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Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Daily GK Updates - 18th Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ministry of Tribal Affairs launches “Swasthya” & “ALEKH”: Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the Tribal Health and Nutrition Portal “Swasthya” and e-newsletter on health and nutrition “ALEKH”. The ministry has also announced the opening of National Overseas Portal and National Tribal Fellowship Portal. e-portal on Tribal health and nutrition named ‘Swasthya’ will offer health and nutrition related information of the tribal population of India on a single platform. “Piramal Swasthya” has been recognized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as the Centre of Excellence for Knowledge Management (CoE for KM) for Health and Nutrition. “ALEKH” is a quarterly e-newsletter on health and nutrition.

Note: Union Minister of Tribal Affairs: Arjun Munda; Minister of State for Tribal Affairs: Renuka Singh Saruta.

 

2. MPEDA launches Quality Control Lab in Porbandar: Quality Control Lab has been set up by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) in Porbandar, Gujarat. The Quality Control Lab will offer tests for seafood processors as well as exporters to confirm to product safety as per international regulatory requirements. Quality Control Lab is empowered with advanced testing instruments to evaluate antibiotic residues, heavy-metals, namely cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic in seafood samples and histamine in fish such as tuna and mackerel.

Note: Chairman of Marine Products Export Development Authority: K S Srinivas.

Chief Minister of Gujarat: Vijaybhai R. Rupani; Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat.

 

3. Chhattisgarh government to launch “Padhai Tuhar Para” scheme: Chhattisgarh government has announced to launch a student centric scheme named as “Padhai Tuhar Para”. The scheme will enable the school students to study with the help of community in their localities and villages, in view of the suspension of classes due to coronavirus outbreak. Along with “Padhai Tuhar Para” scheme, the state government also announced to launch three other schemes which are as follows:

(1) “Bultu Ke Bol”, a Bluetooth-based programme will be rolled out to provide study materials to students living in remote areas and do not have access to internet facility.

(2) Mukhyamantri Slum Swasthya Yojana will be launched to offer health facilities to the people at their doorstep with the help of 70 mobile medical units in all the 14 municipal corporations.

(3) Radhabai Diagnostic Centre Scheme will be rolled out to offer pathology and other testing facilities to people at concessional rates.

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

 

4. Rakesh Asthana becomes new DG of BSF: Government of India has appointed Rakesh Asthana as the new director-general of the Border Security Force (BSF). Currently, DG Indo-Tibet Border Police (ITBP) chief S S Deswal was holding the additional charge of BSF since March this year. Asthana is currently heading the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) with an additional charge of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), will assume full-time charge of the border guarding force deployed at the approximately 2,280 km long border with Pakistan. Other Appointments:

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has stated that 1986 batch IPS officer, V S K Kaumudi, who is currently the director-general of BPRD (Bureau of police research and development) has been appointed as special secretary (internal security) or SS(IS) in the ministry of home affairs. Another 1986 batch IPS officer, Jawed Akhtar has been appointed as DG Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guard.

Note: BSF formed: 1 December 1965; BSF Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

5. Gwalior-Chambal e-way to be named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee: On the 2nd death anniversary of the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced that the Gwalior-Chambal Expressway will be named Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chambal Progressway. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first BJP member to become the Prime Minister of India. He served as the prime minister in 1996, from 1998 to 1999 and a term of five years from 1999 to 2004. Under his leadership, the 1998 nuclear tests were conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan. In honour of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, 25th December is celebrated as Good Governance Day.

About Gwalior-Chambal Expressway: The Gwalior Chambal Expressway is a 6 lane expressway connecting Madhya Pradesh with Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, through the ravines of Chambal region. The expressway will go parallel to the Chambal river via Shivpuri, Bhind, Morena to Kota (Rajasthan).

Note: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Governor: Anandiben Patel.

 

6. Google partners CWC for flood forecasting initiative: Google and Central Water Commission (CWC) of India have launched the flood forecasting initiatives across India for the past several months. The Central Water Commission is the first governmental partner of Google to measure water levels on an hourly basis using around 1000 stream gauges across India. Flood Forecasting Initiatives:

(1) Under the flood forecasting initiatives, Google has sent out numerous public alerts to people in flood-impacted regions of India.

(2) These alerts provide updates and critical information to inform the users on their safety and the safety of their family and friends.

(3) The notifications are provided in English, Hindi and Bengali based on the device language and locations of users.

(4) The initiative enables the users with Android Smartphones with location service to receive the alerts and notification on the real-time water level measurements.

(5) This initiative also allows the users to enter queries on flood-affected areas and access information on the current situations of the region.

Note: Central Water Commission Chairman: Rajendra Kumar Jain; Central Water Commission Headquarters: Sewa Bhawan, New Delhi.

