Daily GK Updates - 18th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Centre of Block Chain Technology sets up in Bengaluru: The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has set up the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Blockchain Technology in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The CoE was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Law & Justice, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad on 18 January 2020. The Centre of Excellence will facilitate the Government Departments in building proof of concepts for use of Blockchain technology in different dimensions of governance to enhance transparency, traceability and trust in e-governance systems. CoE will also provide Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) for efficient hosting of Blockchain network.

2. Union Minister of Fertilizers launched the ‘Apna Urea – Sona Ugle‘ brand of HURL: The Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, DV Sadananda Gowda unveiled the logo and brand ‘Apna Urea Sona Ugle’ of Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) on 17 January 2020. HURL is a joint venture company promoted by the three Maharatna companies namely Coal India (CIL), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) as the lead promoters and Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCIL) and Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation (HFCL) as other two partners. In 2016, Government had directed for the revival of five major sick fertiliser plants of which, the task of the revival of three units has been undertaken by HURL. The sick urea units are located at Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Barauni (Bihar) and Sindri (Jharkhand).

3. Union Territory of Ladakh Signs MoU with NITI Aayog for Development of Infrastructure Projects: NITI Aayog has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Union Territory of Ladakh on 17 January 2020 to promote the development of key infrastructure sectors in the region. NITI Aayog is providing support to UT’s administration under its key initiative ‘Development Support Services to States for Infrastructure Projects (D3S-i)’. The MoU will help towards identification of high-impact priority projects, expedited project implementation, addressing structural-level issues and creating unique models of development for the Union Territory of Ladakh, especially in tourism, solar energy and basic infrastructure.

4. 3rd Edition of North Zone Conference of MIB’s of Media Units held in Jammu: The 3rd edition of North Zone Conference’ of Media Units of Information and Broadcasting Ministry, held in Jammu. The Conference is being organised by the Regional Outreach Bureau, Jammu and Kashmir region.

Note: Lieutenant (Lt) Governors of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K): Girish Chandra Murmu.

5. Mizoram to celebrate Chapchar kut in March 2020: The Mizoram government and organizing committee under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Zoramthanga decided to celebrate Chapchar Kut, the biggest and most important festival of the Mizos, on March 6, 2020. While March 5 will be celebrated as pre-festival, which would be graced by Art and Culture Minister R Lalzirliana as “Kut Pa” or the “father of the festival”? Theme: "Promotion of Mizos' culture and moral code".

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Oleksiy Honcharuk Resigns as Prime Minister of Ukraine: The incumbent Prime Minister of Ukraine, Oleksiy Honcharuk submitted his resignation to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on 17 January, after less than six months in the role. The resignation is however still to be confirmed by the President. Oleksiy Honcharuk has been the Prime Minister of Ukraine since 29 August 2019 becoming the youngest-ever head of government at the age of 35.

Note: Ukraine capital: Kyiv; Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia

2. Microsoft promises to be carbon negative by 2030: The US tech giant Microsoft has announced that it would become “carbon negative” by year 2030 and by 2050 it will have removed all the carbon it has emitted since 1975. To become negative, the company will have to not just reduce its carbon emissions and shift to renewable resources but actually offset its carbon footprint. It has also announced its investment of $1 billion in a “climate innovation fund” for technology for carbon capture and removal.

Note: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Microsoft: Satya Nadella; Founded: April 4, 1975; Headquarters: Washington, United States (US).

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. ICC U-19 World Cup Cricket begins in South Africa: The ICC Under-19 World Cup Cricket 2020 begins in South Africa.  India is the defending champions in U19 World Cup 2018. Total 16 teams are participating in the tournament, split into four groups of four.

Note: Chairman of ICC: Shashank Manohar; Chief Executive: Manu Sahney; Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

2. Sania Mirza wins WTA International women's doubles title: Indian women tennis star, Sania Mirza and her Ukrainian partner Nadiia Kichenok have won the women's doubles title of the WTA International trophy at Hobart in Australia. In the final, they beat Shaui Peng and Shuai Zhang of China 6-4,6-4. It is Sania's 42nd WTA doubles title and first since Brisbane International trophy in 2007 with American partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

3. Vinesh Phogat wins gold medal in UWW Rome Ranking Series 2020: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat won the first gold medal of the 2020 season at the Rome Ranking Series event in Rome on January 17, 2020. India’s wrestling champion Vinesh Phogat defeated Ecuador’s Luisa Elizabeth Melendres 4-0 in the final (53 kg) to win her first gold medal of the season at the UWW Rome Ranking Series. Earlier, Anshu Malik settled for a silver in 57kg competition. Till now, India’s medal tally in Rome Series has reached 5 including 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze.

DEFENCE

1. India to Receive Five S-400 air defence systems from Russia by 2025: Russia has started production of S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems for India. All five units will be delivered to India by 2025. The S-400 air defence missile systems are among the best in the world. The S-400 air defence missile systems is an upgraded version of the S-300, was previously only been available to the Russian defence forces. India signed USD 5.43-billion deal with Russia for the purchase of 5 units of S-400 systems on October 5, 2018, during the 19th India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit in New Delhi, for long-term security needs.

Note: Union Defence Minister: Rajnath Singh.

