Daily GK Updates - 21st July, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s first public EV Charging Plaza inaugurated in Delhi: Union Power Minister RK Singh has inaugurated India’s first public EV (Electric Vehicle) charging plaza at Chelmsford Club in New Delhi. EV charging plaza is a new innovative avenue for making e-mobility ubiquitous and convenient in India. The public EV Charging Plaza has been established by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) in collaboration with New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to make e-mobility ubiquitous and convenient in India. The plaza will host 5 Electric Vehicle Chargers of different specifications. Retrofit of Air-conditioning to improve Indoor Air Quality for Safety and Efficiency (RAISE) was also launched.

 

2. Union HRD Minister launches “Manodarpan” initiative for students: Union HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal launches the Manodarpan initiative under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. It will cover a wide range of activities to provide Psychosocial Support to students for their Mental Health & Well-being during the COVID outbreak and beyond. It will be a part of strengthening human capital and increasing productivity. Students, teachers, and parents across the country will join the initiative to keep a healthy and stress-free life.

 

3. Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal Inaugurates Zoram Mega Food Park in Mizoram: The Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated the Zoram Mega Food Park Ltd at Kolasib in Mizoram through virtual conference on 20 July 2020. The Food Park has been built at a cost of Rs 75 crore and is spread over 55 Acres of land. The food park will directly benefit over 25,000 farmers and will provide employment opportunities to over 5,000 people in the region. This is the first Mega Food Park operationalized in the State of Mizoram. It has Cold Storage, Drywarehouse, Aseptic pulp line, packing, Ripening Chambers, Spices drying facility, Food Testing Laboratory.

Note: Chief Minister of Mizoram: Pu Zoramthanga; Governor: P.S. Sreedharan Pillai.

 

4. P Praveen Siddharth appointed as PS to President of India: A 2001-batch, Indian Revenue Service officer, P Praveen Siddharth has been appointed as the new personal secretary to the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. Siddharth is already serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the President’s Secretariat. He will replace Vikram Singh, who has now been appointed Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping.

 

5. MYAS partners with UNICEF to promote volunteerism among youth: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) has tied-up with UNICEF to strengthen the Government’s resolution to mobilise 1 crore youth volunteers in attaining the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat. To promote volunteerism among the youth of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has signed a Statement of Intent with YuWaah (a multi-stakeholder platform formed by the UNICEF). The tie-up will help in the transition of youth of India from education and learning to productive work, skilling and being active citizens.

Note: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports: Kiren Rijiju.

Executive Director of UNICEF: Henrietta H. Fore.

 

6. CBDT sings MoU with MSMEs Ministry for data sharing: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India (MoMSME). As per the signed MoU, CBDT will share certain Income-tax Return (ITR) related information with MoMSME. The exchanged data will enable MoMSME to keep a check as well as to classify enterprises in Micro, Small and Medium categories as per the criteria. Nodal Officer and Alternate Nodal Officers will be appointed to facilitate the process.

Note: Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Nitin Jairam Gadkari.

Chairperson of CBDT: Pramod Chandra Mody.

 

7. Delhi Cabinet approves “Mukhya Mantri Ghar Ghar Ration Yojana”: Delhi Cabinet has approved ‘Mukhya Mantri Ghar Ghar Ration Yojana’, which will be launched in six to seven months and will be linked to Centre’s ‘one nation, one ration card’ scheme. The scheme will help the beneficiaries get ration delivered at home. They will not have to come to the ration shops. The scheme is expected to benefit lakhs of people in the national capital through 2016 PDS shops. At present subsidised ration is provided under the National Security, 2013 Act and this new programme would add to the benefits of the Act.

Note: Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal.

 

8. Consumer Protection Act, 2019 Comes into Force from 20 July 2020: The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 has come in to force with effect from 20 July 2020. The new Consumer Protection Act 2019 replaces more than three decades old Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It seeks to revamp the process of administration and settlement of consumer disputes, with strict penalties, including jail term for adulteration and misleading ads by firms. In Consumer Protection Act, 1986, a single point access to justice was given, which was time consuming. The new act has been introduced after many amendments to provide protection to buyers not only from traditional sellers but also from the new e-commerce retailers/platforms.

 

9. A book titled “The Endgame” authored by Hussain Zaidi: Crime writer, S Hussain Zaidi has penned a new novel “The Endgame” which talks of politics, betrayal, and unimaginable terror. The book has been published by HarperCollins India. “The Endgame” gives the readers a close-up of complex political machinery at work, including state security, defence services, and intelligence agencies like – all building up to an explosive climax.

 

10. A book titled “Suraj Kade Marda Nahi” authored by Baldev Singh Sadaknama: Sahitya Akademi Award winner, Baldev Singh Sadaknama has authored a book ‘Suraj Kade Marda Nahi’ (sun never dies). The book portrays many aspects of freedom fighter Udham Singh. The book is published by Unistarbooks. The book has been released and will be formally launched on July 31, 2020. Udham Singh 80th death anniversary will fall on July 31, 2020. The book portrays some facts pertaining to Colonel Reginal Dyer, also known as the butcher of Jallianwala bagh. It also covers how Udham Singh killed Michael O’ Dwyer, former lieutenant governor of Punjab on March 13, 1940, at Caxton Hall, London for which he was hanged on July 31, 1940.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and Israel sign agreement to expand cooperation in cyber security: India and Israel have signed an agreement to further expand collaboration in dealing with cyber threats amid rapid digitisation due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that exposed the vulnerabilities of the virtual world. The MoU signed between the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), a unit of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and INCD deepens the operational cooperation between the two sides and will expand the scope of exchange of information on cyber threats in order to raise the levels of protection in the field.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup postponed to 2022: International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) announced, the T20 Men’s World Cup, scheduled to be played in Australia in October-November 2020, has formally been postponed to 2022 due to COVID-19. Besides rescheduling the T20 World Cup to October-November, 2022 the ICC Board also decided to push the 2023 ODI World Cup in India to October-November 2023 from its designated window in February-March, 2023.

