Daily GK Updates - 30th July, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Cabinet Approves New Education Policy (NEP) 2020; Renames HRD Ministry as Education Ministry: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the new National Education Policy (NEP), to introduce several changes in the Indian education system, both at school to college level. This NEP 2020 will replace the 34-year-old NEP, which was framed in 1986 and revised only once in 1992. The Cabinet has also approved to rename the HRD Ministry as Education Ministry. The committee which suggested changes in the education system under the NEP was headed by former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan. National Education Policy 2020 is aligned to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and is based on the foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability.  Important Highlights of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:

(1) There would be a single regulator for all higher education institutions, except for legal and medical colleges.

(2) MPhil would be discontinued.

(3) National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) would be created to ramp up digital learning.

(4) E-courses will be developed in eight regional languages initially and virtual labs will be developed.

(5) Top 100 foreign colleges will be allowed to set-up campuses in India.

(6) Home language/mother tongue/regional language will be the medium of instruction upto Class 5

(7) School curriculum will be reduced to core concepts and there will be integration of vocational education from class 6

(8) Class 10, 12 board exams will be based on knowledge application and focus will be on testing concepts

(9) National Assessment Centre- ‘PARAKH’ has been created to assess the students.

(10) Target to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education including vocational education from 26.3 pc (2018) to 50 pc by 2035. At least 3.5 crore new seats will be added to higher education institutions.

 

2. Ministry of Home Affairs releases Unlock-3 guidelines: Ministry of Home Affairs has released the Unlock-3 guidelines which will be valid upto 31st August 2020. The new guidelines seeks to re-open more activities in areas outside the Containment zones and to extend the lockdown in containment zones upto 31st August 2020. As per the Unlock-3 guidelines, all activities would be permitted outside the containment zones, except the following:

(1) Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will remain closed till 31st August 2020.

(2) Yoga institutes and gymnasiums would be allowed to function from 5th August 2020 as per the standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

(3) Cinema Halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will remain closed.

(4) International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA.

(5) Metro rail; social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious functions as well as other large congregations.

 

3. Guwahati Municipal Corporation launches manhole cleaning robot 'BANDICOOT': Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has inaugurated its first-ever manhole cleaning robot 'BANDICOOT' to put an end to the unfair practice of manual scavenging in Assam. It is a first of its kind robot developed indigenously by a start-up ‘Genrobotics’ under Make in India initiative and was funded by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) under CSR initiative. After this, Guwahati becomes the third city to procure this technology after Coimbatore and Gurugram.

Note: Assam Chief Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal; Capital of Assam: Dispur; Governor of Assam: Jagdish Mukhi.

 

4. Tripartite MoU signed between CSIR, Unnat Bharat-IIT Delhi & Vijnana Bharat: A tripartite MoU has been signed between Unnat Bharat Abhiyan-Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (UBA-IITD), Vijnana Bharti (VIBHA) and CSIR to offer access to CSIR rural technologies for UBA. MoU will enhance cooperation between the three entities along with meeting the need of UBA.

UBA: Flagship initiative of MHRD to bring transformational change in rural development by leveraging knowledge institutions

VIBHA: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) linked science body.

 

5. PFC signs agreement with IIT- Kanpur for Smart Grid Technology: Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology- Kanpur for Training, Research, and Entrepreneurship Development in Smart Grid Technology. The agreement was on a virtual platform. The objective of the pact is to provide support to IIT-Kanpur in developing infrastructure for research and development on smart grid technology. Under this, PFC will provide financial assistance of Rs. 2,38,97,000 to IIT-K under its CSR initiative. IIT-K will also provide training on smart grid tech to 90 participants and provide fellowship to 9 selected candidates for ideas development under the agreement

Note: Chairman of IIT-K: K. Radhakrishnan; Director of IIT-K: Abhay Karandikar

Chairman and MD of PFC: Ravinder Singh Dhillon; Headquarters of PFC: New Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ADB approves grant worth USD 3 million to India to combat COVID-19: Manila-based multilateral funding agency Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 3 million (about Rs 22 crore) grant to India from its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund to further support the government’s emergency response to COVID-19 pandemic. The new grant will be used to procure thermal scanners and essential commodities to strengthen the India’s COVID-19 response. This support will enhance disease surveillance and help in early detection, contact tracing, and treatment. In April 2020, ADB approved USD 1.5 billion COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) programme to support India in its immediate pandemic response efforts.

