Daily GK Updates - 2nd December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nagaland CM inaugurates Multi Media Exhibition: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is organising a “Multi Media Exhibition” at World War II museum, Kisama in Nagaland. It has been organised to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The event aims to present Gandhian values and principles both to the people and through the people in contemporary idiom. During the event, late Natwar Thakkar was also remembered. Lt. Thakkar, is popularly known as Nagaland’s Gandhi, and has invoked on Gandhiji’s values and principles during his lifetime. He had worked tirelessly for the poor and people affected with disability. He was also awarded the Padma Shri in 1999.

Note: Nagaland CM: Neiphiu Rio, Governor: Shri R. N. Ravi.

2. Govt launches drive to enroll 1 cr beneficiaries under two pension schemes: The government has launched a drive to enroll one crore beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) and the National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self Employed Persons (NPS-Traders) by March next year. Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar launched the drive to mark the celebrations of Pension week. Stating that both the schemes are simple and hassle-free, an Aadhaar card number along with a savings bank account or Jan-Dhan account are needed for enrollments.

3. 35th anniversary of Bhopal gas tragedy being observed: National Pollution Control Day (NPCD) is observed every year on 2nd December (India) in the memory of those who have lost their lives in the Bhopal Gas tragedy on 2nd December 1984. The main objective is to make people aware, spread awareness in the industries that cause various pollution like water, air, soil, noise and affect the environment and obviously health. Several hundred people were killed, and scores of people were maimed for life when the Methyl Isocyanate gas was leaked from the pesticide plant of Union Carbide.

4. PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds the talk with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The Swedish King and Queen Silvia arrived in New Delhi on a five-day visit to India. The Swedish King is leading a high-level business delegation for engagements with Indian counterparts. Several agreements on furthering bilateral engagement are likely to be signed between the two countries. India and Sweden have a bilateral trade turnover of 3.37 billion dollars and cumulative investments of about 2.5 billion dollars.

Capital: Stockholm; Currency: Swedish krona

5. India becomes the first country to make entire Haj process digital: India has become the first country to make the entire process for pilgrims going on Haj completely digital. This came after the minister signed the bilateral agreement for the pilgrimage with the Saudi Haj Minister in Jeddah. Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi signed the bilateral annual Haj 2020 agreement between India and Saudi Arabia with Haj and Umrah Minister of Saudi Arabia. An online application, e-visa, Haj mobile app, ‘e-MASIHA’ health facility, “e-luggage pre-tagging” providing all information in India itself regarding accommodation and transportation in Mecca and Madina will be provided to 2 lakh Indian Muslims going for Haj in 2020. This year, a 100-line information centre has been established at the Haj House, Mumbai for providing information regarding the entire Haj process.

Note: The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.

6. Nana Patole elected as Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly: Congress leader Nana Patole has been elected as the Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Kisan Kathore withdrew his nomination. Maharashtra BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis was named Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UN Climate Change Conference begins in Spain from Dec 2- 13: UN Climate Change Conference (known as COP25) gets underway in the Spanish capital, Madrid, under the Presidency of Chile. COP 25 is an important conference as countries prepare to move from the pre-2020 period under the Kyoto Protocol to the post-2020 period under the Paris Agreement. India's approach will be guided by principles and provisions of UNFCCC and Paris Agreement particularly the principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capability (CBDR-RC). India has been leading the world in its pursuit of enhanced solar energy capacity through International Solar Alliance (ISA). The Indian delegation led by Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar.

2. Saudi Arabia takes over G20 Presidency from Japan: The G20 Presidency has been taken over by Saudi Arabia from Japan. Saudi Arabia has become the 1st Arab nation to assume the G20 presidency. The Saudi G20 presidency is committed to continue the work from Osaka (Japan) and promote the multilateral consensus. The G20 presidency, which Saudi Arabia has taken over from Japan, will host world leaders for a global summit in its capital Riyadh in 2020.

3. India Ranks 12th among 61 nations in 2019 Global Diplomacy Index: China has overtaken United States in 2019 Global Diplomacy Index, for having more diplomatic posts across the world than any other country, as per the Australian think tank Lowy Institute. According to the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, China has 276 embassies and consulates worldwide, which is three more than the US. India is 12th among the 61 countries with 186 embassies and consulates worldwide. United States (273), France (267), Japan (247), and Russia (242) makes the top five nations in the index.

4. National University of Singapore tops QS World University Asia Rankings 2020: The National University of Singapore has been named Asia’s best university in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Asia Rankings 2020. From India, IIT Bombay is the top-ranked institute at 34th rank. IIT-Delhi (IIT-D) dis ranked at 43. India has 96 universities ranked. Nanyang Technological University is on second and the University of Hong Kong is on third.

5. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: 2 December: The United Nations observes International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on 2nd of December every year. The Day was first celebrated in 1986. The day focuses on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) more than 40 million people worldwide are victims of modern slavery. Also, more than 150 million children are subject to child labour, accounting for almost one in ten children around the world.

Note: The Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others was approved by the United Nations General Assembly on December 2, 1949.

Headquarters of United Nations: New York, USA; Founded: 24 October 1945; Secretary-General of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. 13th South Asian Games Kicked Off in Nepal: The 13th edition of South Asian Games has officially kicked off after the opening ceremony at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal. The President of Nepal Bidhya Devi Bhandari declared the Games open at the three-hour programme, which showcases the rich culture and diversity of Nepal at the newly reconstructed stadium. Nepal is hosting the regional sporting extravaganza for the third time from 01st to 10th December 2019 in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Janakpur.