 

7. A book titled “Full Spectrum: India’s Wars, 1972-2020″ by Arjun Subramaniam: Retired Air Vice Marshal, Arjun Subramaniam has authored a new book titled, “Full Spectrum: India’s Wars, 1972-2020″. It is the sequel to his 1st book, ‘India’s Wars: A Military History, 1947-1971’. The book portrays the comprehensive account of war and conflict in contemporary India over the past five decades next month. It will be published by HarperCollins Publishers India Pvt. Ltd. The book includes all major operation that the armed forces have participated in, including the Kargil conflict of 1999, insurgencies in the Northeast, terrorism and proxy wars in Jammu and Kashmir, separatist violence in Punjab, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) intervention in Sri Lanka, and the continued stress along the Line of Control( LoC)and the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

 

8. Health Minister inaugurated CII Public Health Conference: Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare; Science & Technology and Earth Sciences virtually addressed the inaugural session of the two-day long CII Public Health Conference, where he inaugurated “India Healthcare Week” with the theme “Redefining Healthcare Ecosystem” from 17th- 21st August 2020. The week has been initiated by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy). Along with CII India Healthcare Week, a 3 year-long CII TB free workplaces campaign to ensure TB free workplace, and CII Vision Document on ‘ Strengthening Public Health Delivery – Role of Multiple Stakeholders’ were also launched. The TB free workplaces campaign includes a teaching app, a web portal to engage the industry and a best practices compendium.

Note: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Director General (DG): Chandrajit Banerjee; Headquarter: New Delhi; Chairman CII Public Health Council: Randeep Guleria

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 13th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting held virtually: 13th Session of the India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation was held virtually. Expanding economic partnership was the key agenda of the meeting. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India and Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates. Key Highlights of India-UAE Meeting:

(1) India invited further investments from UAE in key sectors of Indian Economy such as infrastructure including logistics, food parks, highways, ports, airports, renewable energy and defence.

(2) India and UAE discussed regional issues concerning their neighbourhood and level of their cooperation at United Nations and other International forums including Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

(3) UAE side appreciated the significant contributions made by the Indian expatriate community. Indians form the largest expatriate community  in UAE, followed by Pakistan.

(4) UAE also expressed its willingness to further strengthen the links in Energy and Food  Security.

(5) India and UAE expressed satisfaction over continuance of momentum in the bilateral relations various areas for mutual benefit under Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Both the sides agreed to hold the 14th Session of India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting in Abu Dhabi in 2021. The dates will be finalized by both countries through diplomatic channels.

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

 

2. UK launches £3 Million Innovation Challenge Fund in India: An “Innovation Challenge Fund” of £3 Million has been launched by the government of United Kingdom (UK) in India. The newly launched fund aims to support research and development (R&D) proposals to address the challenges posed to the economy and the environment, by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the fund will help scientists in academia and industry to address the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Innovation Challenge Fund requests tech innovators having links with the AI-Data cluster in Karnataka and the Future Mobility cluster in Maharashtra, to present research and development plans for tackling Covid-19 or which encourages a greener planet. This will help to catalyse innovation and technology, which will address global challenges to drive innovation-led inclusive growth.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. AIFF partners SAI to launch “E-Pathshala”: All India Football Federation (AIFF) has launched the web platform “E-Pathshala” in partnership with the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The platform is an Athlete Coaching Program in football for Grassroots and Intermediate; and has been launched to recognise the creativity and develop the interest of children in football. It has been split into three parts: My Football Culture, My Skills and My Training.

(1) The “My Football culture” section comprises of five different aspects namely: My drawing, My goal, My Idol, My Creativity and My story. In this part, participants are required to upload their videos on the website in a particular section.

(2) The “My Skills” section is for U-12 age-group and consists of three difficulty levels namely Golden bracket, Silver bracket and Bronze bracket. In this, participants are required to to chose a particular bracket and then upload the corresponding videos which will be evaluated by the panellists accordingly.

(3) The “My training section” allows the participants to upload their individual or a group video shot along with family, friends or neighbours.

 

2. Kevin de Bruyne named Premier League Player of the Season 2019-20: In Football, the Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has been named as the Premier League Player of the Season 2019-20. He is the only third Belgian footballer to win the award for the league’s top performer, after Eden Hazard (2014-15) and Vincent Kompany (2011-12). The 29-year-old scored 20 goals in the 2019-20 season. Other awards includes:

Young Player of the Season – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Manager of the Season – Juergen Klopp (Liverpool)

Goal of the Season – Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)

Premier League 2 (PL2) Player of the Season – Curtis Jones (Liverpool)

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Ashwini Kumar Shukla appointed as CRO of Central bank of India: The Public Sector Central Bank of India has appointed Ashwini Kumar Shukla as its Chief Risk Officer. His term is effective from August 3. The bank gave this information in a release on Monday. According to the release, Shukla had previously been the General Manager of the Risk Management Department at State Bank of India. Last year August 2019, the Finance Ministry, under its reform programs, allowed public sector banks to appoint Chief Risk Officers from the market. Central Bank of India is the first government bank to make such an appointment.

Note:  Central bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai; CEO: Pallav Mohapatra (21 Sep 2018–); Founded: 21 December 1911

 

2. G P Garg appointed as Executive Director of SEBI: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has appointed G P Garg as its executive director (ED). Prior to his promotion as ED, Garg was Chief General Manager in Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) in SEBI. Currently, there are nine executive directors in SEBI. With this appointment the total tally of ED reaches to ten. This appointment was a part of an internal appointment. Now SEBI will appoint or re-appoint two outside executive directors.

