Daily GK Updates - 13th September, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. MSDE laid the foundation stone of IIS in Mumbai: Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), laid the foundation stone for Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) at Mumbai.

The objective of the institute is to provide skill training in highly-specialised areas to students who want to pursue technical education after completing Class X and XII. The IIS will be a tertiary care institute in the skills ecosystem and offer best of required courses in emerging and high demand areas such as deep technology, aerospace, among others. These institutes will be constructed and operated on a PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model. Tata Education Development Trust (TEDT) was selected as the private partner for setting up IIS at NSTI campus in Mumbai through a competitive bidding process.

Note: Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE): Mahendra Nath Pandey.

2. Prime Minister launches Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana' at Ranchi, Jharkhand. The Scheme shall secure the lives of 5 Crore Small and Marginal Farmers by providing a minimum pension of Rs 3000 per month, to those who attain 60 years of age. Prime Minister also launched the National Pension Scheme for the Traders and The Self-Employed. The scheme aims at providing a minimum assured pension of Rs 3000, to small traders and self - employed after attaining the age of 60 Years. Around 3 Crore Small traders would be benefited from the scheme. Prime Minister also launched 462 Ekalavya Model Schools across the country in Tribal Dominated Areas. The schools would focus to provide quality upper primary, secondary and senior secondary level education to ST Students in these areas. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the New Vidhan Sabha Building of Jharkhand.

3. Odd-even rule to be implemented in Delhi from November 4 to 15: According to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Odd-even rule to combat pollution will be applicable in Delhi between 4 to 15th November 2019. Under the odd-even scheme, cars with licence plates ending in an odd number (1,3,5,7,9) & even number (0,2,4,6,8) allowed to ply on alternate days, except weekends. Earlier, exemptions were granted to women, VIPs and two-wheelers. This is the third time odd-even rule will be rolled out in Delhi.

4. Samsung launches Mobile apps ‘Good Vibes’ and ‘Relumino’: Tech giant ‘Samsung’ has introduced two mobile applications named ‘Good Vibes’ and ‘Relumino’ as strong communication tools for the deaf-blind and people with low vision in the country. Good Vibes has been launched for deafblind to enable them to have two-way communication with their caregivers, family and friends. Good Vibes app uses Morse code, which converts vibrations (a combination of dots and dashes that the deafblind can interpret) into text or voice (on the caregiver’s app) and vice-versa. 'Relumino' is a visual aid application for people with low vision to help them see images clearer by magnifying and minimizing images, highlighting the image outline, adjusting colour contrast and brightness, and reversing colour. National Association for the Blind (NAB) will use Relumino in classrooms where students with low vision will use these devices to see better, thus, helping them improve their learning abilities.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India joins global antimicrobial resistance research hub: India has joined the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research (AMR) and Development hub as a new member. AMR is the ability of a microbe to resist the effects of medication that once could successfully treat the microbe. India will be a member of the board of members of the hub from this year. India looks forward to working with all partners to leverage their existing capabilities, resources and collectively focus on new research to address drug-resistant infections. The hub supports global priority setting and evidence-based decision-making on the allocation of resources for AMR research and development through identification of gaps, overlaps and potential for cross-sectoral collaboration and leveraging.

Note: The acting Chairperson of the hub’s Board of Members is Bersabel Ephrem.

2. IFC signs MoU with FIDC for training NBFCs: The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC). FIDC is a representative body of asset and loan Financing Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFCs), to collaborate on the training of NBFCs in the country. According to the agreement, the training programs for NBFCs would be conducted on “Commercial Credit Reporting” aimed at building the capacity of NBFCs to enhanced reporting and enquiring on Commercial Credit Information Data from the Credit Bureaus.

Note: CEO of IFC: Philippe Le Houerou; Director-General of FIDC: Mahesh Thakkar.

3. The Times Higher Education “World University Ranking 2020” released: This year’s list of the best universities in the world is led by the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge for the second year in a row. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, shares the first rank with Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Ropar this year and continues to be the best Indian institute in this ranking since 2014. Both the institutes have been ranked among the top 301-350 universities of the world.