Note: President of Asian Development Bank: Masatsugu Asakawa; Asian Development Bank Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines; Asian Development Bank Founded: 19 December 1966.

 

2. Indian Activist Archana Soreng inducted in UN Chief’s New Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change: Archana Soreng, a climate activist from India, has been named by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to his new Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. Soreng joins six other young climate leaders, from across the world, who have been named by Guterres to his new advisory group comprising young leaders, aged between 18 and 28 years, who will provide perspectives and solutions to tackle the worsening climate crisis. It is an effort by the United Nations to bring more young leaders into decision-making and planning processes, as the UN works to mobilise climate action as part of the COVID-19 recovery efforts. The initial seven members of the group includes:

Nisreen Elsaim – climate activist of Sudan,

Ernest Gibson – the co-coordinator for 350 Fiji, a regional youth-led climate change network

Vladislav Kaim – young economist of Moldova, committed to ensuring green and decent jobs for youth

Sophia Kianni – founder of international nonprofit Climate Cardinals, United States, founder and coordinator of Generation Climate Europe and spokesperson for Youth and Environment Europe

Nathan Metenier of France

Paloma Costa – lawyer and human rights defender of Brazil

Archana Soreng – climate activist, India

 

3. Mahdi Mohammed Gulaid appointed as interim Prime Minister of Somalia: Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has appointed country’s Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Mohamed Gulaid as the interim Prime Minister following the removal of Hassan Ali Khaire from the position due to vote of no confidence against him. His appointment is effective from 25 July 2020, until the nomination of a permanent Prime Minister.

 

4. World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: 30th July: The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed every year on July 30. The day was designated by the UN General Assembly in 2013 to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights. The 2020 theme for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is “Committed to the Cause – Working on the Frontline to End Human Trafficking”.

Note: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Headquarters: Vienna, Austria; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Founded: 1997.

 

5. International Day of Friendship: 30th July: International Day of Friendship is observed globally on 30th July. This day is celebrated to mark the importance of friends and friendship in life. The day also advocates the role that friendship plays in promoting peace in several cultures across the world.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Young Bangladesh Pace Bowler Kazi Anik handed two-year ban for doping violation: The Bangladesh national cricket board has handed over a two-year ban to young pacer Kazi Anik Islam for failing a dope test in 2018. Kazi tested positive for Methamphetamine, a prohibited substance, during a 2018 National Cricket League game. The two-year ban of the 21-year-old has began on February 8, 2019.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Paytm Money appoints Varun Sridhar as CEO: The investment & wealth management subsidiary of Paytm, Paytm Money has appointed Varun Sridhar as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company. He will replace former MD and CEO Pravin Jadhav who resigned from the startup due to differences with the management of Paytm. He will lead the launch and development of equity brokerage services and will look after the existing products like mutual funds, national pension system and gold services, which the company offers.

Note: Paytm founder: Vijay Shekhar Sharma; Paytm Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Paytm founded: 2010.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Jamie Vardy bags ‘Golden Boot’ while Ederson wins ‘Golden Glove’ of 2019-20 Premier League: In Football, Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has won the 2019-20 Premier League Golden Boot award, which is presented to the leading goalscorer in the Premier League. The 33-year-old Vardy became the top scorer after finishing the season with 23 goals. He is the ninth English player as well as the oldest player to win the award and the first from Leicester City. Apart from this, Manchester City’s Brazilian keeper Ederson has won the Premier League’s Golden Glove award, which is given to the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets over the course of the season. He collected 16 clean sheet during the season.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Bollywood Actor Kumkum passes away in Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood Actor ‘Kumkum’ (86 years) passed away at her residence in Mumbai. Her real name was Zaibunnissa. She worked in films like Mother India, Kohinoor, Ek Sapera Ek Lootera, Naya Daur, Ujala, Raja Aur Runk, Lalkar, Aankhen, Geet, etc. She was also featured in first Bhojpuri film ‘Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo’ in 1963. Some of the popular songs featuring Kumkum includes 'Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan' and ‘Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re’.