Note: Chairman of SEBI: Ajay Tyagi; Headquarter: Mumbai.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. MCX to launch India’s first bullion index named “Bulldex”: Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) will launch India’s first bullion index named “Bulldex”, on August 24, 2020. Bullions, viz. gold and silver are already being traded as individual commodities on the country’s premier commodity exchange. With gold and silver as underlying, Bulldex will have a market lot size of 50 and be cash-settled futures contract. MCX had tested bullion index futures trade in mock trading exercises in July. It is the sixth product in bullion complex with 1-kg gold, 100-gm goldmini, 8-gm gold guinea and 1-gm gold peta.

Note: Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd is an independent commodity exchange based in India.  It was established in 2003 and is based in Mumbai. It is India’s largest commodity derivatives exchange.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Director Nishikant Kamat passes away: Director-actor Nishikant Kamat (50 years) passed away in Hyderabad’s AIG Hospitals due to liver cirrhosis. He made his directorial debut in 2005 with Dombivali Fast and won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi. He made his silver screen debut in 2004 with Hindi movie Hava Aney Dey. He directed Bollywood movies like Force, Drishyam and Madaari. He was known for his performances as actor in Daddy, Rocky Handsome, Julie 2 and Bhavesh Joshi.

 

2. Renowned Carnatic musician B Siva Kumar passes away: Legendary Carnatic musician and Veena artist B Siva Kumar (53 years) passed away in Trichy, Tamil Nadu due to prolonged illness. He is much acclaimed and popular veena artist. He learned music from stalwarts like R Krishnamoorthy, Ranganayaki Rajagopalan and N Ravikiran. He has completed MA in Music from Bharathi Dasan university and followed by PhD in Music. He was honoured with Tamil Iyal Isai Nataka sangam award and Ragam Tanam Pallavi presentation award. 

Monday, August 17, 2020

Daily GK Updates - 17th Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ministry of AYUSH launches campaign “Ayush for Immunity”: A campaign on “Ayush for Immunity” has been launched by the Ministry of AYUSH. The campaign was rolled out during a webinar which featured the participation of More than 50 thousand people. The webinar was streamed by the Ministry of AYUSH on its new digital communication platform Ayush Virtual Convention Centre (AVCC). Through the campaign “Ayush for Immunity”, Ministry of AYUSH aims to aware people about the valuable information about strengths of various Ayush-based solutions for enhancing immunity and preventing diseases.

Note: Minister of State (I/C) for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy: Shripad Yesso Naik.

 

2. All villages to be connected with optical fibre in next 1,000 days: PM Modi: PM Modi in his speech of Independence Day 2020, made the announcement that the project to connect all the villages of India with optical fibre network will be completed in the next 1,000 days. Under this project, more than six lakh villages will be connected with optical fibre network in the coming 1,000 days in India. Apart from this, a high-speed internet connectivity via submarine optical fibre cable will be extended to Lakshadweep in the next 1,000 days to provide high-speed internet services in the region.

 

3. Centre plans to make Odisha the epicenter of India’s overall steel industry: The Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has informed that Odisha will become the epicenter of India’s overall steel industry, to accelerate the development of the domestic steel sector of the country. Government has proposed to set up an integrated steel hub in Odisha, to make the state, the nerve Centre of Mission Purvodaya, which aims at accelerated development of eastern India through the establishment of integrated steel hub. The Centre has allocated capital investment of Rs 5 lakh crore for this project.

 

4. Kaushik Khona becomes new CEO of GoAir: Kaushik Khona has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of GoAir Airline. He will replace Vinay Dube. GoAir is an Indian low-cost airline based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is owned by the Indian business conglomerate Wadia Group. Khona brings with himself more than 32 years of corporate experience and all at the CXO level. He was with the Wadia Group for almost 4 years from 2008 to 2011. He was the CEO of GoAir for two years, from April 2009. Khona was also Vice President, corporate finance and strategist for the Wadia Group. Before joining GoAir for his latest assignment, he worked as a partner to MTalati & Talati LLP, a leading the consulting, business reengineering and finance consulting practise at the firm.

Note: GoAir Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; GoAir Founder: Jehangir Wadia; GoAir Established: 2005.

 

5. Harbhajan Singh becomes new Brand Ambassador of eBikeGO: Amritsar based e-mobility start-up, eBikeGO has appointed Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh as its brand ambassador. He will help the company to upgrade itself and will also have an active presence on the company’s website and campaigns across media. The company with this association and with the recently announced government’s new Electric Vehicle (EV) policy aims to build mass appeal, positive voice and widespread adoption for electric mobility thereby looking to capture 10% of electric two-wheeler market share by 2022. eBikeGO provides electric bikes on rental to individual commuters for rent of Rs 4,000 per month. The startup offers its fleet to new age e-commerce companies like Big Basket, Zomato, Myntra, Burger King, Nandos, Grab.in, Delhivery, Fasoos.

 

6. NTPC develops infrastructure at UP’s Rihand Project to increase use of fly ash: National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd. (NTPC) has developed an infrastructure at Rihand Super Thermal Power station in Uttar Pradesh to transport fly ash from a remote location to a consumption centre at a cheaper cost. This will help in efficient and safer transportation of fly ash from the power plants to cement production units located at far distance, in larger quantity. As per the data, almost 44.33 million tonnes of fly ash was utilized for various productive purposes in 2019-20 which was 73.31% of the total ash generated.

