Daily GK Updates - 28th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UIDAI permits Aadhaar updation facility through CSC: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has permitted Common Service Centre (CSC), that are designated banking correspondents of banks, to offer Aadhaar services to make Aadhaar updating easier for citizens. Around 20,000 such CSCs will now be able to offer this service to citizens. With these 20 thousand centers available to Aadhaar, the users particularly in rural areas need not visit Aadhaar centres in bank branches or Post Offices for this work. According to the permission, the Common Service Centre are allowed to only update demographic details such as name, address and date of birth.

Note: CEO of the Common Service Centre (CSC): Dinesh Tyagi.

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology: Ravi Shankar Prasad.

2. Union Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Shri Narendra Singh Tomar issues guidelines regarding the SVAMITVA scheme: Union Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has issued the guidelines for the SVAMITVA scheme, which is a new initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. SVAMITVA scheme has been launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. SVAMITVA scheme aims to provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India, engaging the latest Drone Surveying technology, for demarcating the inhabitant (Aabadi) land in rural areas. The scheme will provide rural people with the right to document their residential properties so that they can use their property for economic purposes. The program is currently being implemented in six states – Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

3. Lucknow’s KGMU becomes India’s First Government Hospital to successfully launch Plasma Therapy Treatment for COVID-19: The King George Medical University in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh has become the first government hospital in the country to successfully launch the plasma therapy treatment for the COVID-19 patients. Convalescent Plasma Therapy is an experimental procedure for COVID-19 patients.

What is Plasma Therapy? In this therapy, plasma- a blood component, from a cured COVID-19 patient is transfused to a critically ill coronavirus patient. The blood of a person who has recovered from COVID-19 develops antibodies to battle against the virus. The antibodies from the blood of a cured coronavirus patient are then used to treat another critical patient. The therapy can also be used to immunise those who are at a high risk of contracting the virus.

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

4. IIT Delhi Launches Dashboard ‘PRACRITI’ to predict district, state wise Covid-19 transmission rate: The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) have developed a web-based dashboard named ‘PRACRITI’ which can predict the district and state wise transmission rate of COVID-19. PRACRITI stands for PRediction and Assessment of CoRona Infections and Transmission in India. PRACRITI will give details of the R0 (R nought) number of each state and district in India. R nought refers to the number of people to whom the disease spreads from a single infected person. For instance, if an active COVID-19 patient infects two uninfected persons, the R0 is two. The details will be based on the data available from sources such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and World Health Organisation (WHO). This data will enable the authorities and the public to know the exact rate of spread in India locally and take necessary step to control and mitigate Coronavirus transmission in India.

5. Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi takes charge of Bodoland Territorial Council: Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi has taken over the administration of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) after its term expired. Governor is the Constitutional head of the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) that fall under 6th Schedule of the Constitution and is administered by BTC. 40 council election to constituencies could not be conducted due to present situation. Meanwhile, Siddhartha Singh has been posted as Principal Secretary of BTC, Kokrajhar.

6. NTPC Vindhyachal becomes India’s largest power plant to achieve 100 percent Plant Load Factor: NTPC Vindhyachal Power Plant has become the largest power plant in India to achieve 100 percent Plant Load Factor (PLF). The 100 percent PLF means that the power plant was run at its full capacity of 3760 MW for a certain period. NTPC Vindhyachal is located in Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. SIPRI released data on Global military expenditure:  A report titled “Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2019” has been released by swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report analysed the global military spending in 2019 stating that the global military spending in 2019 was 2.2% of the global gross domestic product (GDP) i.e 7.2% higher in 2019 than it was in 2010. The total global military expenditure in the year 2019 has been reported to be $1917 billion. As per the report, the total military spending in 2019 represents an increase of 3.6 percent, compared to the spending in 2018.

United States ($732 billion), China ($261 billion), India ($71.1 billion), Russia ($65.1 billion) and Saudi Arabia ($61.9 billion) are the top five largest spenders in 2019 respectively. Collectively, they accounted for 62 percent of the total expenditure. Also, this is the first time that two Asian states have featured among the top three military spenders. India’s military spending grew by 6.8 percent to USD 71.1 billion in 2019, to become third largest military spender in the world.

Note: Headquarter of SIPRI: Solna, Sweden.

2. Pakistan Navy successfully test-fires anti-ship missiles: The Pakistan Navy successfully test-fired a series of anti-ship missiles from Surface & Aviation units in the North Arabian Sea. The missiles were fired from surface ships, fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi witnessed the firing of the missiles. The anti-ship missiles were fired at the sea level by warships and aircraft.

