Daily GK Updates - 19th December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 50% concession for ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ participants: Indian Railways has decided to grant 50% concession for the youth participating in the “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat” programme. The concession will be given in basic fares of Second and Sleeper Class to youths with emoluments of not more than 5000 rupees per month for travelling from one State to another State to take part in the programme. The concession has been granted as a special case and it is admissible only in the normal train services and not for booking of Special Trains or Coaches.

Note: Railway Minister: Piyush Goyal.

2. Chennai Corporation launches India’s first waste exchange platform: Chennai Corporation, Tamil Nadu launched India’s first waste exchange platform namely “Madras Waste Exchange” (www.madraswasteexchange.com) to buy and sell municipal solid waste online. It will run on a pilot basis for the first three months. Based on the response from public and waste recyclers, more features will be added to the website. The Madras Waste Exchange, which is both a web portal and an application, has been conceptualised by the Smart City Mission, with support from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Note: Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs: Hardeep Singh Puri.

3. Odisha Govt. launches ‘Jalsathi’ programme: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched the ‘Jalsathi’ programme to ensure supply of safe drinking water to all households in the state. The Odisha CM also launched the ‘JalSathi’ App on the occasion. The Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) signed a memorandum of understanding with the women federations in Bhubaneswar for the implementation of the programme. The JalSathi initiative aims to ensure the supply of clean drinking water to consumers through piped water connections.

Note: Governor of Odisha: Ganeshi Lal.

4. Dehradun hosts Conference of Presiding Officers of Legislative Bodies: Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla inaugurated the 79th Conference of Presiding Officers of Legislative Bodies. The conference was held in Dehradun. The presiding officers of all state legislatures participated in the conference. Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla was also conferred the guard of honour during the conference.

5. Concept of 3 capitals to be considered in Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy indicated that the State could have three capitals following the decentralisation concept. The Chief Minister said the existing Capital Amaravati could become the "Legislative Capital", the Port city Visakhapatnam the "Executive Capital" and the Kurnool the "Judiciary Capital". Meanwhile, he also added that a final call would be taken only after the Expert Committee constituted to look into the issue submitted its report.

6. Devesh Srivastava appointed GIC chief: Devesh Srivastava has been raised to the position of Chairman and Managing Director (MD) at the General Insurance Corporation India (GIC Re). Srivastava succeeds Alice Vaidyan, who retired in July 2019, since then the GIC Re was functioning without a full-time chief. Previously he was managing the departments of human resource and training, ReInsurance Worldwide (RIWW), corporate communications, CMD’s Secretariat and innovation centre, he was transferred to GIC in 1999. GIC Re accounted for about 60% of premiums ceded by Indian insurers to reinsurers during FY17. The corporation had gone public in 2017. The government has also appointed Malay Kumar Poddar as Chairman and MD of Agriculture Insurance Corporation of India.

Note: General Insurance Corporation India founded: 22 November 1972; Headquarters: Mumbai, India.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India and US sign defence tech transfer pact during 2+2 dialogue: India and the US have signed an agreement to facilitate the transfer of defence technology. During a 2+2 dialogue held at Washington DC, the top foreign affairs and defence leaders on growing strategic relations between the world`s largest and most powerful democracies. India and the US have a common vision of a free, seamless and peaceful Indo-Pacific region. India has bought weapons worth more than $15 billion from the United States over the past decade as it seeks to replace its Russian-origin military and is in talks for helicopters, armed drones and a bigger Indian plan for local production of combat planes together worth billions of dollars.

Note: Minister of Defence: Raj Nath Singh; Minister of External Affairs: Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

2. Portuguese PM Antonio Costa arrives in New Delhi on 2-day visit to India: Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa arrived in New Delhi on a two-day visit to India. He will attend the second meeting of the Organising Committee on the celebrations for the 150th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The Organising Committee meeting will be presided over by President Ram Nath Kovind. Portugal views India as a vibrant pluralistic democracy, a major world economy and an ancient civilisation with which it has close, historical and cultural ties.

Note: Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain.