OBITUARIES

1. Former India all-rounder Bapu Nadkarni passes away: Rameshchandra Gangaram ‘Bapu’ Nadkarni, former Indian cricketer, mainly known for being an economical bowler, has passed away due to old-age related problems. He was 86. The legendary India all-rounder was best known for bowling a record 21 successive maiden overs in a Test match. Nadkarni was a left-handed batsman and slow-left arm orthodox bowler who had played 41 Tests and 191 first-class matches.

2. World’s shortest man Khagendra Thapa Magar passes away: Guinness World Records holder, world’s shortest man, Khagendra Thapa Magar, passed away in Nepal on 18 January 2020. He was 27. Magar was just 67.08 cm tall and was declared the shortest man alive by Guinness World Records (GWR) in 2010 after turning 18. Now after passing away of Magar, the world’s shortest man record is held by Edward “Nino” Hernandez, a DJ from Colombia, who is 70.21 cm.

Daily GK Updates - 17th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. No documents or biometric required for National Population Register (NPR): Home Ministry: The Government has informed that no documents will be asked and no biometric will be taken for National Population Register (NPR) exercise to be carried out between April and September 2020. The NPR is a register of usual residents of the country. The NPR exercise will be carried out in all states and UTs, except Assam, along with the house listing phase of the census 2021 exercise. The Union Cabinet has approved Rs. 3,941.35 crore for the NPR exercise. Assam has been excluded because the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise has already been conducted in the state.

2. India’s first global Mega-Science Exhibition ‘Vigyan Samagam’ to be held in New Delhi: The fourth and final leg of the first-of-its-kind, multi-venue Mega Science exhibition named “Vigyan Samagam” will be held at the National Science Centre (NSC) in New Delhi from 21 January to 20 March, 2020 The 11-month duration Vigyan Samagam is being hosted at four cities, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Delhi, from May 2019 to March 2020, with around two months at each venue. The previous three leg of the exhibition took place as given below:

1. Mumbai – 8 May to 7 July, 2019

2. Bengaluru – 29 July to 28 September, 2019

3. Kolkata – 4 November to 31 December, 2019

This exhibition is jointly organised by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Department of Science and Technology (DST), the funding agencies of these projects, the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) and Ministry of Culture. After the successful completion of the exibition in New Delhi, it will remain as a permanent exhibition at New Delhi and will be taken care-off by NCSM.

3. First Agribusiness and Rural Development Summit “Krishi Manthan” Held in Gujarat: The first edition of the Krishi Manthan, the largest Food, Agri-business and Rural Development Summit of Asia was held at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) in Gujarat on 16-17 January 2020. The Summit was organised by the Food and Agribusiness Committee of IIMA. More than 1,500 delegates including students and academicians participated in the two-day event to share ideas, knowledge, and expertise to create solutions. It is an exclusive platform for industry, academia, and policymakers to share ideas, knowledge, and expertise to create solutions.

4. Arunachal Pradesh has signed a (MoU) with the IUCN: Arunachal Pradesh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) to red-listing of orchids. The state has become the first state to initiate the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) red listing at the state level.

About IUCN Red List: The IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. The list has been acting as a powerful tool to inform and catalyze action for biodiversity conservation and policy change. IUCN has projected that it is complexities to protect natural resources.

IUCN Founded on: 5 October 1948; Located at: Gland, Switzerland; Director-General: Grethel Aguilar; President: Zhang Xinsheng

5. Dr Mihir Shah appointed Chairman of the Committee to draft the National Water Policy: Dr Mihir Shah, Distinguished Professor at the University has been appointed the Chairman of the Committee to draft the National Water Policy. The committee established by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India will outline the new National Water Policy (NWP) for the country. The committee, comprising of 11 members including Dr Shah, will draft the National Water Policy (NWP) and will submit this to the government within six months from the date of its constitution.

6. IIM-Indore signs MoU with TikTok to provide short video modules: The Indian Institute of Management, Indore has signed an MoU with the video sharing platform “TikTok”. The MoU will facilitate the production of short video modules for students and trained professionals. IIM-Indore Partners TikTok to produce short video lessons on management The Indian Institute of Management, Indore has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with video-sharing application TikTok to produce short video modules on management courses for students and trained professionals. The MoU includes preparing new education modules of short video content storytelling and implement them in communication, negotiation, and marketing and strategy programs, both in flagship programs as well as executive programs of the institute.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Russian Duma (Lower house) approves Mikhali Mishustin as the new Prime Minister: Russian assembly or the Duma on 16th January approved Mikhail V. Mishustin as the new Prime Minister, a little-known technocrat picked by President Vladimir Putin, a day after the Cabinet resigned as part of an unexpected Kremlin shake-up. Putin proposed major changes to the Russian Constitution that would spread political power more evenly, away from the president to the Parliament, the State Council and other government institutions.

2. India to host SCO heads of govt meeting later this year: India to host the 19th Edition of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting 2020. This would be the first high-level meeting of the SCO that would be organised here since India’s admission to the eight-member grouping. India took over the presidency of the heads of government’ meeting last year and it was announced in the 18th meeting of the SCO’s Council of heads of government-held in Tashkent in 2019.

Note: The economic and security bloc which initially comprised of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, included India and Pakistan in 2017.