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

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Ashwini Kumar Tewari becomes new MD & CEO of SBI Cards: SBI Cards and Payment Services has appointed Ashwini Kumar Tewari as its new Managing Director and chief executive officer. The new appointment will be valid for two years and his appointment will come into effect from August 1, 2020. He was nominated by parent State Bank of India for the position. He succeeded Hardayal Prasad. SBI Cards offer extensive credit card portfolio to individual cardholders and corporate clients that includes lifestyle, rewards, travel & fuel and banking partnerships and corporate cards.

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

 

2. Bank of Maharashtra offers Overdraft against Fixed Deposits through Mahamobile App: Bank of Maharashtra (BoM), a premier public sector bank in the country, known for customer friendly services has launched an Overdraft facility (OD) against Fixed Deposits for its individual customers holding a SB account amidst pandemic. Under this OD facility, up to 90% value of FD can be availed attracting additional 2% interest rate over and above the FD rate. The OD facility can be availed from the comfort of home in three simple steps using Bank of Maharashtra’s Mahamobile App.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. MoD signs contract with BEML for procurement of Mine Plough: Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) for procurement of Mine Plough (MP) for Tank T-90 S/SK. The contract to procure 1,512 Mine Plough (MP) for Tank T-90 S/SK has been signed with the approval of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The procurement will cost approximately Rs 557 crore. These mine ploughs when fitted on T-90 Tanks will provide individual mobility to Tanks while negotiating mine field. The contract has Buy and Make categorisation with a minimum of 50% indigenous content. It will facilitate individual mobility to Tanks while negotiating mine field. It is planned to be completed by 2027.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. US Civil Rights pioneer John Lewis passes away: US Civil Rights pioneer and US House of Representatives member, John Lewis (80 years) passed away. He was a member of congress from Atlanta, US. He was first elected to congress in 1986. He was one of the ‘Big Six’ leaders of groups who organized the 1963 March on Washington. He led various civil rights movement to end legalized racial segregation in the United States. Lewis received various awards and honours including Presidential Medal of Freedom (2011). His last public appearance was in a protests for racial justice that swept the US and the world in June.

 

2. MP Governor Lalji Tandon passes away:  Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon passed away. He was undergoing treatment since June 11 and passed away after a prolonged illness. During his treatment period, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel was given the additional charge of Madhya Pradesh. Lalji Tandon has served as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Parishad for two terms and was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from Lucknow in 2009. He was appointed Governor of Bihar in 2018, and then the Governor of Madhya Pradesh in 2019.

Note: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

 

 

Daily GK Updates - 20th July, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Health Minister launches Plasma Donation Campaign at AIIMS Delhi: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has launched Plasma Donation Campaign at AIIMS Delhi. The campaign is an initiative of Delhi Police where 26 police personnel who had recovered from COVID volunteered to donate their blood plasma. It has the objective to encourage people to come forward to donate plasma to be used for the COVID-19 patients’ treatment. Plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients contains protective antibodies that can provide immunity to patients of Covid-19

 

2. India Business Council to host India Ideas Summit 2020: India Business Council will host the 45th India Ideas Summit 2020 on July 22nd. The Summit convenes business and government leaders for discussions on the future of the U.S.-India Partnership and the trends shaping globalization, trade and investment, and the future of work in the COVID-era and beyond. This year’s focus is on “Building a Better Future”. The Summit will feature a high-powered lineup of both public and private sector speakers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will deliver the keynote addresses. Among others, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will address the summit.

 

3. All capitals cities of North-Eastern states to be connected with rail network by 2023: The Railway Board Chairman VK Yadav has announced that Indian Railways has set the target to connect the capital cities of all the North-Eastern states of India to the rail network by 2023. In the present time, except Sikkim, all North-Eastern states have connectivity to the rail network. The capitals of Assam, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh are already connected to the railway network. The capital connectivity work is in progress in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya. Manipur will be connected in March 2022, Mizoram in March 2023, Nagaland in March 2023, Meghalaya in March 2022 and Sikkim in December 2022. These rail connectivity projects have been railway’s top agenda during the last five years.

 

4. Andhra Pradesh Renewable Energy Export Policy, 2020: The Andhra Pradesh government has announced Andhra Pradesh Renewable Energy Export Policy, 2020, for export of energy to other states. Under this policy, the state government shall set up Renewable Energy Power Projects of 120 gigawatts (GWs) in the state. The power generated from these projects shall be exported outside the state. The Policy will be applicable to solar, wind as well as wind-solar hybrid projects. The Government will be leasing 5 lakh acres of potential land in Andhra Pradesh to renewable energy export project developers for this purpose. The new policy will help to attract private investments to the State and improve local economy, by generating additional revenue to the State Government. The New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of A.P. Ltd (NREDCAP) shall act as a Nodal Agency under this new policy. The policy shall come into operation with effect from date of issuance and shall remain in force for five years.