 

7. ISRO and IISc Researchers develops sustainable process for making ‘Space Bricks’ on Moon: A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled a sustainable process to make brick-like structures on the moon. These brick like structures, named as Space Bricks could eventually be used to assemble structures for habitation on the moon surface in future. Space Brick is made up of lunar soil, bacteria and guar beans, which enables to make load bearing bricks. It uses urea sourced from human urine, which could be mixed with lunar soil to build structures on the moon decreasing overall expenditure considerably.

 

8. Indian Railways constructing world’s tallest pier bridge across river Ijai in Manipur: Indian Railways is constructing the world’s tallest pier bridge in Manipur. The bridge which is being constructed across river Ijai near Noney is an engineering marvel because the tallest pier height will be 141 meter. It will surpass the existing record of 139 meter of Mala - Rijeka viaduct, Montenegro in Europe. The total estimated cost of the bridge is 280 crore rupees, and it will be completed by March 2022. The bridge is a part of Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal new BG line project. The total length of the bridge will be 703 meter. The piers of the bridge are constructed using hydraulic augers, the tall piers needed specially designed “slip-form technique" to ensure efficient and continual construction. The steel girders used in the construction of the bridge are pre-fabricated in a workshop, transported in segments and erected at the site by Cantilever launching scheme. A North East Frontier Railway official said, there are a total of 45 tunnels in the project. The longest is Tunnel No. 12 with a length of 10.280 km. This will be the longest railway tunnel in the North East.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 4th Meeting of the BRICS Anti-Drug Working Group: Russia chaired the 4th Meeting of the BRICS Anti-Drug Working Group. The session which was held over video conference, featured the participation of delegates from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and India. Rakesh Asthana, Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau led the Indian delegation that participated in the meeting. Highlights of the meeting are as follows:

(1) The countries adopted reaffirming the commitment of the five-member states to the International Anti-drug conventions.

(2) India recommended for nodal points to enable real-time information sharing among BRICS nations.

(3) The countries exchanged opinions concerning the drug situation in their countries, the international and regional trends of illegal trafficking in narcotic drugs.

(4) The officials also discussed the psychotropic substances and their precursors, and the impact of various internal and external factors on the situation.

(5) The virtual meeting also focused on the misuse of darknet and other advanced technologies for drug trafficking.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

 

1. Kiren Rijiju launches initiative of Fit India Youth Clubs to promote fitness among every citizen: Union Minister of Youth and Sports Shri. Kiren Rijiju has launched a nation-wide initiative, the Fit India Youth Club. It is a part of the Fit India Movement and endeavours to harness the power of youth to create mass awareness about the importance of fitness, across the country. The launch was done on Independence Day of India 2020. Under this, 75 lakh volunteers of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and National Service Scheme, along with Scouts and Guides, NCC and other youth organisations will come together to register as Fit India Youth Clubs in every block in the country. These clubs will organise and encourage schools and local bodies to organise one community fitness programme every quarter. Each member of the Fit India Youth Club will encourage people to perform fitness activities of 30 to 60 minutes in his or her daily routine. Fit India Freedom Run will be promoted by the Fit India Youth Clubs as one of its first initiatives.

 

2. Indian Olympic Association launches 'Ek India Team India' digital campaign: Indian Olympic Association launched its 'Ek India Team India' digital campaign on the occasion of the country's 74th Independence Day. The campaign is a part of IOA's recent adoption of its new identity, marking 100 years of Indian athletes' participation at the Olympic Games. ‘Ek India Team India' campaign captures India's journey in the Olympic Games and the concept behind the adoption of its new identity, which celebrates the country's uniqueness, its sporting legacy and the values of unity, friendship and merit in sport, the IOA said in a statement. As a part of the launch of the campaign video, IOA will promote the new logo on its website and social media channels. The new logo will be used by athletes and officials while representing Team India, when competing on the world arena, as well as in all official events and ceremonies at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and other international sporting events.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank launches “Shaurya KGC Card” to members of armed forces: HDFC Bank has launched “Shaurya KGC Card” for Indian armed forces personnel. The card will offer agriculture loans for military and paramilitary professionals. A first-of-its-kind product for over 45 lakh Indian armed forces personnel. The product will target 5 lakh military and paramilitary professionals, for catering to their family’s agricultural needs. This product comes with unique features and eligibility criteria specially crafted for the people who are posted far away from their homes. About “Shaurya KGC Card”:

(1) “Shaurya KGC Card” entails both short-term loans for cropping and also long-term ones for farm investments for a period of up to five years which will be reviewed at regular intervals.

(2) The product comes with a life cover of ₹ 10 lakh as against ₹ 2 lakh for an average card.

(3) The loan facility has been designed keeping in mind the financial needs of the armed forces and can be availed by visiting HDFC Bank Branches, applying for the loan through recently launched HDFC Bank e-Kisan Dhan app and by dialling an all India Interactive Voice Response (IVR) toll-free number (1800 120 9655).

Note: Headquarters of HDFC Bank: Mumbai, Maharashtra; CEO: Aditya Puri

 

2. PNB launches ‘DIGITAL APNAYEN’ campaign to promote digital banking: Punjab National Bank has launched a campaign named ‘DIGITAL APNAYEN’ to encourage customers to use digital banking channels. The campaign launched by the bank’s Managing Director S S Mallikarjuna Rao on the occasion of Independence Day is till March 31, 2021. PNB encourage customers to use digital channels and participate in the noble cause of donating to the PM CARES Fund for COVID-19. PNB will contribute Rs 5 towards the PM CARES Fund on behalf of each customer conducting the first financial transaction to activate their RuPay Debit card either on point of sale (PoS) or e-commerce platform, under the campaign ‘DIGITAL APNAYEN’.