SCO Headquarters: Beijing, China; Secretary General: Vladimir Norov; Founded: 26 April 1996

3. Senior Indian Advocate Harish Salve Appointed Queen’s Counsel for Courts of England & Wales: Noted Indian lawyer Harish Salve has been appointed as Queen’s Counsel (QC) for the courts of England and Wales. The title of Queen’s Counsel is awarded to lawyers who have demonstrated particular skill and expertise in the conduct of advocacy. Salve, along with other appointees will be formally appointed as QC on March 16, 2020. Advocate Salve served as a Solicitor General for India from November 1999 to November 2002. He is known for representing India before the International Court of Justice in the Kulbhushan Jadhav extradition case.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. UN lowers India’s growth forecast for FY20 to 5.7%: GDP growth in India and few other large emerging countries may gain some momentum this year after the global economy recorded its lowest growth of 2.3 per cent in 2019 due to prolonged trade disputes, a UN study. According to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2020, a growth rate of 2.5 per cent is possible in 2020, but a flare up of trade tensions, financial turmoil, or an escalation of geopolitical tensions could derail a recovery. It lowered its GDP growth estimate for India to 5.7 per cent in the current fiscal (from 7.6 per cent forecast in WESP 2019) and lowered its forecast for the next fiscal to 6.6 per cent (from 7.4 per cent earlier). It has also forecast a growth rate of 6.3 per cent for the fiscal beginning in 2021.

AWARDS AND HONOUR

1. Sindhi writer “Vasdev Mohi” to be conferred with 29th Saraswati Samman: Eminent Sindhi writer Vasdev Mohi will be conferred with 29th Saraswati Samman a literary recognition given annually by the KK Birla Foundation. He has been selected for this prestigious literary award for his short stories collection- ‘Chequebook’, a collection of short stories in Sindhi, published in 2012. ‘Chequebook’ highlights the life of a domestic helper, facing ill-treatment from her husband and hardships because of poverty. Saraswati Samman carries a cash award of 15 lakh rupees, a citation and a plaque. Mr Mohi has authored 25 books of poetry, stories and translations. He has also received Sahitya Akademi Award.

2. Indian scientist Sakya Singha Sen awarded “Merck Young Scientist Award 2019: Indian scientist Sakya Singha Sen from National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) Pune, has been awarded “Merck Young Scientist Award 2019” for doing remarkable research in chemical science. This award is instituted by Merck, a science and technology company operating worldwide. Sen and his research team specializes in main group chemistry and involves in the synthesis of compounds with main group element and their catalytic application.

DEFENCE

1. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flags off 51st K9 VAJRA-T gun: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off 51st K9 VAJRA-T Gun from Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Armoured System Complex at Hazira in Gujarat.

The ‘K9 VAJRA-T’ Tracked, Self-Propelled Howitzer Guns are being manufactured by Larsen & Toubro under the contract awarded to the company by Ministry of Defence through global competitive bidding to deliver 100 such guns. More than 75 percent of K9 Vajra has been manufactured in India. The gun weighs 50 tonnes and can fire 47-kilogram bombs at targets up to a distance of 43 kilometres. It can also turn around at zero radius.

Daily GK Updates - 16th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurates ‘Indian Heritage in Digital Space’: The Union Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel launched a month-long special exhibition 'Indian Heritage in Digital Space' and a first international heritage symposium at the National Museum located in New Delhi. IHDS, an initiative of Department of Science and Technology has created the models of Heritages with the help of holographic projections, AR and 3D fabrication and 3D LASER scan data. Visitors will be able to see the recreations of the socio-cultural life and traditions of Hampi, architectural and conjectural reconstructions of several important structures.

2. Lucknow hosts the 7th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference 2020: The 7th Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the Vidhan Bhawan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on 16 January 2020. During the two-day event, Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon will address the inaugural session, while Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel will address the valedictory session on 17 January 2020. The main theme of the conference is ‘ROLE OF LEGISLATORS’ and during the Plenary Sessions spread over two days, delegates will discuss the Capacity Building of Legislators for Scrutinizing Budgetary Proposals and Enhancing Focus of Legislators on Legislative Business.

Note: CPA India Region conferences are held once in two years and the 6th conference was held in 2018 in Patna.

Uttar Pradesh Governor: Anandiben Patel; Capital: Lucknow; Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath

3. Mega fuel conservation campaign ‘Saksham 2020’ inaugurated in New Delhi: The one-month long mega fuel conservation campaign named Saksham-2020 was inaugurated in New Delhi on 16 January 2020. Saksham (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav) is an annual flagship event of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Govt. of India. The Saksham campaign aims at creating mass awareness among public about conventional fuel conservation, for health & environment protection and simultaneously help in reducing India’s dependency on import of crude oil.

4. 5th Science Film Festival of India 2020 Begins in Goa: The 5th edition of Science Film Festival of India, SCI-FFI 2020, has been started in Panaji, Goa. The four-day-long festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister, Dr. Paramod Sawant and will end on 18 January. The festival that will take place at the Inox Complex and Maquinez Palace in Goa, aims at instilling the knowledge of science among the youth with the help of exhibitions, masterclasses, workshops, and other activities. Besides, Goa Government and Government of India, the event is being supported by Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute and National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAR). Films that have been selected to be screened at the event are 'Mission Mangal', 'Antariksham 9000 KMPH', 'Everest', 'Aamorie', 'Terminator: Dark Fate', 'Geostorm' and, 'Virus' among others. A special workshop titled 'Million SoUL' will also be conducted by IIT Bombay on training about making solar lamps. The workshop is aimed at empowering people from backward communities.