Note: World University Rankings 2020, published by the United Kingdom (UK) based Times Higher Education (THE). The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020 includes more than 1,400 universities (92 countries), making it our biggest international league table to date. It is the only global university performance table to judge research-intensive universities across all of their core missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

World Best five University Rankings 2019

Rank	Name	Number of Students
1	University of Oxford (United Kingdom)	20,664
2	California Institute of Technology (United States)	2,240
3	University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)	18,978
4	Stanford University (United States)	11,231
5	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (United States)	11,247

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Megan Schutt becomes first woman to claim two white ball hat-tricks: Australia fast bowler Megan Schutt scripted history by becoming the first woman to claim two hat-tricks in white ball cricket after she cleaned up the West Indies tail in the third ODI here. Schutt (3/24), thus, became the first Australian women to claim a hat-trick in ODIs. Her feat enabled Australia women to bowl out West Indies women for a paltry 180. Schutt had claimed her first hat­trick in a T20 game against India.

2. India top medal tally in Track Asia Cup cycling: India's Ronaldo Laitonjam has won his fourth gold medal on the concluding day of Track Asia Cup Cycling competition in New Delhi. India emerged overall champions as its players picked up three medals in the day, two gold and one bronze. Overall, India topped the medals tally (10 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze) as the tournament came to an end at the IGI Sports Complex. Uzbekistan finished second, with 4 gold and 3 silver and Malaysia secured third place, with 4 gold and 1 silver.

3. Feroz Shah Kotla stadium renamed after Arun Jaitley: The iconic Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in New Delhi has been renamed as ‘Arun Jaitley Cricket stadium’. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has digitally inaugurated the renamed Cricket Stadium in a ceremony at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. Arun Jaitley served as the President of the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) as well as the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). DDCA also unveiled a new pavilion stand at the Feroz Shah Kotla named after skipper Virat Kohli, who recently became the most successful India captain in Test cricket (surpassing M S Dhoni).

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Karnataka Bank chief becomes IBA committee member: Mahabaleshwara MS, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Karnataka Bank, has been inducted to the managing committee of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). He was elected unopposed from the Private Sector Member Banks’ category.

Note: Chairman of Indian Banks’ Association: Sunil Mehta.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Music director Usha Khanna to get ‘Lata Mangeshkar Award’: Veteran music director Usha Khanna (78-years) has been conferred the “Lata Mangeshkar Award” for the year 2019-20. The award presented by the Maharashtra government, the Lata Mangeshkar Award for Lifetime Achievement, consisted of cash reward of Rs 5,00,000, a citation, a trophy and a shawl. Usha Khanna first composed super hit songs for the Asha Parekh debut film “Dil Deke Dekho” (1959). Some of her famous songs are “Chhodo Kal Ki Baatein”, “Hum tumse juda hoke, mar jayenge ro roke” “Jiske liye sabko chhoda”.

DEFENCE

1. DRDO hands over second ‘Netra’ (AEWC) aircraft to IAF: The Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) has handed over the second airborne warning plane, Netra, to the Indian Air Force. The Netra, an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) aircraft, it is useful for surveillance, tracking, identification and classification of airborne and sea surface targets and is useful in detecting incoming ballistic missile threats. The Netra had played a stellar role during the Balakot airstrikes that had been carried out by the IAF in February this year. It provided surveillance and radar coverage to the five Mirage jets that bombed terror launch pads in Balakot in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.

Note: Chairman of DRDO: Dr G. Satheesh Reddy; Headquarters: New Delhi; Founded: 1958; Motto of DRDO: “Strength’s Origin is in Science.

2. Indo-Thailand joint military exercise Maitree 2019: India and Thailand are all set to organize Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-2019 at Foreign Training Node, Umroi (Meghalaya) from 16th to 29th September 2019. Both the countries have already conducted two such military exercises in past one month. About 100 Indian and Royal Thailand Army (RTA) soldiers will participate in the joint military exercise with an aim to share experience gained during a various counter-terrorism operation in their respective countries. The exercise ‘MAITREE’ is an annual training event which is being conducted alternatively in India and Thailand since 2006.

Note: Chief of the Army Staff: General Bipin Rawat.

OBITUARIES

1. Climate change campaigner of the South Pacific Akilisi Pohiva passes away: Climate change campaigner of the South Pacific and Prime Minister of Tongan Akilisi Pohiva passed away. He was long-time pro-democracy campaigner and leader in the fight against climate change. He was awarded the Defender of Democracy Award in 2013 by the Parliamentarians for Global Action, the first Pacific Islander to receive the prize.