3. World Day for Safety and Health at Work: 28 April: World Day for Safety and Health is celebrated every year on 28 April to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally and raise awareness to ensure health and safety at the workplace. The World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2020 will primarily focus on addressing the outbreak of infectious diseases at work, focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic. It was first observed by the International Labour Organization in 2003. The day is a significant tool to raise awareness of making work safe and healthy and political profile of occupational safety and health. Theme for World Day for Safety and Health 2020: “Stop the pandemic: Safety and health at work can save lives”.

Note: Headquarters of International Labour Organization: Geneva, Switzerland; President of International Labour Organization: Guy Ryder; International Labour Organization Founded: 1919.

4. World Veterinary Day 2020: 25 April: The World Veterinary Day is observed on the last Saturday in the month of April. In the year 2020, the day is being celebrated on 25th April 2020. It is observed to mark the importance of Veterinary doctors who serve to protect animals to improve their animal lives and thus human lives. The theme of World Veterinary Day 2020 is Environment Protection for Improving Animal and Human Health.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Indian middle-distance runner Jhuma Khatun banned for Four years for failing dope test: Middle-distance runner Jhuma Khatun has been banned for four years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of the world governing body, International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), for testing positive for a banned substance, Steroid. The 31-year-old has been banned in a nearly two-year-old doping case which the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) had failed to detect. Khatun’s dope sample collected during the National Inter-State Championships in June 2018 in Guwahati returned negative when it was tested by NDTL. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) then decided to test the sample of Khatun at its Montreal Laboratory in Canada and it returned positive for dehydrochloromethyl testosterone. Jhuma won a bronze medal in both the 1500 and 5000m competitions at the Guwahati Championships.

Note: President of World Anti-Doping Agency: Witold Banka; World Anti-Doping Agency Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.

2. PCB Bans Cricketer Umar Akmal for three-year for anti-corruption code breaches: Pakistan’s test cricketer Umar Akmal has been banned from all forms of cricket for a period of 3 years by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Disciplinary Panel, on corruption charges. He has been charged with two breaches of anti-corruption codes of Pakistan Cricket Board after he failed to report details of corrupt approaches made to him ahead of 2020 PSL. He was charged under Article 2.4.4, which deals with a failure of participant to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code. Earlier, Umar escaped a ban from PCB in February for allegedly making crude remarks to a trainer during a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Indian Overseas Bank introduces special borrowing programme: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has introduced a special borrowing programme for self-help groups (SHG) to help the SHGs in order to overcome the difficulties posed by COVID-19. The maximum loan amount is Rs 5,000 per member of a SHG with a cap of Rs 1 lakh without any processing fee or pre-payment fee. SHGs with a good track record and a history of minimum two loans from IOB will be eligible. The loan can be availed till June 30, 2020 through branches or business correspondents.

Note: Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Indian Overseas Bank: Karnam Sekar.

2. Madhavan Menon term as CSB part-time chairman extended: RBI approved the appointment of Madhavan Menon as Part-time Chairman of the Catholic Syrian Bank (CSB) for a period of one year from the date of appointment Menon is currently the chairman and managing director of Thomas Cook India. Extension is in terms of Section 10B (1A) (i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The private sector bank CSB was formerly known as The Catholic Syrian Bank.

Note: Headquarters of CSB: Thrissur, Kerala

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Ind-Ra cuts India’s GDP growth forecast for FY21 to 1.9%: India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has predicted India’s GDP growth rate for 2020-21 (FY21) at 1.9%. Earlier this was 3.6%. According to Ind-Ra, India’s GDP growth rate has been in contraction (means negative) for 5 times. These 5 years are-> in 1957-58 was negative 0.4%, in 1965-66 it was negative 2.6%, in 1966-67 it was negative 0.1%, in 1972-73 it was negative 0.6%, and in 1979-80 it was negative 5.2%.

2. Nokia and Airtel signs deal to boost network capacity & customer experience: Airtel and Nokia sign multi-year deal to deploy Nokia’s Single Radio Access Network (SRAN) solution across 9 circles in India to enhance the network capacity & improve customer experience with 300,000 radio units across several spectrum bands. This will also lay the foundation for 5G connectivity in the future. Nokia's SRAN solution helps operators manage their 2G, 3G and 4G networks from one platform reducing network complexity and increasing cost efficiencies. According to the deal between two companies, Nokia will deploy approximately 3,00,000 radio units across several spectrum bands, including 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz and 2300 Mhz across India by 2022.

Note: MD & CEO (India and South Asia) of Bharti Airtel: Gopal Vittal.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Nokia: Rajeev Suri.

DEFENCE

1. Australia cancels premier multilateral air combat training exercise Pitch Black 2020: Australia has informed that they have decided to cancel the three week long multi-national air combat training exercise Pitch Black 2020, to ensure compliance with COVID-19-related Government restrictions and to protect the personnel, their families and the community. The exercise was scheduled to be held from July 27 to August 14, 2020. The next edition of Pitch Black will be held in 2022. Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Force’s biennial capstone International Engagement activity with forces participating from a wide range of regional, coalition and allied nations developing and enhancing military relationships. The last edition of the exercise was held in 2018, in which the Indian Air Force took part in the exercise for the first time.