 

2. Bollywood Director Parvez Khan passes away: Famous Bollywood Action Director Parvez Khan (55 years) passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He had been working with the film industry since 1986 and worked for around 35 years in the industry. He is known for his films like Andhadhun, Badlapur, Bullett Raja, Fukrey, Ra.One, Johnny Gaddaar, Vishwaroopam, Vishwaroopam 2, Dev.D, Gangster, Sehar, Ab Tak Chhappan, The Legend Of Bhagat Singh, Soldier, and Mr And Mrs Khiladi. 

Daily GK Updates - 29th July, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Fleet of 5 Rafale multi-role combat jets arrived in India: A fleet of five French-manufactured Rafale multi-role combat jets arrived in India. Rafale Jets landed at the Ambala Air Force base after covering a distance of 7,000 km from the Merignac airbase in French port city of Bordeaux. Two Sukhoi 30 MKIs escorted the fleet of Rafale jets after they entered the Indian air space. The fleet, which comprises three single seater and two twin seater aircraft, would be inducted into the IAF as part of its Ambala-based No 17 Squadron, also known as the ‘Golden Arrows’. Government of India signed a Rs 59,000-crore deal with French aerospace major Dassault Aviation on September 23, 2016 to procure 36 Rafale jets. Rafale multi-role combat jets are considered one of the most potent combat jets globally and will provide India’s air power a strategic edge over its adversaries in the neighbourhood. The delivery of all 36 aircraft will be completed on schedule by the end of 2021.

 

2. Schemes for promotion of Bulk Drugs & Medical Devices Parks launched: Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri DV Sadananda Gowda has launched four schemes for the promotion of domestic manufacturing of bulk drugs and medical devices parks in the country.  The Department of Pharmaceuticals has formulated four schemes, two each for Bulk Drugs and Medical Devices parks. These schemes will work towards the development of Indian pharmaceutical capacities and reduce India’s dependence on imports, making itself reliant. The key features of the four schemes are: The scheme will remain open for applications for a period of 120 days from the date of issuance of guidelines. The Scheme for promotion of Bulk Drug Parks aims for the establishment of 3 bulk drug parks in the country. Maximum grant-in-aid for one bulk drug park is limited to Rs.1000 crore. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for promoting domestic manufacturing of Medical Devices aims to boost domestic manufacturing of medical devices in four target segments. This will be achieved by offering financial incentives on sales to a maximum number of 28 selected applicants for a period of 5 years.

 

3. DST selects Acculi Labs to develop “Lyfas COVID score”:  Acculi Labs, a Bangalore based startup has been selected by Centre for Augmenting WAR with COVID-19 Health Crisis (CAWACH), an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to develop “Lyfas COVID score”, a COVID risk assessment profile. Lyfas, an android application captures the capillary pulse and blood volume change when individual keeps the index finger on the rear phone camera of a mobile phone for 5 minutes. It also derives 95 biomarkers with proprietary algorithms and signal processing techniques. It also utilizes the power of smartphone processor and smartphone sensors to record a bunch of body signals. All the above parameters have been planned to be repurposed with the “Lyfas COVID score”. CAWACH is supporting market-ready innovations to the control COVID-19 and helps the startup ideas to address associated challenges.

 

4. India houses 70% of world’s tiger population: Tiger Census report: The Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar released the detailed report of the Tiger Census on 28 July 2020. As per the report, India’s tiger population stands at 2967 which is 70 percent of the total tiger population in the world. Of these, nearly 30 percent of India’s tigers are outside tiger reserves.

Also, there are 50 tiger reserves in India as per the report. The Ministry is also working in leadership role for Tiger Conservation with all the 13 Tiger range countries to share best practices in their actual management of tiger reserves, etc. There are currently 13 tiger range countries; Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. The detailed report compares information obtained from the earlier three surveys (2006, 2010, and 2014) with data obtained from the 2018-19 survey to estimate population trends at country and landscape scales, patch colonization and extinction rates along with information on likely factors responsible for changes in tiger status at the fine spatial resolution of 100 km.

 

5. HRD Minister launches India Report- Digital Education June 2020: “India Report on Digital Education, 2020” has been launched virtually by the Union Minister for HRD Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’. During the launch, the minister stated that report highlights the innovative methods adopted by Ministry of HRD, Education Departments of States and Union Territories to ensure accessible as well as inclusive education to children at home and reducing learning gaps. India Report on Digital Education, 2020 comprises of various initiatives taken to provide remote learning and education for all by taking schools to the students. Some of the initiatives are as follows: DIKSHA platform, Swayam Prabha TV Channel, Online MOOC courses, On Air – Shiksha Vani, DAISY by NIOS for differently-abled, e-PathShala, etc.

