Daily GK Updates - 21st Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. MoTA partners MoRD to promote sustainable livelihood in Rural India: Ministry of Tribal Affairs has signed a joint communication with Ministry of Rural Development to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities. Through the joint communication, both ministries will together promote sustainable livelihood opportunities among tribal women Self Help Groups (SHGs) under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). Ministry of Rural Development will identify and map the tribal women SHG members including their individual livelihood assets while Ministry of Tribal Affairs will offer planning support to SRLM to finalize the State Annual Action Plan and include the same in its Livelihood Annual Action Plan. The partnership between the two ministries will support the efforts of each other, such as the initiatives of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and objectives of DAY-NRLM deeply complement each other.

Notr: Union Minister for Rural Development: Narendra Singh Tomar.

Union Minister of Tribal Affairs: Arjun Munda.

 

2. Tribal Affairs Minister launches “Trifood Project” of TRIFED: The tertiary processing centres of “Trifood Project” of TRIFED, Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been virtually launched by the Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda. The Trifood project has been launched in Raigad, Maharashtra and Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. This project is expected to help in encouraging the tribal entrepreneurship. “Trifood Project” is being implemented by TRIFED, Ministry of Tribal Affairs in association with Ministry of Food Processing (MoFPI). TRIFOOD seeks to improve the income of tribals with the help of better utilization of Minor Forest Produce (MFPs) collected by the tribal forest gatherers.

Note: Chairman of TRIFED: Ramesh Chand Meena.

 

3. Atal Innovation Mission signs SoI with Business Sweden: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and Business Sweden on behalf of India Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre has signed a virtual Statement of Intent (SoI) to expand the culture of innovation in the country. The partnership aims to encourage the disruptive potential of Indian entrepreneurs, and to give impetus to the vibrant start-up ecosystem across the country. Through this partnership, various initiatives of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) like Atal Community Innovation Centers (ACIC), Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL), Atal New India Challenge (ANIC), Atal Incubation Centre (AIC), and Atal Research & Innovation for Small Enterprises (ARISE), will receive support with the help of programs, awareness campaigns, various activities and events which will improve the overall innovation grid of both the countries. India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre is an association between AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Jodhpur and Business Sweden. It seeks to create an ecosystem of open innovation in both the countries.

 

4. Swachh Survekshan Awards 2020 Announced: Swachh Survekshan 2020 awards have been announced and Indore became India’s cleanest city for the fourth year in a row. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced the Swachh Survekshan 2020 result at the Award Ceremony ‘Swachh Mahotsav’ in the national capital being organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoUHA). This is the fifth edition of the annual cleanliness survey of the country. A total of 129 awards will be handed out to the top-performing cities and states.

Swachh Survekshan was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016. While Mysuru won the award for the cleanest city of India in 2016, Indore retained the top spot for three consecutive years in 2017, 2018 and 2019. One city has been given only one Award. Cities population is as per 2011 Census. Here is the list of the winners across several categories:

 

 

Sr. No.	Category	Winners
1	Cleanest city awards for cities with a population above 1 lakh:	Indore (Madhya Pradesh)
		Surat (Gujarat)
		Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra)
2	Cleanest city awards for cities with a population below 1 lakh:	Karad (Maharashtra)
		Saswad (Maharashtra)
		Lonavla (Maharashtra)
3	Cleanest state with more than 100 cities:	Chhattisgarh
4	Cleanest state with less than 100 cities:	Jharkhand
5	Cleanest Ganga town:	Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
6	The cleanest megacity with more than 40 lac population:	Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
7	Fastest-moving city in terms of cleanliness:	Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
8	Self-sustainable city in terms of cleanliness (more than 10 lakh population):	Rajkot (Gujarat)
9	Self-sustainable city in terms of cleanliness (less than 10 lakh population):	Mysuru (Karnataka)
10	Cleanest small cities:	Ambikapur (Chattisgarh)
11	The cleanest city with a population between 1 lakh to 3 lakh:	Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh)
12	Cleanest capital city:	New Delhi (Union Territory of New Delhi) and the NDMC.
13	Fastest moving cleanest capital city:	Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
14	Fastest moving self-sustainable cleanest capital city:	Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
15	Cleanest cantonments in the country:	Jalandhar Cantt.
		Delhi Cantt.
		Meerut Cantt.

