Daily GK Updates - 28th October, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. First-ever Ladakh Literature Festival: Ladakh administration is organizing the first-ever Ladakh Literature festival. The 3-day Literature Festival is being organized from 29 to 31 October 2019. The first-ever Ladakh Literature festival aims to celebrate the uniqueness of the region in the fields of Art, Culture and Literature. There will be screenings of Ladakhi films, discussions on Heritage and presentations on History and Archeology of Ladakh, during the festival. To provide an opportunity to children, youth and women to participate in the 3 Day Ladakh Literature Festival several competitions and events like Calligraphy, Culinary art are also incorporated.

2. Odisha inks LoU with UNICEF to provide safe drinking water: The Odisha government has signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) with UNICEF to provide safe drinking water to every household in the state. The LoU was signed by the state housing and urban development department (HUDD) to provide 24-hour safe drinking water and the project has been named as 'Drink from Tap Mission'. The project will be launched on a pilot basis for about 1.2 lakh people involving 22,000 families in pockets of Puri and Khurda district. The project is being undertaken with financial support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which will hopefully help in achieving the state government's target.

3. Andhra Pradesh launches online platform SMARTPORT for Ease of Doing Business for Ports: Andhra Pradesh has launched an online portal named SMARTPORT for implementing the Ease of Doing Business Reforms related to trade and export promotion in all ports in the state. Andhra Pradesh is the first state in the country to launch such a portal for port-related services.

SMARTPORT will enable online services like request for entry of vessels into Indian waters, furnishing cargo declaration, request for entry certificate of vessels, furnishing import/export parameters and request for final clearance certificate.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Alberto Fernandez Elected as President of Argentina: Argentina has elected Centre-left opposition candidate Alberto Fernández as its new President. The 60-year-old law professor secured 47.36 percent votes, crossing the threshold for outright victory. He will succeed incumbent conservative Mauricio Macri and assume office on December 10, 2019.

Note: Argentina Capital: Buenos Aires; Currency: Argentine peso

2. Bill Gates overtakes Jeff Bezos as the world’s richest person: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates overtook Jeff Bezos to become the world’s richest person. Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos lost the title as the world’s richest man to Bill Gates, after losing nearly $7 billion in stock value leaving his net worth to $103.9 billion. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is currently worth $105.7 billion. Bezos ended Gates’ 24-year run as the richest man in 2018 and became the first man on earth with a net worth of $160 billion. Bill Gates debuted on Forbes’ first ever billionaire list in 1987 with a net worth of $1.25 billion.

3. International Animation Day: October 28: The International Animation Day is observed every year on October 28 to celebrate the art of animation and also recognise the artists, scientists and technicians behind animation. The day was created in 2002 by ASIFA, an International Animated Film Association, a member of UNESCO. 2019 marks the 18th International Animation Day.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Lewis Hamilton wins Mexican Grand Prix 2019: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes – Britain) has won the Formula One, Mexican Grand Prix 2019. Sebastian Vettel remained on second position, Valtteri Bottas was on third followed by Charles Leclerc on fourth spot. Hamilton’s 10th win of the season, and 83rd of his career, was also a 100th for Mercedes as a constructor.

2. Federer Won 10th Basel Title: Roger Federer won his 10th Swiss Indoors Basel title, entering double digits at a tournament for only the second time by racing past #NextGenATP Aussie Alex de Minaur 6-2, 6-2. Federer, playing in front of a fervent home crowd, played attacking tennis against the speedy 20-year-old, who was going for his fourth title of the season (3-1)

3. Open final: Satwik-Chirag settles for silver: The Indian men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty finished second best after losing the finals in straight games against top seeds Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo of Indonesia at the French Open Super 750 in Paris.

BANKING AND FINANCE

11. RBI imposes ₹35 lakh fine on Tamilnad Mercantile Bank: The Reserve Bank has imposed a penalty of ₹35 lakh on Tamilnad Mercantile Bank for violating norms on frauds classification and notification. The bank has been penalised for “non-compliance with certain provisions of directions issued by RBI on frauds classification and reporting by commercial. The RBI had conducted a statutory inspection of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank on its financial position as on March 31, 2017.

2. SBI Life fined Rs 4 lakh by IRDAI for violating norms on protection of policyholders: Insurance sector regulator IRDAI has imposed a fine of Rs 4 lakh on SBI Life Insurance Company Ltd for violating norms on advertisement and protection of policyholders’ interest. Irdai examined samples of proposal forms signed on November 30, 2016; December 23, 2016; February 17, 2017; and March 23, 2017. It was found that provisions prior to the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Act, 2015, were incorporated instead of new provisions.

ORBITUARIES

1. Padma Shri Awardee Nonagenarian Yoga Exponent V Nanammal Passes Away: The renowned nonagenarian yoga exponent V Nanammal passed away. She was 99 years old. V Nanammal was conferred the Padma Shri in 2018 and the Nari Shakti Puraskar and Yoga Ratna awards in 2016 and 2017 respectively. She had trained over 10 lakh students over 45 years, with nearly 100 students daily.

Daily GK Updates - 27th October, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Manohar Lal Khattar sworn in as CM of Haryana for a second term: Manohar Lal Khattar took oath as the chief minister of Haryana for a second consecutive term. The oath is administered by governor of Haryana, Satyadev Narayan Arya. The swearing in ceremony took place a day after Khattar was elected as the legislative party leader of BJP. Along with Khattar, Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) leader Dushyant Chautala also took oath, he will become the deputy chief minister of the state. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short of a majority after it could only win 40 out of the 90 assembly seats. The crucial support to BJP came from five independent Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and 10 members of JJP.

2. CBSE and NCERT to launch 'Tamanna' aptitude test for Class 9 and 10 students: Education board the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) have launched an online aptitude test called as ‘Tamanna’ (Try and Measure Aptitude and Natural Abilities). This will help students of class 9th and 10th make a better choice of subjects, eventually helping them in making an informed decision while choosing subjects in Class 11 and 12. The CBSE (Know your aptitude) KYA exam will assess a student's weaknesses and strengths in academics.

