Daily GK Updates - 19th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Culture Ministry launched National ICH list of India: Union Minister for Culture Prahlad Singh Patel launched the ‘National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India.’ It aims to raise awareness and protection about intangible cultural heritage elements from different states of India at national and international level. This initiative is also a part of the Vision 2024 of the Ministry of Culture. The National ICH List is an attempt to recognize the diversity of Indian culture embedded in its intangible heritage.

Note: Director General of UNESCO: Audrey Azoulay.

2. Uttar Pradesh Becomes First Indian State to Geotag Community Kitchens & Shelters: Uttar Pradesh has been reported to become the first state in the country to geotag all its community kitchens and community shelters across 75 districts of the state, so as to provide adequate information to the general public regarding the location of shelter homes and community kitchens amid lockdown. There are 7,368 community kitchens and community shelters across 75 districts in the state which produce 12 lakh food packets a day. The state government has tied up with Google to ‘Geo-map’ the locations of all these establishments on the Google Maps app for ease of beneficiaries. Anyone can access them by searching with the keyword ‘community kitchen’, on Google Maps, followed by the district’s name. As of now, location of all shelter homes and community kitchens in and around Aligarh have been integrated with Google Maps and data regarding all such facilities in other districts will go live on Google Maps in the next couple of days.

3. IIM-Kozhikode Develops digital directory ‘COVID-FYI’: An international team of researchers led by an Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode student has developed a one-stop COVID-19 platform, covidfyi.in, for accessing emergency services related to coronavirus, from official government sources. The website will act as a one-stop digital directory for all COVID19 related services and help to bring the right information to the right people. Only official information from Government organisations will be put on this platform to ensure authenticity and credibility. The 16-member team is led by IIM Kozhikode student Simran Soni with researchers, medical students and developers from countries like Germany and the US.

4. IIT Ropar Launches ‘WardBot’ to deliver Food & Medicines to COVID-19 patients: A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar in Rupnagar district of Punjab has designed an autonomous robot ‘WardBot’ to deliver medicines and food to COVID-19 patients in isolation wards without human intervention. WardBot also has a feature of self-sanitising on the return path and could be used for sanitising walls of the hospitals. Lines drawn on the floor will help the IR-sensor-fitted wardbot find its way. The bot will have at least twelve shelves and a carrying capacity of 4 to 5 kg. It should be able to serve 10 to 12 patients.

Note: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, Director: Sarit Kumar Das; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar Founded: 2008.

5. Pune-based Researchers Develop ‘bug sniffer’ for efficient detection of pathogens: A team of researchers at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune have developed a sensitive and low-cost sensor called ‘bug sniffer’ to rapidly detect bacteria. ARI is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science &Technology, Govt. of India. The portable device can detect as low as ten bacterial cells from a sample size of one milliliter in just 30 minutes. The biosensor device uses synthetic peptides, magnetic nanoparticles, and quantum dots to detect the presence of bacteria. It provides cost- and time-effective way of screening water and foodborne pathogens. At present, they are working on a method for simultaneous separation and detection of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The bug sniffer is affordable, and the raw materials required are readily available.

6. ‘Shuttling to the Top: The Story of P.V. Sindhu’ Authored by V. Krishnaswamy Released: The book titled “Shuttling to the Top: The Story of P.V. Sindhu”, written by sports journalist V. Krishnaswamy, was released. The book narrates the journey of badminton player PV Sindhu, from her early life to becoming a world champion, and what lies ahead. The book has been published by HarperCollins Publishers India.  The young sports icon, Sindhu is India’s first and only woman athlete to win silver at the Olympics as well as the only Indian named in Forbes” list of world”s top 10 highest paid female athletes.

7. Draft proposal for Amendment in the Electricity Act, 2003 introduced: Ministry of Power has issued draft proposal for amendment of Electricity Act, 2003 in the form of draft Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for comments / suggestions from Stakeholders to bring reform in the power sectors. Electricity Contract Enforcement Authority (ECEA), cost effective tariffs, direct benefit transfer, Payment Security Mechanism, Strengthening of the Appellate Tribunal (APTEL) are among the major reform which is embedded inside the new amendment.

8. MNRE urges states to set up renewable energy equipment parks: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has urged states to set up renewable energy (RE) equipment manufacturing parks to meet domestic demand as well as make India a global production hub. These facilities will manufacture equipment like silicon ingots and wafers, solar cells and modules, wind power equipment and ancillary items like back sheet, glass, steel frames, inverters, and batteries. The hubs will also export equipment and services in the RE sector.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Facebook launches third party fact checking in Bangladesh: Facebook in collaboration with Indian fact checking website “Boom” has launched a third-party fact checking system in Bangladesh. This system will focus on discouraging the spread of fake news in the country by reviewing and rating the stories, including photos and videos. Boom is an Indian fact-checking website and is available in English, Hindi and Bengali. Facebook started its fact-checking programme in 2016 and now covers 60 partners in 50 languages.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg; Facebook Headquarters: California, US.

2. World Liver Day: 19 April: World Liver day is observed on 19 April every year. The day is observed to spread awareness about the liver-related disease. The liver is the second largest and the most complex organ in the body, with the exception of the brain.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Government Amends Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) scheme to Increase Default Coverage to 75%: The Ministry of Finance has announced amendment in Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) scheme, which covers micro loans up to Rs 10 lakh extended under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. The government has announced an increase in coverage of lender’s loss in case of loan default under the CGFMU scheme to 75% from 50% earlier to incentivise lending to micro businesses and support them during the coronavirus outbreak.k and the ensuing nationwide lockdown.

Apart from this, the ministry has also reduced the burden of defaults that the lender had to bear under the scheme from the first 5% of the amount in default to 3%. Another change in the scheme is the inclusion of loans to SHGs. Loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh sanctioned to SHGs in 2020-21 will be covered under CGFMU scheme.