2. Gurpreet Singh & Sunil Kumar clinch gold medals in Senior National C'ships: Gurpreet Singh & Sunil Kumar clinched gold medals at the senior national wrestling championships in Jalandhar. Gurpreet defeated Sajan Bhanwal by a 3-1 margin, in the 77-kilogram category. Sunil also managed an easy win over Punjab's Prabhal. The Railway's grappler used all his experience to crush the Punjab wrestler 5-1 in the 87 kg final. In the 55 kg category, Arjun, representing Services, won against Ajay by technical superiority. Punjab's Harpreet Singh (the Asian Games silver medallist) defeated Rajbir Chhikara of Railways 4-1 in the 82 kg category final. Railways finished on the top with 210 points ahead of Services (170 points) and Jharkhand (109 points).

3. Senior Wrestling National C'ships: Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik clinch gold: Star wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik registered convincing wins in the finals to claim gold medals at the Senior Wrestling National Championships in Jalandhar. Phogat beat Haryana’s Anju 7-3 in the 55kg category. Olympic bronze medallist Malik defeated Radhika (Haryana) 4-2 in the 62kg category. In the 68kg category, Haryana wrestler Anita Sheoran stunned Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Divya Kakran. Punjab’s Gursharan Kaur claimed the title in the 76kg category, with a 4-2 win over Pooja of Haryana. In the 50kg category, Meerut's Sheetal Tomar dominated Nirmala to post a 7-3 win.

4. Priyam Garg to lead India at ICC U-19 World Cup 2020: Uttar Pradesh batsman Priyam Garg (19-year) will lead defending champions India in next year's Under-19 ICC Cricket World Cup (13th edition) to be held in South Africa (17th January to 9th February 2020). India (defending champions) are placed in Group 'A' with first-time qualifier Japan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Sixteen teams will be taking part in the tournament, split into four groups of four. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super League stage, with the bottom two teams in each group progressing to the Plate League.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Former RBI deputy governor H R Khan to head micro-finance panel CRL: Shri. H R Khan has been appointed as the first chairman of the steering committee of the Code for Responsible Lending (CRL) in micro-credit. HR Khan is a Former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) and Sa-Dhan had jointly unveiled the ‘Code for Responsible Lending’ (CRL) for the micro-credit industry in September 2019. Members of the steering committee include Harsh Shrivastava of MFIN, P Satish of Sa-Dhan, Srinivas Bonam of IndusInd Bank and Sonia Krishnankutty of L&T Finance among others. A common ‘Code for Responsible Lending’ will restrict more than three lenders offering loans to a single borrower and cap the size of total lending to Rs 1 lakh per borrower.

DEFENCE

1. India-Sri Lanka joint exercise “MITRA SHAKTI” begins: The 7th edition of India-Sri Lanka joint exercise “MITRA SHAKTI” begins at Aundh Military Station, Pune. It aims to build and promote positive relations between armies of both the countries focusing subunit level training on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the urban and rural environment. It is conducted annually as part of military diplomacy and interaction between armies of two nations.

 

Daily GK Updates - 1st December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0 launched across the country: The Union Government has launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 2.0 across the country. The government's flagship scheme is aimed at immunizing children under the age of 2 years and pregnant women against eight vaccine-preventable diseases. The Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) covers vaccines for diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, measles, meningitis and Hepatitis B. Vaccines for Japanese encephalitis and Hemophilus influenzal are also being provided in selected areas. The IMI 2.0 aims to achieve targets of full immunization coverage in 272 districts spread over 27 States between December 2019 and March 2020.

Note: In October 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the IMI. The IMI was built on Mission Indradhanush, using additional strategies to reach populations at high risk, by involving sectors other than health. It was an effort to shift routine immunization into a peoples movement.

2. MMTC to import 11000 MT of Onions from Turkey: Public sector trading firm MMTC has ordered import of 11,000 metric tonnes of onions from Turkey. This has been done on the directions of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The decision has been taken to moderate the rising prices of onion across the nation.

3: Nagaland celebrates 57th formation Day: 1st December: Nagaland state celebrated its 57th formation day. On 1st December 1963, Nagaland became the 16th state of India.

Note: The Nagaland state shares its borders with the state of Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh to the North, Manipur to the South and Burma to the east. The key economic activity of the state is agriculture and the main crops include – rice, corn, millets, pulses, oilseeds, etc.

Governor: RN Ravi; Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio; Capital: Kohima

4. 20th Edition of Hornbill Festival begins in Nagaland on December 1: The annual Hornbill Festival, also known as the Festival of Festivals, began at Naga Heritage Kisama in Nagaland on December 1, 2019. The 2019 marks the 20th Edition of the 10-days Hornbill Festival. Nagaland’s Governor R N Ravi was the chief host and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was the host at the openeing ceremony of the feastival. Cultural troupes from Thailand and Hungary will also perform at the festival.

5. Soma Roy Burman takes charge as new Controller General of Accounts: Soma Roy Burman (1986-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service officer) took charge as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure with effect from December 1, 2019. She is the 24th CGA and the 7th woman to hold this coveted position. She took over from J P S Chawla. Earlier, Burman served as Additional Controller General of Accounts in the office of the CGA.

Note: The Controller General of Accounts (CGA), is the Principal Accounting Adviser to Government of India and is responsible for establishing and maintaining a technically sound Management Accounting System.

6. Shri Hari Mohan Appointed as Chairman of Ordnance Factory Board: Shri Hari Mohan, a 1982-batch Indian Ordnance Factories’ Service (I.O.F.S.) officer, has taken over the charge as Chairman of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) on December 01, 2019. He succeeds Shri Saurabh Kumar who superannuated from the services.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Iraq Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi Resigns: Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has submitted his resignation to Parliament amid ongoing anti-government protests across the country. The formal resignation came after an emergency cabinet session in which ministers approved the document and the resignation of key staffers, including Abdul Mahdi’s chief of staff. The Iraqi protesters demand the overhaul of a political system which they say is corrupt and keeps them in poverty and without opportunity.