 

5. UP CM Yogi Adityanath launches employment scheme ‘Navin Rojgar Chhatri Yojana’ for ST/SC: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched a new employment scheme called ‘Navin Rojgar Chhatri Yojana’ to provide employment to the Scheduled Castes (SC)/Scheduled Tribes (ST) families. This initiative is part of the government to achieve economic equality and social equality of all the sections of the society. The government has set the target of benefitting 7.5 lakh families under the the Umbrella scheme in 2020-2021. So far funds have been transferred to 1,77,491 beneficiaries.

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

 

6. IIM-K’s start-up develops a wearable device, Veli Band, to monitor social distancing: With the COVID-19 graph continuing its spike, a startup, incubated at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K), has developed a wearable hand band that helps in maintaining social distancing by sending out alarm in case of proximity with another person. Known as the Veli Band, the device has been developed by Qual5 India Pvt.Ltd, a startup co-founded by a woman entrepreneur, mentored and funded by IIMKs business incubator and entrepreneurship development centre. The Veli band momentarily vibrates, plays a sound-alert, and flashes LED simultaneously, to notify the wearers that another band is within three feet, reminding them to maintain social distance.

 

7. CSIR-CMERI rolls out COVID Protection System (COPS) for Workplace: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur has unveiled COVID Protection System (COPS) for Workplace. It has solar Based Intelligent Mask Automated Dispensing Unit cum Thermal Scanner that identifies the body temperature, Face Mask; Touchless Faucet (TouF); 360° Car Flusher. CSIR-CMERI will develop Digital Entry Management Systems in which the workflow will be automated using AI and IoT.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. United Arab Emirates launches “Hope” mission to Mars: A mission titled as “Hope” has been launched to Mars by the United Arab Emirates. With this mission, UAE aims to provide a complete picture of the Martian atmosphere for the first time, studying daily and seasonal changes. An unmanned “Hope” Probe blasted off from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center at 1:58 a.m. (UAE time) for a seven-month journey to the red planet and is expected to enter Mars orbit by February 2021, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the unification of the UAE, an alliance of seven emirates. The journey of “Hope” would be tracked by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai. The Hope probe constitutes three different instruments namely an imager and two spectrometers. The “Imager” will facilitate detailed images of the planet’s surface while all three will provide data to the scientists in order to track what ingredients are located where in the atmosphere of Mars. The probe will not land on the Red Planet, but instead orbit it for a whole Martian year i.e. for 687 days. The “Hope” mission to Mars, also called Emirates Mars Mission costed $200 million and is UAE’s first foray into interplanetary exploration.

Note: President of UAE: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Capital of UAE: Abu Dhabi; Currency: United Arab Emirates dirham.

 

2. 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meet held: The 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting was held under the Saudi Arabian Presidency. India was represented by Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman in the meeting. During the meet, the participants deliberated on the global economic outlook amid evolving COVID-19 pandemic crisis along with other G20 Finance Track priorities for the year 2020. During the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meet, Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the measures taken by India to fight the COVID-19 pandemic such as direct benefit transfers, special support to agriculture and MSME sectors, rural employment guarantee measures etc. G20 is the premier forum of 19 countries and European Union for economic cooperation.

 

3. International Chess Day: 20th July: The International Chess Day is celebrated annually on July 20, since 1966, to celebrate one of the most ancient and most popular games in history that promotes fairness, equality, mutual respect and understanding among nations. It was on this day that the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded, in 1924. The idea to celebrate the day as the international chess day was proposed by UNESCO. FIDE’s motto for 2020 celebrations is, “Teach someone how to play chess.” The International Chess Federation and the United Nations will be organizing online event this year called ‘Chess for Recovering Better’ due to the pandemic. The online event will be participated by, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, GM Viswanathan Anand, GM Vladimir Kramnik, GM Levon Aronian, and GM Hou Yifan.

Note: President of International Chess Federation (FIDE): Arkady Dvorkovich.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Germany footballer Andre Schurrle announces retirement: Germany forward player Andre Schurrle (29 years) has announced retirement from football. He helped Germany to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Andre Schurrle represented Germany in 57 matches and scored around 22 goals. He began his career at Mainz 05 in 2009. He also played for Chelsea from 2013 to 2015 and won Premier League winners medal in 2015. During extra-time in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final he provided assist for Mario Götze's winning goal against Argentina.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

11. Shyam Srinivasan re-appointed as MD & CEO of Federal Bank: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of Shyam Srinivasan as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Federal Bank. His term is extended till September 22, 2021 which was about to end in September 2020. He took charges of MD and CEO of the bank in 2010. He has more than 30 years expertise in retail lending, wealth management and SME banking.