5. Ladakh hosts the first ever Food Processing Summit: Union Territory Ladakh is hosting the first ever Food Processing Summit to attract investors to the region. With the help of Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the UT Administration of Ladakh is organizing the Summit. Ladakh region has vast scope for investment in food Processing Industries in horticulture products like Apricot, SeabuckThorn, Apple and agricultural produce like buckwheat and barley.

Note: Ladakh Capitals: Leh, Kargir; Lieutenant Governor: RK Mathur

6. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched the 7th Economic Census process: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has launched the 7th Economic Census process in the state. Economic Census process is carried out by Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation with the help of Common Service Centres. It will continue till 30th June 2020. The entire data will be compiled on 30th September 2020. The data of this Economic Census will be classified into the village, taluka and district-wise to be developed into a National Business Register.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev Submits Resignation: Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as well as the entire Russian government submitted resignation to President Vladimir Putin, after President announced a range of constitutional changes. Putin thanked Medvedev for his work and appointed him as the deputy head of the presidential Security Council. Russian President asked Medvedev's Cabinet to keep working until the new Cabinet is formed.

Note: Russia Capital: Moscow; Currency: Russian ruble; President: Vladimir Putin

2. US signs first phase of trade deal with China: The US has signed the first phase of a trade deal with China, concluding more than a year of tough negotiations including several months of suspension of talks between the two largest economies of the world. In his remarks, President Donald Trump called the trade agreement signing a momentous step to a future of fair and reciprocal trade. The first phase of the trade deal includes Intellectual Property (IP) Protection and Enforcement, rebalancing the US-China trade relationship and effective dispute resolution. The deal was signed by President Trump and Chinese vice Premier Liu He in Washington.

However, President Trump has refused to roll back the massive tariff imposed on the import of Chinese goods. During a signing ceremony at the White House, Trump said he will roll back the tariffs only if the second phase of the trade deal is signed between the two countries.

3. India and Finland ink MoU to enhance bilateral defence cooperation: Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence of Finland Mr Jukka Juusti signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further defence cooperation between India and Finland. The MoU on co-operation in the field of Production, Procurement, Research and Development of Defence related Equipment and Industrial cooperation has been inked on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2020. Under the broad ambit of the MoU, cooperation between Finnish companies and Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings could be explored.

Note: Finland Capital: Helsinki; Currency: Euro; Prime minister: Sanna Marin

4. Guatemala swears in conservative Giammattei as president: Guatemala swore in Alejandro Giammattei, a conservative physician opposed to gay marriage and abortion, as its new president. Giammattei won the presidency on his fourth attempt in August for Vamos, a party founded in 2017 by politicians, businessmen and military officers on promises of battling poverty and providing better opportunities.

Note: Guatemala Capital: Guatemala City; Currency: Guatemalan quetzal

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. World Bank & GoI signs MoU for loan of Assam Inland Water Transport Project: World Bank & Government of Indi signs MoU for loan of $88 million of Assam Inland Water Transport Project. The loan agreement seeks to modernize the Assam’s passenger ferry sector by improving the infrastructure and its services. The government ferries are operated by the Assam Shipping Company (ASC) while the terminals and terminal services are provided by the Assam Ports Company (APC) in the state of Assam. The $88 million agreement will provide technically better designed terminals and energy-efficient vessels to make the ferry services more efficient, modern and safe mode of river transport system.

Note: Assam Capital: Dispur; Chief minister: Sarbananda Sonowal

2. South Central Zone of Indian Railways Signs MoU with SBI for Doorstep Banking: The South Central Zone (SCR) of Indian Railways and State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for ‘Doorstep Banking’ to enable direct pickup of cash earnings from all 585 Railway stations on SCR Zone. The direct pick up of cash from all the railway stations on SCR by SBI will save the tedious and complex activity of movement of cash earnings through ‘cash safes’ by trains. The door step banking will increase the pace of financial transactions and digitization of remittance of cash earnings of the Railways into accounts.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos commits USD 1 bn investment in India to digitise small businesses: Amazon.com Inc chief Jeff Bezos has announced USD 1 billion (over Rs 7,000 crore) investment in India over the next five years, to bring small and medium businesses online. The initiative will help to digitise micro and small businesses across India, and help them reach more customers than ever before. The company is also committed to exporting USD 10 billion worth of India-made goods by 2025.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. ICC Awards 2019: ICC Annual Awards list has been declared by the International Cricket Council (ICC). With the list, ICC has also honoured the biggest names in men’s and women’s international cricket. Some key awards are:

ODI Player of the Year: India opener Rohit Sharma won the ODI Player of the Year award. He has five centuries in the 2019 World Cup and seven ODI centuries to his name.

Spirit of Cricket Award: India skipper Virat Kohli– who had swept the Player of the Year, Test Player of the Year and ODI Player of the Year last year– won the Spirit of Cricket Award. The award is given for his gesture during the World Cup game when he asked the crowd to support Steve Smith and not boo him.

T20I Performance of the Year: India seamer Deepak Chahar won T20I Performance of the Year. This award comes for his 6/7 against Bangladesh.

ICC Player of the Year: England all-rounder Ben Stokes won the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Player of the Year. He is awarded for his decisive role in England’s dramatic victory at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 along with a host of other memorable performances.

Test Player of the Year: Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins has been named the Test Player of the Year. Pat Cummins grabbed 59 wickets in 12 Test matches during the period and finished the year as the top-ranked bowler in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings.

Emerging Cricketer of the Year: Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne has been named as Emerging Cricketer of the Year. Labuschagne scored 1,104 runs in 11 Tests, which saw him zoom in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings from 110 at the start of the year to fourth by the end of the year.