Note: Capital of Australia: Canberra; Prime Minister (PM) Australia: Scott John Morrison; The currency of Australia: Australian Dollar.

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran Odia Dramatist Bijay Mishra Passes Away: Eminent Odia dramatist, lyricist and screenwriter Bijay Mishra has passed away following a prolonged illness. He was 83. Mishra has written scripts for about 60 plays, 55 films and 7 TV serials. He was a recipient of Odisha Sahitya Akademi and also received Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2013 for his book ”Banaprastha”. He also received Jayadev Award for his lifetime contribution to Odia film industry at the 30th Odisha State Film Awards in 2019.

2. Ex-NASA Administrator James M. Beggs Passes Away: Former NASA administrator, James M. Beggs, has passed away due to Congestive heart failure. He was 94. James beggs served Navy till 1954. He was an executive vice president and a director of General Dynamics Corp before becoming NASA administrator. Beggs was the sixth administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He had served in the agency’s top position from July 1981. He formally resigned from the post on February 26, 1986. NASA had quite 20 successful spacecraft missions during Beggs’ tenure.

Note: The administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Jim Bridenstine; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States. 

Daily GK Updates - 27th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Kerala uses Robots to reduce human interaction in COVID-19 treatment: Robot named "Nightingale-19" and Karmi Bot are being used to provide food and medicines to COVID-19 patients in Kerala. The robot also has a special display facility, attached to it, that allows patients to communicate. "KARMI-Bot" is used in Ernakulam Government Medical College and Nightangle-19 is in Ancharakandi at Kannur district, Kerala. It will serve food and medicines, collects trash, performs disinfection and enables video call between the doctor and patients. The ‘KARMI-Bot’ robot has been donated to the hospital by Viswasanthi Foundation that is owned by Malayalam star Mohanlal.

Note: Chief Minister of Kerala: Pinarayi Vijayan; Governor of Kerala: Arif Mohammad Khan; Capital of Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram.

2. Uttar Pradesh Government bans public gathering till June 30: Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the Uttar Pradesh Government has decided to ban the public gathering till June 30, 2020. The decision was taken by the state government during the Chief Minister’s meeting with chairpersons of 11 committees of the state over the COVID-19 situation.

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

3. Madhya Pradesh govt launches ‘Jivan Shakti Yojana’ for women: Madhya Pradesh government has launched the “Jivan Shakti Yojana” for women and aims at providing home-based employment for women. Under this scheme, women entrepreneurs of urban areas in MP can start the construction of masks by registering themselves on a portal. The masks manufactured by women will be purchased at the district level at the rate fixed by the Madhya Pradesh government. The government will pay them Rs 11 per mask. Through this, they will not only earn profit by preparing the cotton masks but will also participate in a pious work. CM informed that women wishing to make masks are required to register themselves by calling the call center number 0755-2700800.

Note: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Governor of Madhya Pradesh: Lal Ji Tandon.

4. IIT Bombay develops low cost ventilator ‘Ruhdaar’: A team of engineering students from IIT Bombay, NIT Srinagar and Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST), Jammu and Kashmir have come up with a low-cost ventilator ‘Ruhdaar’ using locally available materials. The prototype cost around Rs.10,000, which can get reduced during mass production and will meet the requirement to treat COVID-19. The ventilator can be used to control tidal volume, Breaths per Minute, and Inspiratory: Expiratory Ratio.

5. Hydrogen fuel car & bus project launched by NTPC in Leh & New Delhi: A Global Expression of Interest (EoI) has been launched by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to provide 10 Hydrogen Fuel Cell (FC) based electric buses and an equal number of Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based electric cars in Leh and Delhi. The initiative is undertaken with support from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and aims to launch hydrogen-powered vehicles at the decarbonizing quality phase. The EoI has been issued by NTPC's wholly owned subsidiary, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) Limited.

Note: NTPC Ltd Founded: 7 November 1975; NTPC Ltd Headquarters: New Delhi, India; Chairman & MD NTPC Ltd: Gurdeep Singh.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Saudi Arabia ends death penalty for crimes committed by minors: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud has abolished the death penalty for crimes committed by minors. The new order states that any individual who has received a death sentence for crimes committed while he or she is a minor will no longer face execution. Instead of the death sentence, the individual will undergo a prison sentence of no longer than 10 years in a juvenile detention facility. The new rule was announced by the president of the Saudi government’s Human Rights Commission, Awwad Alawwad. Saudi Arabia has already ended the practice of flogging recently. The step is taken to blunt the human rights criticism faced by Saudi Arabia at the international level and an attempt to carry out reforms as per the vision 2030 projected by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin

Note: Capital of Saudi Arabia: Riyadh; Currency: Saudi riyal.