3. Varanasi most polluted city of India: CPCB: In a major health concern for the state, four UP cities were among the five most polluted in the country. According to the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board, Varanasi was the most polluted city with air quality index (AQI) touching 276, followed by Lucknow (AQI 269), Muzaffarnagar (AQI 266), Yamunanagar in Haryana (AQI 264) and Moradabad (AQI 256).

4. Guinness World Records set by Ayodhya for lighting over 4 lakh diyas: Uttar Pradesh state government’s Deepotsav celebrations on the eve of Diwali in Ayodhya has set a Guinness World Records as 4 lakh 10 thousand ‘diyaas’ were lit on the banks of Saryu river. Apart from this, more than two lakh ‘diyaas’ were lit elsewhere than the ghat. In all, more than 6 lakh ‘diyaas’ were lit. Last year’s record was of three lakh one thousand one hundred eighty six ‘diyaas’ at the ghat.

5. Indian Army Celebrates 73rd Infantry Day in J&K: The Indian Army celebrated the 73rd Infantry Day in Jammu and Kashmir on October 27, 2019, as a remembrance of the first military event of independent India and the supreme sacrifices of the infantry in countering the Pakistani raiders in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. October 27 is celebrated as Infantry Day by the Indian Army in J&K, known by nickname, Chinar Corps. On October 22, 1947, the Pakistan Army and Lashkar invaded into Jammu and Kashmir and wreaked havoc on the people. Thereafter the First Battalion of the Sikh Regiment of Indian Army fought battle to accomplish victory over the first attack on the Indian soil, on October 27, 1947, in the Kashmir valley.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indians will no longer require Visas to visit Brazil: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said that South American nation will drop its requirement that visiting Chinese and Indian tourists or businesspeople obtain visas. Bolsonaro, a far-right politician, came to power at the beginning of the year and has made it a policy to reduce visa requirements from a number of developed countries. But the announcement, made during an official visit to China, is the first he has made expanding that policy to the developing world. Earlier this year, the Brazilian government ended visa requirements for tourists and business people from the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia. Those countries, however, have not in return dropped their visa requirements for Brazilian citizens.

Note: Brazil Capital: Brasilia; Currency: Brazilian real

2. Sophie Wilmes Becomes First Women to be named as Belgian Prime Minister: Sophie Wilmes has been chosen as Belgium’s new Prime Minister. She is currently the Budget Minister of Belgium. Sophie is the first female to be appointed as the Prime Minister of the country. She will succeed incumbent Prime Minister Charles Michel, who is set to take over as European Council president on December 1.

Note: Belgium Capital: Brussels; Currency: Euro

3. World Day for Audiovisual Heritage: 27 October: The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, observed by the United Nations on 27th October, recognizes the need to preserve audio-visual links to the past. The Theme of 2019 is 'Engage the Past through Sound and Images'. The General Conference of UNESCO approved the commemoration of a World Day for Audio visual Heritage in 2005 as a mechanism to raise general awareness of the need to preserve and safeguard important audio-visual material for future generations.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. World Military Games: Boxer Deepak loses finals: Indian boxer Deepak lost the finals of the men's light fly 46-59 kg weight category against Zhussupov Temritas from Kazakhstan in the World Military Games in China. Deepak had to settle for the silver in the men's light flyweight (46-49kg) category after losing 0-5 to gold medallist Zhussupov Temirtas of Kazakhstan in the final. Temritas defeated Deepak 5-0 in the finals.

2. ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 to be held in South Africa: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the 13th edition of ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 will be hosted by South Africa from 17th January to 9th February 2020. South Africa will host this tournament for the second time. For the first time it hosted the 2nd edition of the tournament in 1998 when England won the tournament after beating New Zealand in the final. A total of 16 teams will participate in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020, including the hosts South Africa. The defending champion India has won the tournament 4 times.

Note: ICC Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates; ICC Chairman: Shashank Manohar; ICC CEO: Manu Sawhney

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. NDB Approves Two Projects with Loans Aggregating to USD 800 milllion for Brazil and India: New development bank will provide a sovereign loan of USD 500 million to the Federative Republic of Brazil for the Fundo Clima – Brazil National Climate Fund Project. The loan represents a threefold increase of Fundo Clima operations and the total amount of USD 500 million is expected to be fully committed by 2024. Sectors including urban mobility, waste treatment, renewable energy, energy efficiency are expected to be financed under the project. Bank provide a loan of USD 300 million to REC Limited to support the Government of India’s increasing investment in the renewable energy sector. The Project is aimed at improving the energy mix in India by providing funds for the construction and commissioning of renewable energy sub-projects. The Project will create jobs and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and environmental pollution.

Note: ADB Headquarters location: Shanghai, China; Founder: BRICS; Founded: 15 July 2014, Fortaleza, State of Ceará, Brazil; President: K. V. Kamath

Daily GK Updates - 26th October, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Health Ministry to observe Vigilance Awareness Week: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will observe the Vigilance Awareness Week from 28th October to 2nd November 2019 with the theme “Integrity- a way of life”. Vigilance Awareness Week will commence with the administration of ‘Integrity Pledge’ to the officers/staff of the Ministry by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, to fight against corruption and commit to highest standards of honesty and integrity. The week will be observed as per directions of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Government of India.

2. Girish Chandra Murmu appointed first Lieutenant Governor of J&K: Expenditure Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Girish Chander Murmu has been appointed as the first Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. He will be administered the oath of office on October 31 in Srinagar after which he will be the administrative head of Kashmir and Jammu provinces.

3. Radha Krishna Mathur appointed the first Lt Governor of Ladakh: Former Chief Information Commissioner of India (CIC), Radha Krishna Mathur has been appointed the Lieutenant Governor of the union territory of Ladakh. The reorganization of Ladakh as UT will take effect from October 31, 2019. Radha Krishna Mathur was given the charge as the Chief Information Commissioner of India (CIC) in 2016 and he retired as CIC in November 2018. He has been the Union Defence Secretary, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Secretary of India and the Chief Secretary of Tripura. He has also served as the Development Commissioner in the Ministry of Textiles and the Chief Enforcement Officer in the Ministry of Textiles in the Central government.