Associate Cricketer of the Year: Scotland’s Kyle Coetzer is the Associate Cricketer of the Year. Coetzer in ODIs has 880 runs in 18 matches and also aggregating 702 runs in 22 T20Is.

2019 Umpire of the Year– Richard Illingworth

2. 10 Districts Gets Swachhata Darpan Awards 2020: The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, organised the Open Defecation Free (ODF) Sustainability workshop in New Delhi. As a part of the occasion the Swachhata Darpan Awards 2020 were presented to the top 10 performing districts at national level on key Swachhata parameters. The awards were presented by Aamir Khan, Actor and Founder, Paani Foundation. Swachhata Darpan Award has been instituted under Swacha Bharat Mission to encourage the states and districts to focus on Open Defecation Free (ODF) sustainability and social and liquid waste management. The top 10 winning districts are:

East Godavari (Andhra Pradesh), West Kameng (Arunachal Pradesh), Bemtara (Chhattisgarh), Diu (Daman and Diu), Panipat (Haryana), Vadodara (Gujarat), Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Moga (Punjab), East Sikkim (Sikkim) and Pedappali (Telangana).

Apart from this, 4 districts were awarded for innovations and initiatives for Plastic Waste Management. They are: Dibrugarh (Assam), Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh), Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and Puri (Odisha).

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurates ‘Indian Heritage in Digital Space’: The Union Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel launched a month-long special exhibition 'Indian Heritage in Digital Space' and a first international heritage symposium at the National Museum located in New Delhi. IHDS, an initiative of Department of Science and Technology has created the models of Heritages with the help of holographic projections, AR and 3D fabrication and 3D LASER scan data. Visitors will be able to see the recreations of the socio-cultural life and traditions of Hampi, architectural and conjectural reconstructions of several important structures.

2. Lucknow hosts the 7th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference 2020: The 7th Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the Vidhan Bhawan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on 16 January 2020. During the two-day event, Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon will address the inaugural session, while Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel will address the valedictory session on 17 January 2020. The main theme of the conference is ‘ROLE OF LEGISLATORS’ and during the Plenary Sessions spread over two days, delegates will discuss the Capacity Building of Legislators for Scrutinizing Budgetary Proposals and Enhancing Focus of Legislators on Legislative Business.

Note: CPA India Region conferences are held once in two years and the 6th conference was held in 2018 in Patna.

Uttar Pradesh Governor: Anandiben Patel; Capital: Lucknow; Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath

3. Mega fuel conservation campaign ‘Saksham 2020’ inaugurated in New Delhi: The one-month long mega fuel conservation campaign named Saksham-2020 was inaugurated in New Delhi on 16 January 2020. Saksham (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav) is an annual flagship event of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Govt. of India. The Saksham campaign aims at creating mass awareness among public about conventional fuel conservation, for health & environment protection and simultaneously help in reducing India’s dependency on import of crude oil.

4. 5th Science Film Festival of India 2020 Begins in Goa: The 5th edition of Science Film Festival of India, SCI-FFI 2020, has been started in Panaji, Goa. The four-day-long festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister, Dr. Paramod Sawant and will end on 18 January. The festival that will take place at the Inox Complex and Maquinez Palace in Goa, aims at instilling the knowledge of science among the youth with the help of exhibitions, masterclasses, workshops, and other activities. Besides, Goa Government and Government of India, the event is being supported by Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute and National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAR). Films that have been selected to be screened at the event are 'Mission Mangal', 'Antariksham 9000 KMPH', 'Everest', 'Aamorie', 'Terminator: Dark Fate', 'Geostorm' and, 'Virus' among others. A special workshop titled 'Million SoUL' will also be conducted by IIT Bombay on training about making solar lamps. The workshop is aimed at empowering people from backward communities.

5. Ladakh hosts the first ever Food Processing Summit: Union Territory Ladakh is hosting the first ever Food Processing Summit to attract investors to the region. With the help of Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the UT Administration of Ladakh is organizing the Summit. Ladakh region has vast scope for investment in food Processing Industries in horticulture products like Apricot, SeabuckThorn, Apple and agricultural produce like buckwheat and barley.

Note: Ladakh Capitals: Leh, Kargir; Lieutenant Governor: RK Mathur

6. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched the 7th Economic Census process: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has launched the 7th Economic Census process in the state. Economic Census process is carried out by Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation with the help of Common Service Centres. It will continue till 30th June 2020. The entire data will be compiled on 30th September 2020. The data of this Economic Census will be classified into the village, taluka and district-wise to be developed into a National Business Register.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev Submits Resignation: Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as well as the entire Russian government submitted resignation to President Vladimir Putin, after President announced a range of constitutional changes. Putin thanked Medvedev for his work and appointed him as the deputy head of the presidential Security Council. Russian President asked Medvedev's Cabinet to keep working until the new Cabinet is formed.

Note: Russia Capital: Moscow; Currency: Russian ruble; President: Vladimir Putin

2. US signs first phase of trade deal with China: The US has signed the first phase of a trade deal with China, concluding more than a year of tough negotiations including several months of suspension of talks between the two largest economies of the world. In his remarks, President Donald Trump called the trade agreement signing a momentous step to a future of fair and reciprocal trade. The first phase of the trade deal includes Intellectual Property (IP) Protection and Enforcement, rebalancing the US-China trade relationship and effective dispute resolution. The deal was signed by President Trump and Chinese vice Premier Liu He in Washington.