Note: Iraq Capital: Baghdad; Currency: Iraqi dinar; President: Barham Salih

2. India’s Pavilion inaugurated at International Book Fair in Mexico: Minister of State for Human Resource Development Sanjay Dhotre inaugurated the India Pavilion at International Book Fair in Guadaljara, Mexico. India is the ‘Guest of Honour Country’ in book fair and becomes the first Asian country to participate as ‘Guest of Honour’ in the Fair. This fair is the biggest book fair in the Spanish-speaking world.

3. Mukesh Ambani becomes 9th richest person in the world: As per the Forbes ‘The Real-Time Billionaires List’, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani has become the 9th richest person across the globe, having net worth of $60.6 billion. He was ranked at 13th position with $50 billion wealth in March 2019 and made a gain of over $10 billion in just eight months to be placed at 9th position. This progress comes as Reliance Industries, the country’s most valued firm, became the first Indian company to touch Rs 10 lakh crore market capitalisation (m-cap). Ambani has overtaken Google’s Larry Page ($59.6 bn), Michael Bloomberg ($54.7 bn), Charles Koch ($42.8 bn) and David Koch ($42.8 bn).

Top 5 wealthiest person in the list are:

Jeff Bezos – Amazon ($112 billion)

Bernard Arnault & family – LVMH ($107.2 billion)

Bill Gates – Microsoft ($107.1 bn)

Warren Buffett –  Berkshire Hathaway ($86.9 billion)

Mark Zuckerberg – Facebook ($74.9 billion)

4. World AIDS Day: 1 December: World Aids Day is being celebrated every year on 1st December since 1988 to raise public awareness about Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This year, the theme is "Communities Make the Difference". It is a pandemic disease caused due to the infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The Union Government has developed a seven-year National Strategic Plan from 2017 to 2024 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju Launch 3rd Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati: The launching ceremony of the Composite Logo, Mascot, Jersey and Theme song of the third edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2020 took place at Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium, Sarusajai, Guwahti, Assam on November 30, 2019. The event was jointly inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Sarbanada Sonowal in the presence of Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports. The 2020 Games will be held from 10 January 2020 to 22 January 2020. It will be conducted in partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), School Games Federation of India (SGFI), and Assam as the host State. The event will be held in 20 disciplines with the participation of 37 States and Union Territories. Cycling and Lawn Bowls are the new games that have been added to the list of competing sport events this year.

Note: The inaugural edition of the event was held in New Delhi in 2018, while Pune hosted the 2nd edition in 2019.

2. Sourabh Verma loses to Wang Tzu Wei in men’s singles final of 2019 Syed Modi International Badminton Championships: In badminton, India’s Sourabh Verma lost to Chinese Taipei’s Wang Tzu Wei in the men’s singles final, 21-15, 21-17, to settle for silver at 2019 Syed Modi International Badminton Championships in Lucknow. The 26-year-old World No. 36 Verma was the only Indian shuttler to reach the finals of the competition.

List of Winners

Men’s Singles – Wang Tzu-wei

Women’s Single – Carolina Marín

Men’s Double – He Jiting and Tan Qiang

Women’s Double – Baek Ha-na and Jung Kyung-eun

Mixed Doubles – Rodion Alimov and Alina Davletova

3. Lewis Hamilton wins Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: The Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has won the 2019 Formula 1 season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held on December 1, 2019. He has claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races of this year. With this Lewis Hamilton successfully defended the World Drivers’ Championship title for the second year running and sixth world drivers’ title overall. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished runner-up while Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc came third.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Government to Merge 3 UP RRBs to form Baroda UP Bank: The Ministry of Finance has decided to amalgamate three regional rural public sector banks  of Uttar Pradesh namely Baroda Uttar Pradesh Grameen Bank, Kashi Gomti Samyut Gramin Bank and Purvanchal Bank into a single regional rural bank. These banks will be amalgamated on April 1, 2020 and will be called Baroda UP Bank. The Bank of Baroda will sponsor the new Baroda UP Bank and will be headquartered at Gorakhpur. Currently, Bank of Baroda is the sponsor of Baroda Uttar Pradesh Grameen Bank, Union Bank of India is the sponsor of Kashi Gomti Samyut Gramin Bank and State Bank of India is the sponsor of Purvanchal Bank.

DEFENCE

1. Border Security Force celebrates its 55th raising day: 1 December: The Border Security Force (BSF) celebrated its 55th formation day on 1st December 2019. The ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State Affairs Nityanand Rai at BSF headquarters in New Delhi. India's Border Security Force (First Line of Defence of Indian Territories) was formed on 1st December 1965, after the Indo-Pak and India-China wars. With 186 battalions and over 2.57 lakhs military personnel, the BSF is the largest border security unit in the world.

Note: BSF Jawans have lived up to their motto of Duty Unto Death; Director-General of BSF: V K Johri; Headquarter: New Delhi.

2. Joint Military Training (JMT) between India and Singapore held in West Bengal: The 10th edition of joint military training (JMT) between Indian Air Force (IAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is being held at Kalaikunda Air Force Station, West Bengal from Oct 31 to Dec 12. Sea training component has been introduced for the first time in the joint military training (JMT). The Training aims to improve the operational skills of the two Forces and enhance interoperability through drills such as air combat and mission-oriented training.