4. Satya Pal Malik appointed new Governor of Goa: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has been transferred and appointed as Governor of Goa. He was appointed as the governor of undivided Jammu & Kashmir in August last year. In September 2017, he was appointed the governor of Bihar. Earlier, he was a member of the 9th Lok Sabha and represented Aligarh Constituency from 1989 to 1991. He was a member of Rajya sabha from Uttar Pradesh during the two-term of 1980-86 and 1986-1992.

5. Govt sets up panel to resolve contention between MeitY and Niti over AI: The government of India has formed a committee under the chairmanship of principal scientific advisor, K Vijay Raghavan to resolve the contentions between the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) and the NITI Aayog over the ownership to implement the ambitious Artificial Intelligence Mission. The panel will specify the roles of different agencies in achieving the AI mission. The committee will also be represented by the secretary in the department of science and technology, the CEO of Niti Aayog and secretary of MeitY. The committee is tasked with rooting out duplication of work between various government arms, while clearly specifying the role of different agencies to fast-track the implementation of the AI mission. Earlier, Niti Aayog received clearance from the expenditure finance committee (EFC) for a budget of Rs 7,000 crore, while MeitY had sent a separate Rs 400 crore proposal to the EFC to set up a national AI programme.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. First Global Health Security Index 2019 released, India ranked at 57th position: The first comprehensive assessment of epidemic and pandemic threats globally ‘The Global Health Security Index 2019’ was released. Among the 195 countries, India got 57th position in the index while the United States of America (USA) topped the list, followed by the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Thailand and South Korea were among the best-performing countries in Asia. This is a project of the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, with research by The Economist Intelligence Unit

2. Evo Morales has been Re-elected as President of Bolivia. Evo Morales has narrowly won a controversial fourth presidential term just as tens of thousands of Bolivians marched in the administrative capital, La Paz, and cities across the country on the fourth day of protests decrying alleged voter fraud. With 99.99% of the official vote counted, Morales won 47.07%, fractionally clearing the 10-point margin he needed to avoid a second-round run-off against the main opposition candidate, Carlos Mesa, who won 36.51% of the vote. A spokeswoman for Bolivia’s electoral board said 0.01% votes have been voided in the region of Beni with new voting there scheduled for November. She said they were not enough to change the outcome.

Note: Bolivia Capital: La Paz, Sucre; Currency: Boliviano

3. Ruling Party Wins Botswana Elections: The Botswana Democratic Party shrugged off a spirited challenge from the opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, to keep intact its 53-year, uninterrupted rule. The BDP secured the 29 of 57 National Assembly seats required to form the next government. Botswana Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane declared BDP leader, Mokgweetsi Masisi, the country's president.

Note: Botswana Capital: Gaborone; Currency: Botswana pula

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Karnataka crush Tamil Nadu to win 4th Vijay Hazare Trophy: Karnataka defeated Tamil Nadu by 60 runs (VJD method) to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the 4th time. KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal shared an unbeaten 114-run partnership after Abhimanyu Mithun took a hat-trick and completed a 5-wicket haul as Karnataka defeated Tamil Nadu to lift the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the 4th time. Karnataka were cruising towards a 253-run target before rain interrupted play. The final was eventually called off when Karnataka were 146/1 in 23 overs. With Rahul batting on 52 and Agarwal unbeaten on 69, Karanataka were declared winners by VJD method. Karnataka were well ahead of the VJD par-score, which was 87.

2. Jasprit Bumrah, Mandhana win Wisden India Almanack ‘Cricketer of the Year’ award: Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah and Batswoman Smriti Mandhana are the two Indian names among the five winners of the Wisden India Almanack Cricketer of the Year award. The other three winners are: Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman, Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne and Afghanistan Rashid Khan. Wisden India Hall of Fame– Stalwarts Gundappa Viswanath and Lala Amarnath. Wisden India Book of the Year– “Cricket Country: The Untold History of the First All India Team” by Prashant Kidambi.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Union Government grants 'Maharatna' status to Hindustan Petroleum and Power Grid Corporation: The Indian government has accorded 'Maharatna' status to state-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Power Grid Corporation Limited. In this regard, two separates orders were issued by the Department of Public Enterprises, under the Ministry of Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises. It will give both the enterprise greater operational and financial autonomy because the grant of Maharatna status will impart enhanced powers to their Boards to take financial decisions.

Note: Founded in 1974, the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited is a major petroleum company in India. Its headquarters is situated in Mumbai and Mr. Mukesh Kumar Surana is its Chairman and Managing Director.

Power Grid Corporation Limited is the countries largest power transmission company founded in 1989 and headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana. K Shreekant is the Chairman and Managing Director of Power Grid Corporation.

2. Indian Overseas Bank unveils health insurance policy with Universal Sompo: Public sector lender, Indian Overseas Bank unveiled a healthcare insurance policy through an online platform in association with Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Ltd. The policy offered on a real-time basis to customers at the branches of Indian Overseas Bank through the integration of technology of the two institutions. The co-branded healthcare policy designed by Universal Sompo General Insurance is offered with a sum insured from Rs 50,000 to Rs 15 lakh. The one of its kind family floater policy where the premium is charged as per the age of the proposer with no medical checkup up to the 50 years of age. Customers can avail of co-branded insurance at all IOB branches. Self, spouse, dependent children, dependent parents can be covered under this policy.

Note: Indian Overseas Bank Headquarters: Chennai, TN; MD and CEO is Karnam Sekar

While Universal Sompo General Insurance headquarters: Mumbai; Chairman: O N Singh

3. World Bank inks agreement project to support smallholder farmers in Odisha: The World Bank has signed a tripartite loan agreement worth $165 million with the Government of India and Odisha government to support 125,000 smallholder farmers in the 15 districts district of Odisha. Under this loan agreement, the project "The Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture" will be implemented in Odisha's rural areas which are vulnerable to droughts and largely dependent on rainfed agriculture. This project will diversify and improve the marketing of their produce, for increased income by managing 128,000 ha of agricultural land in Odisha.