However, President Trump has refused to roll back the massive tariff imposed on the import of Chinese goods. During a signing ceremony at the White House, Trump said he will roll back the tariffs only if the second phase of the trade deal is signed between the two countries.

3. India and Finland ink MoU to enhance bilateral defence cooperation: Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence of Finland Mr Jukka Juusti signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further defence cooperation between India and Finland. The MoU on co-operation in the field of Production, Procurement, Research and Development of Defence related Equipment and Industrial cooperation has been inked on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2020. Under the broad ambit of the MoU, cooperation between Finnish companies and Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings could be explored.

Note: Finland Capital: Helsinki; Currency: Euro; Prime minister: Sanna Marin

4. Guatemala swears in conservative Giammattei as president: Guatemala swore in Alejandro Giammattei, a conservative physician opposed to gay marriage and abortion, as its new president. Giammattei won the presidency on his fourth attempt in August for Vamos, a party founded in 2017 by politicians, businessmen and military officers on promises of battling poverty and providing better opportunities.

Note: Guatemala Capital: Guatemala City; Currency: Guatemalan quetzal

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. World Bank & GoI signs MoU for loan of Assam Inland Water Transport Project: World Bank & Government of Indi signs MoU for loan of $88 million of Assam Inland Water Transport Project. The loan agreement seeks to modernize the Assam’s passenger ferry sector by improving the infrastructure and its services. The government ferries are operated by the Assam Shipping Company (ASC) while the terminals and terminal services are provided by the Assam Ports Company (APC) in the state of Assam. The $88 million agreement will provide technically better designed terminals and energy-efficient vessels to make the ferry services more efficient, modern and safe mode of river transport system.

Note: Assam Capital: Dispur; Chief minister: Sarbananda Sonowal

2. South Central Zone of Indian Railways Signs MoU with SBI for Doorstep Banking: The South Central Zone (SCR) of Indian Railways and State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for ‘Doorstep Banking’ to enable direct pickup of cash earnings from all 585 Railway stations on SCR Zone. The direct pick up of cash from all the railway stations on SCR by SBI will save the tedious and complex activity of movement of cash earnings through ‘cash safes’ by trains. The door step banking will increase the pace of financial transactions and digitization of remittance of cash earnings of the Railways into accounts.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos commits USD 1 bn investment in India to digitise small businesses: Amazon.com Inc chief Jeff Bezos has announced USD 1 billion (over Rs 7,000 crore) investment in India over the next five years, to bring small and medium businesses online. The initiative will help to digitise micro and small businesses across India, and help them reach more customers than ever before. The company is also committed to exporting USD 10 billion worth of India-made goods by 2025.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. ICC Awards 2019: ICC Annual Awards list has been declared by the International Cricket Council (ICC). With the list, ICC has also honoured the biggest names in men’s and women’s international cricket. Some key awards are:

ODI Player of the Year: India opener Rohit Sharma won the ODI Player of the Year award. He has five centuries in the 2019 World Cup and seven ODI centuries to his name.

Spirit of Cricket Award: India skipper Virat Kohli– who had swept the Player of the Year, Test Player of the Year and ODI Player of the Year last year– won the Spirit of Cricket Award. The award is given for his gesture during the World Cup game when he asked the crowd to support Steve Smith and not boo him.

T20I Performance of the Year: India seamer Deepak Chahar won T20I Performance of the Year. This award comes for his 6/7 against Bangladesh.

ICC Player of the Year: England all-rounder Ben Stokes won the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Player of the Year. He is awarded for his decisive role in England’s dramatic victory at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 along with a host of other memorable performances.

Test Player of the Year: Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins has been named the Test Player of the Year. Pat Cummins grabbed 59 wickets in 12 Test matches during the period and finished the year as the top-ranked bowler in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings.

Emerging Cricketer of the Year: Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne has been named as Emerging Cricketer of the Year. Labuschagne scored 1,104 runs in 11 Tests, which saw him zoom in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings from 110 at the start of the year to fourth by the end of the year.

Associate Cricketer of the Year: Scotland’s Kyle Coetzer is the Associate Cricketer of the Year. Coetzer in ODIs has 880 runs in 18 matches and also aggregating 702 runs in 22 T20Is.

2019 Umpire of the Year– Richard Illingworth

2. 10 Districts Gets Swachhata Darpan Awards 2020: The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, organised the Open Defecation Free (ODF) Sustainability workshop in New Delhi. As a part of the occasion the Swachhata Darpan Awards 2020 were presented to the top 10 performing districts at national level on key Swachhata parameters. The awards were presented by Aamir Khan, Actor and Founder, Paani Foundation. Swachhata Darpan Award has been instituted under Swacha Bharat Mission to encourage the states and districts to focus on Open Defecation Free (ODF) sustainability and social and liquid waste management. The top 10 winning districts are:

East Godavari (Andhra Pradesh), West Kameng (Arunachal Pradesh), Bemtara (Chhattisgarh), Diu (Daman and Diu), Panipat (Haryana), Vadodara (Gujarat), Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Moga (Punjab), East Sikkim (Sikkim) and Pedappali (Telangana).

Apart from this, 4 districts were awarded for innovations and initiatives for Plastic Waste Management. They are: Dibrugarh (Assam), Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh), Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and Puri (Odisha).