Daily GK Updates - 12th September, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Skill India gets its first Batch of IES officers to the ISDS cadre: The fresh batch of the newest central government services, the Indian Skill Development Services (ISDS) commenced their training program at the Administrative Training Institute (ATI) in Mysuru, Karnataka. These are the first batch which is joining the ISDS cadre from the Indian Engineering Service Examination conducted by UPSC. The aim for this is to attract young and talented administrators towards institutionalizing the Skill Development environment in the country. The induction of young talent as ISDS officers is one of the special initiatives taken by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the government as a whole, to significantly strengthen the skill development eco-system in the country. This is the first batch of young minds from Indian Engineering Services to be included in the MSDE.

Note: Minister of State in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: Raj Kumar Singh.

2. Haryana launches two insurance schemes for traders: The State government of Haryana has launched two insurance schemes for registered small and medium traders. The schemes includes “Mukhyamantri Vyapari Samuhik Niji Durghatna Beema Yojana” and “Mukhyamantri Vyapari Kshatipurti Beema Yojana“. An insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh would be provided under the Mukhyamantri Vyapari Samuhik Niji Durghatna Beema Yojana. An insurance cover ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh would be provided under the Mukhyamantri Vyapari Kshatipurti Beema Yojana. Traders registered under the Haryana Goods and Service Tax (HGST) Act, 2017 would be covered under these schemes. As per the scheme, the premium of people under both the schemes would be paid by the State government.

Note: Haryana Capital: Chandigarh; Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar; Governor: Satyadev Narayan Arya.

3. Indian Railways across the country is observing “Swachhta-Hi-Seva Pakhwada”: Ministry of Railways is observing ‘Swachhta-Hi-Seva Pakhwada’ across its entire network from 11th September to 2nd October 2019. Prime Minister of India at an event on Swachhta Hi Seva (SHS) offered Shramdaan at Mathura leading and giving a message to the nation on the removal of plastic waste. According to Shri Piyush Goyal (Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry), officers and staff of all departments to be involved in various activities during ‘Swachhta-Hi-Seva Pakhwada’. Mr Goyal also directed Zonal Railways to upload selected photographs on E-Drishti, Minister’s dashboard for monitoring purposes.

4. Bandaru Dattatreya takes oath as Himachal Pradesh Governor: Former Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya (72-years) took oath as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court V. Ramasubramanian administered him,oath of Office and Secrecy at Rajbhavan in Shimla. Dattatreya has replaced Kalraj Mishra who is now taking over as the Governor of Rajasthan.

5. DR. PK Mishra takes charge as Principal Secretary to PM Modi: Senior Indian Administrative Service officer (retired) Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra (1972 batch, Gujarat cadre) took charge as principal secretary to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He succeeds Nripendra Misra who stepped down recently. Mr Mishra holds a PhD in Economics / Development Studies from the University of Sussex in England. The United Nations conferred him with the SASAKAWA award in 2019 for his efforts towards disaster risk reduction.

6. P K Sinha appointed as the Principal Advisor to PM: Former Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha has been appointed the Principal Advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of PK Sinha. He is a 1977 batch Indian Administrative Service Batch officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre. He joined cabinet secretariat on June 1, 2015, as Officer-on-Special Duty.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. U.K. opens up two-year post-study work permit visa again: The U.K has decided to re-introduce the two-year post-study Visa for International students. It will boost the opportunities for talented students to build successful careers thereafter their education. According to the British High Commission, the new ‘graduate’ route will be open to all international students, who have valid U.K. immigration status as a student. Students have successfully completed a course of study in any subject at undergraduate level or above at an approved U.K. Higher Education Provider. The work visa was revoked in 2012 by the then government, affecting the international student admissions as they had to leave just four months after completing their course.

2. Vietnam opens Southeast Asia's largest solar power farm: Vietnam has inaugurated Southeast Asia's largest solar power farm which has the capacity to produce 688 million kWh of electricity per year. The Dau Tieng Solar Power Complex is a joint venture with the Thai industrial group B.Grimm Power Public Company and has an investment of more than USD 391 million. It is expected to generate 10% of the country's solar energy to guarantee supply to 320,000 homes. It will also prevent the emission of 595,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year.