Note: World Bank Headquarters: Washington, D.C; President: David Malpass

DEFENCE

1. Indo-French joint military Drill 'Exercise Shakti-2019' will be conducted from October 31st in Rajasthan: Indo-French joint military exercise ‘Ex-Shakti-2019’ will be conducted from October 31 to November 13 in the Mahajan field firing range in Rajasthan. The joint exercise will focus on counter-terrorism operations in the backdrop of semi-desert terrain under the United Nations mandate. In this exercise, a contingent of the Sikh Regiment of south-western command will represent the Indian Army, while the troops of the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment of the 6th Armoured Brigade will represent French Army. The aim of this exercise is to enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the two armies. In 2018 it was conducted at Mailly Le Camp, France. The biennial exercise between the armies of the two countries had started in 2011.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Gujarat CM Dilip Parikh passes away at 82: Former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Dilip Parikh passed away at the age of 82 years. Parikh served as the 13th Chief Minister of Gujarat between October 1997 and March 1998.

Daily GK Updates - 25th October, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President Kovind visits Rajgir for Golden Jubilee celebration of Vishwa Shanti Stupa: President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated day long golden jubilee celebrations of Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) in Rajgir, Bihar. More than 300 Buddhist monks, devotees and eminent personalities from Japan, Thailand, Srilanka, Bhutan, Nepal, US and other countries have arrived to take part in the function. During his brief visit, the President participate in prayers and also address the gathering at the venue.

Note: The Vishwa Shanti Stupa has completed 50 years of its establishment. Vishwa Shanti Stupa is situated on Ratnagiri hillock, constructed by Japanese Buddhist monk popularly known as Fujii Guruji in 1969. Ratnagiri hillock of Rajgir attaches important relation with Lord Buddha because after getting the enlightenment he spent a monastic life and preached his disciples at nearby Gridhakut Parvat.

2. First “Global Bio-India 2019” Summit to be held in New Delhi: The first-ever Global Bio-India 2019 Summit will be held at New Delhi (from 21 to 23 November 2019). It is for the first time that India will host a mega event for the biotech community to attract investments, showcase our indigenous strengths and more importantly fuel the hopes and aspirations of the indigenous talent pool. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India along with its Public Sector Undertaking, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is organizing this event.

3. BPRD releases “Data on Police Organizations (DoPO 2018)”: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs G. Kishan Reddy has released the Bureau of Police Research and Development’s flagship publication “Data on Police Organizations” (DoPO 2018) in New Delhi. The Data on Police Organisation in India is an important compilation of information on police infrastructure, manpower and other resources from all States, Union Territories, CAPFs and CPOs.

Major highlights of the DoPO 2018: There has been an increase of 19,686 Police personnel in the sanctioned strength of the State Police and 16,051 in the strength of CAPFs. There has been 20.95% increase in the strength of Woman Police which brings the total percentage of women in the Indian Police to 8.73%. Police Stations have increased from 15579 to 16422. This includes Cyber Police Stations whose number has risen from 84 to 120.

4. Chenani-Nashri Tunnel renamed as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel: J&K’s Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, a 9 km-long tunnel that reduces the distance between Jammu and Srinagar by 31 km has been renamed as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel. The ‘Chenani-Nashri Highway Tunnel’ is not only India’s longest highway tunnel but also Asia’s longest bi-directional highway tunnel. The renaming of the tunnel aims to preserve Mukherjee’s heritage and memory as well as a tribute for his sacrifice for the nation.

5. Indian Railway launches One Touch ATVM: Indian Railways has launched ‘one touch ATVM’ at 42 suburban stations of Central Railway over Mumbai Suburban Network. The machine has been launched to render fast ticketing to millions of commuters. This new machine will reduce the waiting time of the passengers and allow passenger to avoid standing in long queues. The new machine is loaded with the user friendly procedure which will greatly ease the load on ticketing system of Mumbai Suburban Network. A total of 92 ATVMs has been installed at 42 suburban stations.

6. Yogi Adityanath to launch Kanya Sumangala Yojana: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched its flagship scheme Kanya Sumangla Yojna in Lucknow. The scheme will provide an amount of 15 thousand rupees in a phased manner to every family in which a girl child takes birth. The scheme has been designed in a way that parents have to take care of girl child’s health and education to get the benefit. Funds will be released in instalments when a girl child completes various achievements, like vaccination, admission in class 1, 5 and 9, graduation.

7. Ayurveda Day: 25th October: Government of India is celebrating 4th Ayurveda Day (Dhanvantari Jayanti) on 25th October 2019. The Ministry of Ayush has distributed “National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award” on National Ayurveda Day. The award comprises of trophy and cash reward of Rs 5 lakhs. Ayurveda Day is being celebrated as a part of the mission’s role in creating awareness about the medicines. Government has also upgraded a lot of Ayurvedic institutions as a part of AYUSH Mission.

8. Arvind Singh appointed the chief of Airports Authority of India: Senior IAS officer Arvind Singh has been appointed as the Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI). The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is a statutory body working under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Senior IAS officer Sukhbir Singh Sandhu (1988-batch: Uttarakhand cadre) will head the National Highways Authority of India. The National Highways Authority of India (NIA) is an autonomous agency of the Government of India responsible for the management of a network of over 50,000 km of National Highways out of 1,15,000 km in India. Ganji Kamala V Rao has been named the chairman and managing director, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) Ltd.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Artist’s Day: 25th October: International Artist’s Day is being observed every year on October 25th to honour artists and all the contributions they make. The day also celebrates one of the most famous artists, Pablo Picasso. The Spanish artist was born on October 25th, 1881. Artists work hard to create their work. They add beauty to the world around us. Most artists work with many different mediums.