 

2. PSBs buy NBFC Bonds/CPs worth Rs 14,667 cr under extended PCGS: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme, PCGS was revamped under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Package to support the liability side of Non Banking Financial Companies, NBFCs. It provides a 20 per cent portfolio guarantee to Public Sector Banks for the purchase of Bonds or Commercial Papers rated AA and below which are issued by NBFCs. Under the extended PCGS, Public Sector Banks have approved the purchase Bonds or Commercial Papers issued by 67 NBFCs amounting to 14 thousand 6 hundred 67 crore rupees. Of these 6 thousand 8 hundred 45 crore rupees is for Bonds or Commercial Papers rated below AA, providing liquidity support to NBFCs with lower rated Bonds or Commercial Papers.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. SAP appoints Kulmeet Bawa as new India MD: German software company SAP has appointed Kulmeet Bawa as president and managing director for its Indian operations from this month.  He replaces the incumbent Deb Deep Sengupta who will take up a new assignment within the organization. Bawa will also guide businesses in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka apart from India to adopt a digital-first mindset and will report to Scott Russell, President of SAP Asia Pacific Japan (APJ).

 

DEFENSE

 

1. Indian Navy conducted Passex exercise with US: Indian Navy has conducted passing exercises ‘Passex' with US Navy in the Indian Ocean region. It was conducted by Indian Navy ships Rana, Sahyadri, Shivalik and Kamorta together with USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Princeton (CG 59), USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114). USS Nimitz is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. It will be deployed in Gulf region from South China Sea. Indian Navy had also conducted similar joint exercises with Japan and France recently.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Filmmaker Rajat Mukherjee passes away: Bollywood director Rajat Mukherjee passes away in Jaipur due to kidney-related issues. He is known for directing films like Urmila Matondkar, Fardeen Khan and Sonali Kulkarni-starrer Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya (2001), Love in Nepal (2004), Vivek Oberoi and Antara Mali starrer Road (2002), etc. Rajat Mukherjee also directed a crime drama TV series called Ishq Kills. His last directed movie was Umeed (2017).

 

2. Veteran Odia Actor Bijay Mohanty passes away: Odia actor Bijay Mohanty (70 years) passes away. He started his career in Oriya film industry with Chilika Tire which won the National Award in 1977. He is most famous for negative roles in films including Samay Bada Balaban, Naga Phasa, Sahari Bagha, Danda Balunga and Chaka Bhaunri.  He also directed the movie Bhuli Huena. He also worked in TV serials of Doordarshan. He also contested for the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat in 2014 general election.

  

Daily GK Updates - 22nd July, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CSIR-CMERI unveils COVID Protection System for Workplace: The COVID Protection System for Workplace has been unveiled by the CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur. The COPS for Workplace comprises of three units namely contactless Solar Based Intelligent Mask Automated Dispensing Unit cum Thermal Scanner (IntelliMAST), Touchless Faucet (TouF) and 360° Car Flusher.

IntelliMAST: With the help of customised Software solutions, this intelligent surveillance kiosk will determine the body temperature and finds out whether an individual is wearing Face Mask or not.

Touchless Faucet (TouF): This system has been launched for households and Office Spaces. It dispenses Liquid Soap and Water from the same Faucet with a time-gap of 30 seconds, and help in containing the spread of infection among the family members, for any asymptomatic individual.

360° Car Flusher: This system will be applicable to sanitize cars as it comprises a Sodium Hypochlorite Water Screen which uses specialised Nozzle Design to ensure that the Sanitizer Diffused Water is evenly spread over and under the Car Body/Wheels with adequate Water Force and coverage.

 

2. PNB launches campaign to distribute face masks & sanitizers: Punjab National Bank has launched a nation-wide campaign to distribute face masks and sanitizers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The PNB’s campaign was launched by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan. This campaign has been launched by PNB under the Corporate social responsibility (CSR). Under this campaign, Punjab National Bank will distribute such material in 662 districts throughout the country. The campaign also featured the participation of PNB’s 22 zonal offices across the nation via video conferencing.

Note: MD and CEO of Punjab National Bank: S.S. Mallikarjuna Rao.

 

3. Chhattisgarh launches ‘Godhan Nyay Yojna’, to boost rural economy: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched ‘Godhan Nyay Yojana’ on 21 July 2020, under which the state government will purchase cow dung from the cattle rearers at the rate of Rs 2 per kg. The women self-help groups will then prepare vermicompost from it, which will then be sold at Rs 8 per kg to farmers, while the dung will be utilized for other products. The scheme will help to promote cattle rearing, ensure safety of livestock, help cattle ranchers earn extra income, help in tackling the problem of open grazing by stray cattle and encourage use of organic fertilizers as well as boost rural economy among other things.

 

4. Tamil Nadu Labour dept launches web portal for unorganised sector: Tamil Nadu Labour Dept has launched dedicated web portal for unorganized sector workers ‘labour.tn.gov.in’. It will help thousands of workers in the present pandemic situation in which there is a travel restriction. Tamil Nadu Govt is running 17 different welfare boards for the unorganised sector workers offering educational scholarships, marriage assistance and skill training to the wards of the members, health facilities and insurance.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. SpaceX Launches South Korea’s Military Communications Satellite ANASIS-II: On 20 July 2020, Elon Musk-owned private operator SpaceX launched South Korea’s first dedicated military communications satellite, named ANASIS-II on-board its Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from SLC-40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. ANASIS-II stands for Army/Navy/Air Force Satellite Information System 2. It is a secure communications satellite for the South Korean Agency for Defense Development and will supplement the Koreasat-5/ANASIS-I satellite, a combined civilian and military communications satellite launched in 2006. With this successful launch, South Korea has become the 10th country in the world to own a military-only communications satellite, which will provide “permanent and secured military communications”.