3. French carmaker PSA and US-Italian rival Fiat Chrysler sign merger agreement: French carmaker “Peugeot SA” and US-Italian “Fiat Chrysler” have signed an agreement to create the world’s fourth largest automaker. The binding combination agreement provides a 50/50 merger of their businesses to create the 4th largest global automotive original equipment manufacturer by volume and third largest by revenue. The combined group will have a workforce of more than 400,000, total revenues of close to USD 190 million and annual unit sales of some 8.7 million vehicles of the brands Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, DS, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot and Vauxhall. The combined group would be headquartered in the Netherlands. Fiat Chrysler’s chief John Elkann will be the chairman and PSA’s Carlos Tavares chief executive of the new entity.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Kuldeep Yadav becomes the first Indian cricketer to claim two ODI hat trick: India's left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav (25-years) has become India's first bowler to claim two international hat-tricks in the second one-day against West Indies. Kuldeep Yadav sent back Shai Hope (78-runs), Jason Holder (11-runs) and Alzarri Joseph (0) on the final three deliveries of his eighth over in Visakhapatnam against West Indies. He claimed his first against Australia at Kolkata's Eden Gardens in 2017. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Wasim Akram (Pakistan), Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka), Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan) and Trent Boult (New Zealand) to pick up more than one hat-trick in ODIs. The only bowler to have taken three ODI hat-tricks is Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga.

Note: A hat-trick in cricket is when a bowler takes three wickets on consecutive deliveries, dismissing three different batsmen.

BANKING & FINANCE

1. GST Council fixes 28% uniform tax rate for lottery: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council headed by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman fixed a uniform tax rate of 28% on both state-run and private lottery. It also decided to rationalise the GST rate on woven and non-woven bags to 18%. It was for the first time that the GST Council resorted to voting to decide on an issue as it fixed a uniform tax rate on both state and private lotteries. The GST Council also decided to exempt upfront amount payable for long term lease of industrial and financial infrastructure plots by an entity having 20% or more ownership of Central or State Government.

Note: GST is an Indirect Tax which has replaced many Indirect Taxes in India. The Goods and Service Tax Act was passed in the Parliament on 29th March 2017. The Act came into effect on 1st July 2017; Goods & Services Tax Law in India is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that is levied on every value addition.

2. HDFC Bank crosses $100 billion market capitalization: HDFC Bank has become the 3rd Indian firm to cross $100 billion mark in market capitalisation. HDFC Bank has joined the league of Reliance Industries Ltd, which has a market cap of $140.74 billion, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) that has a market cap of $114.60 billion. With this achievement, HDFC Bank is now ranked 110th in the list of world’s most valued companies. Among the world’s most valued banks and financial companies which have a market cap of over $100 billion, HDFC Bank is ranked at 26th position.

Note: Managing Director of HDFC Bank: Aditya Puri; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Amitabha Bagchi wins 2019 DSC Prize: The IME Nepal Literature Festival (8th edition) at Pokhara, concluded with the announcement of the winner of DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2019. The USD 25,000 award went to Amitabha Bagchi for his 2018 novel, Half the Night is Gone. The DSC Prize, instituted in 2010, awards fiction from the South Asian region, which includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as from the diaspora.

DEFENCE

1. Anti-hijacking exercise conducted in Kochi port: The Indian Navy, in collaboration with Indian Coast Guard, Cochin Port Trust and all other concerned stakeholders, conducted a large-scale anti-hijacking exercise off the Port of Kochi. The Exercise code-named “Apharan” saw the participation of multiple agencies, including more than 12 ships and helicopters of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Cochin Port Trust. Apharan was aimed at streamlining the response mechanism/preparedness to thwart any attempt by anti-national elements to hijack a merchant’s vessel or attempt forced entry of a rogue/commandeered merchant vessel into the Kochi harbour.

Note: Indian Coast Guard founded: 18 August 1978; Headquarters: New Delhi.

Daily GK Updates - 18th December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union government launches National Broadband Mission: The Union government has launched National Broadband Mission to provide Broadband access to all villages by 2022. The mission aims to connect 600,000 villages across India with an investment of Rs 7 lakh crore in the next 4 years from both government and private sector. The mission is a part of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018. The mission will secure universal broadband access for implementation of broadband initiatives and aims to offer Internet speed upto 50 Mbps in a phased manner. According to the government, 10% of the funds will come from Universal Service Obligation (USO) Fund and the remaining will come from industry in the form of towers and other assets.