 

5. Santosh Gangwar launches official Logo of “Labour Bureau”: Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment, Santosh Gangwar has launched the official Logo of “Labour Bureau”. It displays the three goals that Labour Bureau aspires to achieve in producing quality data i.e. Accuracy, Validity and Reliability. It also indicates that the Labour Bureau is a data based organization which deals in data pertaining to workers and work. The logo of Labour Bureau also comprises of “Blue wheel”, a cog wheel that represents work. The blue colour indicates that the Labour Bureau deals with the blue collarworkers. It also includes a “tricolored graph” that matches the colors of the National flag. It also has “wheat ears” which indicates the fruit of rural agricultural labour.

 

6. Google launches ‘Kormo’ app in India to help people find jobs: Google has launched its employment application named ‘Kormo Jobs’ in India. It would help millions of Indians to get entry-level jobs. Kormo Jobs will help to provide entry-level jobs to thousands of people, to help those who have lost their jobs during the coronavirus and young professionals who are looking for jobs. Google had first launched the employment application in Bangladesh in 2018 and further expanded it to Indonesia in 2019. In 2019, Google had also tested this app in India but under the brand ‘Spot’ on Google Pay app, which saw more than 2 million verified jobs posted on the platform, including from companies like Zomato and Dunzo.

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

 

7. ADB approves USD 1 billion loan for Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 1 billion (about Rs. 7,485 crore) loan for the construction of the modern, high-speed Delhi-Meerut regional rapid transit system (RRTS) in India. The 82-kilometer Delhi-Meerut regional rapid transit system is a first of its kind project in India to help decongest the city and improve regional connectivity by establishing transit options through the densely populated sections of the NCR, connecting Delhi to Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, The total project cost is estimated to be USD 3.94 billion, and of this, the Centre will provide USD 1.89 billion while the co-financiers are expected to provide USD 1 billion.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Keith Rowley becomes PM of Trinidad and Tobago for 2nd consecutive term: Keith Rowley had sworn in as Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for a 2nd consecutive 5-year term. He is from the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM). As per the preliminary result, PNM won 22 of the 41 electoral seats, while the opposition united National Congress (UNC) led by former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar won 19 seats.

Note: The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Capital: Port of Spain; The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar; The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago President: Paula-Mae Weekes.

 

2. International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism: 21st August: United Nations observes 21st August every year as International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. The day is observed to pay tribute to the individuals across the globe who have been attacked, injured, traumatized or lost their lives because of terrorist attacks. The day was designated by United Nations General Assembly in 2017 and the first time the day was observed in 2018.

An online high-level event entitled “Not Forgotten: Stories of Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism”, will be held with the participation of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, for victims to speak about remembrance on their own terms, reminding the audience that it is not only about bereavement, but also about acknowledging the experience of survivors.

 

3. World Senior Citizen Day: 21st August: The World Senior Citizen Day is observed globally on August 21 every year to raise awareness about issues affecting older people, such as deterioration with age and the abuse of the elderly and support, honor and show appreciation to seniors and to recognize their achievements. The Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 14, 1990. The day was officially founded by the former President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan in 1988 to dedicate a day to older adults and their issues.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

 

1. INOX Group becomes sponsor of Indian team for Tokyo Olympics: The governing body for the Olympic Movement in India, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and INOX Group has signed a sponsorship agreement to support Team India for Tokyo Olympics, which was rescheduled to be held from July 23 to August 8, 2021. The partnership agreement will further support team India’s promotions through the Group’s entertainment company, Inox Leisure Limited.

About Inox Group: The Inox Group is a diversified Indian conglomerate with activities spanning manufacturing medical and industrial gases, cryogenic equipment, LNG storage and distribution equipment, besides owning multiplex chains.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. YES Bank launches unique facility ‘Loan against Securities’: ‘Loan against Securities’ is an unique digital solution launched by the YES Bank under its loan in seconds platform. “Loan against Securities” will enable customers to avail loan facility against the securities that they hold. The customers are required only to pledge the securities and not selling them. YES Bank will open a current account in the name of the customer in order to conduct smooth transactions. The securities eligible under the “Loan against Securities” facility are: Shares, Equity & Debt Mutual Funds, Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP), Fixed Maturity Plans (FMP), Insurance policies issued by LIC and select Private Insurance Companies, Non-Convertible Debentures (NCD), Tax free Bonds (RBI, NABARAD, NHAI, PFC, IRFCL, HUDCO, IIFCL, NHB, REC, and IREDA).