Note: South Korea President: Moon Jae-in; South Korea Capital: Seoul; South Korea Currency: South Korean Won.

SpaceX founder & CEO: Elon Musk; SpaceX president & COO: Gwynne Shotwell; SpaceX Founded: 2002; SpaceX Headquarters: California, United States of America.

 

2. India, Maldives sign agreement for establishment of ‘Emergency Medical Services’ unit in Male: India and Maldives have signed an MVR 8 Million agreement for establishment of ‘Emergency Medical Services’ Centre in Dharavandhoo, an island located north of the country’s capital, Male. The project includes the development of a fully-fledged emergency centre, training facilities and office space within Dharavandhoo Hospital, to: enhance timely access to quality emergency care; increase collaboration between healthcare facilities and disaster response agencies; overcome the challenges presently faced by Dharavandhoo Hospital, especially during this critical time of need.

Out of the total MVR (Maldivian rufiyaa) 8.45 million, The government of India is providing a grant of MVR 7.5 million and rest MVR 980,800 will be taken from the state budget of Maldives. The project is one of the several small and medium projects that are being financed by India under a grant assistance of around 20 million US dollars for the neighbouring country.

Note: President of the Maldives: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih; Capital of Maldives: Male; Currency of the Maldives: Maldivian Rufiyaa.

 

3. Indian direct selling industry ranks 15th globally, US tops: WFDSA Report: The Indian direct selling industry, is ranked 15th globally, in terms of overall sale in 2019, as per ‘The Global Direct Selling – 2019 Retail Sales’ report by Washington-based World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA). The Indian direct selling industry improved its ranking from 19th in 2018 to 15th in 2019. Indian industry recorded sales of USD 2.47 billion in 2019, a growth of 12.1 percent than last year. However, the global direct selling industry reported an overall decline of 4.3 percent in sales to USD 180.47 billion in 2019. As per the report, the United States Direct Sale Industry is leads the list, contributing 20 percent of the global direct selling industry with sales of USD 35.21 billion. It is followed by China (13 %), Korea (10%), Germany (10%) and Japan (9%) among the top five countries.

 

4. World Bank Retains India’s Classification as Lower-Middle Income Group Economy for 2020-21: India has retained its position as lower-middle income group economy in the new World Bank Country Classifications by Income Level 2020-2021. India became a lower-middle-income nation from low-income in the fiscal year 2009. Every year, the World Bank classifies the world’s economies in four income groups, which includes low, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income countries. These classifications are updated annually on July 1 based on the country’s GNI per capita in current USD (using the Atlas method exchange rates) of the previous year. A country’s GNI per capita, changes with economic growth, inflation, exchange rates, and population, revisions to national accounts methods and data. Classification for 2020-21:

For the fiscal year 2020-21, a total of 218 countries have been listed, which includes all World Bank member countries (189), and other economies with populations of more than 30,000. Out of these total 218 economies, 83 are in the high-income group, 56 in the upper-middle group, 50 in the lower-middle income group and 29 in the low-income group. The GNI per capita range to classify countries in the four different groups are given below:

Low income – GNI per capita < $1,036 (means GNI per capita, of this group is $1,035 or less in 2019)

Lower-middle income – GNI per capita between $1,036 – $4,045

Upper-middle income – GNI per capita between $4,046 – $12,535

High income – GNI per capita > $12,535

 

5. Science Exploration Day: 20 July: The Science Exploration Day (also called Moon Day) is marked every year on 20 July. It was on this day in 1969 that Neil Armstrong and Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon’s surface. Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon’s surface. The Armstrong- Aldrin duo spent 21.5 hours on the surface of the moon out of which they spent 2.5 hours outside of their capsules. To commemorate their achievement, the day was declared a holiday in 1984 by the then President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. CBDT and CBIC sign MoU for exchange of information on automatic and regular basis: The Central Board of Direct Taxes, (CBDT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, (CBIC) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for exchange of information between the two organizations. The MoU was signed by CBDT Chairman Pramod Chandra Mody and CBIC Chairman M. Ajit Kumar, on 21 July 2020. This new MoU supersedes the MoU signed between CBDT and the erstwhile Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) in the year 2015. The MoU comes into force from the date it was signed and is an ongoing initiative of CBDT and CBIC. The latest MoU will facilitate the sharing of data and information between CBDT and CBIC on an automatic and regular basis. CBDT and CBIC will also exchange with each other, on request and spontaneous basis, any information available in their respective databases which may have utility for the other organization. A Data Exchange Steering Group has also been constituted for this purpose, which will meet periodically to review the data exchange status and take steps to further improve the effectiveness of the data sharing mechanism.

Note: Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs: M. Ajit Kumar.

Chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes: Pramod Chandra Mody.

 

2. Ramesh Babu Boddu appointed as MD & CEO of Karur Vysya Bank: Board of Directors of the Karur Vysya Bank has appointed Ramesh Babu Boddu as a Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the bank. He has also been co-opted as an Additional Director. The appointment of Ramesh Babu Boddu has been made for a period of three years from the date of taking charge. He will succeed PR Seshadri who resigned on 31st March 2020. Ramesh Babu Boddu has earlier served as Deputy Managing Director in State Bank of India and retired in April 2020.