Note: Canadian artist, Chris MacClure started International Artist’s Day in 2004. Since then, October 25th has been a day dedicated to celebrating all the contributions artists have given to society.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. China to host the inaugural edition of expanded 24-team Club World Cup 2021: According to Gianni Infantino (FIFA president), China will host the inaugural edition of the expanded 24-team Club World Cup. Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) made the announcement after a meeting in Shanghai of the FIFA Council, the decision-making unit of football's world governing body. The FIFA Council has decided, unanimously, to appoint China as the host of the new FIFA World Cup for Clubs. The current Club World Cup features seven teams including the holders of the UEFA Champions League. Qatar will host the competition this year and in 2020.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. IRDAI forms working group to revisit the product structure of title insurance: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has set a 12 membered working group to revisit the product structure of title insurance. The panel will be headed by T L Alamelu.

Note: Title insurance is an insurance of indemnity. It basically provides indemnity to developers and the subsequent homeowners of the property against losses and risks related to defects in the title of the property.

2. IRDAI sets up panel to evaluate application under Regulatory Sandbox: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has set up an eight-member committee to evaluate applications filed under the Regulatory Sandbox approach to promote innovative ideas to foster growth in insurance sector. The committee will be headed by International Institute of Information Technology (Bangalore) Director S Sadagopan.

Note: Regulatory Sandbox (RS) refers to live testing of new products or services in a controlled/test regulatory environment for which regulators may permit certain relaxations for the limited purpose of testing.

3. ICICI Bank exits GST Network, sells entire 10% stake to 13 state govts: ICICI Bank which had 10% stake in GST Network, has sold its entire 10% stake to 13 state Governments. The stake sale is for aggregate cash consideration of Rs 1 crore. The bank will transfer 0.14 per cent stake to the Assam government and 0.81 per cent stake to the Telangana government. Besides, it will transfer Goa, Kerala, Manipur, Tripura, West Bengal, Delhi, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh governments 0.82 per cent stake each. Presently, Central Government and State Government had a total of 49% stake in GSTN (with 24.5% stake of each) while the remaining 51% was divided between 5 private firms with, HDFC, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and NSE Strategic Investment Co hold 10% each and LIC Housing Finance Ltd holding 11%.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Ilham Tohti Wins European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize 2019: The European Parliament has awarded the Sakharov Prize to Uighur intellectual Ilham Tohti. He has been awarded the Sakharov Prize for his attempts to “foster dialogue” between Chinese people and the Uighur. Ilham Tohti, who is from the Uighur minority, has been a fierce critic of China’s treatment of the Uighur people. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment in China for “separatism”. The outspoken former Professor of economics at a Beijing university was sentenced in 2014.

Note: Sakharov prize is named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov. It was created in 1988 to honour individuals or groups who defend human rights and fundamental freedoms.

OBITUARIES

1. Sports journalist and author K R Wadhwaney passes away: Veteran sports journalist and author K R Wadhwaney passed away at the age of 90 years. Wadhwaney was the Sports Editor of the Indian Express newspaper. He worked as a freelance writer for several Indian newspapers after his retirement.

Daily GK Updates - 24th October, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union Cabinet approves merger of BSNL and MTNL: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the merger of loss-making telecom firms BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) and MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited)  as part of a revival package. The revival package includes raising sovereign bonds, monetising assets and voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for employees. The revival package for BSNL and MTNL includes raising of Rs 15,000 crore sovereign bonds and monetising Rs 38,000 crore of assets in next 4 years. Under the package, 4G spectrum worth Rs 20,000 crore will be administratively allotted to the two firms.

Note: Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) is a state-owned telecommunications service provider in the metro cities of Mumbai and New Delhi in India and in the island nation of Mauritius in Africa. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is an Indian state-owned telecommunications company headquartered in New Delhi.

2. Deepika Padukone, PV Sindhu named as ambassadors for ‘Bharat Ki Laxmi’ initiative: Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone and Indian badminton player PV Sindhu were named the ambassadors for Bharat Ki Laxmi. It is an initiative by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The aim of this initiative is to celebrate the contribution & accomplishments of women of the nation for the public good. The hashtag for the initiative is #BharatKiLaxmi.

3. A new book entitled “Ten Studies in Kashmir: History and Politics” released: An Indian historian, educationist and Padma Shri recipient, Kashi Nath Pandit’s new book entitled “Ten Studies in Kashmir: History and Politics”, published by Academic Foundation. A new book looks at the riveting history of Jammu and Kashmir from the time of its political and geographic consolidation to the abrogation of the state’s special status. The book, which comes after the scrapping of Article 370 provisions in August, will shed light on the happenings from 1947 till the revocation of the special status of the state.

4. ITBP celebrated its 58th Raising Day: Indo-Tibetan Border Police celebrated its 58th Raising Day on 24th October 2019. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy took the salute of the Raising Day Parade ITBP’s Headquarters in Greater Noida. The Parade comprised of all Frontier Contingents of the Force including women, Commando, Skiing, mountaineering and paratroopers’ contingents besides the dog squad & mounted columns. The parade showcased valour and courage of various contingents.

Note: Indo-Tibetan Border Police was raised on 24 October, 1962 in the wake of Chinese aggression on Indo-China border.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Kais Saied sworn in as new president of Tunisia: Kais Saied (61-years) has been sworn in as Tunisia's new President. He succeeds Beji Caid Essebsi , who died in office on July 2019. Saied won just over 72% of the votes, with about 27% of ballots cast for his media-mogul opponent Nabil Karoui.

Note: Tunisia is bordered by Algeria to the west and southwest, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east; Capital: Tunis ; Currency: Tunisian dinar

2. President Kovind lays foundation stone for Sri Sathya Sai Sanathana Samskruti Project in Japan: President Ram Nath Kovind laid the foundation stone for Sri Sathya Sai Sanathana Samskruti Project at Sai no Sato, Kakegawa, Japan. Sai no Sato will be developed as a temple on the lines of Akshardham and Swaminarayan Temple to promote Indian traditional culture.  Earlier, President Kovind also attended a banquet hosted in his honour by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan.