3. Joint military exercise ‘SURYA KIRAN – XIV’ between India and Nepal will be conducted in Nepal: Joint military exercise ‘SURYA KIRAN – XIV’ between India and Nepal will be conducted at Salijhandi, Rupendehi district of Nepal from 03 to 16 December 2019. The exercise will comprise of 300 soldiers from both Indian and Nepal Army who would be sharing their experience in conduct of various counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations as also various humanitarian assistance missions by both the Armies. Exercise SURYA KIRAN - XIV is an annual event which is conducted alternatively in Nepal and India.

 

Daily GK Updates - 30th November, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Central Govt extends deadline for FASTags to 15th December: The Transport Ministry has extended the 01st December deadline for 100% electronic toll collection across National Highways in the country by two weeks (15th December). This comes as the government wants to allow a 15 days’ breather for vehicle owners to switch to FASTags. FASTag is a sticker that has to be put at the front windshield of your vehicle. This sticker becomes the radio frequency identity of your car which is automatically read by the sensors placed at the toll plazas. The Ministry also said NHAI FASTag will continue to be provided free of cost till 15th December.

Note: Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Nitin Jairam Gadkari

2. EC recognizes JJP as state party of Haryana: The Election Commission has recognized the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) as a State Party of Haryana. Currently, It was a registered unrecognized party in the state. In a letter to the JJP, the Commission said, it has alloted Key Symbol for the party. The decision in this regard was taken based on the poll performance of the party in the recent Assembly elections in Haryana.

3. Hallmarking to be mandatory for gold jewellery from 2021: According to Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, Hallmarking for Gold jewellery and artefacts will be mandatory from 15th January 2021. He said, Notification in this regard will be issued by 15 of January next year Jewellers and Retailers will get one-year time for clearing their old or existing stock. More than 26 thousand jewellers have taken the Bureau of Indian Standards, BIS (Hallmarking) registration till now. If anyone is found violating the set rules after 15th January 2021, they may attract a fine of minimum one lakh rupees or five times the value of the items or a jail term of one year.

4. UNDP launched Accelerator Lab in India to tackle pollution: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched Accelerator Lab in India to address the pollution in the country through innovation. The project was launched in collaboration with the government’s Atal Innovation Mission and the laboratory will be housed in the UNDP India office. Along with pollution other issues that the laboratory will seek to address include sustainable water management and client-resilient livelihoods. The UNDP India after the launch of the Accelerator Labs also organised a #DateForDevelopment. It is one-of-a-kind "matchmaking platform" aimed at connecting local innovators with development practitioners.

Note: The Accelerator Lab is an innovative new initiative by the UNDP, Germany and Qatar, to find 21st-century solutions to today's complex new challenges. The Accelerator Labs located in various developed countries, including Iraq, Jordan, Argentina, Colombia, Serbia, Nepal, Mexico and Vietnam. The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations' global development network.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi announces 400 million-dollar line of credit to Sri Lanka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a 400 million-dollar Line of Credit of to Sri Lanka to boost the island nation's development. PM Modi said India will also extend a 50 million dollars Line of Credit to Sri Lanka to fight terrorism. India gives priority to its relations with Sri Lanka under its Neighbourhood First' Policy. This is Mr Gotabaya's first overseas visit since assuming office. The Sri Lankan President said in his statement that the discussions were cordial and reassuring and a major focus area of the deliberations was on security cooperation.

Note: Capitals: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte; Currency: Sri Lankan rupee; Prime minister: Mahinda Rajapaksa

2. India to set up 12 hi-tech parks in Bangladesh: India will set up 12 hi-tech parks in Bangladesh at a cost of USD 193 million. According to High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, these hi-tech parks will provide training to 30,000 youth of Bangladesh as skilled IT professionals. She also inaugurated Swami Vivekananda Bhawan at Rangpur which houses a Computer Center, Charitable Medical Centre, Coaching centre and student's home.

3. Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare: 30 November: The Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention decided that a memorial Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare would be observed on 30 November each year. This commemoration provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare, as well as to reaffirm the commitment of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to the elimination of the threat of chemical weapons.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Australian Steve Smith becomes fastest Cricketer to reach 7,000 Test runs: Steve Smith became the fastest crickter to score 7,000 Test runs, shattering a record that had stood since 1946, while moving past Donald Bradman to become Australia’s 11th highest scorer. The 30-year-old took a single off Muhammad Musa during the second Test against Pakistan in Adelaide to reach the milestone and take possession of a record held for 73 years by English great Wally Hammond. Hammond reached the mark in 131 innings, while Smith, who played his first Test nine years ago, made the grade in his 126th. India’s Virender Sehwag is the third fastest in 134 innings.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI Imposes Rs 1.50 crore penalty on Corporation Bank: i. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.50 crore on Corporation Bank for non-compliance with certain provisions of directions issued by RBI. The penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in the RBI under the provisions of Section 47 A (1) (c) read with Section 46 (4) (i) and 51 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. This action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Corporation Bank: PV Bharathi; Headquarter: Mangalore.

2. Aditya Birla Finance becomes first NBFC to list commercial paper on bourses: Non-bank lender Aditya Birla Finance became the first company to list its commercial papers borrowing of Rs 100 crore on the bourses. The Kumarmangalam Birla-led company listed its CPs on NSE with a value date of November 28, 2019 and maturity date on February 7, 2020 on BSE and NSE, both the bourses. ABFL is a diversified non-banking finance company (NBFC) with a long-term credit rating of AAA (Stable) from both Icra as well as India Ratings.

Note: CP is an unsecured money market instrument issued in the form of promissory notes. It can be issued for maturities between a minimum of 7 days and a maximum of up to one year from the date of issue. CP is usually issued at a discount from face value and reflects prevailing market interest rates.