3. Nepal Infrastructure Summit 2019 held in Kathmandu: Nepal Infrastructure Summit (3rd) 2019 was held in Kathmandu, Nepal (11th-12th September 2019). The theme of the summit was “Resilient Infrastructure for Sustainable Development“. It focuses on the global and regional mega trends, including climate change and their relevance to the local context, issues surrounding infrastructure project delivery, financing modalities and opportunities for cross-border economic cooperation and investments. The summit was organised by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries in association with Government of Nepal. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, New and Renewable Energy Raj Kumar Singh represented India in the summit.

Note: Prime Minister of Nepal: K P Sharma Oli; Capital: Kathmandu.

4. Thailand 1st in Asia to roll out plain cigarette packaging: Thailand became the first Asian nation to unveil plain cigarette packaging to reduce the appeal of smoking and complied with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guidelines. In 2012, Australia became the first country to require tobacco products to be sold without colourful brand logos.

Note: Thailand Capital: Bangkok, Currency: Baht.

5. Canada's Justin Trudeau calls general election on 21st October: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (47-years) dissolved the parliament and called a federal election for 21st October this year. Justin Trudeau (leader of the Liberal Party) visited Governor General Julie Payette, Canada's acting head of state to formally launch the campaign.

Note: The prime minister of Canada is the primary Minister of the Crown, chairman of the Cabinet, and Canada's head of government.

6. Cryodrakon boreas is the largest flying animal of all time: Scientists have unveiled a newly discovered species of a pterosaur, the largest ever flying animal according to a study conducted by Queen Mary University in London. These species come from the Azhdarchid group of pterosaurs. The pterosaur’s name Cryodrakon boreas roughly translates to ‘frozen dragon of the north wind’. Cryodrakon boreas is the largest flying animal of all time, with a wingspan of 10 m and weighing 250 kg, researchers reported in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

7. International Day for South-South Cooperation: 12th September: The International Day for South-South Cooperation is being observed every year on 12 September by United Nations (UN) to work on technical cooperation among developing countries. The theme for 2019: From Commitment to Action — Follow up to Buenos Aires Plan of Action+40. The Second High-level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation (BAPA+40) was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina (20-22 March 2019).

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. IDBI to launch co-branded credit card with LIC: The Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI Bank) and Life Insurance Corporation of India Credit Cards Services (LIC CSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of LIC, will launch a co-branded credit card, which will be marketed to customers, agents, and employees of the corporation and its subsidiaries.

Note: IDBI Bank Headquarters: Mumbai; MD and CEO: Rakesh Sharma; Chairman of LIC: MR Kumar; Headquarters of LIC: Mumbai.

AWARDS AND HONOUR

1. Navdeep Singh Suri honoured with First Class Order of Zayed II: Navdeep Singh Suri, India’s envoy to United Arab Emirates, has been honoured with the First Class Order of Zayed II award.

He was awarded by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his contribution to the development and strengthening of friendly relations and co-operation between India and UAE during his tenure. Suri has been heading the Indian mission in the UAE since October 2016.

DEFENCE

1. DRDO successfully tests indigenous anti-tank guided missile (MPATGM): The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested an indigenously-developed low weight, fire and forget Man-Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM) in the ranges of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. This is the third series of successful testing of MPATGM. The missile is incorporated with state-of-the-art Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics. The test paves the way for the Army to have developed third-generation man-portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile indigenously.

Note: DRDO Chairman: G Satheesh Reddy, Established: 1958, Headquarters: New Delhi.

2. IAF resurrects 17 Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ for Rafale: The Indian Air Force (IAF) resurrected the Air Force Station (AFS) Ambala-based 17 Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’, which will operate the first squadron of Rafale fighter jets. Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa presented a memento to Station Commander Group Captain Harkirat Singh to commemorate the occasion. The squadron was formed at Ambala on 01st Oct 1951 under the command of Flight Lieutenant D L Springett and was then equipped with Harvard-II B aircraft. Under the command of then Wing Commander BS Dhanoa, Golden Arrows participated actively in Operation Safed Sagar in 1999. On December 31, 2011, the squadron was ‘number plated’ after the Russian Mig-21 jets that it flew was decommissioned as part of the IAF’s long-term plan to phase the decades-old aircraft out of service and was since awaiting newer inductions.