2. Australian Government Launches Controversial Coronavirus Tracking App ‘COVIDSafe’: The Australian government has launched a coronavirus tracking app called COVIDSafe that will help to trace people who come into contact with someone with COVID-19. The app uses Bluetooth signals. The app will record the Bluetooth connections a phone makes with others so that incase a person catches the virus, the data can be used by state health authorities. The contact numbers picked up by a person’s phone can only be downloaded by a health officer when someone gets the coronavirus. The app is voluntary and will not track the location.

3. New Zealand’s University of Auckland Tops THE Impact Rankings 2020: The second edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, was released. In the 2020 THE Impact Rankings, 766 universities from 85 countries have been included. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are the only global performance index that assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ranking measure how an institution’s research, outreach and stewardship is delivering against the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The list has been topped by University of Auckland, New Zealand for the second straight year. From India, 26 Universities have been ranked in the lndex. The top Indian University in the list is Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. It is placed at 57th position. Japan is the most-represented nation in the list with 63 institutions, followed by Russia (47) and Turkey (37). Top 5 Universities in the List are:

(1) University of Auckland, New Zealand

(2) University of Sydney (Australia),

(3) Western Sydney University (Australia),

(4) La Trobe University (Australia),

(5) Arizona State University (Tempe), United States

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Former Pakistan Skipper Sana Mir Announces Retirement International Cricket: Former Pakistan women’s captain Sana Mir has announced her retirement from international cricket on 25 April 2020, ending a 15 year long illustrious career. The 34-year-old cricketer featured in total 106 T20Is and 226 international matches for Pakistan in which she was the captain for 137 international matches from 2009 to 2017. Mir is currently ranked 9th and 41st in the ICC’s ODI and T20I bowlers’ lists, respectively.

Note: Prime Minister of Pakistan: Imran Khan; President of Pakistan: Arif Alvi; Capital of Pakistan: Islamabad.

2. Olympic silver medallist Mathias Boe Announces Retirement from International Badminton: Former doubles world number 1, Mathias Boe of Denmark, has announced retirement from international badminton at the age of 39, to end his 22 years of his illustrious career. Boe was a silver medallist in men’s double at the 2012 London Olympics and 2013 World Championships. He was the oldest active player at the elite level who made his international debut in 1998. In his career spanning two decades, he partnered the with Michael Jensen, Thomas Hovgaard and Michael Lamp, before striking up a successful long-term combination with Carsten Mogensen.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI announces Special Liquidity Facility for Mutual Funds (SLF-MF) worth Rs 50,000 Crore: The Reserve Bank of India has launched a Special Liquidity Facility for Mutual Funds (SLF-MF) of Rs. 50,000 crore. This has been done for easing liquidity pressures on Mutual Funds in wake of COVID-19. This is a measure taken by the RBI to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19 and preserve financial stability. The minimum bid amount would be Rs. 1 Crore and multiples thereof. The allotment would be in multiples of Rs. 1 Crore. Under the SLF-MF, the RBI shall conduct repo operations at the fixed repo rate. The tenor will be 90 days. The SLF-MF scheme is available from April 27, 2020 till May 11, 2020 or up to utilization of the allocated amount, whichever is earlier. Banks can use the funds available under the SLF-MF for meeting the liquidity requirements of MFs by: extending loans, and undertaking outright purchase of and/or repos against the collateral of: (1) investment-grade corporate bonds; (2) commercial papers (CPs); (3) debentures and (4) certificates of Deposit (CDs) held by MFs.

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

2. Life insurance companies register 11.4% growth in premium income in FY20: Life insurance companies in India have registered a growth of 11.4% in premium income in FY20 with respect to the previous year. The collective premium income of all Life insurance companies in India was Rs 48.26 lakh crore during the fiscal ended March 2020. While the same was Rs 43.33 lakh crore during the fiscal year 2018-19. State-owned insurer LIC, however, posted a decline in premium income at Rs 8.32 lakh crore during 2019-20. The combined market share of all private sector life insurers as of March 31, 2020 stood at 17.24 percent.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. HDFC acquires 6.43% stake in Reliance Capital: HDFC has acquired 6.43% stake in debt-trapped Reliance Capital by invoking pledged shares. Apart from this, Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd (HDFC) has acquired 8.21% stake in Reliance Infrastructure Ltd, and 6.97% stake in Reliance Power Ltd.