2. GEM launches national outreach programme ‘GeM Samvaad’: Government e-commerce portal (GeM) has launched a national outreach programme ‘GeM Samvaad’ to bring on-board more local sellers. The outreach programme will take place with stakeholders across the country and with local sellers to facilitate on-boarding of local sellers on the marketplace. The programme will take place from 19th December to 17th February next year and will cover all the States and Union Territories of the country. GeM has more than 15 lakh products and around 20,000 services, more than 3 lakh registered sellers and service providers and more than 40 thousand government buyer organizations.

Note: Commerce Secretary of India: Anup Wadhawan.

3. Orange festival begins in Manipur: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated the three days State-level Orange festival at district headquarters Tamenglong in Manipur. The state government under the sponsorship of North Eastern Council organise the festival annually to promote the fruit and encourage its growers. ‘On day one, orange growers’ competition was held and prizes were distributed to top position holders. As part of the festival, cultural show, traditional games, orange queen completion, a seminar for growers will be held. Tamenglong district is the largest producer of orange fruit in Manipur.

Note: Governor of Manipur: Najma Heptulla.

4. Sridhar Patra appointed CMD of NALCO: Sridhar Patra has been appointed as the chairman-cum-managing director (CMD) of National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) till 31st October 2024. Currently, Mr Patra is posted as Director (Finance) in the National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO). He replaced Tapan Kumar Chand from the post.

Note: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) is a Navratna group ‘A’ CPSE having integrated and diversified operations in mining, metal and power under Ministry of Mines, Government of India. Presently, the Government of India holds 52% equity of NALCO.

NALCO Established: 7 January 1981; Headquarters: Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

5. GoI flagship scheme, AMRUT extended by 2 years: The Union Government has extended the deadline of its flagship scheme AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) by two more years. In 2015, PM Modi has launched AMRUT mission, promising 139 lakh water connections and 145 lakh sewer connections by March 2020. In the last five years, 2,316 projects have been completed so far at an expense of Rs 7,195 crore. The expenditure of the mission was estimated as Rs 77,640 crores. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affair, 46% of water connection & 28.3% of sewer connections have been achieved between June 2015 and December 2019.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Turkey historic mosque moved before dam waters rise: In Turkey, the main body of the 610-year-old Er-Rızk mosque was removed from the town of Hasankeyf ahead of its submergence as part of a Ilisu dam project. The Ilisu Dam will generate 1,200 megawatts of electricity, making it Turkey’s fourth-largest dam in terms of energy production.

Note: Capital of Turkey: Ankara; Currency of Turkey: The Turkish lira.

2. International Migrants Day: 18 December: The International Migrants Day is organized across the world on 18th December to protect the rights of migrant workers and members of their families. In Dec 2000, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 18 Dec as International Migrants Day after considering the large and increasing number of migrants in the world. The International Organization for Migration salutes migrants and the communities they join, the communities they remake through their mutual effort. We salute them and we support them, and pledge to make the future we believe is arriving for all of us. #WeTogether.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Deepak Punia is UWW’s best junior wrestler of 2019: World championships silver medallist Deepak Punia has been named United World Wrestling’s (UWW) Junior Freestyle Wrestler of the Year. Punia became the first Indian wrestler in 18 years to win a junior world title since 2001. Japan’s Yui SUSAKI has been named United World Wrestling’s Junior Women’s Wrestler of the Year. Currently, Punia is number-1 in the UWW rankings of 86kg category.

2. Smriti Mandhana in ICC's ODI and T20 team of the year: Indian opener Smriti Mandhana was named in both the International Cricket Council's ODI and T20 teams of the year. Mandhana has Jhulan Goswami, Poonam Yadav and Shikha Pandey for the company in the ODI team of the year and all-rounder Deepti Sharma in the T20 side. Mandhana has played 51 ODIs and 66 T20Is for India (combined tally of 3476 runs), besides a couple of Test matches. Australia's Alyssa Healy was chosen as the T20 cricketer of the year following her record-breaking 148 against Sri Lanka earlier this year. The ODI cricketer of the year honour went to Australia's Ellyse Perry, who scored 441 runs and took 21 wickets.