Note: MD & CEO of Yes Bank: Prashant Kumar.

 

2. NPCI launches its subsidiary firm – NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL): National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched its wholly-owned subsidiary firm named NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL). Ritesh Shukla has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NIPL. NIPL will venture into newer international markets and co-create payment systems with participating nations. The primary focus of NIPL would be the internationalization of RuPay and UPI, along with a few more offerings of NPCI.

 

3. SBI waives off SMS charges for all savings accounts: SBI has waived off SMS charges in addition to its penalty waiver on non-maintenance of minimum balance for all its Savings Accounts including those with cheque or Internet Banking facilities. Earlier, customers had to maintain monthly balance of Rs. 3000 (metro), 2000 (semi urban), 1000 rupees (rural areas) respectively. The bank used to levy a penalty of 5 to 15 rupees plus taxes on non-maintenance of average monthly balance. SBI has over 44 crore savings accounts.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Apple Becomes First U.S. Company to reach $2 Trillion Market Cap: Apple Inc. has become the first publicly traded U.S company to reach a market capitalization of over $2 trillion, after its share price climbed above $467.77 on 19 August 2020. Apple is also the world’s only second company to hit $2 trillion in market cap. Before this, Oil Major Saudi Aramco was the world’s first and only publicly listed company to reach a $2 trillion market value in December 2019.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. IISc professor Biman Bagchi selected for 2021 Joel Henry Hildebrand Award: An Honorary Professor at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the Joel Henry Hildebrand Award in the Theoretical and Experimental Chemistry of Liquids. Professor Biman Bagchi was told about the award by the American Chemical Society in Washington DC. The Institute described the award as being “prestigious” in the area of liquids and gasses. “After a long time an Indian has got this award,” IISc said. The award aims to recognize distinguished contributions to the understanding of the chemistry and physics of liquids. The award consists of $5,000 and a certificate. It is sponsored by ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co. The award is to be presented at the society’s spring 2021 National Meeting and Expo in San Antonio, Texas in March 2021.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Indian cricketer Gopalaswamy Kasturirangan passes away: Former Cricketer, Administrator and Pitch Curator, Gopalaswamy Iyenger Kasturirangan passed away. He was born on 12th October 1930 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He began his career in the 1948-49 season representing Mysore in the Ranji Trophy and retired from first-class cricket after the 1962-63 season. Gopalaswamy Kasturirangan was a fast bowler who played 36 first-class matches and Captained Mysore Ranji Team (now Karnataka) 

Daily GK Updates - 20th Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves setting up of National Recruitment Agency: The establishment of “National Recruitment Agency” has received the Union Cabinet‘s approval. The National Recruitment Agency (NRA) will result in transformational reform in the recruitment process for central government jobs. NRA will comprise of representatives of Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Finance/Department of Financial Services, the SSC, RRB as well as IBPS. NRA is expected to be a specialist body which will offer the state-of-the-art technology and best practices to the field of Central Government recruitment. A sum of Rs. 1517.57 crore has been sanctioned by the Government of India for the National Recruitment Agency (NRA). The National Recruitment Agency (NRA) would be a multi-agency body which is responsible to conduct a Common Eligibility Test (CET). Some important features of CET:

(1) The CET will be conducted to shortlist candidates for the Group B and C (non-technical) posts.

(2) The scores received by the candidate in CET shall be valid for a period of 3-years from the date of declaration of the result.

(3) There shall be no restriction on the number of attempts to be taken by a candidate to appear in the Common Eligibility Test subject to the upper age limit.

(4) Separate CET each for the three levels of matriculate (10th pass), higher secondary (12th pass) and the graduated candidates.