Note: The Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) scheme was set up in April 2016 with the purpose of guaranteeing payment against default in Micro Loans extended to eligible borrowers by Banks/ NBFCs/ MFIs/ Other Financial Intermediaries. The Govt. of India, through Ministry, of Finance settles the loan default with the help of National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd (NCGTC).

2. HDFC Bank launches Safety Grid campaign to reinforce #socialdistancing: HDFC Bank has launched the #HDFCBankSafetyGrid campaign to reinforce #socialdistancing. Conceptualised by Leo Burnett India, the campaign is aimed at creating physical markers on the ground using the outer grid of HDFC Bank logo, to help people waiting in queue at a shop or an establishment. ‘The Safety Grid’ will be painted in front of the space leading to various retail outlets such as pharmacies, grocery stores and ATMs, among others, at an optimal WHO-prescribed distance of 1 metre.

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

BUSINESS AND ECONMY

1. S&P Global Ratings Reduces India’s GDP growth for FY’21 at 1.8%: S&P Global Ratings has slashed India growth forecast for the fiscal 2020-21 to 1.8 percent, due to the lockdown to contain Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier in March, it projected a growth of 3.5 percent. The US-based rating agency expects growth to significantly recover to 7.5 percent in 2021-22 fiscal.

OBITUARIES

1. Oscar-winning Animator and Film director Gene Deitch passes away: Gene Deitch, an American-born Czech illustrator, animator, comics artist, film director and producer, has passed away at the age of 95. His movie Munro won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1960. He was also nominated for the same award twice in 1964 for “Here’s Nudnik” and “How to Avoid Friendship.” He is also credited for directing 13 episodes of Tom and Jerry and also some episodes of the Popeye the Sailor series among other achievements. He received the Winsor McCay Award for his lifelong contribution to animation in 2004.

Daily GK Updates - 18th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. DRDO rolls out new products to enable COVID-19 disinfection process: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has rolls out new products namely “Automatic Mist Based Sanitiser Dispensing Unit” and “UV Sanitisation Box and Hand-held UV device” to enable COVID-19 disinfection process. Automatic Mist Based Sanitiser Dispensing Unit is based on water mist aerator technology. UV Sanitisation Box will be used for the purpse of disinfecting personal belongings such as mobile phone, tablets, purse, currency, cover of office files, etc. While the hand held device will be used for disinfecting office and house hold objects such as chairs, files, postal delivered items and food packets.

Note: Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation: G Satheesh Reddy; Headquarters of DRDO: New Delhi.

2. National Conference on Kharif crops 2020 held: The National Conference on Kharif crops 2020 was held through video conference to discuss various issues and to list out measures in consultation with the States about their preparedness for Kharif cultivation amid the lockdown situation. The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar addressed the conference and emphasized on achieving the aim of kharif target and take up doubling of farmers’ income in the mission mode.

3. Agriculture Minister launches Mobile App “Kisan Rath” to facilitate transportation of foodgrains and perishables during lockdown: The Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launched a mobile application named ‘Kisan Rath’ in New Delhi on 17 April 2020. The app has been developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). It will help farmers & traders to search transport vehicles for Primary and Secondary transportation of Agriculture & Horticulture produce. The Primary transportation would include movement from Farm to Mandis, FPO Collection Centre and Warehouses etc. Secondary Transportation would include movement from Mandis to Intra-state & Inter-state mandis, Processing units, Railway station, Warehouses and Wholesalers etc.

4. Government Announces Compensation of Rs 10 lakhs to all Postal employees in case they succumb to COVID-19: Amid the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Postal employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks are performing various departmental duties as well as serving the social cause in the crisis times. The Central Government has decided to provide a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to all Postal employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) who gets infected with COVID-19 while on duty. The guidelines will come into effect immediately (15 April 2020) and continue for the entire period till the crises of COVID-19 is over.

5. Delhi Government Launches Mobile App ‘Assess Koro Na’ for door-to-door coronavirus survey in containment zones: The Delhi government has launched a mobile app named ‘Assess Koro Na’ for door-to-door survey in COVID-19 containment zones to speed up decision-making by analysing real-time data of a person, in the efforts to contain the virus. The first phase of the app-based assessment will be launched in South Delhi. Government has notified total 68 containment zones in New Delhi. Through this app, the collected data can be uploaded in real-time on the servers for its immediate analysis.

Note: Chief Minister of Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal’ Lieutenant Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal.

6. CBDT refunds over five thousand 204 crore rupees to help MSMEs: According to CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes), Income tax refunds to over eight lakh small businesses worth over five thousand 204 crore rupees have been issued in the last ten days. These income tax refunds will help MSMEs to carry on their business activities without pay cuts and layoffs in this pandemic situations. The Income-tax department has issued nearly 14 lakh refunds up to five lakh each till date to help taxpayers.

7. CSIR-NAL develops Personal Protective Coverall Suit: CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories has developed Personal Protective Coverall Suit in association with MAF Clothing Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. The polyproplylene spun laminated multi-layered non-woven fabric based suit has been developed for the front line health workers i.e. Doctors, Nurses, Paramedical staff and Health Care workers working round the clock on COVID-19 mitigation.

8. NIT-K Researchers develops disinfect chamber ‘Zero-Cov’ for PPE Kits, vegetables, currency notes among others: A team of researchers at National Institute of Technology-Karnataka has developed a cost-effective disinfectant chamber, Zero-Cov. This out-of-the-box disinfectant chamber could disinfect personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, surgical masks, currency note, vegetables, packed food and other day-to-day items without causing them damage. The chamber, made out of an old refrigerator, uses Ultraviolet (UV)-C radiation to destroy or inactivate all surface contamination like bacteria and viruses including novel coronavirus, up to 99.9 %, within 15 minutes.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian High Commission (UK) hosts virtual COVID-19 meet for businesses: The Indian High Commission in United Kingdom has organised a virtual roundtable COVID-19 meet for businesses “Covid-19: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward” to address concerns around the economic impact of the coronavirus lockdown in the United Kingdom. The “Covid-19: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward” meet also deliberated on the issues faced by Indian businesses across various sectors such as financial services, hospitality, healthcare, information technology and IT services.