OBITUARIES

1. Former governor of Bihar & Tripura Devanand Konwar passes away: Veteran politician Devanand Konwar (77 years) passed away. He had served as the Governor of West Bengal from December 14, 2009 to January 23, 2010, Governor of Bihar from June 29, 2009 to March 21, 2013 and Governor of Tripura from March 25, 2013 to June 29, 2014. He joined Indian National Congress in 1955 as a student leader and he had been cabinet minister in Hiteswar Saikia-led Assam government in 1991 and Tarun Gogoi-led government in 2001.

Daily GK Updates - 26th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Centre formed IMCTs to make on-spot assessment of Covid-19 situation:  The government of India has constituted Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs), to make an on-spot assessment of Covid-19 situation. The condition is especially serious in major hotspot districts or emerging hotspots like: Ahmedabad and Surat (Gujarat); Thane (Maharashtra); Hyderabad (Telangana); Chennai (Tamil Nadu).

The IMCTs would be focusing on a range of issues including compliance and implementation of lockdown measures as per guidelines issued under the Disaster Management Act 2005, the supply of essential commodities, social distancing in the movement of people outside their homes, the preparedness of health infrastructure, hospital facilities and sample statistics in the district.

2. AP govt relaunches ‘YSR Zero Interest Loan’ Scheme for SHG women: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy re-launched the ‘YSR Zero Interest Loan’ Scheme for women self-help groups (SHGs) in the state. He released a sum of Rs 1,400 crore to 8.78 lakh SHGs. Under this, each SHG will receive an amount between Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 towards the interest component on their loans. The zero interest scheme was first launched in 2011 by the then Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy in Andhra Pradesh, under which the state government bore the interest burden on loans extended to the women SHGs. The scheme was disbanded in 2016-17.

3. IIITM-K develops AI search engine ‘Vilokana’ for COVID-19 studies: The Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management – Kerala (IIITM-K) has developed a search engine based on artificial intelligence (AI) named ‘Vilokana’ to enable researchers in getting deeper insights into scientific studies on Covid-19. The search engine accessed through the website www.vilokana.in. Vilokana in Sanskrit means ‘finding out’. The user can enter keyword-based queries, the meaning of which the search engine will be able to understand, and find the relevant text from the scientific papers.

4. Assam Government Launches ‘Dhanwantari’ Scheme for home delivery of Medicines: Assam government has launched a new scheme named Dhanwantari. Under this scheme, the locally unavailable medicines due to the lockdown shall be delivered to patients at home, if these are not available within their radius of 10 km. Medicines below Rs 200 will be provided to free of cost to patients, but if it is more than that, it will be charged. The patients can send their prescriptions over the telephone or inform the health workers and the health department will ensure that it is delivered to them even if it is not in the list of available free medicines. Regional News Unit of AIR Guwahati will broadcast a special Covid-19 phone in program on Assam Cares initiative of the state government.

5. BIAL to convert its premises into Devanahalli 'Chakota' orchard: Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has initiated the rejuvenation and conservation of Devanahalli Pomelo by cultivating it within the campus, under its flagship CSR Programme 'Namma Ooru'. ‘Devanahalli Pomelo’ is an endangered citrus fruit with unique, sweet taste, unlike other varieties and has received Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This will not only help conserve the rare indigenous fruit, but also contribute towards carbon reduction.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. First digital geological map of moon released by US Geological Survey: The first ever digital, unified, global, geological map of the moon was released virtually by United States Geological Survey (USGS), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) and Lunar Planetary Institute. The map is a ‘seamless, globally consistent, 1:5,000,000-scale geologic map’. It will serve as a blueprint for future human missions and a source of research-analysis in lunar geology. It is only available in GIS and PDF formats.

2. World Bank organises virtual workshop on Contract Management: A virtual workshop on “Contract Management during Emergency situations” was organized by World Bank in collaboration with AIMA for Project Management Unit of Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project. The project is implementing USD 250 Million Flood Recovery Project funded by World Bank. The objective was to educate participants about adverse impact of COVID-19 on the implementation, contract management and various mitigation measures.

3. NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope Completes 30 Years in Orbit: The Hubble Space Telescope, built by the United States space agency NASA with contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA), has completed 30th year in orbit on 25 April 2020. The Hubble Space Telescope was deployed on 25 April 1990. This space telescope was named after American astronomer Edwin P Hubble, who confirmed that our universe was constantly expanding. Hubble has been placed in space to observe the most distant stars and galaxies, as well as planets in our solar system.

Note: The administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Jim Bridenstine; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States.

4. World Intellectual Property Day: 26 April: The World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on 26 April to raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life and to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the globe. The theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2020 is “Innovate for a Green Future”. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000. 26 April coincides with the date on which the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization entered into force in 1970.

Note: Headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization: Geneva, Switzerland; CEO of World Intellectual Property Organization: Francis Gurry.

