence and atrocities against women and children in the state. The “Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill, 2020” has been drafted along the lines of the Andhra Pradesh Disha Act Criminal Law (AP Amendment) Act, 2019. Once passed by the state legislature it will be called the “Shakti Act”. The second draft bill, which is meant for the implementation of the Shakti legislation, has been named as Special Court and Machinery for Implementation of Maharashtra Criminal Law, 2020.

 

5. World class incubation centre in offing in Maharashtra: In a bid to provide basic amenities and conducive atmosphere to new entrepreneurs, a world class incubation centre is in the offing in Maharashtra. The state government would sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Cornell University from New York, USA for setting up the incubation centre. With this, Maharashtra will become the first state in the country to come up with such a centre. The incubation centre will come up at Ghansoli in Navi Mumbai on a thirteen thousand square feet land. Besides, it will cost seven crore rupees annually to implement the project. A financial provision of five crore rupees has been done from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Board. While the remaining fund of one crore rupees each will be allocated from the social justice department and tribal development department.

 

6. A book titled ‘Dharma’ authored by Amish Tripathi: The 2nd non-fiction book by author Amish Tripathi is titled “Dharma: Decoding the Epics for A Meaningful Life”. The book offers practical, philosophical lessons drawn from ancient Hindu epics. It is co-authored by his sister Bhavana Roy. It is to be published by Westland. His last non-fiction book ‘Immortals India’ was launched in 2017.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India provides US$ 2 million to UNRWA for Palestinian Refugees: India contributed another USD 2 million to the UN Palestine refugee agency, fulfilling its commitment of USD five million in aid annually to support its programmes and services, including education, health care, relief and social services for Palestinian refugees. The USD 2 million cheque was presented to UNRWA by Representative of India in Palestine, Sunil Kumar, bringing New Delhi’s total contribution to the agency providing basic services to Palestinian refugees to USD 5 million in 2020

 

2. Sabrina Filzmoser and Flavio Canto appointed IJF Climate Ambassadors: Austria’s Sabrina Filzmoser and Brazil’s Flavio Canto have been appointed as International Judo Federation (IJF) climate ambassadors by IJF President Marius Vizer, in a bid to spread the message of environmentalism. The pair is now expected to talk about global warming and use judo as a positive influence in delivering this message.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Odisha to host 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) had announced that the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup will be hosted in Odisha, for a second consecutive time. The tournament will be held at two venues, Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. The Men’s Hockey World Cup 2018 was also hosted by Odisha. The 2023 tournament will be 15th edition of the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup. It will be held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and at the Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. FIH Hockey World Cup is held after every four years.

Note: Chief Minister of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik; Odisha Capital: Bhubaneswar; Odisha Governor: Ganeshi Lal.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Max Life Insurance launches critical illness rider and a wellness app: Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. announced the launch of ‘Max Life Critical Illness and Disability Rider’ along with ‘Max Fit’ — a comprehensive wellness programme. Max Life’s newly launched ‘Max Life Critical Illness and Disability Rider’ provides comprehensive financial protection against a range of critical illnesses and disability. With many critical illnesses linked to lifestyle related habits, Max Life wants customers to stay fit, active and maximise their personal health and wellbeing. Max Fit is a wellness app designed to lead customers on a path of protection through holistic fitness and wellness. In line with the company’s brand philosophy of “#YouAreTheDifference”, the app promises to provide patrons with a unique and exciting opportunity to work towards a healthier lifestyle with the ultimate aim of helping them realise that health is their biggest asset.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. CRISIL slows contraction rate for India at -7.7% in FY21: Rating agency CRISIL has lowered the contraction rate of India’s GDP and now expects the growth rate of the Indian economy to contract 7.7% in the ongoing fiscal 2020-21, compared to the 9% forecast in September 2020, due to “faster-than-expected” recovery in the second quarter. For the fiscal 2021-22 (FY22), CRISIL expects the growth to bounce back to 10%.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Myanmar’s Paul Sein Twa receives Goldman Environmental Prize 2020: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Asia Regional Office awarded Paul Sein Twa, for Goldman Environmental Prize 2020 for Asia. This award is given to him for his efforts in promoting the self-determination of the Karen people in managing their natural resources.

About Paul Sein Twa: Paul is the co-founder of the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN), established in 2001. Paul and his team at KESAN supported Karen indigenous communities in establishing the Salween Peace Park in Myanmar and on the border of Thailand.

The Peace Park represents a unique community-based approach to conservation in one of Asia’s biodiversity hotspots. The Salween Basin is home to vast stretches of teak forests, teeming with tigers, sun bears, and clouded leopards.

About Goldman Environmental Prize: The Goldman Environmental Prize is one of the most prestigious environmental prizes awarded annually to grassroots environmental activists, one from each of the world’s six geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South and Central America.

Note: Director-General of International Union for Conservation of Nature: Dr Bruno Oberle.

International Union for Conservation of Nature Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland; International Union for Conservation of Nature Founder: Julian Huxley; International Union for Conservation of Nature Founded: 5 October 1948.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. GRSE Kolkata launches ‘Himgiri’, its 1st Ship of Project 17A: Himgiri, which is the first of the three Project 17A ships being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata was launched. The launch of ‘Himgiri’ has showcased GRSE’s commitment towards the building of three state-of-the-art warships of P17A for Indian Navy.

Under the Project 17A program, a total of seven ships, four at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and three ships at GRSE are being built with enhanced stealth features, advanced indigenous weapon and sensor fit along with several other improvements. P17A ships are the first gas turbine propulsion and largest combat platforms ever built at GRSE. Since its inception, Project 17A has upheld India’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Dance Pioneer and Padma Shri Awardee Astad Deboo passes away: Astad Deboo, the pioneer of contemporary dance in India, and a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi awards, passed away after a brief illness. He was 73. Deboo trained in Kathak as well as Kathakali and went on to combine the two classical dance forms to create a unique fusion dance form, earning the tag of ‘pioneer of modern dance in India’. Throughout his long and illustrious career, he worked with various prominent performers such as Pina Bausch, Alison Becker Chase and Pink Floyd, and performed in many parts of the world. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1996 and Padma Shri in 2007.

 

2. Veteran Congress Leader Ram Lal Rahi passes away: Veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Ram Lal Rahi died at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district. He was 86. In his long political career, Rahi was elected four times from the Misrikh Lok Sabha seat and twice from the Hargaon seat, where the incumbent BJP MLA is his son Suresh Rahi. He served as the minister of state for Home Affairs in the Narsimha Rao government in the nineties.

 

3. ‘Hind Kesari’-winning wrestler Sripati Khanchanale passes away: Noted Indian wrestler, Sripati Khanchanale, who had won the prestigious ‘Hind Kesari’ title in 1959, passed away. In 1959, Khanchanale won the ‘Hind Kesari’ title by defeating wrestler Rustam-e-Punjab Battasingh at the New Railway Stadium in Delhi. The prestigious ‘Hind Kesari’ title commands the highest respect in the Indian wrestling world. He was also a recipient of the Shiv Chhatrapati award, which is given by the Maharashtra government.