3. India’s GDP growth further dips to 4.5% in July-Sept: India’s GDP growth hit an over six-year low of 4.5 percent in July-September 2019, dragged mainly by deceleration in manufacturing output and subdued farm sector activity. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was recorded at 7 percent in the corresponding quarter of FY 2018-19. In the previous quarter of the ongoing fiscal, the economic growth was 5 percent. This GDP growth data for the September 2019 quarter is the lowest since January-March of 2012-13, when it was registered at 4.3 per cent.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Noted Malayalam poet Akkitham wins Jnanpith Award 2019: Noted Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboodiri (known as ‘Akkitham’- 93 years) has been declared the recipient of the 55th Jnanpith Award (country’s highest literary honour) for the year 2019. His work includes Irupatham Noottandinte Ithihasam, or the legend of the 20th century, which is considered to have brought modernism into Malayalam poetry. Akkitham is the 6th Malayalam writer to be conferred this award. Akkitham Achuthan Namboodiri is the recipient of the Padma Shri (in 2017), Kerala Sahitya Academy Award (in 1971), the Sahitya Academy Award (in 1973), and the Vayalar Award i(n 2012). Writer Amitav Ghosh was the recipient of Jnanpith Award in 2018.

Note: The Jnanpith Award is an Indian literary award presented annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to an author for their 'outstanding contribution towards literature'. The award was given to the authors for their most outstanding work and consisted of a citation plaque, a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh and a bronze replica of ‘Saraswati’.

DEFENCE

1. Indian Navy commissions’ sixth Dornier aircraft squadron: The sixth Dornier aircraft squadron ‘Indian Naval Air Squadron 314’ has been commissioned at Naval Air Enclave- Porbandar on Gujarat coast. Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral M S Pawar was the chief guest on this occasion. According to Defense Sources, the INAS 314 derives its name Raptors from the Bird of Prey family. This squadron will operate the Dornier aircraft, a multi-role SRMR aircraft, with twin turboprop engine manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, Kanpur. The aircraft can be used for electronic warfare missions, maritime surveillance, search and rescue and to provide targeting data to weapon platform.

2. India, Japan hold Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi: India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue started in New Delhi. Rajnath Singh (Defence Minister) and Dr. S. Jaishankar (External Affairs Minister) will head the Indian delegation, while the Japanese delegation will be led by Toshimitsu Motegi (Foreign Affairs Minister) and Mr. Taro K (Minister of Defence). The meeting would provide an opportunity for the two sides to further strengthening defence and security cooperation to provide greater depth to the ‘India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership’. The two sides will also exchange views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and their efforts for achieving their shared objective of peace, prosperity and progress for a better future for the people of the two countries and the region.

OBITUARIES

1. Japan Former PM Yasuhiro Nakasone passes away: Yasuhiro Nakasone (101-years), one of the longest-reigning Prime Ministers and known for his friendship with Ronald Reagan passed away at a Tokyo hospital. Nakasone (Prime Minister from 1982 to 1987) shared the world stage with Reagan and Margaret Thatcher while battling with bureaucrats over domestic reforms. Nakasone also broke an unwritten rule on limiting the annual defence budget to 1% of Gross National Product. In 1983, he became the first Japanese Premier to officially visit South Korea, mending fences with a country that Japan had brutally colonized from 1910 to 1945.

Note: Shinzo Abe is the Current Prime Minister of Japan: Shinzo Abe; Currency: Yen.

Daily GK Updates - 29th November, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Rajnath to inaugurate 3rd edition of Military Literature Festival: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the 3-day-long Military Literature Festival (MLF) on 13 December 2019 at Chandigarh. The event would present an international level forum to foster and preserve the exchange of knowledge related to military literature and associated works. The 10 books of noted defence and literary authors would also be released on occasion. This year, the event would commemorate Indian participation in the Burma Campaign in World War II, the 75th anniversary of which falls next year.

2. G K Reddy inaugurates 1st Intl. Conf on “Landslides Risk Reduction and Resilience”: Minister of State for Home Affairs, inaugurated the 1st International Conference on “Landslides Risk Reduction and Resilience” in New Delhi. The Conference called for developing technology to anticipate disasters like landslides and develop infrastructure to quickly respond to minimise the damage. The landslides have attracted global attention as they may cause huge havoc on communities, livestock, environment leading to huge loss of lives. This conference will go a long way in finding long term solutions to natural disasters.

Note: Minister of State for Home Affairs: G Kishan Reddy.

3. Global Exhibition on Services-2019 organised in Bengaluru: Union Minister Piyush Goyal has inaugurated the 2019 Global Exhibition on Services (5th edition) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The inaugural function was also attended by Chief Minister of Karnataka B. S. Yediyurappa. GES is an annual event established by the Department of Commerce, Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry in association with Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

4. ISRO transfer space-grade Li-Ion cell technology to BHEL: ISRO has transferred its indigenous technology to produce space-grade Li-Ion cells to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). In March 2018, BHEL signed the Technology Transfer Agreement with ISRO for acquiring the Li-Ion Cell production technology. This production facility is primarily targeting to meet Li-Ion Cell requirements for ISRO and other strategic sectors. BHEL can also produce and sell Li-Ion cells for meeting other national/commercial applications by suitably modifying the space-grade cell which can lead to cost reduction. BHEL is in the process of establishing the Li-Ion production facility near Bangalore in Karnataka.

Note: Chairman & MD of BHEL: Nalin Shinghal; Founded in: 1964; Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

5. MHRD launches 3 books for children namely Kumbh, Garam Pahad and Dilli ki Bulbul: Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched 3 books which are a collection of stories for Children namelyKumbh, Garam Pahad and Dilli ki Bulbul (Sindhi edition) in New Delhi. Authored by a popular writer of children’s books and travelogues Dr Anita Bhatnagar Jain. She is an officer of Indian Administrative Services (1985 batch). The three books are a collection of stories for children and have brought out environmental issues and topics like socio-cultural unity& cultural heritage in a very simple and interesting manner.