PNB aimed at the financial and digital inclusion of millions of Indians, for making banking services universally accessible to all.

Note: PNB Headquarters: New Delhi; PNB Founded: 19 May 1894, Lahore, Pakistan; PNB Founders: Lala Lajpat Rai, Dyal Singh Majithia.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approves proposal to expand NCC in 173 border and coastal districts: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the proposal for a major expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) to cover 173 border and coastal districts, to meet the aspirations of youth in all the border and coastal districts. With the expansion of NCC in the border and coastal districts, these areas will get trained manpower for disaster management, and the youth will also get skill training for making their career in the armed forces. A total of one lakh cadets from 173 border and coastal districts will be inducted to the NCC. Of the total, one-third of the Cadets would be girl Cadets.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Legendary Indian Classical Vocalist, Pandit Jasraj, Passes away: One of the world’s most prominent Indian classical vocalists, Pandit Jasraj, has passed away due to cardiac arrest in New Jersey, US. He was 90. His musical career spanned more than 80 years, during which he received several national and international awards. Some of his awards include:

Padma Shri – India’s fourth highest civilian award – in 1975; Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1887; Padma Bhushan in 1999; Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour in 2000. 

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Daily GK Updates - 16th Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Announces One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative: PM Modi in his speech of Independence Day 2020, announced the “One Sun, One World, One Grid” (OSOWOG) plan. Under this, there will be a trans-national electricity grid, for supplying solar power across the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi first announced this idea of OSOWOG in 2018 during the first assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). As per the draft plan prepared by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the OSOWOG will connect 140 countries through a common grid that will be used to transfer solar power. “The vision behind the OSOWOG mantra is “the Sun never sets” and is a constant at some geographical location, globally, at any given point of time.” Three phases of OSOWOG: The OSOWOG plan will be executed in three phases to share solar and other renewable energy resources:

Phase I: Indian grid will be connected with the Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asian grids

Phase II: Connect the first phase nations with the African Region countries rich in solar and other renewable energy resources.

Phase III: Global interconnection

 

2. State-of-art Katra-Delhi Express Road Corridor to be functional by 2023: The Government of India has started the work on the first-of-its-kind Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) – Delhi Express Road Corridor project. The project is estimated to be completed in three years and become functional by 2023. Once functional, the travel time from Katra to Delhi will get reduced to around six and half hours, and from Jammu to Delhi to just about six hours. It will connect Delhi with Amritsar in Punjab and Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. Katra- Delhi Express Road Corridor project is estimated to cost over Rs. 35,000 crores. The  687-kilometre-long expressway is being constructed as part of the Bharatmala project. The important cities through which this Expressway Corridor will pass include Jammu and Kathua in J&K, and Jalandhar, Amritsar, Kapurthala, and Ludhiana in Punjab.

 

3. West Bengal launches Karma Sathi Prakalpa Scheme to provide soft loans, subsidies to unemployed youth: The West Bengal government has launched a new scheme known as ‘Karma Sathi Prakalpa’ under which one lakh unemployed youth of the state would be provided soft loans and subsidies to make them self-reliant. A budget of Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for the successful implementation of this scheme. The state government would provide loans to 1 lakh youth every year to help them start their own business.

Note: West Bengal Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee; Governor of West Bengal: Jagdeep Dhankhar

 

4. Nagaland Government Rolls-Out Centralized e-commerce platform “YellowChain”: On the occasion of Independence Day, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio has launched “Yellow Chain”- a centralized e-commerce platform, to promote local business and entrepreneurship in the State. Yellow Chain will act as an integrated platform for the people of the state, where any Seller/Service Provider/Individual/Group can register themselves and upload their products, trades, skills, services etc. to enable the citizens/buyers to have access to their Service or Product. It may include Home service(Barber, Electrician, Plumber, Painter, Carpenter, Water Service etc.), Delivery service, IT Products & Services, Cab & Taxi Service, Health Care & Education, Fast food & Catering, Bakeries & Confectioneries, Grocery Stores, Local Product/Produces, Trainings, Pre-owned Products, Real Estate, Rentals etc. The site can be accessed at www.yellowchain.in

Note: Chief Minister of Nagaland: Neiphiu Rio; Governor of Nagaland: R. N. Ravi.

 

5. Odisha bags top position in implementation of AMRUT scheme: Odisha has emerged as the topmost state in the country for the consecutive second year in effective implementation of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme. Odisha has secured 85.67 percent of marks in the ranking of the states for 2020 released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Chandigarh and Telangana have been placed at second and third positions with 75.08 and 74.04 percent respectively. Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the top 10 states in the list. The AMRUT scheme was launched by the Union Government on 25 June 2015 to ensure that every household has access to basic services (e.g. water supply, sewerage, urban transport) and build amenities in cities which will improve the quality of life for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged is a national priority.