Daily GK Updates - 15th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Captain Tania Shergillbecomes 1st Woman to lead Republic Day contingent:Indian Army Officer Captain Tania Shergill will be the 1st woman parade adjutant for the Republic Day parade 2020. Tania Shergill commissioned in March 2017 from the Officer Training Academy, Chennai. She is electronics and communications graduate.

Note:A parade adjutant is responsible for the parade.

In last year's Republic Day parade, Captain BhavnaKasturi was the first woman officer to lead an all-men contingent.

2. World Bank & ADB Approves Rs 14000 crore to enhance road safety in India: According to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Transport ministry has firmed up a Rs 14,000 crore state support programme for strengthening road safety in India, which will be funded by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).The road transport and highways ministry will fund half of the `14,000-crore programme while the World Bank and the ADB will equally contribute the remaining half.According to the World Road Statistics, India recorded the highest number of road accident deaths across 199 countries in 2018.

3. Center to set up 11-member Committee on royalty rates revision of minerals:  The central government has decided to set up an 11-member committee to look into the issues related to the revision of royalty rates for minerals other than coal, lignite, sand for stowing and minor minerals. The committee will be headed by K. Rajeswara Rao, the additional secretary of the ministry mines. Mines secretaries of Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha will be the members of the committee. The committee will submit its report within 1 month to the ministry of mines.

4. Indian Railways signs MoU with RailTel for Phase 2 of e-office Execution: After the successful completion of the Phase 1 execution of NIC e office for 50000 users in 58 units, Indian Railways has signed MoU with RailTel, a miniratna PSU under Ministry of Railways, for the phase 2 of the project. In phase 2, RailTel will register 39000 users over 34 Railway divisions on NIC e office platform by 30th June 2020. The phase 1 of NIC e-office execution started with a mandate to complete the work by March 2020. But with a lightning speed of execution RailTel completed the work way ahead of time and successfully created 50000+ users in 58 units of Indian Railways and trained the executives to handle the platform in a span of mere 6 months’ time. MoU was signed by Executive Director (ED/TD), Railway Board, Shri Umesh Balonda, and General Manager (GM)/Information Technology (IT) project/RailTel, Smt. Haritima Jaipuriar.

5. 6th Island Development Agency meeting held in New Delhi: 6th meeting of Island Development Agency (IDA) was held New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister of Home Affairs (MoHA) Shri Amit Shah. The meeting focused on “Green Development in the Islands to reach new heights”. The Island Development Agency (IDA) has taken up scientifically assessed sustainable development goals in order to improve growth of the Islands. This is the first time such an initiative is being implemented.

6. The Government of India launched the Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD): The government of India (GoI) has launched an Integrated Road Accident database. It is a central accident database management system that will help in analysing causes of road crashes and in devising safety interventions to reduce such accidents in the country. This IT tool has been developed by the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) and will be implemented by the National Informatics Centre. The project costs ₹258 crore and is being supported by the World Bank. The system will be first piloted in the six States with highest fatalities from road crashes- Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. It was launched during ‘Road Safety Stakeholders’ Meet held in New Delhi.

7. A P Maheshwari appointed as the new DG of CRPF: Senior IPS officer Anand Prakash Maheshwari has been appointed as the director-general of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Maheshwari, a 1984 batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed to the post up to February 28, 2021. He took the charge from Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) DG Surjeet Singh Deswal who was given an additional charge as the head of CRPF after the retirement of DG Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar on December 31, 2019.

Note: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is India's largest Central Armed Police Forces.It functions under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India.

8. Lt General Girish Kumar appointed as the Surveyor General of India: The government of India has appointed Lt General Girish Kumar as the Surveyor General of India in Survey of India on contract basis for a period of one year. Appointment Committee of the Cabinet approved the proposal from re-appointment of Kumar on the post for one year with effect from January 1, 2020. It further mentioned that "necessary communication in this regard has been sent to the Department of Science and Technology.”Earlier, Kumar was appointed as Surveyor General of India on September 30, 2017, under the Survey of India, the national survey and mapping organization of the country.

9. Indian Army Day: 15 January: Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens. This year 72nd Army Day is being celebrated across the country.On Army Day, General Bipin Rawat (Chief of Defence Staff), General Manoj Mukund Naravane(Army chief), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Air Force Chief)and Admiral Karambir Singh (Navy Chief) paid tributes at the National War Memorial Ground in New Delhi.

Note: The day is also recognised as it was on 15 January 1949 that Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa’s (then a Lieutenant General) took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India.

10. IMD celebrated its 145th foundation Day on 15 January: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is celebrating its 145th Foundation Day on 15 January. It was established in 1875. The day will be celebrated by Ministry of Earth Science under which IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) functions.

Note: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is work under the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India. It is the principal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology. IMD is headquartered in Delhi and operates hundreds of observation stations across India and Antarctica. Recent Achievements of India Meteorological Department

Director-General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department: Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India, Bangladesh Information and Broadcasting Ministers’ Meet 2020 held in New Delhi: India and Bangladesh signed some of the key agreements in the field of Information and Broadcasting on 14 January 2020 during the Information and Broadcasting Minister’s meet 2020 held in New Delhi.Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Prakash Javadekar and his Bangladeshi counterpart Muhammad H Mahmud were representing their respective countries in this meet.MoU for the co-production of a film on “Banga Bandhu” Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (first President of Bangladesh) was also signed.The film will be directed by Indian director/producer Shri Shyam Benegal. It is proposed to be released in March 2021, as part of centenary celebrations of Banga Bandhu.