(5) Based on the screening done at the CET score level, the final selection for recruitment shall be made via separate specialised Tiers (II, III etc) of examination which shall be conducted by the respective recruitment agency.

(6) Candidates will be able to reap the advantage of registering on a common portal and give a choice of Centres.

 

2. “Pavitrapati” & “Aushada tara” launched to fight against COVID-19: Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, DIAT (DU) has launched two products namely “Pavitrapati” & “Aushada tara” to fight against COVID-19. “Pavitrapati” is an Ayurvedic based Biodegradable Face Mask which will act as a virus neutraliser in order to provide resistance against the bacteria / virus. These masks will be made available on online platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart etc. “Aushada tara” is an anti-microbial body suit which comprises of superhydrophobic, breathing, anti-microbial, comfort feeling properties. This has passed the splash resistant tests and has got good repellent property of any fluids.

 

3. Nitin Gadkari launches farm-to-fork service portal VedKrishi.com: The Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Nitin Gadkari has launched an online farm-to-fork service platform called VedKrishi.com. The platform will connect farmers to the consumers. Using the portal VedKrishi.com, farmers would be able to sell their non-toxic farm produce directly to consumers. The platform will allow home deliver of grocery products including dairy goods, vegetables, grains, and pulses, apart from pickles, juices, sauces, etc. The platform has been set-up by Nagpur-based farmer producer organization VedKrishi Farmer Producer Company.

 

4. India Post issued stamps on UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India: India Post has released a set of five commemorative postage stamps and a miniature sheet on UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India on 15th August 2020 on the occasion of 74th Independence Day. This is the third part of the series. The stamps depict following five cultural sites of India: The Historic City of Ahmedabad; Churches and Convents of Goa; Group of Monuments at Pattadakal; Khajuraho Group of Monuments; Qutub Minar.

Note: UNESCO headquarters: Paris, France; UNESCO Head: Audrey Azoulay; UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945.

 

5. Sadbhavana Diwas: 20th August: Every year on 20th August, the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi is celebrated as Sadbhavana Diwas or Harmony Day. This year on 20th August 2020, we are going to celebrate the 76th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The Indian National Congress instituted Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award in 1992, a year after his death.

 

6. Indian Akshay Urja Day: 20th August: Indian Akshay Urja Day or Renewable Energy Day is observed on 20th August every year. Indian Akshay Urja is observed to mark the importance of renewable energy resources in India. India’s government is aware of the importance of development or renewable energy sources to provide the state with a sustainable amount of energy. It is significant to promote awareness about renewable resources among people who are ignorant about the subject. Indian Akshay Urja Day was established in 2004 to support renewable energy development programs and promote its use instead of traditional sources of energy. The very first event relating to Akshay Urja Diwas was organized in New Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. US elections: Democratic Party formally nominates Joe Biden as presidential candidate: In the United States, Democratic Party has formally nominated Joe Biden as its presidential nominee for the 2020 elections. He will take on President Donald Trump in the November polls for the White House. Biden received the nomination in a "roll call across America", which saw Democratic delegates and normal people from all 50 states and seven territories of the US cast the majority of votes for the former vice president. The nomination was a formality, as Senator Bernard Sanders withdrew from the contest in April. Biden has nominated Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate for Vice President's post.

 

2. Luis Abinader becomes new President of Dominican Republic: Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona has been sworn in as the 54th President of Dominican Republic. He succeeds Danilo Medina of Liberation Party. Abinader’s Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) won the elections with 53% vote, while Gonzalo Castillo who was the candidate of the ruling PLD got 37.7%. The 53-year old Luis Rodolfo Abinader was elected to the four-year term on July 5, which ended the 16-year run in power by the Center-Left Dominican Liberation Party (PLD). He had finished second in the 2016 presidential election.

Note: Dominican Republic Capital: Santo Domingo; Dominican Republic Currency: Dominican Peso.

 

3. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla participates in 5th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament: The fifth edition of the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament was held virtually on 19 and 20 August 2020. The two day conference was organized virtually for the first time due to COVID-19. The event was organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Geneva, jointly with the Parliament of Austria and with the support of the United Nations (UN). The theme of the conference was Parliamentary leadership for more effective multilateralism that deliver peace and sustainable development for the people and planet. From India, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla participated in the inaugural ceremony of the conference. The second part of the conference will be held in physical format in 2021 in Vienna, Austria.