 

6. MoES-Knowledge Resource Centre Network launched: Ministry of Earth Sciences has launched the “MoES-Knowledge Resource Centre Network (KRCNet)” under the Digital India initiative of Government of India. MoES has transformed the traditional libraries of the MoES system into a top-notch Knowledge Resource Centres (KRC). These KRCs will be linked with each other and integrated into the KRCNet portal. This portal would be a single point entry to the intellectual world of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). With the launch of KRCNet, MoES aims to set up a Total Quality Management (TQM) system by securing ISO certification for documenting MoES knowledge resources, its maintenance, easy retrieval and dissemination. KRCNet portal would provide 24X7 access to the subscribed knowledge contents. It will also collect, collate, analyze, index, store as well as disseminate the intellectual resources, products and project outputs available in MoES headquarter and its institutes.

Note: Union Minister of Earth Sciences: Harsh Vardhan.

 

7. Road in Lucknow named after former MP Governor Lalji Tandon: The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has named a road and a crossing in the city after former Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon. The Chauk Chauraha will now be known as Lalji Tandon Chauraha and the Lucknow-Hardoi Road will be known as Tandon Marg. The former MP Governor Tandon had started his political career when he became a councillor in Lucknow. He breathed his last on July 21, 2020.

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

 

8. IIT Kharagpur develops COVID-19 Rapid Test technology: IIT Kharagpur has developed technology for COVID-19 Rapid Test enabling affordable cost testing. This entire test can be conducted in an ultra-low-cost portable device with test results available through customized app within an hour without requiring manual interpretation. It will be used at locations with extremely poor resources. It deploys a disposable simple paper-strip for chemical analysis and visualization of test results. It will cost around Rs 400 per test.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IMF Grants $4.3 bn to South Africa to fight COVID-19: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved USD 4.3 billion to South Africa in emergency funding, the largest amount given to any country to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The funds “support the authorities’ efforts in addressing the challenging health situation and economic impact of the COVID-19 shock”. South Africa is the worst-hit country in the continent with over 4,50,000 cases.

Note: Note: Headquarters of IMF: Washington, D.C., United States; Managing Director of IMF: Kristalina Georgieva; Chief Economist of IMF: Gita Gopinath; Membership Countries of IMF: 189 countries.

Capital of South Africa: Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein; Currency of South Africa: South African Rand; President of South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa.

 

2. 5th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of AIIB:  The 5th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was held virtually. Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the meeting. The round table discussion was held with the theme ‘AIIB 2030-Supporting Asia’s Development over the Next Decade’. The Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is being held every year to take key decisions that impact the Bank’s future. During the meet, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted various measures taken by the Government of India to respond to the COVID-19 such as $23 Billion Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKP) and $295 Billion Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package (ANBP).

Note: President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: Jin Liqun; HQs: Beijing, China

 

3. PM of India & Mauritius to inaugurate Supreme Court Building of Mauritius: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Jugnauth will jointly unveils new Supreme Court Building of Mauritius through video-conference. It has been constructed with grant assistance from India and will be 1st India assisted infrastructure project within Port Louis, Mauritius. It is one of the 5 projects under ‘Special Economic Package’ extended by India to Mauritius in 2016. The building covers an area of 4700 sqm with over 10 floors.

 

4. International Tiger Day: 29th July: International Tiger Day (also called Global Tiger Day) is celebrated every year on July 29 to raise awareness for tiger conservation. The day was created in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit to put in place a global system for protecting the natural habitats of tigers and raise public awareness and support for tiger conservation issues. The Slogan for 2020 International Tiger Day celebration is “Their survival is in our hands”.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Stuart Broad becomes 7th bowler to take 500 Test wickets: England cricketer, Stuart Broad becomes 7th bowler to take 500 wickets in Test cricket. Stuart Broad achieved an elusive milestone on Day 5 of the third Test against West Indies in Manchester. Kraigg Brathwaite became Stuart Broad’s 500th-Test wicket. Board is the second England bowler after Anderson and the 7th overall in the overall list of highest wicket-takers, which is led by Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan with 800 wickets.