6. Tata Comm board appoints A S Lakshminarayanan as MD and CEO: The Board of Tata Communications (Tata Comm) appointed Amur Swaminathan Lakshminarayanan as the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of the telecom company for a term of five years with effect from 26 November 2019. Prior to joining Tata Comm, Lakshminarayanan was the president and CEO of TCS, Japan where he was in charge of accelerating the company’s market opportunity and developing the brand in the region.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. EU Parliament declares climate emergency: The European Union’s legislature has declared a climate emergency, in a symbolic move aimed at increasing pressure on the incoming European Commission to take a stronger stance on climate change. The parliament voted 429/225 with 19 abstentions to call the increasing environmental challenges linked to climate change an emergency. The climate declaration was passed in Strasbourg during a European Parliament debate on the upcoming United Nations’ COP25 climate summit. The summit kicks off on 2nd December in Madrid. EU lawmakers urged the European Commission to fully ensure all relevant legislative and budgetary proposals are fully aligned with the 1.5-degrees-Celsius target limit on global warming. The resolution calls on the EU to cut emissions by 55 per cent by 2030 to become climate neutral by 2050.

Note: European Union Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium; European Parliament president: David-Maria Sassoli.

2. Maldives' former president Abdulla Yameen sentenced to 5 yrs in jail: Maldives’ former president Abdulla Yameen (served from 2013 to 2018) has been found guilty of money laundering and sentenced to five years in prison. The five-judge bench of the criminal court unanimously concurred that Yameen is guilty on the charge of laundering state funds for personal gain. He was accused of over 1 million dollars deposit in his bank account by a company that was used to channel resort acquisition fees.

3. Pak SC grants 6 months conditional extension to Army Chief Gen Bajwa: Pakistan's Supreme Court granted a six-month conditional extension to Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Current Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army Mr. Bajwa (since 29 November 2016) continue as the Army chief for another six months. Pakistan's government withdrew the 19th August orders after the top court's observations in the case and issued a fresh notification which was also rejected by the court.

4. International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People: 29 November: In 1977, the General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. On that day, in 1947, the Assembly adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine. This date, which was chosen because of its meaning and significance to the Palestinian people, is based on the call by the United Nations General Assembly for an annual observance of the resolution on the partition of Palestine. The International Day of Solidarity traditionally provides an opportunity for the international community to focus its attention on the fact that the question of Palestine remains unresolved and that the Palestinian people have yet to attain their inalienable rights as defined by the General Assembly, namely, the right to self-determination without external interference, the right to national independence and sovereignty, and the right to return to their homes and property, from which they have been displaced.

Note: Palestine is a de jure sovereign state in the Middle East claiming the West Bank (bordering Israel and Jordan) and Gaza Strip (bordering Israel and Egypt) with East Jerusalem as the designated capital.

Palestinian Capital: Ramallah, East Jerusalem; Currencies: Israeli new shekel, Jordanian dinar.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Deepika wins gold, Ankita bags silver in Asian archery Championships: Indian archers Deepika Kumari won gold while Ankita Bhakat bagged the silver medal in the women's individual recurve event of the 21st Asian Championships in Bangkok. Deepika defeated Ankita 6-0 in the one-sided final. Earlier, the duo had secured an individual Olympic quota for the country by storming into the semi-finals of the event.

Note: Asian Archery Championships is the archery championship organized by the World Archery Asia.

2. Sports Ministry constitutes a committee to review Draft National Sports Code: Sports Ministry has constituted a 13-member expert committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Mukundakam Sharma to review the Draft National Sports Code. Former sports persons Gagan Narang, Bhaichung Bhutia, Anju Bobby George and national badminton coach Pulella Gopichand are part of the panel. The panel has been formed to suggest measures to make the Sports Code acceptable to all the stakeholders. It will try to strike a balance between the autonomy of National Sports Federations vis-a-vis need for transparency and autonomy.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Moody’s expects Centre’s fiscal deficit to rise to 3.7%: Global rating agency Moody’s expects the Centre’s fiscal deficit to touch 3.7% of the GDP. The Centre has targeted to keep the deficit at 3.3 per cent for the current fiscal (2019-20), but it has already reached 92.6 per cent of the Budget estimate in first six months of the current fiscal. For all the state governments, the fiscal deficit estimated to be around 3 %. A fiscal deficit is a shortfall in a government’s income compared with its spending. It is calculated as a percentage of GDP, or simply as total dollars spent in excess of income.

Note: Moody’s founder: John Moody; Headquarters: New York City, United States; Moody’s founded: 1909.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. French film ‘Particles’ wins the Golden Peacock Award at IFFI 2019: French film ‘Particles’ has won the coveted Golden Peacock Award at the 50th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Particles is a 2019 French-Swiss co-produced drama film directed by Blaise Harrison and produced by Estelle Fialon. The Golden Peacock Award carries a cash prize of Rs 40 lakhs to be shared equally between the Director and the Producer, Trophy and the citation. The IFFI 2019 ‘Best Director Award’ was conferred to Lijo Jose Pellissery for his Malayalam film ‘Jallikattu’. The Best Director award carries a Silver Peacock trophy, a citation and a cash prize worth Rs 15 lakh. The Best Actor (Male) Award went to Seu Jorge for his role in Marighella and Best Actor (Female) Award went to Usha Jadhav for her role in a Marathi crime film, Mai Ghatt: Crime No. 103/2005.