Top ICC Awards 2019

Award	Name
ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year	Ellyse Perry (Australia)
ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year	Alyssa Healy (Australia)
ICC Women’s Emerging Player of the Year	Chanida Sutthiruang (Thailand)
Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year	Ellyse Perry (Australia)
ICC Captain of Women’s ODI Team of the Year	Meg Lanning (Australia)
ICC Captain of Women’s T20I Team of the Year	Meg Lanning (Australia)

3. England Cricketer Laura Marsh announces retirement: The Laura Alexandra Marsh, England cricketer announced her retirement. Laura has won three World Cups in her 13-year career, she made her debut in 2006 as a seamer, later on, she switched to spin. She has represented England in 103 ODI’s (One Day International), 67 T20’s and 9 Tests and has taken 217 wickets in her career. She is also England’s 3rd highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket. Laura Marsh was awarded a full central contract by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in February 2019. She played in her 100th women’s One Day International (WODI) match against West Indies in June 2019.

Note: England Capital: London; Currency: Pound sterling.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. SBI inks $277 million pact with Germany based KfW bank: State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a loan agreement worth of $277 million (about Rs 1,958 crore) with Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) German development bank for establishing an energy-efficient housing programme in India. The programme shall be part of the Indo-German Development Co-operation, guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Under the programme, both builders and homebuyers shall be financed for developing/purchasing energy-efficient residential projects that achieve at least 25 per cent energy savings in comparison to standard reference buildings. The arrangement of the loan and the grant facilities was facilitated by SBI’s investment banking subsidiary SBI Capital Markets Ltd.

Note: SBI Chairperson: Rajnish Kumar; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 July 1955.

2. RBI waives NEFT, RTGS transfer charges for savings account holders: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has waived NEFT, RTGS transfer charges for savings account holders. In an order, RBI instructed banks to make all online payments done through RTGS and NEFT free of cost for savings account holders. The new rule will be effective from January 1, 2020.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. GoI signs $250 Mn loan with ADB to expand energy efficiency investments: The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $250 million loan for Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL). The loan aims to expand energy efficiency investments in India that will benefit agricultural, residential and institutional consumers. Additionally, $46 million financing will be provided from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), to be administered by ADB. The project is expected to contribute to the mission of Government of India to promote energy efficiency and meet Government’s commitments to reduce energy intensity of the economy. Introduction of energy-efficient technologies in eligible states including smart meters, distributed solar photovoltaic systems and electric vehicles will help reduce electricity network losses and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Gujarat police became 7th state police to get ‘President’s Colours’: The state police of Gujarat were honoured with ‘President’s colours’. The Gujarat police were presented with the President’s colours by Vice President of India Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. They were presented the president’s colours for their outstanding services. It is the highest honour given to a police force in India. The previously awarded states were Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Tripura and Assam.

Note: The president’s colours is also known as ‘Nishaan’ which is an emblem that will be worn by all police officers on the left-hand sleeve of their uniform.

Gujarat CM: Vijay Rupani; Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat.

2. B P Raju wins India Cyber Cop of the Year 2019 award: B P Raju (CBI- officer) has been awarded the ‘India Cyber Cop of the Year 2019’ during the Annual Information Security Summit held at Gurgaon, Haryana. He won the award for investigating and cracking a fraud case in an online entrance exam conducted by an engineering college in Rajasthan. Raju arrested nine accused persons and collected incriminating evidence from digital devices, which revealed the modus operandi adopted by the accuse. The award was conferred by NASSCOM-DSCI (Data Security Council of India).

DEFENCE

1. Land-attack version of BrahMos missile successfully test-fired from Odisha’s Chandipur: India successfully conducted a developmental trial of the land-attack version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from Chandipur Integrated Test Range, off Odisha coast. The 9-meter long missile can travel at thrice the speed of sound and carry a conventional warhead weighing up to 300 kg. The BrahMos missile is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile capable of being launched from submarines, ships, fighter jets or land.

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

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran actor Shriram Lagoo passes away: Veteran actor & ENT Surgeon Dr Shriram Lagoo (92-years) passed away at his Pune residence. Mr. Lagoo acted in more than 100 Hindi and Marathi films in his career and directed twenty plays in Marathi. His roles in Marathi plays such as “Natsamrat” and “Himalayachi Saoli”, and films such as “Pinjra” made him popular. In Hindi, he essayed memorable roles in films such as “Ek Din Achanak”, “Gharonda” and “Lawaris”, to name a few. Dr Lagoo also wrote a book, an autobiography titled ‘Lamaan’ (means ‘the carrier of goods’).

2. Former Union Minister ID Swami passes away: Former Union Minister & Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader I D Swami (90 years) passed away in Faridabad. He served as the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs in 1999 in former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government. He was also two times Lok Sabha member from Karnal (Haryana) in 1966 and 1999.