 

2. Jamie Vardy wins Premier League’s Golden Boot award: Leicester City striker, Jamie Vardy has bagged the Premier Leagues Golden Boot football award after netting 23 goals across the 2019/20 season. He beat Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (22 goals), Southampton Danny Ings (22 goals), and Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling (20 goals) to scoop the prestigious individual award. Jamie is the first Leicester City player to claim the award and is only the second Englishman after Harry Kane to take the crown in the last 20 years. Manchester City’s Brazilian keeper Ederson won the Golden Glove award after keeping his 16th clean sheet of the season against Norwich City to beat Burnley’s Nick Pope to the award.

 

3. Bangladeshi pacer Kazi Anik Islam gets 2-year ban for doping: Bangladeshi pacer, Kazi Anik Islam has been handed a 2-year ban by the national cricket board for failing a dope test in 2018. Kazi, who was Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker in the 2018 U-19 World Cup, tested positive for Methamphetamine, a prohibited substance, during a National Cricket League game in the same year. The 21-year-old admitted to the offence. His two-year ban began on February 8, 2019.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IRCTC & SBI Card launches Co-branded Contactless Credit Card: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and SBI Card has launched a new Co-branded Contactless Credit Card on RuPay Platform. The card was revealed by Union Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal. The newly launched card aims to ensure a safe, convenient and improved travel experience for the rail passengers. The new RuPay credit card is empowered with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which will enable users to expedite their transactions at the POS machines by just tapping the card on the machines instead of swiping. The card will reward frequent railway travellers by offering them maximum savings proposition on their travel together with exclusive benefits.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. MoES National Awards for excellence in Earth System Science: The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has announced the winners of “MoES National Awards for excellence in Earth System Science”. With award, MoES aims to recognize the major scientific contributions made by eminent scientists/engineers in various fields of Earth System Science. It also seeks to encourage women and young researchers for coming into the mainstream of Earth System Science. Here is the complete list of winners:

 

Sr.No.	Award	Winner
1	Life Time Excellence Award	Professor Ashok Sahni
2	National Award for Atmospheric Science & technology	Dr. S. Suresh Babu
3	National award for Geoscience & technology	N. V. Chalapathi Rao
4	National Award for Ocean Technology	Dr. M. A. Atmanand
5	Anna Mani award for woman scientist	Dr. Lidita D. S. Khandeparker
6	Young Researcher Awards	Dr. Indra Sekhar Sen
7	National Award for Ocean Science & technology	Dr. V. V. S. S. Sarma

 

2. India’s first solar ferry “Aditya” wins Gustave Trouve Award: India’s first solar-powered ferry, Aditya has won the prestigious Gustave Trouve Award for Excellence in Electric Boats and Boating. The ferry was adjudged the world’s best electric boat in the category of ferries designed for paid passenger service. The Aditya, from Navalt Boats, is a sun-powered commuter ferry that is one of the great stories of the future of electric marine propulsion. The ferry belongs to the Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD) and has been plying on the Vaikkom-Thavanakkadavu route in Alappuzha district since January 2017. Aditya was the only ferry from Asia among the 12 vessels from across the globe shortlisted for the award.

Note: Gustave Trouve Award: The Gustave Trouve Award is the world’s only such honour given to individuals and companies building and innovating in state-of-the-art electric boats. It has been instituted in honour of Frenchman Gustave Trouve for his groundbreaking work in mobility based on electric transport, moving away from conventional fossil fuels. He invented the world’s first outboard motor in 1881.

 

DEFENSE

 

1. India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held in New Delhi:  Defence Ministers’ Dialogue between India and Indonesia was held in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while the Indonesian delegation was led by Defence Minister General Prabowo Subianto. During the defence ministers’ dialogue, General Subianto was honored with ceremonial Guard of Honour. The dialogue between the two nations led to an agreement to improve bilateral defence cooperation in mutually agreed areas with identification of potential areas for cooperation like defence industries and defence technology

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Child welfare activist Achyuta Rao passes away: The founder and President of Balala Hakula Sangham, P Achyuta Rao passed away due to COVID-19. He was a well-known child rights activist and had founded Balala Hakula Sangham in 1984. Rao is known to have helped prevent child marriages, incidents of child sexual abuse, and child labour. Rao recently filed a petition in Telangana High Court demanding that mid-day meal be served to students in government schools since they have not been able to access it due to the pandemic-imposed lockdown.