3. India set to sign agreement on Kartarpur corridor with Pakistan: India and Pakistan will sign a pact to operationalize the Kartarpur corridor.  The pact would be signed by the officials of both the countries at Zero point at Dera Baba Nanak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor in November this year.

Note: The corridor will connect ‘Dera Baba Nanak’ (in Gurdaspur district-India) to the ‘Gurdwara Darbar Sahib’ (in Kartarpur in Narowal district of Pakistan). The Kartarpur Gurudwara (Darbar Sahib Kartarpur) is situated on the banks of river ‘Ravi’, considered to be the first gurdwara ever built.

4. Amazon’s male white bellbird is the world’s loudest bird:The male white bellbird is the world’s loudest bird which hits 125.4 decibels. This study was published in the journal Current Biology. This was recorded by Biologist Jeff Podos at Brazil in the mountains of the northern Amazon. The call by the bird is made as part of their mating rituals and it’s mating call is about three times louder than screaming phias. The screaming phias (Lipaugus vociferans), also an Amazonian species, previously held the record of being the world’s loudest bird.

5. World Development Information Day: 24 October: The United Nations observes World Development Information Day on 24 October every year. The General Assembly in 1972 established World Development Information Day to draw the attention of the world to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them. The General Assembly decided that the date for the Day should coincide with United Nations Day i.e. 24 October.

6. United Nations Day: 24 October: 24th October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. The United Nations was founded in 1945 to support collective action to realize peace, development and human rights for all. United Nations will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations in 2020 with inclusive global conversation on the role of global cooperation in building the future we want. The UN75 initiative seeks to spark dialogue and action on how we can build a better world despite the many challenges we face.

Note: In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly had declared 24th October as the United Nations Day by adopting Resolution 2782.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Praveen Kumar wins gold in Wushu World Championship: Praveen Kumar has become the 1st Indian man to win a gold medal at the Wushu World Championships. He defeated Philippines’ Russel Diaz by 2-1 in the men’s sanda event in the 48kg category of the 15th World Wushu Championships held in Shanghai. Among other Indians, Poonam in women’s 75kg category and Sanathoi Devi in women’s 52kg category secured silver medals while Vikrant Baliyan bagged the bronze in the men’s 60kg category. India finished third overall in the championship in event with a gold, two silvers and a bronze.

Note: Wushu is a Chinese martial art which combines full-contact kickboxing, including close-range punches and kicks, with wrestling, takedowns, throws, sweeps and kicks catch.

2. Abhishek Nayar retires from all forms of cricket: Veteran Mumbai all-rounder Abhishek Nayar has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. He represented India in 3 One Day Internationals but his record as a First Class player is more promising. He played 103 first-class games, most of them for Mumbai, and scored 5749 runs with 13 centuries and 32 fifties while taking 173 wickets in a career spanning a decade and a half. He also played 99 List-A games in which he amassed 2145 runs and picked 79 wickets.

3. Rohit Sharma becomes 3rd Indian batsman to reach top 10 in all formats: The 'Hitman' Rohit Sharma has become the third Indian batsman to reach the top 10 in all three formats (Test, ODIs & T20). The 'Hitman' has held a career-high ranking of second in ODIs in February 2018 and seventh in T20 in November 2018. Rohit's player of the series effort of 529 runs helped him make huge strides from 44th place before the series. He remains the third-best Indian batsman in terms of Test rankings after Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Vreedhi Financial Services receives an NBFC licence from RBI: Vreedhi Financial Services (VFS) has secured a non-banking finance company licence from the Reserve Bank of India. The objective of the licence is to provide credit and other services to micro-enterprises operating in tier two-three cities and small towns. The company will create a digital lending model by the next financial year. It will address the gap between the addressable and viable credit in the micro-enterprises space which is $123 billion as per the study conducted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Note: Governor of RBI: Shaktikanta Das; Headquarters: Mumbai.

2. GeM and Federal Bank sign MoU for payment related services: The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Federal Bank to offer a number of services including transfer of funds through GeM Pool Accounts (GPA), advising of Performance Bank Guarantees (e-PBG) and Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) to the registered users on the portal. The MoU will facilitate a cashless, paperless and transparent payment system on the portal and would create an efficient procurement system for government entities.

Note: MD & CEO of Federal Bank: Shyam Srinivasan; Tagline: Your Perfect Banking Partner; Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala.

3. Vijaya Bank Museum inaugurated in Bengaluru: The Vijaya Bank Heritage Museum has been inaugurated at the headquarters of the erstwhile Vijaya Bank i.e. Bengaluru. The museum has a rare collection of photos through which the growth of the bank is showcased. The memories of the erstwhile Vijaya Bank can now be refreshed at a museum dedicated to its history. Vijaya Bank was one of the premier nationalised banks in the country. The erstwhile Vijaya Bank, along with the erstwhile Dena Bank, was amalgamated with Bank of Baroda on April 1, 2019.

4. World Bank Report: India takes Huge Strides in improving Ease of Doing Business: As per the World Bank’s latest Doing Business Report 2020 (DBR), India has recorded 63rd rank (rank of 77 in 2019) among 190 countries assessed by the World Bank. India's leap of 14 ranks in the Ease of Doing Business ranking is significant considering that there has been continuous improvement since 2015. India has improved its rank in seven out of 10 indicators and has moved closer to international best practices (Distance to Frontier score). Significant improvements have been registered in ‘Resolving Insolvency’, 'Dealing with Construction Permits', ‘Registering Property’, ‘Trading across Boards’ and ‘Paying Taxes’ indicators.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Mohun Bagan confers life membership to Abhijit Banerjee: The Mohun Bagan Athletic Club has conferred life membership to Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee. The club handed him the First Day Cover of 1911 and the maroon green jersey with his name written on it. He was also given a book on the history of the club. In 1911, Mohun Bagan became the first Indian club to win the Indian Football Association (IFA) Shield beating the East Yorkshire Regiment of the British Army in the final.