Daily GK Updates - 17th December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Madhya Pradesh CM to inaugurate International Film Festival in Khajuraho: The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Kamal Nath will inaugurate the International Film Festival in Shilpkala village of Khajuraho. Films from the country and abroad including Bundelkhandi will be screened at the Tapra Talkies made for the festival. The International Khajuraho Film Festival is being organized by the Prayas Sanstha in collaboration with the State Government. Events like interaction with film stars, film making workshop, mobile film making workshop, plays, programmes for promoting local art and culture, herbal forest fair, animal fair etc. are also organized during the Film Festival.

Note: Governor of Madhya Pradesh: Lal Ji Tandon.

2. Mandatory to link PAN-Aadhaar by 31st Dec 2019: According to the Income Tax Department, it will be mandatory to link Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar by 31st Dec 2019. This will facilitate to reap seamless benefits of income tax services. The deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar was extended till the 31st of December, by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) through an order issued in September this year. In order to link a PAN with Aadhaar online, the assessee is required to log in to the e-filing portal. The Income Tax Department also provides an SMS-based facility to enable the linking.

Note: Aadhaar is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to a resident of India and PAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric number allotted by the I-T Department to a person, firm or entity.

3. 5th EAC meeting of 15th Finance Commission held in New Delhi: The 5th meeting of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) of the 15th Finance Commission was held in New Delhi. In the meeting, possible macro assumptions related to real growth, inflation, ongoing structural reforms, tax revenue including GST, adherence to Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act and fiscal transparency were discussed. Further, the Advisory Council was informed about the submission of the 2020-21 report and Commission’s next course of actions pertaining to the preparation of the report for 2021-26 period.

Note: Chairman 15th Finance Commission: NK Singh.

4. Five-day music festival ‘Tansen Samaroh’ begins in Gwalior: Popular classical music festival ‘Tansen Samaroh’ has begun in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The five-day festival is celebrated every year in the memory of one of the most eminent singers of Indian history, ‘Mian Tansen’. Pandit Vidyadhar Vyas will be honoured with this year's prestigious Tansen Samman. On this occasion, the music-driven platform is used by the musicians and instrumentalists from all over the world to showcase their talent. The event will conclude on 21st December and will be graced by many prominent artists.

5. IAS Ravi Mittal takes charge as new I&B Secy: IAS officer Ravi Mittal took charge as the new Secretary, Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Mr Mittal took charge from Amit Khare who has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Higher Education. Before this, Mr Mittal, a 1986 batch IAS officer of Bihar Cadre, was working as the Special Secretary in the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance.

6. R N Ravi to hold additional charge as governor of Meghalaya: Nagaland Governor R N Ravi has been given additional charge of Meghalaya. The decision has been taken by the President of India in the wake of the “absence of leave” of Tathagata Roy, Governor of Meghalaya.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sri Lankan govt formally releases its new National Policy Framework: Sri Lankan government formally released its new National policy Framework meant to guide the government ministries and departments in implementing their policies. The framework titled ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ is aimed at achieving the fourfold outcome of being a productive citizen, a contented family, a virtuous, disciplined and just society and a prosperous nation.The main objective of the National Policy Framework to maintain a 6.5% or higher GDP growth rate under the macroeconomic programme, achieving a per capita income exceeding 6,500 US dollar from 2020 to 2025. The policy mandates to implement a national and international partnership based on principles of priority to national security, friendly and non-aligned foreign policy. It also mandates an administration free from corruption and a new constitution that fulfils people's wishes.

Note: Sri Lanka Capitals: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte; Currency: Sri Lankan rupee; Prime minister: Mahinda Rajapaksa.

2. India slips to 112th place on WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report: India has slipped four places to rank 112th globally as per the Global Gender Gap Report 2020. The report was released by World Economic Forum (WEF) headquartered at Geneva. Iceland has topped the report and remains the world’s most gender-neutral country while Yemen was ranked the worst (153rd) in the report. As per report, the most improved countries were Albania, Ethiopia, Mali, Mexico and Spain. Among regions, Western Europe has made the most progress on gender parity (standing at 76.7%). As per WEF, the time it will take to close the gender gap has narrowed to 99.5 years in 2019 while the number was 108 years in 2018. WEF stated that this year’s improvement can largely be ascribed to a significant increase in the number of women in politics.