 

2. Former Puducherry MLA V Bhalan passes away: Former Puducherry MLA and NR Congress General Secretary V Bhalan (68 years) passed away due to COVID-19. He was a nominated member of the Puducherry Legislative Assembly. He started his political career with Congress. He joined NR Congress since the party was founded in 2011 by N Rangaswamy. He was the President of Youth Congress of Puducherry. He also held the posts of Chairman of Puducherry Agro Products and Civil Supplies Corporation and Anglo-French Textile Mills. 

Daily GK Updates - 28th July, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Launches High-Throughput COVID-19 Testing Centres at ICMR Labs in Noida, Mumbai, Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched three high throughput coronavirus testing facilities via video conferencing on 27 July 2020 at the National Institutes of Indian Council of Medical Research at Kolkata, Mumbai and Noida. These three high-throughput testing facilities have been set up strategically at ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida; ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai; and ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata. These hi-tech testing facilities will have testing capacity of almost 10,000 per day. These labs will not be limited to testing for COVID, but in future, will also be able to test for Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Dengue and several other diseases. These labs will also reduce turn-around-time and exposure of lab personnel to infectious materials.

 

2. IMD launches first weather app ‘Mausam’ for general public: The Ministry of Earth Sciences has launched a Mobile app ‘Mausam’ to provide all current weather information and forecasts, among other warnings. The mobile application, Mausam, has been designed and developed jointly by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderbad and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. Mausam is the first app launched by the 145-year-old India Meteorological Department (IMD) that is meant for general public to communicate weather forecasts in a simple manner with no technical jargon. It has 5 features: Current Weather, Nowcast (warning of coming weather condition), City Forecast, Warnings and Radar products. Harsh Vardhan also launched the Knowledge Resource Centre Network (KRCNet), which will act as a one-point stop for research, publications and e-resources of all the institutions that function under the MoES. This app is launched on the occasion of the 14th foundation day of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

Note: IMD already has another app, Meghdoot, meant only for farmers and those involved in agriculture.

 

3. Kashmir Saffron Gets GI Certification: Union Govt has issued GI registration certificate for Saffron grown in Kashmir Valley putting it on the world map with authentication. With this, Kashmir Saffron will gain more prominence in the export market helping the farmers in getting better remunerative price. It will also stop prevalent adulteration fetching much better prices for authenticated saffron. GI certification depicts specific geographical origin and certifies unique qualities enabling right to use sign

 

4. DRDO launches ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ contest: An innovation contest ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ has been launched by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The contest was launched on the 5th death anniversary of former President and noted scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ has been launched as an open challenge to promote the innovators and startups of the country. The contest has been launched for emerging technologies to encourage the individuals & startups for innovation in defence and aerospace technologies in the country. After due evaluation, an expert committee will decide the winners of the contest. The winners would be awarded with prize money of up to Rs 10 lakh for startup and Rs five lakh to individual category.

Note: Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation: G Satheesh Reddy.

 

5. Bureau of Indian Standard’s Mobile App ‘BIS-Care’ launched: ‘BIS-Care’, a mobile app of the Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) has been launched by the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan. The minister also launched three portals i.e. the Standardization, Conformity Assessment and Training Portals of e-BIS for consumers. The BIS Care app will help the consumers in checking the authenticity of the ISI-marked and hallmarked products as well as lodging complaints.

Note: Director General of Bureau of Indian Standard: Pramod Kumar Tiwari.

 

6. Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi assumes Charge as commandant of INA: Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, AVSM, NM has assumed charge as the Commandant, Indian Naval Academy (INA). He has replaced the Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, AVSM, NM who served as the Commandant, Indian Naval Academy (INA) from 12 June 2019 to 27 July 2020. Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasala, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the erstwhile College of Naval warfare, Karanja and the prestigious National Defence College, New Delhi. He is a recipient of the Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal.

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

 

7. Rajesh Bhushan appointed as new Health Secretary: Rajesh Bhushan, IAS officer of 1987 Batch, Bihar Cadre has been appointed as the new Health Secretary in the Union Health Ministry. In another major reshuffle Ajay Tirkey has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Land Resources in the Ministry of Rural Development; Ram Mohan Mishra will take over as Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development; Sushil Kumar has been appointed as Secretary, National Commission for Scheduled Castes in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment; Anil Kumar Jain has been given additional charge as Secretary, Mines along with his post of Secretary in the Coal Ministry.