5. International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day: 26 April: The International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed every year on April 26 to raise awareness of the consequences of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the risks of nuclear energy in general. The United Nations (UN) proclaimed the day on April 26, 2016 that marked 30th anniversary of the 1986 nuclear disaster. On this day in 1986, a reactor exploded at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine with devastating consequences.

6. World Immunization Week 2020 observed globally: World Immunization Week 2020 will be observed from 24th April to 30th April 2020. World Immunization Week is observed every year in the last week of April to encourage the use of vaccines in order to protect the people of all ages against disease. Immunization is being recognized as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective health interventions but still there are around 20 million children in the world today who are not getting the vaccines as per their needs. The theme of World Immunization Week 2020 is #VaccinesWork for All.

Note: Director-General of World Health Organization: Tedros Adhanom.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Banking Industry declared as Public Utility Service for 6 months: Under the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, the Banking Industry has been declared by the Government of India as a “Public Utility Service”. This step has been taken by the government in purview of the coronavirus pandemic which has deeply impacted the economic activities. As per the notification issued by the Labour Ministry, the Banking Industry has been declared as a “Public Utility Service” for a period of 6 months i.e. till 21st October 2020. Inclusion of the Banking Industry under this provision of the Industrial Disputes Act prohibits any banking sector employees and officer to go on strike. The notification was issued by the labour ministry against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic which has significantly impacted economic activities.

Note: Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment: Santosh Kumar Gangwar.

2. Transcorp gets RBI nod to issue co-branded prepaid cards, wallets: The Reserve Bank of India has given its approval to Transcorp International Ltd to issue co-branded prepaid cards. With the approval, the RBI has allowed Transcorp to enter into co-branding arrangements for Prepaid Instruments that can be utilized in over 35 lakh stores and online gateways. After receiving approval from the RBI, the Transcorp International Ltd has become one of the first non-bank companies to receive approval to enter into co-branding arrangements for Prepaid Instruments. Transcorp will be launching API based co-branded partnerships for Digital, Physical and Contactless cards with select marquee clients on its own BINs. Transcorp has also launched Multi-Wallet Prepaid cards becoming the gold standard for expenses, incentives and reimbursements across business houses.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp International Ltd: Amitava Ghosh.

3. RBI brings back bond swapping program ‘Operation Twist’: The Reserve bank of India is all set to bring back its bond swapping programmed billed as India’s Operation Twist with an aim to help monetary transmission. RBI will conduct purchase and sale of government securities under open market operations (OMO) for Rs 10,000 crore each.  RBI conducts OMO sales to absorb excess liquidity in the financial system, or OMO purchases to infuse liquidity in a single day.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. World Bank released Commodity Market Outlook: World Bank’s April 2020 Commodity Markets Outlook has been released. The report forecasts prices for 46 key commodities, including oil. As per the report, most commodity prices are expected to decrease substantially in 2020 due to coronavirus. Commodity Markets Outlook provides market analysis for major commodity groups like energy, metals, agriculture, precious metals, and fertilizers which is published in April and October.

2. CARE Ratings predicts India’s GDP growth rate for FY21 at 1.1 to 1.2%: CARE Ratings has predicted India’s GDP growth for FY21 (2020-21) to be between 1.1% to 1.2%. CARE Ratings said that the estimate has a “downward bias”. The decline in GDP forecast is due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran photojournalist Ronny Roy passes away: Veteran sports photojournalist Ronojoy ‘Ronny’ Roy passed away at the age of 57 years. He was popularly known as ‘Ronny’ and was associated with Bengali daily Aajkaal since 1990s and covered the ICC World Cup in England last year.

Daily GK Updates - 25th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union Cabinet approves Rs. 15,000 Crore for ‘India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package’: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved an investments of Rs. 15,000 crore for ‘India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package’ to be utilized in mission mode.

The funds sanctioned will be utilized in 3 Phases. For immediate COVID-19 Emergency Response, an amount of Rs. 7,774 Crore has been provisioned. Rest of the amount will be used for medium-term support (1-4 years) to be provided under mission mode approach.

2. Government reconstitutes National Shipping Board; Head- Malini Shankar: Central Government has approved the reconstitution of the National Shipping Board. It will now be headed by Malini Shankar, former Director-General of Shipping. The National Shipping Board (NSB) is the highest advisory body on matters related to Indian shipping including the development there of and on such other matters arising out of the Merchant Shipping Act. It has a total of 16 members.

3. PM Modi Launches E-Gramswaraj Portal & Swamitva Scheme for faster development of Villages: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the e-Gram Swaraj portal and launched Swamitva Scheme on 24 April 2020, in an effort to increase the pace of development in India’s villages. PM inaugurated the two initiatives while interacting with the Sarpanchs from across the nation via video conference on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day.

e-Gram Swaraj portal: It will enable complete digitisation of Gram Panchayats. It will be a single platform to keep the records of all the works taken up by the Gram Panchayats. All the details of the development works, the fund allocated for them, all this data will be available on the portal. Through this platform the villagers will be able to access all the data on their mobile phones which will enhance transparency

Swamitva Scheme: It will ensure the demarcation of inhabited land in rural areas. It will use drones in surveying and mapping of properties in villages. This will help in reducing disputes over property.