 

6. Puducherry celebrates its 59th ‘De-Jure’ day: The Union Territory of Puducherry has celebrated its 59th anniversary of the “De-Jure” day on 16th August. The Puducherry administration organized a function at the Keezhoor memorial where the referendum was signed to mark the occasion. So on that day, the “De-Jure” (The Legal Merger of the UT with the Indian Union) was effected. History:

Puducherry became independent by virtue of a referendum on October 18, 1954. But the treaty of cession signed between the French and Indian governments was ratified by the French Parliament only on August 16, 1962. The referendum was taken on October 18, 1954, on whether to remain in the French regime or to merge with the Indian union. As many 178 representatives participated in the referendum in which 170 voted in favour of a merger with India and 8 against it. The referendum was taken at Keezhoor near Villianur here and to commemorate the occasion a memorial was constructed at Keezhoor.

Note: Chief Minister of Puducherry: PV. Narayanasamy; Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry: Kiran Bedi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Extends USD 1 Million Assistance To Antigua and Barbuda To Combat COVID-19: India has provided financial aid of USD 1 million to Antigua and Barbuda to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. The government has also provided 10,000 hydroxychloroquine tablets to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda as a gesture of goodwill in support of its fight against COVID-19. Apart from this, USD 1 million, has also been offered to each Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country by the Indian government. CARICOM is a group of twenty developing countries in the Caribbean. These assistances will be used to improve health infrastructure and capacities by procuring ventilators, full cover goggles, disposable impervious gowns, face shields, examination gloves and disposable masks among others.

Note: Antigua and Barbuda Capital: Saint John's; Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar

 

2. India will fund Greater Male Connectivity Project through USD 400 mn Line of Credit & USD 100 mn grant: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has announced that India will fund the implementation of Greater Male Connectivity Project through a 400 million dollar Line of Credit and 100 million dollar grant. This 6.7 kilometre bridge project connecting Male with Gulhifalhu Port and Thilafushi industrial zone will help revitalise and transform Maldivian economy.  The External Affairs Minister announced that regular cargo ferry service between India and Maldives will be started to boost trade and commerce. India is also starting an air travel bubble with Maldives to sustain and promote the dynamic people-to-people ties between the two countries.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lewis Hamilton won Spanish Grand Prix 2020: Mercedes Formula 1 racer Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain) has won Formula One Spanish Grand Prix 2020 at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain. This was his 4th win of Formula 1, 2020 series and 88th Formula-1 victory of his overall victory. He made outright record 156th podium finish during his masterful victory at the Spanish Grand Prix. Max Verstappan (Red Bull – Netherlands) bagged the second position, followed by Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes- Finland).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI approves Rs 57,128 crore as surplus to the Central Government for 2019-20: The Reserve Bank of India has approved Rs 57,128 crore as surplus to the Central Government for the accounting year 2019-20. The decision was taken at the 584th meeting of the Central Board of RBI under the chairmanship of Shri Shaktikanta Das, Governor RBI. As per Section 47 of RBI Act, profits of RBI are to be transferred to the government after financial stability and other considerations. This year’s surplus transfer is 67.5% less than the 2018-2019. RBI has also decided to maintain the Contingency Risk Buffer at 5.5%.

 

2. RBI mandates system-based asset classification for UCBs: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) asked urban co-operative banks (UCBs) with assets of ₹2,000 crore or more to implement system-based asset classification from 30 June 2021. System-based asset classification refers to asset classification (downgrading as well as upgrading) carried out by computerized systems of a bank in an automated manner. It said that UCBs with assets of ₹1,000 crore or above but less than ₹2,000 crore as on 31 March 2020, having self-assessed themselves as being under “Level III or Level IV” on comprehensive cyber security framework for UCBs shall implement it from 30 September 2021.

 

3. GoM approves e-way bill for intra-state gold movement: The Group of Finance Ministers has approved bringing the intra-state movement of gold within the ambit of the e-Way bill. However, the panel of ministers has left the final decision to introduce it or not to the individual states as they would be the correct authority to take a call regarding this. What is an e-Way Bill?

This is kind of an electronic challan which shows that tax has been fully paid before goods are moved from one place to other, within the state (intra-state) or outside the state (inter-state). This is required for carrying any consignment of goods of value exceeding Rs 50000. The threshold of value of goods decided can be higher for intra-state activities. The e-Way bill is generated from the GST Common Portal for this bill by the registered persons or transporters who cause movement of goods before the commencement of such movement. Coming to the e-way bill, it has two parts – Part A and Part B. Part A has invoice details whereas Part B is about the vehicle details such as registration, number, etc. Such details might create a security issue and that is why gold and precious stones were kept outside the ambit of the e-Way bill.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Indian cricketer Chetan Chauhan passes away: Former Indian cricketer and Minister of Uttar Pradesh Chetan Chauhan (73 years) passed away due to COVID-19 complications. He played 40 Tests matches during his 12-year career and scored 2084 runs with 16 half-centuries and 2 wickets. He also played Ranji Trophy for Maharashtra and Delhi. He was conferred with Arjuna Award in 1981. He was Minister for youth and sports in the state of Uttar Pradesh Cabinet in 2018 and has also served as Minister of Sainik Welfare, Home Guards, PRD and Civil Security in the UP Cabinet.