2. International Day for Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day): 18 April: The International Day for Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day) is observed on 18 April each year to promote awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage of humanity, their vulnerability and the efforts required for their protection and conservation. The International Day for Monuments and Sites was proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) on 18 April 1982 and approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983. Theme 2020- ‘Shared Cultures, Shared Heritage, Shared Responsibility’.

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

Headquarters of International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS): Paris, France; International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Founded: 1965; President of International Council on Monuments and Sites: Toshiyuki Kono.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Laver Cup Tennis Tournament Postponed to 2021 due to French Open Cash: The fourth edition of the Laver Cup has been postponed from September 2020 to 2021 due to schedule conflicts with other tennis events caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The tournament was originally scheduled to be held from Sep 25-27 in 2020 in Boston. However, the French Open tennis tournament has been shifted from May 2020 to September 2020, and therefor Laver Cup has been shifted to September 24-26, 2021. The Laver Cup Team Europe vs Team World men’s team tournament, founded by Roger Federer’s management company.

2. Rohit Sharma appointed as the brand ambassador of ‘CricKingdom’: Rohit Sharma has been appointed as the brand ambassador of ‘CricKingdom’ which is a cricket academy based in Dubai. The online platform, CricKingdom will connect student, coaches, academies and facilities into an integrated ecosystem.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI announces measures to mitigate impact of COVID-19: On 17 April 2020, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das took several important decisions to ensure adequate liquidity in the system to ease the financial stress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Key Decisions:  (1) RBI has slashed the Reverse Repo rate by 25 basis points to 3.75%; (2) The repo rate has been kept unchanged at 4.40%; (3) RBI has also announced the launch of (Targeted Long Term Repo Operation) TLTRO 2.0 to address the liquidity needs of the NBFCs and microfinance institutions TLTRO 2.0 will be undertaken in tranches, with an amount of Rs 50,000 crore to begin with. The Banks availing these funds will be required to deploy the same within one month and should be invested in investment grade bonds, commercial paper, and non-convertible debentures of NBFCs with at least 50 percent of the total amount availed going to midsized NBFCs and MFIs; (4) A special re-financing facility of Rs 50,000 crore has also been announced for financial institutions like Nabard (25,000 cr), National Housing Bank (10,000 cr) and Sidbi (15,000 cr); (5) The Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) requirement of scheduled commercial banks has been brought down from 100 percent to 80 percent with immediate effect. This will help banks to have more capitals to deploy in the market. This requirement shall be gradually restored back in two phases, i.e. 90 percent by October 1, 2020 and 100 percent by April 1, 2021.

2. RBI increases WMA limit for states by another 30%: The Reserve Bank of India has provided relief to state governments by raising their short-term borrowing limit by an additional 30%. This is estimated to create a space for Rs 12,000 crore for the state governments looking to raise money. Now, it has been decided to increase the WMA limit of states by 60% over and above the level as on 31st March 2020. The RBI gives temporary loan facilities Ways and Means Advances (WMA) to the central and state governments.

BUSINESS AND ECONMY

1. Sporting Motorcycle brand ‘Norton’ acquired by TVS Motor Company: TVS Motor Company has announced the acquisition of Britain's iconic sporting motorcycle ‘Norton’  with TVS Motor Company’s overseas subsidiary TVS Motor Singapore Pte. Ltd in an all-cash deal for 16 million pounds (Rs 153 crore). Norton, a 122 year-old motorcycle company was founded by James Lansdowne Norton in Birmingham and went on to become the most popular British motorcycle brands of all time and is considered one of the most emotive marques.

2. Goldman Sachs downgrades India from ‘overweight’ to ‘marketweight’: Goldman Sachs has downgraded its stance on the Indian market from ‘overweight’ to ‘marketweight’ due to “delayed recovery and extended valuations.” Goldman Sachs says that the domestic equities could underperform, unless India unleashes a big stimulus package.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Odisha minister Saharai Oram passes away: Former Odisha Minister Saharai Oram (78-years) passed away at Barbil in Keonjhar district, Odisha. He was first elected to the Odisha Assembly from Champua constituency (in 1971) as an Utkal Congress candidate. Mr. Oram not only worked for the welfare of the poor, orphans and destitute but also contributed towards promoting tribal and folk culture.

Daily GK Updates - 17th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. MHA issues new activities exempted from lockdown restrictions: The Ministry of Home Affairs has released a list of new activities that have been exempted from lockdown restrictions to fight COVID-19. The guidelines were aimed toward restarting the country’s economic engine and lessen the pain of millions suffering from the continued lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Note: Union Minister of Home Affairs: Amit Shah.

2. Government sets foodgrain production target at 298.3 mn tons for 2020-21 crop year: The agriculture ministry has set a target to increase foodgrain production to record 298.3 million tonnes in the 2020-21 crop year (July-June). This is more by 6.35 million tonnes from the previous years’ estimate. To be bifurcated, the target is 149.92 million tonnes of foodgrain production in the Kharif (summer) season and 148.4 million tonnes in the rabi (winter) season. The foodgrain output in the 2019-20 crop year is estimated at 291.95 million tonnes.

3. Chhattisgarh Govt Launches Web-portal ‘Cghaat’ For Home Delivery: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has inaugurated an online portal named ‘Cghaat’ to provide home delivery of fruits and vegetables to the residents during the extended lockdown phase.  The website ‘cghaat.in‘, has been developed by Chhattisgarh government’s agency Chips. The portal aims to help people in maintaining social distancing and reduce the crowding at the shops. The fruit and vegetable vendors interested in providing services through this portal can register online free of charge. This service has first been made available in Raipur city, but will soon be extended to other big cities in the state.