3. INS Khanderi to be commissioned into the Indian Navy: India’s 2nd Scorpene-class submarine, INS Khanderi will be commissioned into the Indian Navy by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The conventional diesel-electric submarine has been manufactured by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai. The first Scorpene-class submarine INS Kalvari was commissioned into the Indian Navy in December 2017.

Note: Chief of the Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

Daily GK Updates - 11th September, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi to inaugurate India’s second Multi-Modal Terminal in Jharkhand: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation India’s second riverine Multi-Modal terminal (MMT) built at Sahibganj in Jharkhand.  The terminal at Sahibganj will open up industries of Jharkhand and Bihar to the global market and provide Indo-Nepal cargo connectivity through waterways route. Coal, stone chips, fertilizers, cement and sugar are other commodities expected to be transported through the terminal. This is the second of the three Multi-Modal Terminals being constructed on river Ganga under Jal Marg Vikas Project.

Note: Jharkhand Chief Minister: Raghubar Das; Governor: Draupadi Murmu; Capital: Ranchi.

2. Kerala to set up India’s first iWTC in Kozhikode: Kerala will set up India’s first international women’s trade centre (iWTC), in consonance with the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Kozhikode. A key project of the state’s gender park under the department of social justice, it is envisaged as a safe space away from home for women to harness their entrepreneurial capabilities, set up or expand their businesses and get their products marketed globally. The first phase of iWTC, being executed under the gender park’s “Vision 2020”, is scheduled to be completed by 2021.

Note: Chief Minister of Kerala: Pinarayi Vijayan; Governor of Kerala: Arif Mohammed Khan.

3. PM Modi launches National Animal Disease Control Programme: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the National Animal Disease Control Programme for eradicating the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis in the livestock from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. The programme aims at vaccinating over 500 Million Livestock including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and pigs against the disease. It also aims at vaccinating 36 million female Bovine Calves annually in its fight against the Brucellosis disease. It will be implemented for a period of five years till 2024 at a cost of 12, 652 crore rupees. Prime Minister Modi also launched the National Artificial Insemination Programme during the event. Mr Modi has also launched simultaneously countrywide workshops in Krishi Vigyan Kendras in all the 687 districts of the country on the topic of vaccination and diseases management, Artificial insemination and productivity.

4. Gurugram Police ties up with tech giant Google: The Gurugram traffic police have tied up with Google maps for real time traffic updates. The traffic related information will be shared in real time for public use. The information such as planned road closures, diversions, traffic alerts regarding road crash etc. will be shared by Gurugram traffic police with Google maps. Responding to the situation, Google maps will immediately update the information on its public maps. The basic idea behind this arrangement is to prompt commuters to make intelligent choices in order to make their commuting experience hassle-free.

5. “CHC Farm Machinery” App launched for farmers: Minister of State for Agriculture, Parshottam Rupala has launched a multilingual Mobile App “CHC Farm Machinery” during a conference on Crop Residue Management in New Delhi. The app will allow farmers to avail custom hiring services of CHCs located in a radius of 50 km. With the help of app, the farmers will now be able to get affordable access to cutting-edge technology at their doorsteps.

6. Govt sets up a three-member committee to look into Assets, Liabilities of J&K: The Union Government has constituted a three-member committee to look into the distribution of assets and liabilities of Jammu and Kashmir between two successor Union territories. Sanjay Mitra (former defence secretary) is the head of the committee. The other two members are Arun Goyal (retired IAS officer) and Giriraj Prasad Gupta (retired Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer). As per Section 84 of the Act, the assets and liabilities of the existing state of Jammu and Kashmir have to be apportioned between the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

7. A book titled “Savarkar: Echoes from a forgotten past, 1883-1924” released: A book titled “Savarkar: Echoes from a forgotten past, 1883-1924″ is penned by Bengaluru-based historian Vikram Sampath and published by Penguin. This book describing the life of freedom fighter and Philosopher Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar. This first volume of the two-volume series covers the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Veer Savarkar), from his birth in 1883 to his conditional release to Ratnagiri in 1924.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International conference ‘ANGAN’ organized in New Delhi: International conference ANGAN (Augmenting Nature by Green Affordable New-habitat) for Energy Efficiency in the Building Sector is being organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in New Delhi. Indo-German Technical Cooperation is also partnering in the event. Experts and policymakers from sixteen countries are participating in this event to discuss various alternative options and technologies in the field of design and construction of energy-efficient commercial as well as residential buildings. It will provide a platform to deliberate on the interdependence between organizations, systems sustainability and feedback loops for better resource efficiency.