4. Uttar Pradesh Becomes first state to have in-house facility of virtual courts: Based on an Apex Court directive to develop video conferencing system for hearing cases while maintaining the social distance, Allahabad High Court has launched a new software, through which multiple court proceedings at High Court and district courts across the state can be conducted virtually within the court premises without the need of internet service. With this initiative, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in the country to have software-based in-house facility of virtual courts. The software has been installed in Allahabad High Court and in all the district courts in the state. It will enable the judges to hear the case sitting in a separate room while the lawyers and the petitioners can put forward their submissions from another room on the court campus.

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

5. Sanjay Kothari Sworn in as Central Vigilance Commissioner: Sanjay Kothari has been appointed as the new Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC), the anti-corruption watchdog of India, on 25 April 2020. Mr Kothari, a 1978 batch (retired) IAS officer of Haryana cadre, was the Secretary to the President of India, before being nominated to the new role. The post of the chief of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was lying vacant since June 2019 after completion of K V Chowdary’s tenure. The CVC is a statutory body and derives its powers from Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2013. Vigilance Commissioner Sharad Kumar was holding the CVC interim charge till now. Ex-Broadcasting Secretary Bimal Julka was also appointed as the next Chief Information Commissioner (CIC).

Note: Central Vigilance Commission formed: February 1964; Central Vigilance Commission Headquarters: New Delhi.

6. MGR Medical University develops ‘vaccine candidate’: MGR Medical University, Tamil Nadu has developed a vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 through ‘reverse vaccinology’. Previously, Reverse vaccinology has been used for developing vaccinations for meningococcal and staphylococcal infections. This compound which is a synthetic polypeptide prevents the virus from entering the human cell or reproduce within the cells. This is done by multiple genome sequences with the aid of computers without culturing microorganism.

7. IIT Delhi develops low cost Probe-free Covid 19 detection assay: IIT Delhi develops COVID 19 probe-free Real-time PCR Diagnostic Kit. This is the first probe-free assay for COVID-19 approved by the ICMR and it will be useful for specific and affordable high throughput testing. It can easily be scaled up as it does not require fluorescent probes. The kit will not only empower healthcare services but also support the government in the time of crisis.

8. e-POP Ceremony of 51st CRPF DAGOs held in New Delhi: The e-POP (Passing out Parade) Ceremony of 51st batch of the Directly Appointed Gazetted Officers (DAGOs) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was held in New Delhi. The event was conducted through video conferencing after completion of basic training of 42 trainee officers. Awards and trophies were also presented to the trainee officers on the occasion.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. The Global Report on Food Crises 2020 edition released: Global Report on Food Crises 2020 has been released by the Global Network Against Food Crises. The report reveals scope of food crises due to COVID-19. Report compares 50 countries showcasing the increase of Food Crisis arose from 112 to 123 million population. Around 183 million people in 47 countries were classified in Stressed conditions and are going into Crisis. Africa had the largest numbers of food-insecure people in need of assistance.

2. US FDA approves first at-home COVID-19 test kit: US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first at-home COVID-19 test kit, which is expected to bring coronavirus testing to every doorsteps. The test kit has a cost of around 119 dollars in the US. It has been developed by LabCorp. The sample will be collected from the patient’s nose using self-collection kit that contains nasal swabs and saline. Once patients’ self-swab, they can mail their sample, in an insulated package, to a LabCorp lab for testing.

3. NASA Develops high-pressure ventilator ‘VITAL’ to fight COVID-19: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has developed an easy-to-build high-pressure ventilator named VITAL, which has been specially designed for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. VITAL stands for Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally. VITAL will help to treat COVID-19 patients with milder symptoms, so that the limited number of traditional ventilators available in the country can be used for treatment of patients with more severe COVID-19 symptoms. However, unlike the current hospital ventilators that can last years and are designed to address a wider range of issues, VITAL will last for three or four months, with specific tailoring for COVID-19 patients.

Note: The administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Jim Bridenstine; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States.

4. Facebook launches ‘Messenger Rooms’ for group video chat: Social Media giant, Facebook has launched “Messenger Rooms” service that will allow group video calls of up to 50 people. The step has been taken to target the Zoom app which was in controversy recently due to security in privacy issues in Zoom App. Zoom app is also a group video chat app.