3. Unesco removes ‘racist’ Belgian carnival from heritage list: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), has removed the ‘Carnival of Aalst’ of Belgium from its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List. The 2019 carnival featured a parade float that included racist and anti-Semitic representations which mocked the Orthodox Jews. The carnival was added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010.

Note: UNESCO formation: 4 November 1946; Headquarters: Paris, France; Director-General: Audrey Azoulay.

4. NASA will launch rover “Mars 2020” in 2020: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will launch rover ‘Mars 2020’ in 2020. The rover builds and managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. “Mars 2020” will explore a landscape shaped by water which is the ‘Jezero Crater’, the site of an ancient delta. ‘Mars 2020’s arm has the same reach as ‘Curiosity’s arm. ‘Mars 2020’s’ turret weighs 99 pounds (45 kilograms) more than Curiosity’s because it carries larger instruments and a larger drill for coring and has many other changes in the physical design.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Virat Kohli retains top spot in ICC Test rankings: Indian skipper Virat Kohli retained his top spot among batsmen in the latest ICC Test rankings. With 928 points, Kohli is 17 points clear of Australia's Steve Smith who scored 43 and 16 in the first Test against New Zealand which Australia won by 296 runs. Cheteshwar Pujara (791-points) and Ajinkya Rahane(759-points) held on to their fourth and sixth spots respectively. Among the bowlers, Bumrah slipped to the sixth spot in the list headed by Australia's Pat Cummins. India's Ravindra Jadeja, meanwhile, remained at number two, behind Jason Holder of the West Indies among Test all-rounders. In the ICC World Test Championship, India stands on top with 360 points, way ahead of Australia 216, Sri Lanka 80, New Zealand 60 and England 56.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. ICAR & NABARD signed MoU to promote agriculture & farming systems research: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient farming systems. The research will be of active participation in climate-resilient practices, models and integrated and hi-tech farming practices in a participatory model. The aim of this MoU was to promote sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient farming systems.

Note: NABARD founded: 12 July 1982; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Chairperson: Harsh Kumar Bhanwala.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 1. UN Medal awarded to Indian peacekeepers to support the people of South Sudan: Indian peacekeepers have been recognized for their strong contribution to building peace in conflict-affected South Sudan as well as for going above and beyond their duties to support local communities. Almost 850 Indian troops received the United Nations Medal for their dedication and sacrifice serving so far away from home to protect civilians and build durable peace in South Sudan. Currently, 2,342 Indian troops and 25 police personnel are deployed with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The Indian troops were particularly praised for their efforts to support peace talks between Government and Opposition forces in the Upper Nile region and establishing the first-ever UNMISS base on the west bank of the Nile at Kodok.

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

2. Union Rural Development Ministry selected UT of J&K for National award: Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been selected for the national award by Union Rural Development Ministry for best performance in the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Union Rural Development Ministry has sanctioned 147 Road and Bridge projects under PMGSY-II covering a length of 783.88 kilometres at an estimated cost of 878.53 crore rupees for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The entire road length has been sanctioned for up-gradation of existing road infrastructure with 10-year maintenance.

Note: Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir: Girish Chandra Murmu.

DEFENCE

1. Lt General Manoj Mukund Naravane to be next Army chief: Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane will be the next Chief of Army Staff of India. He is currently serving as Vice Chief of the Army. Lt Gen Naravane will succeed Gen Bipin Rawat, who will retire on the 31st December. Naravane was commissioned into the 7th battalion, the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment in June 1980. During his career, he has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2019), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2017), Sena Medal and Vishist Seva Medal (2015) for his service and the CoAS commendation card.

Note: The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) is the professional head, commander, and usually the highest-ranking military officer of the Indian Army.

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

2. Exercise Surya Kiran-XIV held in Nepal: A joint military training exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XIV” was held in Salijhandi, Rupendehi district of Nepal. The exercise was conducted between the armies of India and Nepal. Joint training exercise was based on counter insurgency operations in jungle and mountainous terrain and also practised response mechanism in the eventualities of natural and manmade disasters.

3. ITBP launches matrimonial site to help staff find ‘suitable matches’: In a unique approach, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has started a dedicated matrimonial site for its staff. The website started will be managed by ITBP and only the staff will be able to access it. This is the first-ever dedicated and well-managed matrimony portal among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). There are more than 25,000 unmarried men in the Force while more than 1000 women personnel are also unmarried. Keeping in view their duties and engagements after joining the service, finding suitable matches becomes an uphill task for the serving personnel.