Note: Director-General of Bureau of Energy Efficiency: Abhay Bakre; Headquarters: New Delhi.

2. US President sacks National Security Adviser John Bolton: President Donald Trump has fired his National Security Adviser (NSA) John Bolton. The exit comes amid reports that there is disagreement within the Administration over Trump's decision to host a now-cancelled meeting with Taliban leaders at Camp David. Deputy National Security Advisor Charles Martin Kupperman (68-years) was made interim United States National Security Advisor for President Donald Trump. NSC serves as the chief in-house advisor to the President of the United States on national security issues.

Note: National Security Advisor (NSC) Advisor is a senior aide in the Executive Office of the President, based at the West Wing of the White House. The National Security Advisor is appointed by the President and does not require confirmation by the Senate.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Paralympic Committee of India de-recognised for Sports Code violation: The Sports Ministry of India has de-recognised the Paralympic Committee of India. The ministry has de-recognised the committee for violation of the National Sports Code. The committee violated the code by removing its elected president Rao Inderjit Singh. The Committee has been penalised for misgovernance and has been directed to comply with the Sports Code and ensure good governance practices in its internal functioning.

Note: Ministers of State (I/C) Youth Affairs and Sports: Shri Kiren Rijiju.

2. Kraigg Brathwaite reported for suspected illegal bowling action: West Indies Cricketer Kraigg Brathwaite (26 years) has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action during the second Test against India in Kingston. ICC match officials report cited concerns about the legality of the bowling action of Brathwaite during the match. Brathwaite will be required to submit to further testing by 14th September. He is permitted to continue bowling in International cricket until the results of the testing are known.

Note: An Illegal Bowling Action is where a player is throwing rather than bowling the ball. This is defined by the ICC as being where the player’s elbow extends by an amount of more than 15% between their arm reaching the horizontal and the ball being released.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Economic census to be held every three years: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has taken upon itself to make available the latest data and come out with the economic census every three years. The move has been initiated with the work on the 7th economic census. The First Economic Census in India was in 1977, second in 1980, its 3rd in 1990 and 6th in 2013. The data being collected in the economic census undergoes three levels of scrutiny, all of which is through the mobile application developed exclusively for the economic census. The census is aimed at getting a better picture of the economic agents in the economy from the establishment perspective and to create the framework for a National Statistical Business Register (NSBR).

2. Niti Aayog, McKinsey to Launch First Digital Capability Centre: National Institution for Transforming India (Niti Aayog) has selected McKinsey & Company to set up India’s first Digital Capability Centre (DCC). McKinsey supports five such digital capability centres across the globe – Aachen, Chicago, Singapore, Venice, and Beijing. DCC is a unique digital manufacturing learning centre offering company leaders and their workforces hands-on experience and workshops in next-generation technology to help them advance their operations, design and productivity and can be used at all levels of the value chain.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For RRB NTPC/IBPS RRB Mains:

CEO NITI Aayog: Amitabh Kant; Vice Chairman: Rajiv Kumar.

3. Jack Ma officially retires as Alibaba's chairman: Jack Ma stepped down as executive chairman of e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Daniel Zhang succeed him at Asia’s most valuable company. Jack will remain on the board until Alibaba’s annual meeting of shareholders in 2020.

Note: Jack Ma (former English teacher) started Alibaba.com in 1999 as a business-to-business marketplace with 17 co-founders.

AWARDS AND HONOUR

1. Pawan Munjal to be honoured with Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame: Managing Director and Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, Pawan Munjal will be inducted into the 2019 Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame. He will be inducted for his support to “Golf” in India and around the world. The induction ceremony will be held at the 2019 Asian Golf Awards Gala Banquet. With the honour, he will join the legendary players such as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and other leading personalities such as David Chu who were bestowed with the highest honour in the Asia Pacific golf industry.