 

4. World Photography Day: 19th August: The World Photography Day is celebrated on 19 August every year to promote photography as a hobby and also inspire photographers around the globe to share a single photo with the rest of the world. The first official World Photo Day was observed on August 19, 2010. The origin of World Photo Day comes from the invention of the Daguerreotype, a photographic process developed by Frenchmen Louis Daguerre and Joseph Nicephore Niepce in 1837. It was on August 19, 1939 that the French government purchased the patent of Daguerreotype process and announced the invention as a gift “free to the world”.

 

5. World Mosquito Day: 20th August: World Mosquito Day is observed on 20 August annually to raise awareness about the causes of malaria and how it can be prevented. The day also commemorates the discovery made by British doctor Sir Ronald Ross in 1897 that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. In 1902 Ross won Nobel Prize for Medicine becoming the first British person to receive the award.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. England’s World Cup-winning off-spinner Laura Marsh retires from all forms of cricket: Laura Marsh, England national women cricket team off-spinner, has announced her retirement from all forms of cricket. The 33-year-old had announced her retirement from international cricket in December 2019. Marsh had played in 103 one-day internationals, 67 T20 and 9 Test matches during her career. She was also part of England teams that won the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2009 and 2017.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Govt modifies partial credit guarantee scheme 2.0, extends it by three months: Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme (PCGS) 2.0 was launched by Central Government on May 20, 2020. Purpose of Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme (PCGS) 2.0: to provide Portfolio Guarantee for purchase of Bonds or Commercial Papers (CPs) with a rating of AA and below issued by NBFCs/HFCs/ MFIs by Public Sector Banks (PSBs). The Government has now modified PCGS 2.0 for purchase of Bonds/CPs as under:

(1) Additional 3 months have been granted to build up the portfolio, Till 19 Nov 2020.

(2) At the portfolio level, AA and AA- investment sub-portfolio under the Scheme should not exceed 50% (instead of 25% stipulated earlier) of the total portfolio of Bonds/ CPs purchased by PSBs under the Scheme.

This has been done due to the fact that the stipulated limit for AA/AA- rated Bonds/CPs has been nearly reached while the appetite for lower-rated Bonds/CPs is nearing saturation considering their lower ticket size.

 

2. Lakshmi Vilas Bank launches “LVB DigiGo” instant account opening facility: Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) has launched LVB DigiGo, a digital initiative to enable the opening of savings account instantly. LVB’s new initiative will help people to avail the most required banking services instantly through the website. As a Lakshmi DigiGo customer, one can visit the nearest LVB Branch and convert his/her “Lakshmi DigiGo”, account to a fully-featured regular account of choice and avail cheque book, debit card and a host of other facilities.

Note: Headquarters of Lakshmi Vilas Bank: Chennai; Lakshmi Vilas Bank MD & CEO: S Sundar (Interim).

 

3. Muthoot Finance, Kotak General Insurance tie up to offer COVID-19 cover: Muthoot Finance has tie-up with Kotak Mahindra General Insurance to offer COVID-19 insurance cover of up to Rs 1 lakh against the gold loan. The company will be providing complimentary COVID-19 insurance cover to their eligible customers through Muthoot Finance Ayush Gold Loan, an exclusive initiative of Muthoot Group. This specific cover will only be available for the customers opting to avail gold loan under the Super Loan scheme.

Note: Muthoot Finance Head Office: Kochi, Kerala; Muthoot Finance Chairman: M.G. George Muthoot; Muthoot Finance Managing Director: George Alexander Muthoot.

Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Kotak Mahindra General Insurance MD and CEO: Mahesh Balasubramanian.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. RRVL acquires majority equity stake in Vitalic Health Pvt. Ltd.: Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited has acquired majority equity stake in Chennai-based Vitalic Health Pvt. Ltd. as well as in its subsidiaries. Total transaction costed approximately Rs 620 crores. Vitalic Health Pvt. Ltd. is engaged in the business of pharma distribution, sales, and business support services, while its subsidiary runs an online pharmacy platform “Netmeds” which connects customers to pharmacists and offers door step delivery of medicines, nutritional health as well as wellness products. The investment made by Reliance Retail Ventures Limited represents 60% holding in the equity share capital of Vitalic Health while 100% direct equity ownership of its subsidiaries namely Tresara Health Private Limited, Netmeds Market Place Limited and Dadha Pharma Distribution Pvt Limited. The investment will improve RRVL’s ability to provide affordable health care products and services.