Note: Karur Vysya Bank HQs: Karur, Tamil Nadu

 

3. NFRA constitutes technical advisory committee under the chairmanship of Prof. R Narayanaswamy: Professor R Narayanaswamy, faculty of the Finance & Accounting discipline at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore, has been appointed as the Chair of the Technical Advisory Committee of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), the independent accounting and auditing regulator set up by the central government. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) comprises seven members. Functions of TAC:

(1) Advise the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) on how it can fulfill its mandate to protect the public interest and the interests of investors, creditors and other users of corporate financial statements; (2) Advise the Executive Body of the NFRA on issues related to the drafts of accounting standards and auditing standards; (3) Advise on development of measures of audit quality; (4) Advise on suitable methods for promoting awareness (a) relating to compliance with accounting and auditing standards and (b) of the role of the NFRA in protecting investors through independent auditor regulation.

Other members of the TAC are: Vidya Rajaram, chartered accountant; Gargi Ray, CFO of Infosys Consulting Group; Anantha Narayanan, former head of equity research at Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley; Shriram Subramanian, MD, InGovern; S Subramanian, CFO, Titan Company; and Suhas Tuljapurkar, Managing Partner, Legasis

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Ola rolls out enterprise solution ‘Ola Corporate’ to global customers: India-based mobility platform, Ola is rolling out its enterprise mobility solution ‘Ola Corporate’ across global markets. It will be rolling out the enterprise offering to customers across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The solution had first been introduced in the Indian market and had garnered 10,000 corporate users in the country. Ola Corporate will also offer a range of safety features under its Ride Safe initiative and will follow in class hygiene and sanitisation protocols for safer mobility amid the pandemic.

Note: Ola CEO: Bhavish Aggarwal; Ola Headquarters: Bengaluru.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Renowned Indian Animator Arnab Chaudhuri Posthumously Conferred with Toonz Media Award 2020: The prestigious ‘Legend of Animation’ award of the Toonz Media Group (TMG) has been posthumously conferred to the legendary animation director Arnab Chaudhuri, for his invaluable contribution to the animation and entertainment industry of India. The award was given on 20 July at the Animation Masters Summit (AMS) 2020 – Digital Edition, an annual event celebrated by Toonz Media Group. It was held digitally this year. The ‘Legend of Animation’ award is given away every year to honour a genius from the field of animation in India. Arnab, who passed away on December 25, 2019, was one of the pioneers of the Indian Animation industry, and his animation movie ‘Arjun: The Warrior Prince’ is the only animation from India to date to be longlisted for Oscar awards.

 

DEFENSE

 

1. US Navy and Indian Navy conduct naval exercise PASSEX in A&N: The United States Navy and the Indian Navy undertook Passage Exercise (PASSEX), a joint maritime drill in the Indian Ocean region near Andamans and Nicobar Islands on 20 July 2020. The high-end Passex exercise was carried out to maximize training and interoperability, including air defence of the two navies. The passage exercise involved a total of eight Indian and US warships. World’s largest aircarft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) along with Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), participated from US Navy. Four frontline warships of the Indian Navy took part from in the exercise. The Indian Navy had also conducted similar PASSEX exercises with Japanese Navy (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) and French Navy in recent past.

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

 

2. Indian Army Gets DRDO’s indigenously-developed Bharat Drone for accurate surveillance along China border: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has provided its indigenously-developed drone ‘Bharat’ to the Indian Army to conduct accurate surveillance in high altitude areas and mountainous terrain along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, amid the ongoing border dispute between India and China. The Bharat series of drones has been developed by a Chandigarh-based laboratory of the DRDO, to carry out accurate surveillance in high altitude areas and mountainous terrain along India’s lines of control with Pakistan and China. It is among the world’s most agile and lightest surveillance drone. Key Features of Bharat Drone:

The Made-in-India, small yet powerful drone works autonomously at any location with great accuracy. Its unibody biomimetic design with advance release technology is a lethal combination for surveillance missions. It is equipped with artificial intelligence that helps it to detect friends and enemies and take action accordingly. It can survive in extreme cold weather temperature and is continuously being developed further for even harsher weather. It provides real-time video transmission during the entire mission and with very advanced night vision capabilities, it can detect people hidden in deep forests. It has been built in a way that makes it impossible to be detected by Radar.

Note: Indian Army Headquarters: New Delhi; Chief of the Army Staff: Manoj Mukund Naravane.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Spanish novelist Juan Marse passes away: Renowned Spanish novelist Juan Marse (87 years) passes away. He was on of the most respected novelist of Spain over the past few decades. He was the winner of Spanish-speaking world's top literary award ‘2008 Cervantes Prize’. His most famous work was ‘Úlitmas tardes on Teresa’ (Last Afternoons with Teresa) which was published in 1965 and was based on misadventure of a working-class adolescent who tries to win over a girl.

 

2. Former Australian test cricketer Barry Jarman passes away: Former Australian test wicketkeeper and ex-International Cricket Council match referee Barry Jarman has passed away. He was 84. Jarman made his test debut in 1959, and had captained Australia in one test on the 1968 Ashes tour of England. He is one of the five wicketkeepers turned captain of Australia, Jack Blackham, Billy Murdoch, Adam Gilchrist and Tim Paine being the others. Overall Jarman played in 19 tests for Australian team and scored two half-centuries among his 400 runs at an average of 14.81. He also served as an ICC match referee in 25 tests and 28 one-day internationals (1995-2001). He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1997. 