Bangladesh will celebrate the ‘Mujib Year’ from March 17, 2020 to March 17, 2021 to mark the centenary year of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

2. Japan Coast Guard Ship ‘Echigo’ arrives in Chennai: The Japan Coast Guard Ship ‘Echigo’ has arrived in Chennai on a five-day goodwill visit.It will be participating in the Annual Joint Exercise ‘Sahyog-Kaijin’ with the Indian Coast Guard off Chennai. This is the 19th such exercise being conducted between the two Coast Guards since 2000. Four Indian Coast Guard ships, their aircraft and a vessel from the Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology - NIOT are participating in the exercise along with the Japanese vessel.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. India Finish 2019 as No. 1 Shooting Nation in World: ISSF: Based upon the International Shooting Sport Federation’s (ISSF) overall rankings of Nation for 2019, India finished the year as the top shooting nation in the world leaving behind China and USA. In terms of overall medals, India’s tally stood at 30 medals overall consisting 21 gold, six silver and three bronze as India topped all the Rifle-Pistol World Cups and Finals. China was second with 44 medals overall, including 11 gold, 15 silver and 18 bronze.The USA stood third with 15 medals including six gold six silver and three bronze.

National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) President: Raninder Singh.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Retail inflation jumps to about 5-yr high of 7.35 % in Dec 2019: Retail inflation rose to about five-and-half year high of 7.35% in December 2019, mainly due to the rise in prices of vegetables as onions. Now, it is surpassing the RBI's comfort level. As per the data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the spike in inflation in the vegetable segment was 60.5% during the month compared to December 2018. The overall retail inflation based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 2.11% (in December 2018) and 5.54% (in November 2019). The previous high in retail inflation was witnessed at 7.39% (in July 2014).The Central Government has mandated the Reserve Bank of India to keep inflation in the range of 4% with a margin of two per cent on either side.

Note: Retail inflation means the increase in prices of certain products or commodities compared to a base price.In India, retail inflation is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which is managed by the Ministry of Statistics.

AWARDS AND HONOUR

1. M S Swaminathan Honoured with ‘Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu National Award’: Eminent Agricultural Scientist Dr M S Swaminathan was presented the ‘Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu National Award for Excellence’ for his distinguished contribution to the field of agriculture. He becomes the first recipients the award presented by the Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu during the Pongal Celebrations held at Raj Bhavan in Chennai. Swaminathan is known as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India and the Doyen of Agricultural Science”.

Note: The Award instituted by the Muppavarapu Foundation was announced recently during its 10th-anniversary celebrations in Hyderabad.It carries a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs and a citation.

2. Nitin Gadkari presents National Highways Excellence Awards 2019: The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari presented the ‘National Highways Excellence Awards 2019’ to 12 outstanding performers in NH sector on 14 January 2020 in New Delhi. National Highway Excellence Awards were instituted in the year 2018 to recognize the well-performing companies in the field of construction, operations, maintenance, toll collection and road safety on National Highways.

The award is given in seven categories namely: (1) Excellence in Project Management; (2) Excellence in Operation and Maintenance; (3) Excellence in Toll Management; (4) Excellence in Highway Safety; (5) Innovation; (6) Outstanding Work in Challenging Conditions; (7) Green Highway

3. Ishwar Sharma wins ‘Global Child Prodigy Award’: Indian yoga boy Ishwar Sharma, a 10-year-old British wins Global Child Prodigy Award. He was chosen from the UK for the awards which honour child prodigies from across 45 countries and 30 different categories such as palaeontology, biking, choreography, fitness and martial arts etc.Ishwar Sharma also has the skill to chant up to 50 shlokas from the Vedas and ‘Bhagavad Gita’ and practices yoga. Sharma, originally from Mysore, has participated in over 100 yoga events across the UK and worldwide.

Note: Global Child Prodigy Awards is A Global Talent Recognition for Child Prodigies. One hundred Global Child Prodigies will be recognized and will be featured in the Global Child Prodigy Award Book 2019.

4. Himachal creates Guinness World Record by preparing the largest quantity of Khichdi: Himachal Pradesh has made the Guinness Book of World Records for preparing the largest-ever quantity of ‘bean and rice’ dish (khichdi) on 14 January 2020 at Tattapani in Mandi district.Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur accepted the certificate on behalf of the state’s Tourism and Civil Aviation department. A team of 25 chefs from Holiday Home hotel in Shimla, cooked 1995 kg of the dish in a vessel weighing 270 kg, with the dimensions of four feet depth and seven feet diameter, that was specially acquired from Jagadhari in Haryana. The chefs’ team took five hours, 4 AM to 9 AM, to prepare the stew. The khichdi container was too heavy to be carried that a crane was used to tilt out the khichdi from the enormous container for serving khichdi to devotees at Tattapani.

Note:Earlier, the record for making the largest amount of khichdi (918.8 kg) was held by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor when he represented the Indian ministry of food processing industries at an event in New Delhi on November 4, 2017.

OBITURIES

1. Filmmaker Manmohan Mohapatra passed away: Veteran filmmaker Manmohan Mohapatra passed away at the age of 69 in Bhubneshwar. Manmohan Mohapatra was an Odia filmmaker considered as the ‘Father of New Wave Odia Cinema’ and won eight national awards consecutively for ‘Best Feature Odia film’.