Note: Founder & CEO of Netmeds: Pradeep Dadha.

 

DEFENSE

 

1. Defence Minister addresses Naval Commanders' Conference 2020: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the inaugural session of Naval Commanders' Conference-2020. It is a 3-day biennial conference. The agenda of the conference is Navy’s Modernisation and Security in the Indian Ocean amidst the situation at the LAC in Ladakh. It is the apex level event for interaction between the Naval Commanders. It will focus on joint planning structures, Tri-Service Synergy, and operational readiness to improve efficiency.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. British Tennis legend Angela Buxton passes away: Former British tennis player, two-time Grand Slam doubles champion and equal rights pioneer Angela Buxton has passed away. She was 85. Buxton won the women’s doubles alongside Althea Gibson at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 1956. Buxton also reached the singles final at Wimbledon 1956 but lost to American Shirley Fry. Her tennis career was cut short at the age of just 22 due to a serious hand condition. 

Daily GK Updates - 19th Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Railways introduces Drone based surveillance system: Drone based surveillance system has been introduced by the Indian Railways for Railway security. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has decided to employ large number of drones for the purpose of Railway security. As a result, RPF has procured nine drones at a cost of around Rs 32 lakh at the South Eastern Railway, Central Railway, Modern Coaching Factory, Raebareli and South Western Railway. The deployment of drones aims to provide a force multiplier and increases the effectiveness of the security personnel deployed. Two Ninja UAVs have been procured by the Mumbai Division of Central Railway for better security and surveillance in Railway areas such as station premises, Railway track sections, yards as well as workshops.

Note: Union Minister of Railways: Piyush Goyal.

 

2. Flipkart establishes academic collaboration with IIT Patna: An Memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed by India’s homegrown ecommerce player “Flipkart” with Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Patna. The MoU will encourage industry focused applied research in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML). This is flipkart’s effort towards strengthening its academic collaboration which it has been promotiong for past 5 years now. The partnership is expected to bring real world industry exposure to students and scholars of IIT Patna. It will also offer opportunities to the faculty members to work closely with Flipkart on various research projects. IIT Patna will also conduct a number of programs like joint research activities, writing research papers, organizing seminars, internship/mentorship opportunities etc.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Flipkart: Kalyan Krishnamurthy.

 

3. Satya Pal Malik appointed as Governor of Meghalaya: President of India, Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Satya Pal Malik as the Governor of Meghalaya with effect from 18 August 2020. Prior to this, He was serving as the Governor of Goa. Satya Pal Malik replaced Tathagata Roy who completed his 5-year term by serving as governor of Tripura for 3 years and remaining in Meghalaya. He was also the last governor of Jammu and Kashmir state, before its bifurcation into Union Territory. Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has been given additional charge as the Governor of Goa, in addition to his own duties.

Note: Chief Minister of Meghalaya: Conrad Kongkal Sangma; Capital: Shillong

 

4. IIT Madras Tops Atal Rankings (ARIIA) 2020: The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras has retained the top position in the ‘Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements,’ (ARIIA) 2020 for being the best centrally funded institution in India. The 2020 ‘Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA),’ was released by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, in presence of Union Minister of Education, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank,’ in a virtual event on 18 August 2020. In 2020, 674 Institutions of National Importance, Central Universities and centrally funded technical institutions participated in the rankings, as compared to 496 in 2019. The top five centrally funded institutions in the list:

S. No.   Winner

1          IIT Madras

2          IIT Bombay

3          IIT Delhi

4          IISc Bengaluru

5          IIT Kharagpur

 

For the first time, ARIIA 2020 rankings had a special prize category for women-only higher educational institutions. The winners of this category: Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women followed by Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women.

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Odisha bags the 1st spot in private institutions category followed by SRM and Vellore Institute of Technology.