DEFENCE

1. Indian Army successfully test-fired 2 Spike LR missile in MP: The Indian Army has successfully test-fired 2 Spike long-range anti-tank missiles at Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. Spike is a 4th-generation missile which can engage any target with precision at ranges up to 4 km. India became the 33rd country to have the Spike missile as part of its inventory. The missile has the ability to fire, observe and update, providing substantial flexibility to the firer to pinpoint the impact point. It also has the ability to switch to a different target mid-flight. The firer has the option of firing from a low or high trajectory.

Note: Headquarters: New Delhi; Commander-in-Chief: President Ram Nath Kovind.

OBITUARIES

1.  World-renowned rock climber Brad Gobright passes away in Mexico fall: A world-renowned rock climber, US national Brad Gobright, fell to his death while climbing a sheer rock face in northern Mexico. He was known for his gravity-defying solo ascents with no ropes. US national Gobright (31-years) and fellow American Aidan Jacobson (26-years) were climbing a route known as the Shining Path in the northern state of Nuevo Leon

Daily GK Updates - 28th November, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. HRD Ministry launches Kartavya Portal: Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister launched the kartavya.ugc.ac.in portal for holding monthly essay competitions for students. The portal was launched as part of year-long ‘Nagrik Kartavya Paalan Abhiyan’ being observed throughout the country. The portal will be used primarily for holding monthly essay competitions for students as well as other activities including quizzes, poster making, debates pertaining to Nagrik Kartavya Paalan Abhiyan. The Department of Higher Education under HRD Ministry will be holding 11 rounds of National Essay Competitions during the year. The topics of the essay will be based on one Fundamental Duty every month.

Note: Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister: Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.

2. 47th All India Police Science Congress begins in Lucknow: Retired IPS officer ‘Kiran Bedi’ (Puducherry Lieutenant Governor) has inaugurated the 47th All India Police Science Congress (AIPSC) at the police headquarters in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be the chief guest at the valedictory function During 6 sessions of the event, police officers, academicians, researchers, judicial and scientific experts will present their papers. It will take place includes some very contemporary issues like Reforms in Policing, Role of social media in countering radicalization and terrorism.

Note: The last time Lucknow was the host for AIPSC was in 1997.

3. ADB approves 2nd tranche of USD 150 mn for West Bengal: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved the 2nd tranche of USD 150 million (about Rs 1,065 crore) for West Bengal to boost capital investment and infrastructure in the state. The board of ADB approved a loan of $ 300 million (about Rs 2,130 crore) to continue a comprehensive series of fiscal reforms in West Bengal to revive financial health of public sector enterprises. The introduction of medium-term expenditure frameworks in two departments, and implementation of an integrated tax monitoring system, among others.

Note: Asian Development Bank Headquarters: Manila, Philippines; President: Takehiko Nakao.

4. Logo, motto introduced for Lokpal: Lokpal Chairman Justice (retired) Pinaki Chandra Ghose launched the new logo and motto for the apex anti-corruption ombudsman. A new motto, “Ma Gridhah Kasyasvidhanam (Do not be greedy for anyone’s wealth)”, was also adopted. Earlier, an open competition was conducted, inviting entries for the logo and the motto. A total of 2,236 entries for the logo and 4,705 entries for the motto were received. A logo designed by Prashant Mishra, a resident of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, was finally selected. The logo symbolises how Lokpal protects and cares for the people of India by establishing justice as per law.

Note: A Lokpal is an anti-corruption authority or body of an ombudsman who represents the public interest in the Republic of India. Headquarters of Lokpal: New Delhi, India.

5. Cabinet extends the term of 15th Finance Commission by 11 months: The Union Cabinet has extended the term of the 15th Finance Commission by 11 months to October 30th next year. This will suggest formulae for tax devolution for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Note: The Fifteenth Finance Commission is an Indian Finance Commission constituted in November 2017. It will give recommendations for devolution of taxes and other fiscal matters for five fiscal years, commencing 1 April 2020. The commission's chairman is N. K. Singh, and Full-time members being Ajay Narayan Jha, Ashok Lahiri and Anoop Singh.

6. Madhya Pradesh’s Devi Ahilya University gets A-plus grade from NAAC: The Indore-based Devi Ahilya University becoming Madhya Pradesh’s first varsity to be accorded A-plus grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The Centre of higher learning now became entitled to several other facilities. It may introduce courses recognised by the University Grants Commission without the latter’s permission besides commencing open distance-learning courses.

Note: Director of NAAC: S. C. Sharma; NAAC Headquarters location: Bengaluru; Founded: 1994.

7. Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in New Delhi: The President of Sri Lanka ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa’ reached New Delhi on a three-day state visit to India. During the visit, Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan tomorrow. This will be his first official visit abroad after assuming office on the 21st of this month. He will pay homage to Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat. On the same day, the Sri Lankan President will hold talks with the Prime Minister, President Ram Nath Kovind and External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar. A host of issues including stability in the Indian Ocean region, economic cooperation and the Tamil issue in Sri Lanka may figure during the talks between two leaders.

Note: Sri Lanka Capital: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte; Currency: Sri Lankan rupee

8. Uddhav Thackeray sworn in as Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray (59-years) took oath as the chief minister (18th) of Maharashtra state. Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered the oath ceremony at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Mr. Thackeray is the third Shiv Sena leader to hold the post after Manohar Joshi (1995–1999) and Narayan Rane (1 Feb- 17 Oct1999). Thackeray is the candidate of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress alliance for the post of Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Note: Uddhav Thackeray is the son of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. Mr Thackeray is married to Rashmi Thackeray and has two sons, Aditya (MLA from Mumbai) and Tejas. He has also published photo-books Maharashtra Desh (2010) and Pahava Vitthal (2011), capturing various aspects of Maharashtra.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India attends WATEC Conference in Israel: Union Minister of Jal Shakti, represented India at the 8 WATEC (Water Technology and Environment Control) Conference 2019. The theme of the conference is “Water Stewardship and Innovation–driving global leadership in the responsible planning management, and protection of water”. The conference held at David Intercontinental in Tel Aviv, Israel. The conference, organized by Kenes Exhibitions, aimed to get updates on technologies related to water and environmental management. Israel is considered a world hero in terms of water management. The country treats and reuses 80% of its sewage water for agriculture. With drip irrigation and seawater desalination, the country has become a global leader in agriculture. Several countries participated in the conference & showcased their new-age technologies and solutions.