5. World Malaria Day: 25 April: World Malaria Day (WMD) is commemorated every year on 25 April since 2008 to spread awareness among people globally to fight against malaria. The theme of the World Malaria Day 2020: “Zero malaria starts with me”. WHO has joined the RBM Partnership to End Malaria in promoting campaign in WMD 2020. In 2007, 60th session of the World Health Assembly of WHO declared Africa Malaria Day which was observed in 2001 as the World Malaria Day.

Note: Headquarters of WHO: Geneva, Switzerland; Director general of WHO: Tedros Adhanom.

WMD is one of eight official global public health campaigns currently marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Hepatitis Day and World AIDS Day.

6. International Delegate’s Day: 25 April: The first edition of International Delegate’s Day was observed on 25 April 2020. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 2 April 2019, to raise awareness of role of the delegates and representatives of the member states of the UN. The day marks 75th anniversary of San Francisco Conference, a gathering which laid the foundation stone of the formation of the United Nations. After the devastation of second world war, delegates from several countries came together on April 25, 1945, with an aim to set up an organisation that will restore peace and impose rules on post-world order, resulting in creation of the United Nations.

Note: Secretary-General of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Remittances to India likely to decline by 23% in 2020 due to COVID-19: World Bank Report: According to a World Bank report on the impact of the COVID-19 on migration and remittances, the remittances to India are likely to drop by 23 percent in 2020 to USD 64 billion, due to the Corona virus pandemic, which has resulted in a global recession.. This is in contrast with the growth of 5.5 percent and receipts of USD 83 billion in 2019. Similarly, the global remittances are projected to decline sharply by about 20 percent this year, due to the economic crisis induced by the pandemic and shutdowns. Remittances to low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are projected to fall by 19.7 percent to $445 billion, from $554 billion in 2019.

2. Singapore’s Caladium increases its stake in Bandhan Bank to 4.49%: Caladium Investment PTE Ltd, an affiliate of GIC, Singapore, has increased its stake in Kolkata-based private sector lender Bandhan Bank by 1.1% to 4.49% as on March 31, 2020. Caladium Investments held 7.22 crore shares in Bandhan Bank at the end of the fourth quarter of FY20. It had a stake of 3.39 percent in the bank at the end of the third quarter as on December 31, 2019.

Note: Bandhan Bank Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal; Bandhan Bank MD & CEO: Chandra Shekhar Ghosh.

3. RBI permits banks to issue Electronic Cards for Overdraft Accounts: The Reserve Bank of India has allowed banks to issue electronic cards to natural persons having Overdraft Accounts. Such accounts must be of the nature of personal loan without any specific end-use restrictions. Earlier banks were allowed to issue debit cards to customers having Saving Bank/Current Accounts but not to cash credit/loan, account holders. Validity of such electronic card: The card shall be issued for a period not exceeding the validity of the facility and shall also be subject to the usual rights of the banks as lenders. It cannot be used for international transactions and only domestic transactions will be allowed.

4. Vodafone Idea partners with Paytm to launch ‘Recharge Saathi’ programme: Vodafone Idea and Paytm have launched ‘Recharge Saathi’ programme that will help individuals and small businesses to earn an additional income. The programme will enable any Paytm customers after registration to start selling Vodafone and Idea recharges on Paytm app. This will help him earn some amount as commission. Vodafone Idea will also give an assured cashback to merchant partners for multiple recharges. Individuals and small businesses would be able to earn up to ₹5,000 every month under the programme.

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

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank ranked 5th in ‘Best Large Workplaces in Asia 2020’: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has been ranked 5th in the ‘Best Large Workplaces in Asia 2020’ by the Great Place To Work Institute. There are 3 Indian organisations in the top 5. These are- Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited ranked 3rd and Music Broadcast Ltd. ranked 4th. Last year Ujjivan Small Finance Bank was ranked 16th in the Best Large Workplaces in Asia.

DEFENCE

1. CISF launches 'e-karyalay' app for movement of files: Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched an e-office application named 'e-karyalay' that will enable the movement of files and documents without physical touch for 1.62 lakh personnel to prevent coronavirus infection. This e-office app has been designed by the in-house technical team of the force which can mimics every function of traditional file movement. It embodies the digital signature features and will be hosted at CISF cloud with all security arrangements to safeguard the data.

Note: Director-General of CISF: Rajesh Ranjan; CISF established: 1969.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Australian all-rounder Graeme Watson passes away: Former Australia all-rounder Graeme Watson (75 years) passes away. He was a middle-order batsman and a medium-pace bowler who played five Tests from 1967 to 1972 and two ODIs in 1972. Watson slammed a half-century in the 1st innings of second Test of the series. In 1971-72 he moved to Western Australia and played a key role in their Sheffield-Shield triumphs in 1971-72, 1972-73 and 1974-75. He also played two ODIs and finished a 107-match first-class career in 1977.