Note: Governor of Chhattisgarh: Anusuiya Uikey; Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh: Bhupesh Baghel.

4. CeNS develops compact sensor to detect the heavy metal ions in water: Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) has developed a compact solid-state sensor to detect the heavy metal ions in water. It is a portable device which can help onsite detection in remote areas. Heavy metal ions such as lead, mercury and cadmium pose severe potential threats to living beings as they can easily be accumulated in the body and cannot be detoxified by any chemical or biological processes.

5. Pusa Decontamination & Sanitizing Tunnel inaugurated: Pusa Decontamination and Sanitizing Tunnel, developed by Division of Agricultural Engineering, ICAR was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Framers’ Welfare, Shri Kailash Choudhary. The sanitization protocol includes hand washing with foot-operated soap and water dispenser and fogging in a sanitizing tunnel for 20 seconds. In this tunnel, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QAC) are used at concentration of 0.045%.

6. BSNL CMD P K Purwar takes additional charge of MTNL: P. K. Purwar, the chairman and managing director of BSNL has been given the additional charge as CMD of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). He has been given the additional charge w.e.f April 13, 2020. In the last 6 years, this is the third time that Purwar has been given charge of MTNL CMD. Purwar took charge as BSNL chairman in July 2019. Purwar, a 1990-batch Indian P&T Accounts & Finance Service officer, will retire on June 30, 2025, and is replacing MTNL's Sunil Kumar who is also heading Human Resources (HR) at the state-driven telco.

Note: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Headquarters: New Delhi; Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) established: 15 September 2000.

Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) established: 1 April 1986; Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) Headquarters: New Delhi.

7. Viswanathan Anand named ambassador of WWF India Environment Education programme: Five-time World chess champion Viswanathan Anand is the new Ambassador for World Wild Fund (WWF) India’s Environment Education programme. WWF India's environment education programme was started in 1976 with the Nature Clubs of India (NCI) initiative. Presently, environment education programme currently reaches out to over 5,00,000 children across 2000 schools in the country. This year, WWF India is celebrating its 50th year of conservation in India. It was found in November 1969.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. IMFC held through video conferencing: Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended through video-conference the Plenary Meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee, the Ministerial-level committee of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The meeting was based on “Exceptional Times – Exceptional Action”. The IMFC meets twice a year, once during the Fund-Bank Annual Meetings in October, and again during the Spring Meetings in April.

2. World Hemophilia Day: April 17: World Hemophilia Day is an international day held annually on April 17 to raise awareness for hemophilia and other bleeding disorders and bring understanding and attention for proper care for these rare inherited bleeding disorders community. The date marks the birthday of Frank Schnabel, founder of the World Federation of Hemophilia. This year is the 30th edition of World Haemophilia Day. The theme of World Haemophilia Day 2020: “Get + Involved”.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Indian Premier League 2020 Suspended Indefinitely: The IPL Governing Council of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. BCCI will continue to monitor and review the situation regarding a potential start date in close partnership with all of its stakeholders. The IPL was set to start on March 29 and end on May 24, but it was first postponed till April 15 after the country went on a 21-day lockdown in a bid to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Note: BCCI President: Sourav Ganguly; Headquarter of BCCI: Mumbai.

2. Mascot for Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games unveiled – “Feifei”: Feifei’ is the official mascot for the 4th Asian Para Games to be held in 2022 (October 9-15) in Hangzhou, featuring 22 sports with Taekwondo and Para-Canoe to form their Games debuts. The design of ‘Feifei’ is inspired by the motif of the ‘Divine Bird’ in the Liangzhu Culture. The mascot is the fusion of Hangzhou’s heritage and its drive for technological innovation. The two fei has a distinct meaning. The first ‘fei’ means the birds flying, which implies inclusiveness, respect, and fraternity of human society. And the second ‘fei’ represents the mental tenacity of the athletes with disabilities pursuing dreams and reaching beyond themselves. The mascot helps to bring the Games to life for everybody, from the athletes to the spectators.

3. IWF Chief Tamas Ajan Steps Down Amid Corruption Probe: International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) President Tamas Ajan has resigned from the post in the wake of allegations of corruption and doping violations against him. Ajan had served the Budapest, Hungary based federation for more than four decades. He was the Secretary General of the International Weightlifting Federation from 1975 to 2000 and had been the President of IWF from 2000 to 2020. American Ursula Papandrea will lead the federation as Acting President.

 International Weightlifting Federation Headquarters: Budapest, Hungary; International Weightlifting Federation founded: 1905.

4. SAI launched 21 days online workshop for coaches: First session of the 21-day long online workshop for coaches organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in partnership with the National Sports Federations (NSFs). The first day session was conducted by Dhronacharya Awardee Sanjeeva Singh and was attended by Rijiju, Union Minister Arjun Munda and Archery Association of India president Arjun Munda. Coaches from 16 disciplines from all across the country are taking part in the 21-day workshop amid lockdown.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI cancels the licence of Mapusa Urban Co-operative Bank of Goa Ltd: The licence of the Mapusa Urban Co-operative Bank of Goa Ltd. has been cancelled by the Reserve Bank of India. The central bank has issued an order, barring the bank to carry on banking business, with effect from the close of business on April 16, 2020. Hence, the Urban Co-operative Bank has been refrained from running the business of ‘banking’ which comprises of acceptance of deposits as well as repayment of deposits as defined in Section 5 (b) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 with immediate effect. With the cancellation of licence and commencement of liquidation proceedings, the process of paying the depositors of bank as per the DICGC Act, 1961 will be set in motion.