Note: Union Minister of Jal Shakti: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

2. India-Netherland: “Water 4 change”, an urban water management system: The Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), operating under the Government of Kerala has launched the “Water 4 Change”. Under the project, six prominent institutions from the Netherlands will perform long-term research and field-level action on urban water management systems along with Indian scientists. The project will bring solutions for water problems in the cities of Kozhikode, Shimla, Bhuj and Bhopal. The CWRDM was established by the Government of Kerala to cater to the needs of research and development in water management of the state.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Abhishek-Jyothi combine claims compound mixed pair gold at Asian Archery C'ships: Abhishek Verma and Jyothi Surekha Vennam claimed the gold in compound mixed pair event at the 21st Asian Archery Championships, in Bangkok, Thailand. The Indians defeated Chinese Taipei opponents Yi-Hsuan Chen and Chieh-Luh Chen 158-151 in the final clash. India picked up seven medals including one gold, two silver and four bronze meddles in the event. The Indian archers participated in the tournament as neutral athletes under the World Archery flag due to the suspension of the national federation Archery Association of India (AAI).

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Reserve Bank flags rising bad assets from Mudra loans: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expressed concern over rising bad loans from Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY). This scheme was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2015, which offers faster credit, with ticket sizes starting from ₹50,000 and going up to ₹10 lakh, to small businesses. According to RBI, the percentage of MUDRA loans were at 2.52% in 2017-18, It has now raised to 2.89% in 2018-19. It also says that the number of loans being sanctioned under the scheme has increased greatly.

2. India Ratings projects India’s GDP growth for FY20 at 5.6%: Fitch group firm India Ratings and Research has projected India’s GDP Growth rate for FY20 (2019-20) at 5.6% (earlier- 6.1%). The new projection suggests that second quarter of 2019-20 GDP growth is likely to be 4.7%. Note: Fitch Ratings Inc. is one of the big three credit rating agencies (other two -Moody's and Standard & Poor's). It is one of the three nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSRO) designated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 1975. Fitch Ratings is dual-headquartered in New York (US) and London (UK).

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. RIL market cap hits ₹9.5 lakh crore, a first for an Indian company: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is the first Indian company to cross Rs.9.5 lakh in market capitalization (m-cap). Recently Vodafone India and Bharti Airtel had announced their tariff hike which will be implemented from December 2019. This has increased the share price of RIL in the market and is believed to attract more subscribers for Reliance Jio. On 26 Nov 2019, its m-cap touched Rs 9,99,045 crore nearing the Rs 10 lakh crore mark. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), RIL’s closest rival in market capital had a share price of Rs.2,110, 2% lower on BSE and m-cap of Rs.7,71,996.87 crore.

Note: Reliance Industries Limited Founded: 8 May 1973; Founder (Reliance Industries Limited): Dhirubhai Ambani; CEO: Mukesh Ambani; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Royal Aeronautical Society honour for DRDO chief G Satheesh Reddy: Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) London has conferred the Honorary Fellowship of the Society for the year 2019 to G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO. He is the first Indian recipient of this prestigious award in over 100 years. The Society’s highest award is bestowed in recognition of Reddy’s pioneering technological contributions over the past three decades which has enabled the country to realise frontline military systems and world-class missile technologies. This fellowship is considered as Nobel Prize in the aerospace. It is the world’s highest distinctions for aerospace achievement awarded for only most exceptional contributions to the aerospace profession. The first Honorary Fellowship was awarded in the year 1917.

Note: DRDO formed: 1958, Headquarters: New Delhi.

DEFENCE

1. Bipin Rawat to be first Chief of Defence Staff: General Bipin Rawat to be first Chief of Defence Staff. He will end his tenure as the Army Chief in December 2019. He will take over as the first Chief of Defence Staff – a four-star position being created as part of a defence management overhaul. He will get a term of 2 years as the CDS. He took over as the 27th Chief of Army Staff on 31 December 2016 after General Dalbir Singh retired.

2. Indian Army inducts Israel made Anti-Tank Guided Missiles Spike along LoC in J&K: The Indian Army has inducted Israel made Anti-Tank Guided Missiles Spike along the LoC in the northern command theatre in Jammu and Kashmir to bolster defence along the border with Pakistan. Known as the "fire and forget" missiles, Spike is portable by men and are powerful enough to destroy tanks and bust bunkers within four kilometres.

3. India & Japan holds Mine Countermeasure Exercise (MINEX) 2019: A maiden bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) have conducted Mine Countermeasure Exercise (MINEX) 2019 at Kochi, Kerala. Officials of the Indian Navy and from the warships Bungo and Takashima of JMSDF’s Minesweeper (a naval ship that is deployed in removing naval mines) Division 3, commanded by Captain Seiji Ikubu took part in the exercise.

Note: Japan Capital: Tokyo; Currency: Japanese yen; Prime Minister: Shinzo Abe.

OBITUARIES

1. Australian writer & broadcaster Clive James passes away: Australian writer and broadcaster Clive James (80-years) passed away at home in Cambridge. He was born in 1939, he moved to England in 1961 and rose to prominence as a literary critic and TV columnist. He went on to deliver wry commentary on international programming in such shows as Clive James On Television.