2. England greats Boycott & Strauss honoured with knighthoods: England cricket greats Geoffrey Boycott and Andrew Strauss have been honoured with “Knighthoods” by Theresa May in her resignation honours list. Both the former cricketers have received the honour for their services to sport after outstanding careers for England. Geoffrey Boycott played 108 tests between 1964 and 1982 for England and scored 8,114 Test runs at an average of 47.72. Andrew Strauss played 100 tests for England from 2004-12, scoring more than 7,000 runs at an average of 40.91, and captained the team to two Ashes series wins. He also served as England’s director of cricket between 2015 and 2018.

3. Royal Society honour for Dr Yusuf Hamied: Dr Yusuf Hamied (Chairman of Cipla) has been inducted as an honorary fellow of the Royal Society. He was elected as an honorary fellow of the Royal Society for his service to the cause of science. A total of 51 new Fellows and 10 foreign members were elected to the Royal Society in 2019.

Note: Royal Society is the independent scientific academy of the UK and the Commonwealth which is dedicated to promoting excellence in science.

OBITUARIES

1. Tamil actor, cinematographer and director Rajasekar passes away: Tamil Film Director, Actor and Cinematographer Raja Sekar passed away. He was a part of the director duo Robert-Rajasekar. Along with Robert Ashirwatham, he had directed films such as Palaivanacholai, Chinnapoove Mella Pesu, Dhooram Adhigamillai, Manasukkul Mathappu and Paravaigal Palavidham.

Daily GK Updates - 10th September, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 1st Helicopter summit 2019 held in Dehradun: The Ministry of Civil Aviation organised India’s first-ever helicopter summit in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The summit was based on the theme of expanding connectivity through helicopters. 'Helicopter Summit- 2019' was organised jointly by Civil Aviation Ministry, Uttarakhand government and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI). Indian Air Force (IAF) was also invited at the summit to talk on ‘Role of IAF helicopters in MEDEVAC i.e. medical evacuation at National level‘. Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat announced that aviation firms offering helicopter services in areas identified under UDAN Yojana (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), a Regional Connectivity Scheme will get an additional subsidy from Uttarakhand government in addition to the subsidy given by the Centre.

2. Rajiv Kumar appointed as the new MD of Microsoft India (R&D): Microsoft has appointed Rajiv Kumar as the new managing director of Microsoft India Research and Development Pvt Ltd (MIRPL). He is currently served as a Corporate Vice-President of Microsoft’s Experiences and Devices (E+D) Group. He will replace Anil Bhansali, who held this role for six years.

Note: CEO of Microsoft: Satya Nadella.

3. Justice Vikram Nath appointed as Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court: Justice Vikram Nath has been appointed as the chief justice of the Gujarat High Court. The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended the name of Justice Nath for the top post in the Gujarat High Court. He is at present posted as a judge in the Allahabad High Court.

Note: Chief Justice of India: Ranjan Gogoi

4. H-Energy & KSPL partners for regasification project: Hiranandani Group energy arm H-Energy has signed a port service agreement with Kakinada Seaports Limited. As per the agreement, they will develop a liquified natural gas (LNG) regasification and reloading terminal at Kakinada port. The project will cater to the needs of domestic customers in the state of Andhra Pradesh. KSPL has the concession for Kakinada Deep Water Port from the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Note: CEO of H-Energy: Darshan Hiranandani.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 22nd Session of UN Committee on CRPD at Geneva: The 22nd Session of UN Committee on Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities was held at Geneva. The UN Committee on CRPD took up India’s First Country Report for consideration during the session. India ratified this Convention on 01-10-2007 in pursuance of Article 35 of the Convention. Shakuntala D. Gamlin, Secretary, DEPwD headed the Indian delegation at the session. She highlighted various initiatives taken by the Government in the recent past for inclusion and empowerment of PwDs in line with the obligations under UNCRPD.

2. Hurricane Dorian: India announces USD 1 million disaster relief aid for Bahamas: India announced humanitarian assistance of USD 1 million to help people in the Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian. According to reports, the death toll from the calamity has risen to over 40 and is likely to increase even more, even as search and rescue teams are still trying to reach out to Bahamian communities isolated by floodwaters and debris in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.

Note: Note: Capital of Bahamas: Nassau; Currency of Bahamas: Bahamian dollar.