Note: RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikanta Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

2. RBI announces Announces Fourth Targeted Long Term Repo Operation (TLTRO); Caps investment at 10%: The Reserve bank of India has announced the fourth and final tranche of its Targeted Long Term Repo Operation (TLTRO) of amount Rs. 25,000 Crore. The maximum amount that a particular bank can invest in the securities issued by a particular entity or group of entities out of the allotment received by it under the TLTRO shall be capped at 10 per cent. The funds availed under this tranche of TLTRO would have to be deployed within 30 working days from the date of the operation. Total Size of all four trache of TLTRO= Rs 1 lakh crore.

3. BSNL Partners with SBI to launch UPI-based payment platform Bharat InstaPay: State-owned telecom operator BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) has partnered with State Bank of India (SBI) to launch its own UPI-based payment platform, Bharat InstaPay. The new digital payment platform will enable all type of channel partners of BSNL for doing all their payment transactions digitally on 24 X 7 basis.

BUSINESS AND ECONMY

1. IMF predicts GDP Growth for Asia in 2020 at 0%; Global GDP to contract by 3% in 2020: International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted Asia’s GDP growth in 2020 at 0%. It has also said that this is much better than other regions. The global GDP prediction in 2020 is minus 3% (contraction by 3%.) In its report, IMF has positioned India as the fastest-growing emerging economies of the world. Only two countries will have positive growth, one is India at1.9% and other is China with 1.2%. (This is for year 2020).

OBITUARIES

1. Quit India Movement Freedom Fighter RV Bhuskute passes away: Freedom fighter R V Bhuskute, who had participated in the Quit India Movement, has passed away of prolonged illness. He was 94. Hailing from Maharashtra’s Raigadh district, Bhuskute has also written several books on land laws. Apart from being a freedom fighter, he worked for the release and rehabilitation of bonded labourers in tribal areas of Maharashtra.

2. National Football League’s Hall of Famer Willie Davis Passes Away: Former American football defensive player, Willie Davis, passed away. He was 85. Davis was inducted into the National Football League’s Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981. He spent 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) and played for the Cleveland Browns (1958-59) and the Green Bay Packers (1960-69). Davis becomes the first African-American captain in Green Bay Packers’ history in 1965. He served as the honorary captain for the 2010 NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl XLV, and again for the 2014 NFC Championship Game.

Daily GK Updates - 16th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Integrated geospatial platform “SAHYOG” rolled out by DST: An Integrated Geospatial Platform “SAHYOG” has been rolled out by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, to help in decision making during the present COVID-19 outbreak and support with area-specific strategies in order to handle the socio-economic impact in the recovery phase. The mobile application SAHYOG, as well as the web portal (https://indiamaps.gov.in/soiapp/) prepared and managed by the Survey of India will collect COVID-19 specific geospatial datasets through community engagement complementing AAROGYA-SETU. It is expected to bolster the public health delivery system of the State as well as Central Governments and facilitate the necessary geospatial information support to citizens and agencies by collecting the COVID-19 specific geospatial datasets via community engagement.

2. UP Becomes First State to get ICMR nod for ‘Pool Testing’ of COVID-19 Samples: Uttar Pradesh has become the first Indian state to receive the approval of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for conducting “Pool Testing” of samples of COVID-19 suspects in order to increase the rate of sample testing in the state. This decision assumes significance in the wake of the rising coronavirus cases in state. Pool Testing will fasten the screening process and also bring down cost of testing.

Pool Testing: In pool testing, upto five samples will be combined together and examined in a single test. Till now, one sample is being tested at a time. If the result of a collection of samples comes negative, then that means all the samples in that group are negative. However, if the result of one collection is found positive, then each of those samples is tested individually. Telephonic consultation facility has also been started as part of which people can call on toll free number 18001805145.

Note: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath; Governor of Uttar Pradesh: Anandiben Patel

3. Goa Becomes First State to use ayurveda to boost COVID-19 patients’ immunity: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant led Government of Goa is going to start the use of ayurvedic treatment for COVID-19 patients and suspects to boost their immunity. With this, the state has become the first in the country to make use of Ayurveda, along with the use of allopathy, in treatment of COVID-19 patients. Though Ayurveda cannot cure COVID-19, but it will certainly boost patients’ immunity. The treatment will be done in consultation with the team of doctors treating COVID-19 cases in Goa. The government has also launched an app in association with the AYUSH Ministry, which covers all related information for the awareness among the general public regarding treatment, immunity booting, diet and related data. The contacts of Ayurvedic doctors are also given in the app.

Note: Capital of Goa: Panaji; Chief Minister of Goa: Pramod Sawant; Governor of Goa: Satya Pal Malik.

4. YSR Nirman and COVID-19 portals launched by Andhra Govt: YSR Nirman and COVID-19 portals have been launched by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh to fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. The YSR Nirman is a web platform that assists the various departments to acquire cement and connects the various stakeholders such as Cement Manufacturers Association, manufacturing companies and government departments. The AP Industries COVID- 19 portal enables the MSME manufacturers as well as suppliers within the State to register themselves. The manufacturers and suppliers with UAM and GST can register themselves within the portal in order to create and supply essential items associated with COVID-19.

Note: Governor of Andhra Pradesh: Biswa Bhusan Harichandan.

5. Jim Corbett becomes India's first quarantine facility for animals: India's oldest National Park Jim Corbett, situated in Uttarakhand's has built isolation wards for animals. The step is taken after the reports of a Malayan tiger being tested positive for COVID-19 in the US. Cameras installed in the vicinity of the national park will record the cold and cough symptoms of animals and any animal with symptoms will be quarantined. 10 quarantine centres are being prepared within the premises to contain animals.