Daily GK Updates - 19th July, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Centre of Automotive Technology (ICAT) develops automotive technology e-portal ‘ASPIRE’: The International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) is developing technology platform for the Indian Automotive Industry, to build a strong and self-reliant automotive industry in line with the vision of Make in India and Atma-Nirbhar vision of Government of India. The e-portal named ASPIRE (Automotive Solutions Portal for Industry, Research and Education) will act as a one stop solution, for the various stakeholders from the Indian auto industry like automotive OEMs, Tier 1 Tier 2 & Tier 3 companies, R&D institutions and academia (colleges & universities), to come other on a common platform and share ideas on matters involving innovation and adoption of global technological advancements, for ushering the industry into future with combined efforts. The portal can be accessed through https://aspire.icat.in. It will be launched in Phases. The Phase I of the portal has been launched on 15 July 2020, and includes connecting the users and experts on the portal for functionality assessment. Phase II of the portal which is expected by August 15, 2020 will include the posting of domain specific challenges, team formation and finalizing the milestones for the execution of projects for the said challenges and industry problems. The final phase of the portal is expected by 15 September, 2020, with hosting of the Grand challenges and providing an elaborate resource database and project monitoring and execution. The International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) headquarters: Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana.

 

2. Mobile App of “PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi” launched: The mobile application of PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) has been launched to offer user friendly digital interface to the Lending Institutions (LIs) as well as to their field functionaries in order to source and process loan applications to the street vendors under the scheme. The launch of the mobile app is a step towards boosting the use of digital technology and will ensure maximum coverage of the scheme. The mobile app will promote paper-less digital accessing of micro-credit facilities by the Street Vendors and will give impetus to the implementation strategy of the PM SVANidhi scheme. The application have various features such as vendor search in the survey data, e-KYC of applicants, processing of applications, as well as real time monitoring. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the PM SVANidhi scheme to provide affordable Working Capital loan to street vendors in order to enable them resume their livelihoods that have been adversely affected due to COVID-19 lockdown.

Note: Minister of State (I/C) for Housing and Urban Affairs: Hardeep Singh Puri.

 

3. Ministry of Finance releases Rs 15,187 crore as grants-in-aid to 2.63 lakh Rural Local Bodies: Ministry of Finance has released an amount of over 15,187 crore rupees as grants-in-aid to 2.63 lakh Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) spread in 28 States of the country. The amount was released upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation and Jal Shakti Ministry. This grants-in-aid forms part of the Tied Grant as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission for the Financial Year 2020-21. It will be used by RLBs to facilitate taking up of various developmental work concerning supply of drinking water, rain water harvesting, water recycling, sanitation and maintenance of Open Defecation Free status which are national priorities.

 

4. Poba Reserve Forest in Assam will be upgraded to Wildlife Sanctuary: Assam Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal has announced, Poba Reserve Forest in Dhemaji district would be upgraded to a wildlife sanctuary. The announcement was made during a meeting with senior officials of Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Majuli districts at Jonai. Poba Reserve Forest declared in 1924 with an area of 10,522 hectares is home to a large number of flora and fauna.

Note: Capital of Assam: Dispur; Governor of Assam: Jagdish Mukhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 2nd U.S.-India Strategic Energy Partnership held: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended the 2nd Ministerial of US-India Strategic Energy Partnership (USISPF), which was co-chaired with US Secretary of Energy Dept, Dan Brouillette. The meeting was held in presence of US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster, Ambassador of India to US TS Sandhu and delegation from US and Indian sides.

Both sides reviewed the progress of the U.S-India Strategic Energy Partnership and emphasized the centrality of industry in expanding energy access and security between our economies. Energy related trade between the countries touched $8 billion in 2019 and is expected to increase by 20 percent in 2020. The USISPF gathering discussed how metallurgical coal and bioethanol will become part of U.S.-India energy trade. As India plans a cleaner and greener economy, Minister Pradhan discussed his intention of additional cooperation with U.S. energy labs on areas such as carbon capture, clean coal technologies, battery storage and large-scale grid integration of renewable energy. MoU was signed on Strategic Petroleum Reserves, storing oil and for India’s first-ever Solar Decathlon in 2021 USAID tied-up with POSOCO to develop India’s National Open Access Registry (NOAR). Public-private Hydrogen Task Force has also been launched.

 

2. India Ranks Third In Global Manufacturing Risk Index 2020, China Tops: Cushman & Wakefield Report: India is the third top-most country among 48 nations, in the 2020 Global Manufacturing Risk Index (MRI), for having the most-suitable locations for global manufacturing in terms of cost competitiveness and operating conditions. The annual Global Manufacturing Risk Index (MRI) report was released by the US-based property consultant Cushman & Wakefield, to rank the most suitable locations for global manufacturing among 48 countries in Europe, Americas, and the Asia-Pacific. China and the United States retain the top two positions respectively in MRI 2020, while India has moved one place higher from previous edition of the report, to rank third in MRI 2020. Each of the country has been assessed in four key areas: Bouncebackability, Conditions, Costs and Risks. The MRI 2020 report also includes analysis of the impact of Covid-19 on the global manufacturing sector and the ability of the countries to restart their manufacturing sectors once confinement measures are relaxed and business starts to return to normal.