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran film actor Danny Aiello passes away: Veteran film actor Danny Aiello, known for his roles in the movies Do the Right Thing and The Godfather Part II passed away. A veteran of stage and film, Aiello was best known for playing the pizza parlour owner Sal in Spike Lee’s 1989 Do the Right Thing.

Daily GK Updates - 16th December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Prime Minister chairs 1st meeting of National Ganga Council: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council. The meeting was held in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The first meeting of the Council aimed at reinforcing the importance of a ‘Ganga-centric’ approach in all departments of the concerned states as well as relevant Central Ministries. The Council has been given overall responsibility for superintendence of pollution prevention and rejuvenation of River Ganga Basin, including Ganga and its tributaries. Prime Minister urged for a holistic thinking process where ‘Namami Gange’ evolves to ‘Arth Ganga’ or a sustainable development model with a focus on economic activities related to Ganga.

2. Haryana Police Introduces Unique Barcoding Software ‘Trakea’ to make forensic reports tamper-proof: The Haryana Police has adopted a unique barcoding software dubbed as ‘Trakea’ that would help to ensure that the forensic reports are not tampered with as they form the backbone of the criminal investigation system and subsequent trials in the courts of law. As per the Haryana Police it is the country’s first police force to have introduced this unique barcoding for forensic reports.

3. Ministry of Coal to establish “Sustainable Development Cell” to promote clean mining: The Coal Ministry will establish ‘Sustainable Development Cell’ (SDC) for promoting sustainable coal mining in the country. It will address environmental concerns during the decommissioning or closure of mines. The Cell will advise, mentor, plan and monitor the mitigation measures taken by the coal companies for maximizing the utilization of available resources in a sustainable way, minimizing the adverse impact of mining and mitigating it for further eco-system services. The Sustainable Development Cell envisages to address the environmental mitigation measures in a systemic manner and to provide a better environment to people working and residing in the vicinity of Mines.

Mote: Minister of Coal and Minister of Mines: Pralhad Joshi.

4. World Design Organization to Launch its Global 5 Year Programme ‘World Design Protopolis’ in Bengaluru: The World Design Organization (WDO) has planned to launch its new global programme World Design Protopolis in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This announcement was made during the India’s largest design conclave ‘Kochi Design Week (KDW)’ held at Bolgatty Island in Kerala. The World Design Protopolis will be five-year project aimed at implementing holistic progress in mega cities across the world and making them sustainable. The project aims to measure the progress of the city, attract investments and solve the problems so that the city becomes a better place for the citizens.

5. Viswanathan Anand launches his autobiography ‘Mind Master’: Viswanathan Anand has launched his autobiography ‘Mind Master’. Anand’s autobiography is co-authored by sports journalist Susan Ninann. It has been published by THG Publishing Private Limited. The book covers wonderful memories of Viswanathan Anand’s journey.

6. India celebrates Vijay Diwas: 16 December: The nation celebrates 16 December as Vijay Diwas to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971 war. 2019 marks 48th Vijay Diwas and was celebrated at the National War Memorial. The Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 which began on December 3 lasted for 13 days and officially ended on December 16, after which Pakistan surrendered to India. It was on this day in 1971, the chief of the Pakistani forces, General AA Khan Niazi, along with 93 thousand troops, had surrendered unconditionally to the allied forces consisting of Indian Army and Mukti Bahini. The end of the war also resulted in subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nuad Thai, Traditional massage included in UNESCO heritage list: Thailand’s famous 2000-year-old massage, Nuad Thai was added to UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) prestigious heritage list. Nuad Thai is an intense form of massage in which the body is pulled and rotated well with the help of the thumb, elbow, knees and feet. Thai massage originated in India and brought it to Thailand about 2,500 years ago by doctors and monks who carried its secrets for generations. The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list includes 13 items from India till date. The most recent addition was made in 2017 when Kumbh Mela was added to the list. The first three entries in the list were made in 2008, when Vedic chanting, Ramlila and Sanskrit theatre Kutiyattam were added.

Note: UNESCO formation: 4 November 1946; Headquarters: Paris, France; Director-General: Audrey Azoulay.