 

8. Former RBI Deputy Governor pens book ‘Quest for Restoring Financial Stability in India’: The former Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Viral Acharya has come up with a book titled “Quest for Restoring Financial Stability in India”, which is a collection of his comments, speeches, and research as a member of the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). Through this book, Dr Acharya shares a feasible plan to address the recapitalization needs of public sector banks, offering solutions on how to improve credit allocation by credit intermediaries and establish viable and efficient capital markets. The book has been published by SAGE Publications India Pvt Ltd

 

9. “The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World” by S Jaishankar to be released in September 2020: The Indian diplomat and current Minister of External Affairs in the Government of India, S Jaishankar, has written a book titled “The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World”. The book has been published by the HarperCollins India publications and is scheduled to be released on 07 September 2020. In this book Mr S Jaishankar analyses the various challenges faced by India on the path to becoming a leading power, and also spells out possible policy responses. Jaishankar writes in the book that India has had to struggle mightily to gain influence in a domain that could have come more easily earlier as its foreign policy carries “three major burdens” from its past.

 

10. ILBS organises “2nd Empathy e-Conclave” with AAI: Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) has organised “2nd Empathy e-Conclave” in collaboration with Airport Authority of India (AAI). The conclave was held on the occasion of “World Hepatitis Day”. The theme of 2nd Empathy e-Conclave is “Keep your Liver Safe in COVID times”. During the conclave, ILBS highlighted the importance of healthy liver as well as the features of “Empowering People Against Hepatitis: The Empathy Campaign” which has undertaken several innovative initiatives across India to reach out to diverse populations. Event featured the participation of Speaker of Lok Sabha, Om Birla; Union Minister of Law and Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad; and Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Harsh Vardhan.

Note: Chairman of Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences: Vijay Kumar Dev.

Chairman of Airport Authority of India: Arvind Singh.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India hands over 10 broad-gauge railway locos to Bangladesh: India has handed over 10 broad-gauge railway locomotives to Bangladesh. The locomotives were flagged off from the Gede station of the Easter Railway in West Bengal’s Nadia district while the receiving station will be of Darshana on the other side. With this, India aims to offer Bangladesh mobility solutions for both intra-country and inter-country movement. These locomotives will help in managing the increasing volume of passenger and freight train operations in Bangladesh.

Note: Prime Minister of Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina; Capital: Dhaka; Currency: Taka.

Union Minister of Railways: Piyush Goyal.

 

2. Hichem Mechichi becomes new Prime Minister of Tunisia:  Tunisia’s interior minister, Hichem Mechichi has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of the country. He succeeded Elyes Fakhfakh, who resigned over allegations of a conflict of interest. He has a month to form a government. As well as being the interior minister in the outgoing government, Mechichi has been a counsellor to President Saied, handling legal matters. He has previously been chief of staff at the Ministry of Transport and also served in the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Note: President of Tunisia: Kais Saied; Capital of Tunisia: Tunis; Currency of Tunisia: Tunisian Dinar.

 

3. Russia successfully holds flight test of 3D-printed aircraft engine: Russia has for the first time conducted a successful flight test of MGTD-20, a 3D-printed aircraft engine, and its production is scheduled for 2021-2022. The flight tests were held at Kazanbash aviation center in Tatarstan. With the new technology, the production time of the main engine elements has been reduced by 20 times and the cost of their production has been reduced by more than two times.

 

4. International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem: 26th July: The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem (or World Mangrove Day) is celebrated annually on 26 July to raise awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems as “a unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem” and to promote solutions for their sustainable management, conservation and uses. The day was adopted by the General Conference of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2015. It was on this day in 1998, that a Greenpeace activist Hayhow Daniel Nanoto, died of a heart attack during a massive protest to re-establish the mangrove wetlands in Muisne, Ecuador.

 

5. World Hepatitis Day: 28th July: World Health Organization is observed on 28th July every year as “World Hepatitis Day”. This day is celebrated to enhance awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes a range of health problems, including liver cancer. This year’s theme is “Hepatitis-free future,” with a strong focus on preventing hepatitis B among mothers and newborns. The date of 28 July was chosen because it is the birthday of Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for the virus. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D and E. Together, hepatitis B and C are the most common cause of deaths, with 1.3 million lives lost each year.