 

3. At 273 million, India recorded world’s largest reduction in poverty from 2005-16: Oxford-UN study: About 273 million Indians were lifted out of multidimensional poverty, over a period of 10 years, between 2005-2006 and 2015-2016, according to a study conducted by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme. The study titled ‘Charting pathways out of multidimensional poverty: Achieving the SDGs’ was based on a global multidimensional poverty index (MPI) which annually measures the complexities of poor people’s lives, individually and collectively. The report noted that, India has recorded the largest reduction in the number of people living in poverty, among the 75 countries studied in MPI. Four countries namely India, Armenia, Nicaragua and North Macedonia, have reduced their MPI by half or more in 5.5 to 10.5 years. 65 out of 75 countries significantly reduced their multidimensional poverty levels, and of these 65, 50 also reduced the number of people living in poverty.

 

4. India in partnership with Chile & UN’s FAO Co-Hosted Event, “On the road to the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021”: India and Chile joins the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) and co-hosted the official launch of 2021 International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, the side event of 2020 High-level Political forum – “On the road to the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021. Chile had championed to declare the year 2021 as an ‘International Year of Fruits and Vegetables’ by UN General Assembly in 2019

 

5. New Android malware titled ‘BlackRock’ discovered: New Android malware titled ‘BlackRock’ has been discovered that steals data from 337 apps including Gmail, Amazon, Netflix, Uber, etc. It has enhanced features related to stealing passwords and credit card details and is based on the leaked source code of another malware strain ‘Xerxes’. It collects data through ‘Overlays’ technique. When a user interacts with legitimate app, it places a fake window on top that asks for login before the user enters the actual app.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lewis Hamilton wins 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton won the Formula-1 Hungarian Grand Prix 2020 at Hungaroring, Mogyoród, Hungary. Max Verstappen (Dutch-Red Bull) was second, followed by Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes- Finland) at the third spot. Hungarian Grand Prix 2020 (Formula 1 Aramco Magyar Nagydij) was the third race of 2020 Formula-One World Championship. The other two Formula 1 Championship were held in Austria.

Note: Capital of Hungary: Budapest; The currency of Hungary: Hungarian forint; President of Hungary: Janos Ader.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Share of Industrial Credit in Total Bank Credit Dips to 31.5% in March: RBI Data: According to Reserve Bank data, the share of industrial credit in total bank credit declined to 31.5 per cent in March 2020 as against 33.1 per cent a year ago. The share of individuals in total bank credit has increased to 40.1 per cent in March 2020 (37.4 per cent a year ago and 30.8 per cent five years ago), whereas that of the private corporate sector has declined. Bank credit growth (year-on-year) continued to decelerate across all population groups and stood at 6.3 per cent in March 2020. However, bank branches in rural areas maintained a double-digit growth.

 

2. Income Tax Department launches tool for Banks to ascertain TDS applicability rates on cash withdrawals: The Income Tax Department launched a new tool for the banks and post offices that will ensure tax deduction at source (TDS) on the cash withdrawals beyond the threshold. With the help of the tool, post offices and banks will be able to ascertain the TDS applicability rates on the cash withdrawals of above Rs. 20 lakh in case a person is a non- filer of the income tax return and that of above Rs. 1 crore in case of a filer of Income-tax return. On the cash withdrawal exceeding Rs. 20 lakhs, TDS will be deductible at the rate of 2% and it will be deductible at the rate of 5% if the amount exceeds 1 Crore, in case the person withdrawing is a non- filer of the income tax return

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Marianna Vardinoyannis of Greece & Guinean Morissana Kouyate wins prestigious 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize: Marianna Vardinoyannis of Greece, and Doctor Morissana Kouyaté of Guinea has been recognised by the United Nations for the 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize. The winners were announced by the President of the UN General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, on 17 July 2020. The laureates will be honored during a virtual ceremony on 20 July, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vardinoyannis is a Greek philanthropist known for fighting childhood cancer and for a world without borders in health for about 30 years. Kouyate is Human rights activist known for his contribution towards violence against women and girls in Africa. The Nelson Mandela Prize is awarded in every five years to recognize those who dedicate their lives to the service of humanity, by promoting the purposes and principles of the United Nations, while honouring Nelson Mandela’s life, and legacy of reconciliation, political transition, and social transformation was 1st awarded in 2015.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Civil rights leader Cordy Tindell Vivian passes away: A civil rights veteran, The Rev Cordy Tindell Vivian who worked alongside the Rev Martin Luther King Jr, passed away. Vivian led the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and became its interim president in 2012. He also helped in organizing the Freedom Rides to integrate buses across the south and trained waves of activists in non-violent protest. Vivian was honored by the Barack Obama with the presidential medal of freedom in 2013. Vivian also played an instrumental role in passing of the the Voting Rights Act when he tried to register Black voters in Selma, Alabama, that sparked hundreds, then thousands, to march across the Edmund G Pettus bridge.

 

2. Eminent Mathematician Prof. C S Seshadri Passes away: One of the eminent Indian mathematician of the post-Independence era, Professor C S Seshadri, has passed away. He was 88. He was the founder and Director-Emeritus of the Chennai Mathematical Institute, an institute for the study of mathematics in India. Prof. Seshadri is known for his work in algebraic geometry. The Seshadri constant (in algebraic geometry) is named after him. He was a recipient of country’s third highest civilian honor, Padma Bhushan in 2009. He also received  Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award and Srinivasa Ramanujan Medal.