6. UGC Constitutes Expert Panel to Promote Online Learning Amid Nationwide Lockdown: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has constituted two expert committees to study the impact of coronavirus pandemic on academic calendar and examination of Universities and to promote online learning, amid national lockdown due to COVID-19. The first committee on the alternative academic calendar and examination for the universities is being headed by the RC Kuhad, Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Haryana. The 7-member panel will work on how the prescribed syllabus can be completed, what type of examination system would be followed. The second committee on pooling e-resources and enhancing online education systems will be headed by Nageshwar Rao, the Vice-Chancellor of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). UGC will issue guidelines for universities in consultation with Union HRD Ministry, based on the recommendation of the committee. Online learning and e-education is need of the hour for students, teachers and education system as a whole and is the only way out in the present circumstances.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting held: Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the virtual session of the 2nd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG). The meeting was held under the presidency of Saudi Arabia with its prime objective to discuss the global economic outlook amid advancing COVID-19 pandemic crisis. G20 members shared an Action Plan to combat COVID-19 in order to protect lives, safeguard people’s jobs and incomes, preserve financial stability, revive growth and recover stronger.

Note: The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation which brings together the leaders of both developed and developing countries from every continent.

The members of the G20 group are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union (EU).

2. 44th session of World Heritage Committee of UNESCO postponed: The 44th session of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee has been postponed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The session would have been hosted by the Chinese government in Fuzhou of eastern China’s Fujian Province from 29th June to 9th July 2020. The announcement of the decision was made by China’s Ministry of Education.

Note: President of China: Xi Jinping; Capital: Beijing; Currency: Chinese Yuan.

Director General of UNESCO: Audrey Azoulay.

3. World Voice Day: 16 April: The World Voice Day (WVD) is celebrated globally on April 16 every year to demonstrate the enormous importance of the voice in the daily lives of all people. The theme of 2020 is ‘Focus on Your Voice’.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. SBI to waive service charges for all ATM transactions: India’s largest lender, State Bank of India has made an announcement to waive service charges for all ATM transactions made on SBI ATMs and on the other bank ATMs on account of exceeding the free number of transactions up to 30th June 2020. So, any customer having a debit card from a SBI bank will be allowed to withdraw cash from any other bank’s ATM without incurring any additional charges till 30th June, 2020. Earlier, India's largest bank waived charges for non-maintenance of average monthly balance (AMB) for all 44.51 crore savings bank accounts and has removed SMS charges as well.

Note: Chairperson of State Bank of India: Rajnish Kumar; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 July 1955.

2. Tata AIA becomes the first Life Insurance to announce Additional Benefits Related to COVID-19: Tata AIA Life Insurance has announced additional benefits for its Policyholders and Agents under which its individual policyholders will get COVID-19 related additional benefit up to Rs 500,000 at no additional cost. Apart from this, all ‘active’ Agents of Tata AIA Life Insurance along with their spouse and children will be reimbursed up to Rs 25,000 in case of hospitalisation due to COVID-19. This is a first of its kind initiative in India. This benefit is applicable for all valid death claims with a date of death on or before June 30 2020.

Note: MD & CEO, Tata AIA Life Insurance: Rishi Srivastava; Headquarters of Tata AIA Life Insurance: Mumbai; Tata AIA Life Insurance Founded: 2000.

3. Vineet Arora appointed as MD & CEO of Paytm General Insurance Ltd:  Digital payments major Paytm has appointed Vineet Arora as the managing director and chief executive officer of Paytm General Insurance Ltd. He served as the MD and CEO of Aegon Life Insurance Company, was part of the India Leadership team and was senior general manager at ICICI Securities Ltd previously. He will lead the efforts to provide industry-leading solutions in the general insurance space, where Paytm continues to explore options to enter the sector.

Note: MD & CEO of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd: Satish Kumar Gupta; Paytm founder: Vijay Shekhar Sharma; Paytm Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Paytm founded: 2010.

4. Ajay Mahajan appointed as the MD & CEO of CARE ratings: CARE Ratings appointed Ajay Mahajan as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company for five years on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Board. He started his career with Bank of America in 1990 as the country head of the global markets group and led an initiative to start an NBFC there, Yes Bank and finally, IDFC. He replaces Rajesh Mokashi, who resigned in December 2019. After his appointment, TN Arun Kumar who was the interim CEO will revert to position of Chief Ratings Officer.

Note: CARE Rating Founded: 1993; Care Rating Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

BUSINESS AND ECONMY

1. IMF released World Economic Outlook report: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released the “World Economic Outlook” report 2020 amid COVID-19 pandemic. The report is published twice a year depicting growth rates of the global economies. As per the report, India’s GDP growth rate is reduced from 5.8% to 1.9% in the fiscal year 2020-21 while the global economy is projected to contract sharply by 3% in 2020, much worse than during the 2008–09 financial crisis.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Abdelouahab Aissaoui wins 13th International Arab fiction prize 2020: Algerian writer Abdelouahab Aissaoui wins 13th International Arab fiction prize 2020. They awarded for his novel ‘The Spartan Court’ published by Dar Min in 2018. He will receive USD 50,000 and funding will be provided for the English translation. ‘The Spartan Court’ is a historical novel that relates the power struggle between Ottoman and French colonial powers in Algeria where it interconnects the lives of 5 characters in Algiers at the beginning of the 19th century (1815 to 1833).

Note: International Arab fiction prize: International Arab fiction prize s the most prestigious and important literary prize in the Arab world. The Prize is run with the support of The Booker Prize Foundation in London and is funded by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT).

2. Tata Power wins Edison Award for its social innovation campaign: Tata Power bags Edison Award for social innovation. The company bags the awards for its ‘Club Enerji #Switchoff2SwitchOn’ campaign. It has brought about 533 participating schools across India, saving over 29.8 million units of power since its inception in 2007.

Edison Award: The Edison Awards honours the world’s best innovations and innovators. It is to honour excellence in new product and service development, marketing, design and innovation. The award winners represent products and services, leadership and excellence in innovation around four criteria: Concept, Value, Delivery, and Impact. It is established in 1987 in the memory of Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931).