 

  

Saturday, August 15, 2020

Daily GK Updates - 15th Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India celebrates its 74th Independence Day: This year India celebrates its 74th Independence Day on 15th August 2020. It was on August 15, 1947 that India got freedom from the British Empire, after nearly 200-year-long British rule. This day is celebrated to pay tribute and to remember the sacrifice and struggle of our brave heroes in the fight for freedom. The main function was held at the Red Fort of the national capital where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag. Every year on 15 August, we celebrate our freedom in quiet happening ways by gathering at red fort, parades, performances, and many more exciting events. However, this year we are gonna celebrate it in a quite different and unique way which we had never done in these 74 years. As the whole nation is fighting with COVID-19, gathering won’t be possible therefore all states and government offices have been ordered to webcast their events.

 

2. India Independence Day 2020: PM Narendra Modi Speech: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag and delivered his seventh consecutive Independence Day speech from the iconic Red Fort. In the 1 hour 26-minute speech, he focused on the themes of “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)”, “Vocal for local” and “Make in India to Make for World”.  In his address to the nation on the occasion of India’s 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded frontline workers fighting against novel coronavirus. PM Modi highlighted the importance to make India self-reliant, saying it was not just a word but should be a “mantra” for all countrymen. The Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort was attended by over 4,000 people, including diplomats, officials and media personnel. Safety protocols were in place for the event, including social distancing and wearing masks.

 

3. PM Modi launches National Digital Health Mission, where all Indians will get Health IDs: While addressing the nation on 15 August 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of a new campaign called National Digital Health Mission, under which all Indians will be given health IDs. This Health ID will work as each Indian’s health account. Every test, disease and diagnosis, medicines prescribed by doctors and medical reports along with medicines will be stored in every citizen’s health ID. The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM), has been launched under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). It is expected to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of health services in the country.

 

4. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launches Indigenisation portal ‘SRIJAN’: The “Atmanirbhar Bharat” week was organised by the Ministry of Defence from August 7 to 14, 2020. As a part of the Atmanirbhar Week celebration, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched a portal named as SRIJAN, which will function as a one stop shop online portal, giving opportunities for Make in India in Defence. The indigenization portal can be accessed at, srijandefence.gov.in, where private sector vendors can choose items that can be taken up for indigenization. The portal will allow DPSUs/OFB/SHQs to display the list of items which they have been importing or are going to import. Using the information of items, the Indian Industry can select the items for indigenization, which they can design, develop and manufacture as per their capability or through joint venture with OEMs. The concerned DPSUs/OFB/SHQs, can then interact with the Indian industry for indigenization, based on their requirement of the items and their guidelines & procedures. The portal will display information in a structured way, which includes the item name, image and specification, values of imports, NATO Classification (indicative), etc.

 

5. Education Minister notified Council of Architecture Regulations, 2020: Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has virtually rolled out Council of Architecture (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 2020 in New Delhi. The regulation will replace Architecture Regulations, 1983. Minimum Standards of Architectural Education Regulations, 2020 will come into force from 1st November 2020. It has been prepared by the experts of Council of Architecture (CoA). About Council of Architecture Regulations, 2020:

(1) As per this, Architecture course will have minimum duration of 5 academic years or 10 semesters of 90 days each.

(2) Also, candidates who have secured 50% marks in aggregate at 10+2 level examination or passed 10+3 Diploma Examination with Mathematics as compulsory subject with at least 50% can only apply.

(3) To enroll in an Architectural course, candidates must qualify an Aptitude Test in Architecture conducted by the Council.

(4) The new regulations also deal with Intake and Migration, Courses and periods of studies, Professional examination, Standards of proficiency and conditions of admissions, qualification of examiners, Standards of staff, equipment, accommodation, training and other facilities for Architecture education.

 

6. DIAT develops Biodegradable Face Mask and Anti-Microbial body suit: The Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) has developed a Nanofibres of Ayurvedic based Biodegradable face mask which acts as a virus neutralizer to resist against the bacteria/ virus. The mask has been named as ‘Pavitrapati’. Apart from this, an anti-microbial bodysuit has also been developed by the name of ‘Aushada Tara’.

About ‘Pavitrapati’: According to the Transfer of Technology agreement of the product signed between DIAT and a textile company from Kolhapur, this has been manufactured in order to contain the spread of the COVID 19 virus. The company has launched its first-ever ayurvedic face mask for sale. These masks are available on all online platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, etc.

About ‘Aushada Tara’: The agreement for this has also been signed between the DIAT and the same textile company, Siddheshwar Techtessile Private Limited. This suit has super-hydrophobic, breathing, anti-microbial, comfort feeling properties. The fabric material has been approved to fights against the deadly COVID 19 pandemic after it has cleared the splash resistant tests. These suits are being developed for medical hospitals, private companies, airlines and government agencies.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Beirut blast: India sends 58 tonnes of emergency aid to Lebanon: India on Friday sent 58 tonnes of emergency humanitarian aid to Lebanon in an air force plane to assist the people affected by the explosions in Beirut on August 4. The external affairs ministry said a separate consignment of personal protective equipment (PPE), including surgical gloves and surgical gowns, is being sent to Lebanon following a spike in Covid-19 cases. The emergency humanitarian aid was despatched on 14 August morning in a C-17 heavy lift aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in response to an assessment of requirements by Lebanese authorities. The aid sent by India includes emergency medical supplies, wheat flour, sugar, pulses, and relief materials such as blankets, dignity kits and sleeping mats, which are required by the large number of people left homeless by the explosion.