2. Panchayati Raj Minister confers National Panchayat Awards 2019: Minister of Panchayati Raj Narendra Singh Tomar conferred the national Panchayat Awards, 2019 at a function in New Delhi. 246 Awards were given to awardee Panchayats and States in various categories for their best performance at different levels, including the delivery of services. 195 awards were conferred under Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar category, 20 Gram Panchayats in Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar category and 3 Gram Panchayats in Gram Panchayat Development Plan Award category. 22 Gram Panchayats were awarded in Child-Friendly Gram Panchayats Award and six states were awarded under e-Panchayat Puraskar category.

Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been incentivizing the best performing Panchayats as recommended by the State Governments since 2011-12. According to Narendra Singh Tomar, in 14th Finance Commission, over two lakh crore rupees have been allocated to Gram Panchayats as against 65,000 crore rupees given under 13th Finance Commission. The Minister also launched the ‘Gram Manchitra’ app which is a Geo-Spatial based decision support system for panchayats.

DEFENCE

1. Indian Army to conduct 2019 “Sindhu Sudarshan” exercise 2019 in Rajasthan deserts: The Indian Army (IA) is to conduct exercise codenamed “Sindhu Sudarshan” for the year 2019 in the deserts of Rajasthan from November 29 to December 4, 2019. The aim of this exercise is to evaluate the capability of the defence services in an integrated air-land battle. In the Sindhu Sudarshan exercise, operational efficiency of the Strike Corps fighting in the desert terrain will be assessed and the Indian Air Force (IAF) will provide support in terms of destruction of targets and airlifting troops. The exercise showcasing a high degree of synergy between the Army and Air Force will be reviewed by Lieutenant General SK Saini.

Note: Chief of the Army Staff: General Bipin Rawat; Air Chief Marshal: Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria.

OBITUARIES

1. Belgian Paralympian Marieke vervoort ends life through euthanasia at 40: Marieke Vervoort, Belgian Paralympic athlete has ended her life at the age of 40 through euthanasia (the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering). She was suffering from a muscle disease that caused her constant pain, paralysis in her legs. She was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 14, after which she made her life in the sport and took part in basketball, swimming and triathlon in a wheelchair. She won gold in the 100 meters and silver in the 200 meters at the 2012 London Games, while at the Rio Games 2016 she managed to win silver in the 400 meters and bronze in the 100 meters. She signed euthanasia documents in 2008, to allow a doctor to end her life.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd October, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian Railways install Electronic Interlocking System on Grand Chord route: Indian Railways has installed the most advanced Electronic Interlocking System on the Grand Chord route. The measure is expected to help Indian Railways speed up trains and achieve the objective of reducing the travel time between Delhi and Howrah to about 12 hours from the existing 17 to 19 hours. Grand Chord is part of the Howrah-Gaya-Delhi line and Howrah-Allahabad-Mumbai line. The new Electronic system has replaced outdated 65-year old mechanical signalling system at Tundla Junction in Uttar Pradesh on the route.

2. IIM Kozhikode & MRPL to support women entrepreneurs: IIM Kozhikode and Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Ltd. have announced a special drive Labelled as “La Eve (meaning The Woman)” to support women entrepreneurs in the country. The initiative aims to identify innovative, promising women-founded start-ups to provide a comprehensive start-up support programme. The initiative would be steered by the institute’s entrepreneurship development centre, Laboratory for Innovation, Venturing and Entrepreneurship or IIMK LIVE. Under the drive “La Eve” IIMK LIVE would identify women-founded, innovation-led start ups and provide incubation that would provide access to the institutes intellectual, network and infrastructural resources. MRPL would provide seed fund assistance from the start funding initiative under start-up India Program.

3. No govt. jobs in Assam for people with more than two children: The State Cabinet of Assam has decided to make government jobs out of bounds for people with more than 2 children. The policy will come into effect from January 1, 2021. The decision comes two years after the State Assembly on September 2017 passed the ‘Population and Women Empowerment Policy of Assam’ to encourage small families. The Cabinet also adopted a new land policy that will make the landless indigenous people eligible for 3 bighas (43,200 sq. ft.) of land for farming and half a bigha for constructing a house. The beneficiary will be able to sell the given land only after 15 years of use.

4. AYUSH, Defence ministries ink MoU to provide traditional medicine services: The AYUSH ministry has signed an MoU with the Defence Ministry to provide traditional medicine services at the armed forces’ hospitals and dispensaries. Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Naik inaugurated an Ayurveda Palliative Care Unit at the Base Hospital in the Delhi Cantonment. Under the MoU, Ayurveda units will also be established at palliative care centres at the Army Research and Referral Hospital, Air Force Hospital, Hindon in Ghaziabad and five identified ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) polyclinics in Delhi–NCR.

5. IIT Bombay tops QS India university rankings 2020: The latest 2 edition of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) India University Rankings 2020 released. The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) has topped the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) India University Rankings 2020 released. Six other IITs have also made it to the list of top 10 institutes. Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Science has been ranked second followed by the IITs in Delhi, Madras, Kharagpur, Kanpur, Roorkee, and Guwahati. The University of Hyderabad (8) and the University of Delhi (7) are the only two central varsities among the top 10 institutes.

Note: Headquarters of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS): London, United Kingdom; Founded: 1990; Founded by Nunzio Quacquarelli, QS is a British company specialising in education.

6. Ashok Malik appointed as Policy Advisor in MEA: Ashok Malik has been appointed as the Policy Advisor in the External Affairs Ministry in the rank of Additional Secretary. The Distinguished Fellow of the prominent think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF) will have a 2-year tenure. Ashok Malik has previously served as the Press Secretary to President Ram Nath Kovind from August 1, 2017 to July 31, 2019.