Note: CEO of TATA Power: Praveer Sinha; TATA Power Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

DEFENCE

1. US approves sale of Anti-ship Missiles & Torpedoes to India: The United States has announced the sale of Harpoon air-launched anti-ship missiles and Mark 54 lightweight torpedoes to India in order to enhance India’s deterrent capabilities against “regional threats” and also to strengthen its homeland defence. Harpoon missile system would be integrated into the P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft, enhancing the inter-operability with the United States and other allied forces. The induction of MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo will enhance India’s capability to conduct anti-submarine warfare missions.  The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has stated that the sale of 10 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles, 16 MK 54 All Up Round Lightweight Torpedoes and three MK 54 Exercise Torpedoes are estimated to cost USD 155 million.

OBITUARIES

1. Film, TV and theatre actor Ranjit Chowdhry passes away: Veteran film, television and theatre actor Ranjit Chowdhry passed away at the age of 65. Ranjit was best known for his work in movies Baton Baton Mein, Mississippi Masala, Khubsoorat, Bandit Queen and Kaante. The late actor made his screen debut in the movie Khatta Meetha in 1978 and was best known for his role in the Rekha starrer Khubsoorat in 1980. He had also worked in Hollywood movies like Mississippi Masala, Lonely in America as well as US TV series like Prison Break.

Daily GK Updates - 15th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Tourism Ministry launches #DekhoApnaDesh” webinar series: Ministry of Tourism has launched its "DekhoApnaDesh" webinar series to provide information on various destinations and the sheer depth-expanse of the culture and heritage of our Incredible India. The first in the webinar series unfold the long history of Delhi and was titled as ‘City of Cities- Delhi's Personal Diary'. It will be available on the Ministry’s social media handles IncredibleIndia on Instagram and Facebook.

Note: Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism: Prahalad Singh Patel.

2. NIOS to run live counseling sessions on free-to-air DTH channels: The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is going to run live counseling sessions on free-to-air DTH channels for secondary and senior secondary levels respectively in order to overcome the loss of academic time of the students. To achieve this, NIOS has made innovations to telecast the Live session through Skype on Swayam Prabha DTH Channel namely Panini, Channel Sharda and Channel Kishore Manch. The step has been taken in the view of nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to save the academic time of the students.

To provide quality education to the learners, the content is also being made available online through ‘SWAYAM’ MOOC platform of MHRD for various subjects of class 9th to 12th. Apart from Self Learning Material, the SWAYAM portal also provides video lectures and facilities of self-assessment to the learners. Those learners who do not have much accessibility of the internet services, can watch the telecast of the video lectures on MHRD SWAYAM PRABHA TV channels.

Note: Union Minister for Human Resource Development: Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.

3. Google Pay launches 'Nearby Spot' to find local essentials stores: Google has launched ‘Nearby Spot’ under Google pay to help its users find stores selling essentials in their town, amidst the lockdown. It has already been launched in Bengaluru and will be launched in Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi. The Spot app will also enable a Google Pay user to donate for the cause in platforms such as PM-CARES Fund or to NGOs such as SEEDS, Give India, United Way and Charities Aid Foundation.

Note: Google CEO: Sundar Pichai; Headquarters: California, United States.

4. Jharkhand Hospitals Employ Robots to serve food & medicine to COVID-19 patients: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, two hospitals in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district has installed Robots to serve food and give medicine to COVID-19 patients, in a bid to protect doctors and health workers from getting infected with coronavirus. The remote-controlled robot dubbed as ‘COBOT-Robotics’ has been developed by District Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) Aditya Ranjan and his team of engineers. The 20-bed ‘high-tech isolation wards’ has been inaugurated at the ANM Skill Centre, Chaibasa Sadar Hospital. The 30-bed ‘high-tech isolation wards’ has been inaugurated at COVID-19 Railway Hospital, Chakradharpur. Each bed has been designed like a room where medicine and food will be provided to patients through COBOT-Robotics.

Note: Chief Minister of Jharkhand: Hemant Soren; Governor of Jharkhand: Droupadi Murmu; Capital of Jharkhand: Ranchi

5. DRDO develops Safe COVID-19 Sample Collection Kiosk (COVSACK): DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad has developed a unique COVID Sample Collection Kiosk (COVSACK), for use by healthcare workers for taking COVID-19 samples from suspected infected patients. DRDL has developed the unit in consultation with the doctors of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Hyderabad. Suspected Patient walks into the Kiosk and a nasal or oral swab is taken by health care professional from outside through the built in gloves. The Kiosk is automatically disinfected, once the patient leaves, without the need for human involvement, making the process free of infection spread. The shielding screen of kiosk cabin protects the health care worker from the aerosols/droplet transmission while taking the sample and this inturn reduces the requirements of PPE change by health care workers. The cost of the COVSACK is nearly Rs one lakh.

Note: Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation: G Satheesh Reddy; Headquarters of DRDO: New Delhi.

6. Manipur Govt launches Electronic format of comic textbooks: Manipur State Education Department has launched electronic format comic textbooks for class III to V for Mathematics, Environmental Studies and English Language. The textbook is launched to make up the gaps for the academic situation arises due to lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to start this learning method has been made after thorough discussion and analysis with the experts and official concerned of the State Department of Education.

Note: Manipur Chief Minister: N. Biren Singh; Governor of Manipur: Najma Heptulla.

7. Ambedkar Jayanti: 14 April: Ambedkar Jayanti (also known as Bhim Jayanti) is an annual festival observed on 14 April to commemorate the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar who was born on 14 April 1891. The Day has been observed as an official public holiday throughout India since 2015. In 2020, we are marking the 129th birth anniversary of Babasaheb. Dr. Ambedkar is known as the Father (chief architect) of the Indian Constitution. He was the first Law and Justice Minister of the country after the independence. He was the Dalit icon who dedicated his life working for the upliftment of untouchables, women and labourers. He was honoured with 1956’s Bodhisattva, Bharat Ratna in 1990, First Colombian Ahead of Their Time Award in 2004 and The Greatest Indian in 2012.