Note: The ARIIA ranking was launched in 2019 by the Innovation Cell of the Ministry of Education. The objective of ARIIA is to rank higher education institutions and universities in India as per Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Startup, and Development amongst faculty and students.

 

5. Ashok Lavasa steps down as Election Commissioner of India: Ashok Lavasa has stepped down as the Election Commissioner of India. He has submitted his resignation to President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. Lavasa is set to join the Philippines-based Asian Development Bank as the vice-president from September 2020. He will succeed the incumbent vice-president Diwakar Gupta, who is in charge of private sector operations, and public-private partnerships. Ashok Lavasa is a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Haryana cadre (Batch 1980) and assumed charge as the Election Commissioner of India on 23rd January, 2018.

Note: Chief Election Commissioner of India: Sunil Arora.

President of Asian Development Bank: Masatsugu Asakawa.

 

6. Mobile App launched to source loan applications of Street Vendors: Minister of State (I/C), Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri has launched a mobile application for Urban Local Bodies (ULB) functionaries. This app will offer user friendly digital interface for the ULB functionaries to source loan applications of street vendors under the Prime Minister Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme. During the launch event, the minister also urged the Ministers of Urban Development including other senior officials to conduct meetings with key stakeholders for the successful implementation of PM SVANidhi. He also encouraged the states to link other schemes for economic upliftment of vendors and urged the state to set up forum chaired by District Collector to help beneficiary raise their grievances in a conducive environment.

 

7. Delhi Police signs MoU with All India Institute of Ayurveda: Delhi Police has signed an Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), an autonomous Institute under Ministry of AYUSH. The MoU will offer Ayurveda Preventive and Promotive health services in the residential colonies of Delhi Police through a mobile unit named ‘Dhanwantari Rath’ and Police Wellness Centres. These sources would be catered by AIIA, supported by Ministry of AYUSH. “Dhanwantari Rath” is a mobile unit of Ayurveda health care services which comprises a team of Doctors who would be visiting Delhi Police colonies on regular intervals. Police wellness centres and Dhanwantari Rath would be outreach OPD services of AIIA. These services seek to aid the Families of Delhi Police with the help of Ayurveda Preventive health care services.

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

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigns after military mutiny: Malian President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has resigned and dissolved parliament hours after mutinying soldiers detained him at gunpoint, plunging a country already facing an insurgency and mass protests deeper into crisis. Keita won a second term in elections in 2018, but there has been anger over corruption, the mismanagement of the economy and the rise of communal violence in areas of the country. The soldiers were expected to deliver a statement later, while countries in West Africa, along with former colonial power France, the European Union and the African Union, denounced the actions of the soldiers and warned against any unconstitutional change of power.

Note: Republic of Mali Capital: Bamako; Currency: West African CFA franc.

 

2. World Humanitarian Day: 19 August: World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is observed globally on 19th August every year. This day is celebrated to pay tribute to humanitarian personnel and those workers who lost or risked their lives while doing humanitarian service. World Humanitarian Day (WHD) 2020 is the 11th edition of World Humanitarian Day. This year World Humanitarian Day comes as the world continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic over recent months. Aid workers are overcoming unprecedented access hurdles to assist people in humanitarian crises in 54 countries, as well as in a further nine countries which have been catapulted into humanitarian need by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

 

1. Dream 11 wins title sponsorship rights of IPL 2020: The title sponsorship rights of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has been bagged by the fantasy gaming start-up “Dream 11“. The fantasy gaming start-up has bagged the title sponsorship rights for Rs 222 crore. Dream 11 has bagged the rights as Expression of Interest (EOI) was invited by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for IPL 2020’s title sponsorship after the Chinese mobile phone brand, Vivo, pulled out of it. The title rights bagged by the fantasy gaming start-up “Dream 11” are valid till December 31, 2020. IPL 2020 is expected to be held from September 19 to November 10, 2020.

Note: Founders of Dream 11: Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth.

(Interim) Chief Executive Officer of Board of Control for Cricket in India: Hemang Amin; President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India: Sourav Ganguly.