Nearly 3,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored at Beirut’s port blew up on August 4, virtually wiping out the city’s commercial hub and damaging many parts of the Lebanese capital. The blasts killed more than 170 people, injured another 6,000 and left nearly 300,000 homeless. The total damage has been estimated at $10 billion to $15 billion. A preliminary assessment by the World Bank showed some 50,000 residential units were damaged and 80 per cent of residential buildings and infrastructure were affected by the explosions.

 

2. New York’s Times Square observed Indian Flag hoisting for the 1st time: On India’s 74th Independence Day, Indian Tricolour flag or ‘Tiranga’ was hoisted for the 1st time at the iconic Times Square in New York. It was hoisted by India's Consul General in New York, Randhir Jaiswal at the ceremony organised by Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). FIA was established in 1970 and is the largest umbrella diaspora organisation that organises India Day Parade to mark India's Independence Day. Large number of people joined the celebration.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

 

1. MS Dhoni announces retirement from International Cricket: Legendary Indian Cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has announced his retirement from International Cricket. He was a brilliant batsman-wicket keeper and is the only captain to win all ICC trophies: 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, Asia Cups, 2011 ICC World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He represented India in 350 ODI’s, 98 T20 Internationals (T20Is) and 90 test matches. He announced his retirement from the International Test Cricket on 30 December 2014. Mahendra Singh Dhoni made his international debut as the wicket-keeper batsman in 2004 against Bangladesh and was named the captain of the Twenty20 side in 2007.

 

2. Suresh Raina announces retirement from International Cricket: Indian batsman Suresh Raina has announced his retirement from the International Cricket. He made his international debut against Sri Lanka in 2005 and represented India in 226 ODIs, 78 T20Is and 18 Tests in his cricketing career that spanned over 13 years. He amassed 7,787 runs across all the formats in international cricket. He also claimed 167 catches in his international career, setting the bar high with his athleticism on field. Suresh Raina is the first Indian batsman who has scored a century in all three formats of the game. He was also part of the Indian team that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. His cameo of 34 runs against Australia in the quarterfinal in the 2011 World Cup was a testimony to his glittering career. He is considered as one of the finest T20 batsmen.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Center forms search-cum-selection committee to name the new three government nominees on Monetary Policy Committee (MPC); Head- Rajiv Gauba: Central Government has formed a search-cum-selection committee to name the new three government nominees on the all-important Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The committee will be headed by Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba. Urjit Patel is also a part of this committee. Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has 6 members which include 3 members from the government side. These nominees from the Central government can hold office for 4 years. The present three Government nominees are- Chetan Ghate, Pami Dua and Ravindra H Dholakia who were appointed in September 2016 and will complete their term in September 2020. Hence there is a need to find three new government nominees on MPC.

 

2. SBI rolls out YONO Krishi review to empower farmers: State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced “KCC (Kisan Credit Card) Review option” on its digital agricultural solution platform, YONO Krishi, to enable farmers to access their KCC limit in four clicks. With this added feature, farmers will no longer need to visit the bank branch to apply for a revision in their KCC limit, the country’s largest bank said in a statement. KCC Review on YONO Krishi is expected to benefit more than 75 lakh farmers having KCC accounts with SBI. The feature of paperless KCC review will not only help farmers save costs and effort involved in applying for revision of the KCC limit, but also make the process quicker for them especially during the harvesting season. According to the Reserve Bank of India, the KCC scheme has been designed to ensure that farmers get adequate and timely credit support from the banking system under a single window with flexible and simplified procedure for their cultivation and other needs.

The scheme provides support to farmers to meet short term credit requirements for cultivation of crops; post-harvest expenses; produce marketing loan; consumption requirements of farmer household; working capital for maintenance of farm assets and activities allied to agriculture; and investment credit requirement for agriculture and allied activities.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Mukesh Ambani now 4th richest man in world: Bloomberg Index: Mukesh Ambani has surged past Europe’s wealthiest man, making him the world’s fourth-richest person. Reliance Industries Ltd.’s chairman is now worth $80.6 billion, after amassing $22 billion this year, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. That gives him a bigger wealth pile than France’s Bernard Arnault, whose LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE has suffered from customers curbing high-end fashion purchases faster than the company can cut costs. India’s richest person has already surpassed some of the biggest tycoons in recent weeks - a list that includes Silicon Valley titans such as Elon Musk and Alphabet Inc. co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, as well as the so-called Oracle of Omaha himself, Warren Buffett. The three people that still come ahead of Ambani are centibillionaires Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi assumes charge as DGNO: Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, AVSM, NM has become the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO). He is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare and was commissioned in the Indian Navy on 01st July 1985. The alumnus of National Defence Academy Khadakwasla, has served on frontline warships of the Navy as Signal Communication Officer and Electronic Warfare Officer. He has commanded INS Vinash, INS Kirch and INS Trishul. He has also served as the Executive Officer and Principal Warfare Officer of Guided Missile Destroyer INS Mumbai.

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Famous Model and Fashion Designer Simar Dugal passes away: Model-turned-fashion designer Simar Dugal has passed away after battling cancer. She was 52. Simar was dubbed as “India’s first supermodel”. She was known as one of few Indian models who broke the stereotypes and walked the ramp after getting married. After her modelling career, she became a famous name in the Indian fashion world and ran an ethnic wear label.