2. Former PM Abdelmadjid Tebboune elected as the President of Algeria: Abdelmadjid Tebboune, former Prime Minister (PM) of Algeria was elected as the President of Algeria succeeding Abdelkader Bensalah. He served as the PM from May 2017 to August 2017, under the governance of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. . The 74-year-old Tebboune won maximum vote, 58.15 percent, in the five-men presidential race.

Note: Algeria Capital: Algiers; Prime Minister (PM): Noureddine Bedouia; Currency: Dinar.

3. World’s First Liquid Hydrogen Carrier Ship ‘Suiso Frontier’ launched in Japan: Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries has launched the first of its kind, world’s first marine carrier that transports liquefied hydrogen, in a bid to establish green energy supply chain. The 116 meters long ship, named as Suiso Frontier, will carry up to 1,250 cubic meters of compressed, supercooled liquid hydrogen between the south coast of Australia and an unloading terminal under construction in Kobe, Japan.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Kento Momota & Chen Yufei Lifts 2019 BWF World Tour Finals: The 2019 BWF World Tour Finals (HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2019) was the final badminton tournament of the 2019 BWF World Tour. It was held from 11 to 15 December 2019 in Guangzhou, China. List of Winners:

Men’s Single – Kento Momota (Japan)

Women’s Single – Chen Yufei (China)

Men’s Double – Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan (Indonesia)

Women’s Double – Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan (China)

Mixed Double – Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong (China)

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Edelweiss AMC Launches India’s 1st corporate bond “Bharat Bond ETF”: Edelweiss Asset Management Company (AMC), a subsidiary of Edelweiss Capital Limited (ECL) has launched India’s 1st Corporate Bond ETF (exchange trade fund) called the Bharat Bond ETF. The ETF is a government initiative and Edelweiss AMC was given the mandate to design and manage the product. Edelweiss aims to raise an initial amount of Rs 3,000 crore through this bond from institutional players with a greenshoe option of Rs 2,000 crore in the 3-year maturity period (2023) and Rs 4,000 crore with a greenshoe option of Rs 6,000 crore in the 10-year maturity bucket (2030). Small retail investors will have to invest at least Rs 1,000 in this fund.

Note: Edelweiss Capital Limited Headquarters: Mumbai; Founder: Rashesh Shah; Edelweiss Capital Limited founded: 1995.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. England cricketer Ben Stokes wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019: The 28-year-old, England cricketer Ben Stokes has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019. He became the first cricketer to win the prize after Andrew Flintoff, who won in 2005. The BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 was held on 15 December 2019 in Aberdeen, United Kingdom.

2. Projects from Karnataka and Odisha Wins 2019 World Habitat Awards: World Habitat Awards are presented every year by World Habitat, a UK-based organization, in partnership with United Nation (UN)-Habitat. The award recognises innovative, outstanding and sometimes revolutionary housing ideas, projects and programmes for the homeless and disadvantaged. For the first time, in 2019, the awards were presented as Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards. Earlier, two winners were selected each year. Altogether, there are nine winning projects and programmes for 2019 World Habitat Awards. Two projects from India have won 2019 World Habitat Awards including a Gold and Bronze.

Gold Award: Restoration of Dignity and Human Rights of Indigenous Tribal Community in Karnataka (transformative initiative supporting the Koraga people and nine other tribal communities in Karnataka to access land)

Bronze Award: Odisha Liveable Habitat Mission (JAGA Mission), (transforming the slums into liveable habitat with all necessary civic infrastructure and services at par with the better off areas within the same urban local body (ULB) and to continuously improve the standard of the infrastructure and services and access to livelihood opportunities.)

Other Winners:

Category	Winner
Gold:	Viviendas para las Entidades Sociales, Spain
Silver:	Discus Housing First, Netherlands
Bronze:	Building with EARTH, China
	Healthy Homes for Humanity, Guatemala
	La Borda housing co-operative, Spain
	#GreenNFit Neighbourhood Rebuild, USA
	Dzivarasekwa Slum Upgrading Project, Zimbabwe

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran Actress Gita Siddharth Passes Away: The legendary Bollywood actress and a social worker Gita Siddharth has passed away. Gita made her debut in Gulzar’s 1972 film, Parichay. She was best known for her role in M.S. Sathyu’s 1973 classic ‘Garm Hava’. Sholay, Trishul, Disco Dancer, are some of the major films done by Gita.