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

 

6. World Nature Conservation Day: 28th July: World Nature Conservation Day is observed on 28th July every year. World Conservation Day is celebrated internationally to increase awareness about the best practices to protect our natural resources. The day recognizes that the healthy environment is the foundation for a stable and healthy society. The day encourages people to save and protect natural resources that are depleting due to over-exploitation.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ISL Becomes First League From South Asia to be Inducted in World Leagues Forum: The Indian Super League (ISL) was inducted into the World Leagues Forum (WLF), becoming the first league from South Asia and seventh in Asia to join the association of professional football leagues which includes the likes of the Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga, amongst others. This recognition from WLF is a testimony to Indian football’s rise on the global stage, and the role that ISL is playing in it.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bharti AXA General Insurance launches ‘Bohot Zaroori Hai’ campaign for farmers in Maharashtra and Karnataka: Bharti AXA General Insurance has launched a crop insurance campaign titled ‘Bohot Zaroori Hai’ for farmers in Maharashtra and Karnataka to encourage them about their yield protection and financial security. Under the campaign, the Bharti AXA General Insurance, will insure the farmers in Maharashtra and Karnataka for a period of three years under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY). Bharti AXA General Insurance has received Rs 800 crore worth crop insurance mandate from the governments of Maharashtra and Karnataka for 3 years. The company will insure farmers under PMFBY in six districts of Maharashtra and three districts of Karnataka. It includes Ahmednagar, Nashik, Chandrapur, Solapur, Jalgaon and Satara in Maharashtra and Dharwad, Mysuru and Kodagu in Karnataka. Apart from this, under ‘Bohot Zaroori Hai’ , the farming communities will be made aware about the relevance and significance of crop insurance that mitigates the rural distress caused by crop failure or damage due to factors like unseasonal rains, monsoon failure, storms, floods, pests and diseases.

 

2. FM reviewed ‘SWAMIH’ to boost investment in Real Estate Sector: Finance Ministry reviewed Special Window for Affordable and Mid Income Housing (SWAMIH) performance to boost investment in Real Estate Sector. SWAMIH Investment Fund has been established for construction of stalled, RERA-registered affordable and mid-income category housing projects. Under this, Rs 8767 crore has been approved for 81 projects for completing 60,000 homes. Fund is managed by SBICAP Venture and Sponsored by DEA, Finance Ministry.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. SS Motivation Founder & CEO Sunil ydv SS Honored with Karamveer Chakra Award of United Nations and ICONGO: Sunil ydv SS, founder & CEO Of SS Motivation, which is the most Subscribed Motivational Channel on Telegram, has  been honoured with “Karamveer Chakra Award” instituted by United Nations and International Confederation of NGO (iCONGO). He received the award for his relentless contribution to society through his Telegram channel “SS Motivation.” The Karmaveer Chakra Award is the global civilian honours given to the people across the globe for relentless courage, initiating change, and walking through the less-travelled life paths. The award is a tribute to A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Two-Time Oscar Winner Olivia de Havilland passes away:  Two-Time Oscar Winner, Olivia de Havilland passed away at the age of 104. She was born on 1st July 1916, in Tokyo, Japan.  The actress, who starred in blockbusters like Captain Blood (1935), The adventures of Robin Hood (1938), Gone with the Wind (1939), The Snakepit, The Heiress. She unchained the Hollywoods contract system which was later called as “De Havilland Law”. On March 13, 1946, Olivia won an Oscar award for the movie ‘To Each His Own’ under the category Best supporting actress. Again in the year 1949, she won the second Oscar award for the movie “The Heiress’. In the year 2008, Olivia was honoured with, National Medal of Arts and France’s Legion of Honor (Légion d’honneur) award after two years.

 

2. American Actor John Saxon passed away: The American actor, John Saxon passed away. He was born on 5th August 1936 as Carmine Orrico in Brooklyn, New York, United States of America. He was debuted in 1954 and starred in detective and horror shows like “A Nightmare on Elm Street”. Saxon starred in around 200 movies and TV shows. He was best known for his role in “Enter the Dragon” (1973) starring Bruce Lee. He won the Golden Globe Award for the new star of the year in 1958 for the movie “This Happy Feeling”