8. Fit India and CBSE organise first-ever live fitness sessions for school: Fit India and CBSE organised first-ever live fitness sessions for school students in the second phase of lockdown. Commencing from 15th April 2020 at 9:30 am, students can easily get access to these live sessions on the Facebook and Instagram handles of Fit India Movement and CBSE. It will cover all aspects of children’s fitness from daily workouts to yoga, nutrition to emotional well-being with guidelines of Ministry of AYUSH to stay healthy.

9. Naval Command designed air evacuation pod for COVID patients: An Air Evacuation Pod (AEP) was indigenously designed and fabricated by Naval Aircraft Yard (Kochi) under Southern Naval Command (SNC) for safe air evacuation of COVID patients from remote areas eliminating the risk of cross-infection to pilots and evacuation team.  The evacuation pod is made of Aluminum, Nitrile Rubber and Perspex. It weighs only 32 kg and has incurred manufacturing cost of ₹50000/- which is only 1% of cost of an imported equivalent item (Rs 59Lakhs).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. IUSSTF invited proposals for COVID-19 India-US virtual network: Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) has invited Proposals for ‘COVID-19 Indo-U.S. Virtual Networks’ allowing Indian and U.S. scientists and engineers to carry out joint research activities through a virtual mechanism. This will demonstrate the benefits and value of the Indo-U.S. partnership to advance research and address critical challenges related to COVID-19 are encouraged. Applications will be accepted online from 15 April 2020 and till 15 May 2020.

2. Trump Administration Halts Funding to WHO for ‘covering up’ Covid-19 spread: United States President Donald Trump has decided to halt funding to World Health Organisation (WHO) and has criticized the WHO for “missing the call” on the coronavirus pandemic. He has accused the UN agency of failing in its basic duty by covering up the spread of the virus after it emerged in China and acting too slowly and so must be held accountable. The Trump administration has ordered to conduct a review to assess the World Health Organisation’s role in “severely mismanaging and covering up” the spread of the deadly coronavirus. US is the biggest contributor to WHO. American taxpayers provide around $400 million to $500 million per year to the WHO as compared to roughly $40 million annual contribution by China. Trump said that the world depends on the WHO to ensure that accurate information about international health threats is shared in a timely manner.

3. World Art Day: 15 April: World Art Day is observed every year on 15 April to celebrate fine arts and promote awareness of creative activity around the world. The day was declared by the International Association of Art (IAA), an NGO working in official partnership with UNESCO. The first celebration of World Art Day was held on April 15, 2012. The date has been selected in honor of the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, the famous painter of Mona Lisa. He was chosen as a symbol of world peace, freedom of expression, tolerance, brotherhood and multiculturalism as well as art’s importance to other fields. It is an international celebration of arts to recognize and support all forms of creative expressions like visual arts, films, music, creative writing etc.

Note: Director General of UNESCO: Audrey Azoulay.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Tour de France postponed due to Coronavirus Pandemic: The Tour de France has been postponed by two months due to the coronavirus pandemic, world governing body the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) has confirmed. The 107th edition of the race was due to begin in Nice on June 27 and conclude in Paris on July 19, but the UCI on issued new dates, with the opening stage on August 29 and the finale on September 20.

Postponement of the race became inevitable when French President Emmanuel Macron announced there would be no mass gatherings in the country until mid-July. The revised Tour will take place over the same route as was planned for the original dates without any changes, following extensive discussions with the relevant local authorities over the past few weeks.

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

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Equitas Small Finance Bank launches Selfe FD and Selfe Savings Account: Equitas Small Finance Bank has launched two new digital banking services- Selfe FD and Selfe Savings Account. This would enable the customers of the bank to avoid visiting branches. Under the “Selfe FD” option- customers can open Selfe Fixed Deposit online for value upto Rs 90,000 by providing Aadhar and PAN details. It will provide an interest rate of 7.75% for one year. Under the “Selfe Savings Account” option, a person can open savings account with Equitas Small Finance Bank by web based interactive video form by registering one’s Aadhaar number, PAN and other basic details. The interest rate is 7.5% and no minimum balance.

BUSINESS AND ECONMY

1. IMF predicts India’s GDP growth for FY21 at 1.9%: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected India’s GDP growth rate for FY21 at 1.9%. This decrease is due to the due to the coronavirus pandemic. IMF expects the GDP growth rate for India in FY22 as 7.4%. As per IMF, India recorded a GDP growth of 4.2% in FY20.

2. Barclays predicts India’s GDP growth for CY2020 at 0%: Barclays has predicted the GDP growth for India in Calendar Year 2020 at 0%. It means no economic growth. For FY21, Barclays has predicted GDP growth for India at 0.8%.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Golfer Doug Sanders of US Passes Away: Former American professional Golfer Doug Sanders (George Douglas Sanders) has passed away of natural cause. He was 86. He was known as the “peacock of the fairways” for his stylish and bright-hued clothing. He won 20 titles on the PGA Tour including the 1956 Canadian Open and four runner-up finishes in majors with the 1970 Open Championship. Sanders also played in 218 events on the senior Champions Tour and hosted his own tournament, the Doug Sanders Celebrity Classic.

2. Swiss Ice Hockey player Roger Chappot passes away: Former Switzerland’s Ice hockey player Roger Chappot passed away due to Coronavirus. He played more than 100 games for Switzerland’s national team. He also represented the Switzerland national team at the Winter Olympics in 1964. He was the Swiss league’s leading scorer in the 1964 season.

3. Veteran Congress leader M.V. Rajashekaran passes away: Former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader M.V. Rajashekaran (91 years) passes away. Rajashekaran served as Union Minister of State for Planning in UPA-led Congress government headed by Manmohan Singh. He represented Kanakapura constituency in Lok Sabha and was known for value-based politics.