7. Union Govt. appoints Pankaj Kumar as UIDAI chief: The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved the appointment of multiple ministries and departments. Pankaj Kumar (1987 batch IAS officer) has been appointed as CEO of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Currently, Pankaj Kumar is the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Braj Raj Sharma (1984 batch officer) has been appointed Chairman of Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Tuhin Kanta Pandey (Odisha cadre IAS officer) Secretary Department of Investment and Public Asset Management. Sanjeev Nandan Sahai (1986 batch officer) will be the new Power Secretary. Pramod Kumar Das (and Madhya Pradesh Cadre IAS) has been appointed Minority Affairs Secretary.

Note: Headquarters of UIDAI: New Delhi.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Justin Trudeau wins 2nd term as Prime Minister of Canada: Justin Trudeau (47-years) has won the second term as the Prime Minister of Canada after his Liberal Party won 157 seats of the total 338 seats. The ‘Conservative Party’ led by Andrew Scheer has won 121 seats and remained the Official Opposition. The New Democratic Party led by ‘Jagmeet Singh’ has won 24 seats. However, Mr Trudeau’s party failed by 13 seats to form a majority government. This means Trudeau will have to work with other parties in order to govern the country.

Note: Canada Capital: Ottawa; Currency: Canadian dollar

2. President Kovind attend Japan's Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony: President Ram Nath Kovind arrived in Tokyo after concluding his five-day state visit to the Philippines. Mr. Kovind also attended the enthronement ceremony of Japan's Emperor Naruhito. Naruhito is the 126th monarch according to Japan's traditional order of succession. The president visited a Buddhist temple in Tokyo where he planted a Bodhi sapling, which he carried from India. This is the first presidential visit to Japan from India after a gap of 29 years.

Note: Japan Capital: Tokyo; Currency: Japanese yen

3. Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas elected as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Cabo Verde: The Ministry of External Affairs notified that Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas (IFS:1993), presently Ambassador of India to the Republic of Senegal, has been concurrently accredited as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Cabo Verde. He will replace Rajeev Kumar.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Graeme Smith has been elected as MCC Honorary Life Member: Former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has been elected an Honorary Life Member of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Smith has an impressive record in One-Day International, scoring 6,989 runs including ten centuries and also became South Africa’s youngest ever captain at 22. Former Australian off-spinner Tim May was also awarded Honorary Life Membership in recognition of his outstanding achievements in cricket. The pair follows Paul Collingwood, AB de Villiers, Mitchell Johnson and Adrian Morgan in being awarded Honorary Life Membership of MCC in 2019.

2. Anandan wins 2 golds at the 7th CISM World Military Games: Para-athlete Anandan Gunasekaran has won 2 gold medals at the 7th CISM World Military Games held in Wuhan, China. He won the medal in the disabled men’s 100m and 400m IT1 events. Gunasekaran finished the 100m race in 12 seconds and won India’s 1st medal in the ongoing Games. He clinched his 2nd gold clocking 53.35s in the disabled men’s 400m IT1 event.

3. 2024 Olympic Games logo unveiled in Paris: The logo for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games unveiled at a ceremony in the French capital. The circular design with Paris 2024 in the art deco style which was in vogue in 1924 when Paris last hosted the Games also incorporates the lips and outline of Marianne, the personification of the French Republic since the revolution in 1789.

Note: President of France: Emmanuel Macron; Capital: Paris; Currency: Euro, CFP Franc.

4. Rajasthan Royals appoints Andrew McDonald as new head coach: Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals have appointed Australian coach Andrew Barry McDonald (38-year) as new head coach for three years. The former Australian all-rounder has outstanding credentials and has coached Leicestershire, Victoria, and the Melbourne Renegades. Earlier, McDonald has played for Delhi Daredevils in 2009 IPL before being signed up by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2012-2013.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. IRDAI imposes a penalty of Rs 1.01 crore on Cholamandalam MS GIC: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) have imposed penalties of Rs 1.01 crore on Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Ltd. The insurer was penalised for violations observed during an inspection. The penalty of Rs 1 crore is for violation of Clause 15 of Schedule I of IRDA (Health Insurance) Regulations, 2013 which clearly specifies that no commission shall be payable to any intermediary on the acceptance of a ported policy. The other penalty of Rs 1 lakh is for motor insurance and was for violating the outsourcing guidelines by agreeing to payment terms not in the interests of the insurer.

Note: Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Ltd is an Indian insurance firm and a joint venture between the Murugappa Group (Indian conglomerate) and the Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group (Japanese insurance company).

IRDAI Chairman: Subhash Chandra Khuntia; Headquarters: Hyderabad.

2. Global Wealth Report: India contributes 7% to global wealth rise: As per CSRI’s (Credit Suisse Research Institute) Global Wealth Report (10th edition), the global wealth has risen by USD 9 trillion to USD 360 trillion in 2019. India has made a contribution of USD 625 billion (nearly 7% of total) to global wealth. The biggest contribution has come from the US at USD 4 trillion (45% of total) and China at USD 1.9 trillion (21% of total). Wealth per adult for India at USD 14,569 (globally USD 70,849) is nearly 80% below the global average. The US and Europe have the highest wealth per adult at USD 417,694 and USD 153,973, respectively. According to the Wealth Report, personal debt for India is estimated to be at USD 1,345, or 8% of gross assets.

DEFENCE

1. DRDO starts work on ‘next-gen’ hypersonic weapon: The Defence Research and Development (DRDO) have started work to produce hypersonic weapon missiles that travel at 5 times speed of sound, or a little over a mile every second. A wind tunnel to test and fine-tune the technology will be operational soon. Hypersonic weapons are specifically designed for increased survivability against modern ballistic missile defence systems. These missiles are capable of delivering conventional or nuclear payloads at speeds not imagined hiterto over long ranges.

2. IAF fires two BrahMos missiles at Trak Island in Andaman Nicobar: Two BrahMos surface to surface missiles were fired by Indian Air Force at Trak Island in the Andaman Nicobar group of islands. The twin firings have been carried out as a part of the routine operational training. The missile engaged the designated mock targets close to 300 Kilometres away. A direct hit on the target was achieved in both cases. The firing of the missiles has enhanced Air force capability to engage the grounds targets with pinpoint accuracy from a mobile platform.