 

2. Rohit Sharma appointed Oakley’s brand ambassador in India: Sports eyewear brand “Oakley” has appointed Indian cricketer, Rohit Sharma as its brand ambassador for a period of two years in India. As a part of the partnership, Sharma will be sporting Oakley eyewear equipped with patented Prizm technology created specifically for sports lenses. With this partnership, Sharma will sport the brand’s performance eyewear on and off the pitch. He joins the likes of Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh and Milind Soman who have endorsed the brand before.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI releases framework for authorisation of pan-India Umbrella Entity for Retail Payments: Presently NPCI is the only Umbrella Entity for Retail Payments in India. Now Reserve Bank of India has released the ‘framework for authorization of pan-India Umbrella Entity for Retail Payments’ in India. This means that RBI has allowed companies/entities to apply to RBI to set-up pan-India umbrella entity/entities focussing on retail payment systems in India. After receiving approval from RBI, the entity may start functioning as an Umbrella Entity for Retail Payments in India just like NPCI. Here are some major points about this framework:

(1) Paid-up capital: The umbrella entity shall have a minimum paid-up capital of Rs 500 crore.

(2) Promoters Share: No single Promoter / Promoter Group shall have more than 40% investment in the capital of the umbrella entity.

(3) The Promoters / Promoter Groups shall upfront demonstrate the capital contribution of not less than 10% i.e., ₹50 crores at the time of making an application for setting up of the umbrella entity. The balance capital shall be secured at the time of commencement of business/operations.

(4) The Promoter / Promoter Group shareholding can be diluted to a minimum of 25% after 5 years of the commencement of the business of the umbrella entity.

(5) The umbrella entity shall commence business/operations within a time of 6 months, extendable to a maximum of one year, if required, from the date of ‘in-principle approval’.

(6) A minimum net-worth of Rs 300 crore shall be maintained at all times.

(7) The entity shall be a Company incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 2013.

(8) The umbrella entity shall be a Company authorized by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under Section 4 of the PSS Act, 2007.

 

2. Fino Payments Bank launches “Jan BachatKhata”:  Fino Payments Bank has launched Jan BachatKhata, which is an Aadhaar Authentication based digital savings account that brings neo-banking experience to consumers. Under the Jan BachatKhata, customers can transact at a Fino branch or merchant point with fingerprint and OTP combination, while at non-Fino points they need Aadhaar authentication. Earlier, Fino Payments Bank had introduced Shubh and Bhavishya, subscription-based savings accounts targeted at specific customer segments.

Note: Chairman of Fino Payments Bank: Prof Mahendra Kumar Chouhan; Fino Payments Bank established: 13 July 2006; MD & CEO of Fino Payments Bank: Rishi Gupta; Headquarters of Fino Payments Bank: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Neo bank means– A bank without any branches. A bank that is entirely online rather than being physical. Neo banking provides complete digital banking experience through mobile applications.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2020: The National Sports Awards selection committee has recommended four sportspersons for India’s highest sporting honour, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2020. Indian cricketer, Rohit Sharma and wrestler Vinesh Phogat are among the four sportspersons. Apart from Rohit and Vinesh, table tennis player Manika Batra and Paralympian M Thangavelu are the other two names. In a first, this year’s National Sports Awards ceremony is likely to be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rohit Sharma will be the fourth cricketer after legendary Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli to be conferred the award. Tendulkar was awarded the Khel Ratna in 1998, Dhoni got it in 2007 and Kohli received in 2018.

Note: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was instituted in 1991-92. Chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand was the first recipient of this award. The winner of the Khel Ratna Award gets a reward of 7.5 lac rupees. This award is given annually to those sportspersons who make the country proud at international events. The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award can be given a maximum of three persons in a year. But, this is the only second time that the names of 4 athletes have been recommended for the award.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Computer scientist Russell Kirsch passes away: Computer scientist Russell Kirsch who invented the “pixel” and scanned the world’s first digital photograph, passed away. He created a small, 2-by-2-inch black-and-white digital image of his son, which was among the first images ever scanned into a computer. Pixels are the digital dots that are used to display photos, video and more on phone as well as computer screens. Russell Kirsch also developed a technique to smooth out images with the help of pixels with variable shapes instead of the squares.