3. PM Modi and Nepalese PM inaugurated Motihari-Amlekhgunj oil pipeline: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli have jointly inaugurated Motihari-Amlekhgunj cross border petroleum products pipeline. The 69 km long pipeline from Motihari in Bihar to Amlekhgunj in Nepal has been constructed by India. This is the first transnational petroleum pipeline form India and first South Asian oil pipeline corridor. The pipeline will ensure smooth, cost-effective and environment-friendly supply of petroleum products to Nepal. The pipeline will save billions of rupees every year on transportation, leakage and expected to make a significant contribution to the prosperity of Nepal and its people.

4. World Suicide Prevention Day: 10 September: The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) observes World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on 10 September every year. The theme of 2019 is “Working Together to Prevent Suicide”. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented. The number of countries with national suicide prevention strategies has increased in the five years since the publication of WHO’s first global report on suicide.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Kiran Pollard named West Indies's ODI and T20I captain: Kieron Pollard (32 years) has been named as West Indies' new one-day international (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) captain. Kieron Pollard is a medium-pace bowler and big-hitting batsman in the middle-order Jason Holder remains the West Indies Test captain. Pollard was part of the West Indies squad that won the 2012 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Pollard was part of the West Indies squad that won the 2012 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. IPPB rolls out Aadhaar-enabled payment services: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) rollout of Aadhaar Enabled Payment System Services (AePS). With AePS services, any person with a bank account linked to Aadhaar can perform basic banking services such as cash withdrawals and balance enquiry irrespective of the bank they hold their account with. IPPB has become the single largest platform in the country for providing interoperable banking services to customers of any bank by leveraging the last mile unprecedented reach of the Postal network.

Note: Managing Director & CEO of IPPB: Suresh Sethi;

2. Edelweiss, SBI sign pact for co-origination of loans to MSMEs: ECL Finance Limited (a subsidiary of Edelweiss Financial Services Limited) and State Bank of India (SBI) have signed a co-origination agreement to increase access to credit for micro, small and medium enterprises. It plans to provide business loans, machinery loans and SME asset-backed loans ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 50 lakh at a blended rate of interest. This is the third co-origination agreement for Edelweiss, after Bank of Baroda and Central Bank of India.

AWARDS AND HONOUR

1. Recipients of Visitor's Awards 2019 announced: President’s Secretariat has announced recipients of Visitor’s Awards 2019 for research in various fields. The Awards will be presented for Research in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences and for Technology Development. This year Visitor's Award for research will be presented to Professor Sibnath Deb, Professor Sanjay Puri, Professor Asad Ullah Khan, Dr Partima and Dr Shaon Ray Chaudhuri. The objective of the Visitor’s award is to promote healthy competition amongst Central Universities as well as motivate them to adopt best global practices in pursuit of excellence. The award will be conferred by President Ram Nath Kovind at an event to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Recipients of 2019 Award:

Professor Sibnath Deb will be awarded for his research in the field of child protection, especially his focus on child abuse and neglect, student’s mental health and HIV/AIDS.

Professor Sanjay Puri will be awarded for his research in the field of non-equilibrium statistical physics and nonlinear dynamics.

Professor Asad Ullah Khan will be awarded for identifying Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problem in India: mechanism of spread and control of AMR.

Dr Partima will be awarded for her research on nano biosensors and nano-bio interactions especially early-stage cancer diagnosis using nanomaterials bases biosensing platform.

Dr Shaon Ray Chaudhuri will be awarded for Technology Development, for developing microbial biofilm reactor for conversion of dairy wastewater into biofertilizer.

2. Odia Writer Pradeep Dash to receive 40th Sarala Puraskar: Noted Odia writer Pradeep Dash will be conferred with the 40th edition of prestigious Sarala Puraskar for his poetry work Charu Chibar O Charjya. The annual award comprises of a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a citation.

Note: The annual Sarala Puraskar instituted by eminent Odia industrialist Late Bansidhar Panda and Late Ila Panda in 1979, has been continuously awarded by Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT).  Sarala Puraskar is recognised as the foremost literary award of Odisha. This award is one of the finest contributions of  Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) to glorify Odia literature.

OBITUARIES

1. Freedom fighter Heeralal Sharma passes away: Rajasthan born freedom fighter of India Heeralal Sharma has passed away at the age of 95. He took an active participated in the freedom struggle and was jailed for two years.