Daily GK Updates - 26th Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kerala’s 1st-ever Dragonfly Festival: WWF-India Kerala State Office is joining hands with the Society for Odonate Studies (SOS) and Thumbipuranam for the first-ever state “Dragonfly Festival” in Kerala, christened ‘Thumbimahotsavam 2020’. This is part of the National Dragonfly Festival organised by WWF India, Bombay Natural History Society and Indian Dragonfly Society in association with National Biodiversity Board, UN Environmental Programme, UN Development Programme and IUCN-CEC. About Dragonfly Festival:

Dragonfly Festival, a series of events will be rolled out in the coming months to reach out to various sections of the society. The official mascot of the festival is “Pantalu” which is the genus of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae commonly known as rain pool gliders. A ‘Dragonfly Backyard Watch’ has also been announced to enhance the participation of people and improve their observation skills. A field guide on ‘Common Dragonflies of Kerala’ and a ‘Children’s Dragonfly Coloring & Activity Book’ is also under development.

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

 

2. Nitin Gadkari inaugurates 45 Highway projects worth around Rs 11,427 cr in Madhya Pradesh: The Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Nitin Gadkari virtually inaugurated 45 highway projects in Madhya Pradesh on 25 August 2020. These projects includes construction of 1,361 km of Road, two over bridges and six bridges at an estimated cost of Rs 11,427 crore. The implementation of these projects will create tourism and employment opportunities in the state, as well as help in the development of entire Madhya Pradesh including backward areas. Part from this, Nitin Gadkari also announced his plan to open a driving training school in every district of the country.

 

3. Indian Energy Exchange MD & CEO Rajiv Srivastava resigns: Indian Energy Exchange (IEX), Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Rajiv Srivastava has resigned from the post. The Board of Directors of Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) accepted his resignation. He was relieved from his position with immediate effect from 24th August 2020. Satyanarayan Goel, the current non-executive chairman of the board of IEX was given additional charges as the interim MD and CEO of the company.

Note: Indian Energy Exchange MD & CEO: Satyanarayan Goel (Interim); Headquarters of Indian Energy Exchange: New Delhi; Indian Energy Exchange Founded: 27 June 2008

 

4. Indian Satellite ‘AstroSat’ Detects UV Light From Galaxy 9 Billion Light Years Away: India’s first multi-wavelength satellite, AstroSat, has detected an extreme ultraviolet (UV) light from a galaxy, called AUDFs01. This galaxy is 9.3 billion light-years away from Earth, in the Hubble Extreme Deep field. The discovery was made by an international team of astronomers led by Dr Kanak Saha, associate professor of astronomy at the Pune-based Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA). This research was published on August 24, 2020, by Nature Astronomy. AstroSat is India’s first multi-wavelength satellite, which has five unique X-ray and ultraviolet telescopes working in tandem.

 

5. Ahmedabad Railway Division launches Baggage Sanitization & Wrapping machine: Baggage Sanitization & Wrapping machine has been launched by the Ahmedabad Railway Division at Ahmedabad Railway Station, Gujarat. The machine is a first of its kind across the Indian Railways. The recently launched machine aims to ensure safe travel amid the pandemic. It uses ultraviolet radiation for 360 degree sanitization of the luggage. The Baggage Sanitization & Wrapping machine has been installed in around 69-sq metre space on Ahmedabad Railway Station in order to provide safe journey to the passengers travelling by the Railways amid the pandemic. According to the Ahmedabad Railway Division, the UV rays used by the machine will not have any harmful effects on tiffins, food, vegetables or water kept in the baggage.

 

6. E-auction portal rolled out to promote trading of ‘Kashmir Saffron’: The Agriculture Department of Jammu and Kashmir has set up an e-auction portal to enhance trading of GI-tagged ‘Kashmir Saffron’. The portal has been launched with the primary objective of assuring buyers to have access to quality ‘Kashmir Saffron’. The Departmnent, under the aegis of India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC) has established the portal in partnership with NSE-IT. The Saffron growers of Kashmir valley as well as the buyers across India have been appealed to get themselves registered as sellers and buyers for E- trading on the portal. The portal will ensure free e-Trading between registered growers and buyers.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Health Organization certifies Africa free from wild Polio: The Africa Regional Certification Commission (ARCC), an independent body set up by the World Health Organization (WHO), has certified the African continent free from wild Polio virus. The landmark feat related to public health has been achieved by the continent after decades of work along with international health bodies, national and local governments, community volunteers and survivors. According to the previous records, about 75,000 children in Africa were paralysed by polio in year 1996. The last case of Polio was recorded four years ago in the northern Nigeria. In this fight of Africa with the polio virus, the World Health Organization played a central coordinating role within the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and local leaders working with Unicef, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary International as well as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Note: Director-general of World Health Organization: Tedros Adhanom; Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; Founded: 7 April 1948

 

2. International Conference on ‘Aerosol Air Quality, Climate Change and Impact on Water Resources and Livelihoods in the Greater Himalayas’ to be held at ARIES, Nainital in September 2020: The International Conference on Aerosol Air Quality, Climate Change and Impact on Water Resources and Livelihoods in the Greater Himalayas is set to be held from September 14 to 16. The three-day conference will be organised by the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital in association with Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. The international conference will be held on online platform. The conference will deliberate on topics such as rapid increase in the air pollution associated with industrialisation, urbanisation and its resultant impact on regional and global air quality, visibility degradation, cloud formation, and atmospheric chemistry, radiation budget, ecosystem, Himalayan climate, and glaciology, cryosphere, monsoon patterns, water availability, and human health.

 

3. Women’s Equality Day 2020: 26th August: The 100th anniversary of the Women’s Equality Day is being observed in the United States on August 26, to commemorate American women getting the constitutional right to vote. Women’s Equality Day is now often observed across the world to encourage and spread awareness about women’s empowerment.

The 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was adopted in 1920. The law prohibits denying citizens, of the United States, the right to vote on the basis of gender. Women’s Equality Day was first marked in 1972. It is proclaimed each year by the President of the United States. President Richard Nixon had issued the first official proclamation. Since then, every US president has issued a proclamation designating August 26 as Women’s Equality Day.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

 

1. Indian Table Tennis star Poulomi Ghatak announced retirement: Indian Table Tennis star, Poulomi Ghatak has announced retirement. She had represented India at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 and Commonwealth championships between 2000 and 2008. She entered the Olympics in Sydney for the first time when she was 16. The achievements and medals won by Poulomi are as follows:

In 2006, she won the gold medal in Women’s doubles at the SAF Games.

She also won bronze at the Commonwealth in 2006.

In 2007, she won bronze at the Commonwealth Champions.

In 2010, she won silver at the Commonwealth.

She had also made till quarter-finals in Asian Games, 2012.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ICICI Bank uses satellite data to assess creditworthiness of farmers: ICICI Bank uses satellite data to assess the creditworthiness of farmers. ICICI Bank has become the 1st bank in India to use such a technique to measure an array of parameters related to the land, irrigation and crop patterns and use it in combination with demographic and financial parameters to make quick lending decisions for farmers. Advantages of using Satellite Data:

(1) The satellite data with demographic and financial details provides strong information on the land asset of the farmers.

(2) Usage of this technology will help farmers with existing credit to expand their eligibility and help new-to-credit farmers to get better access to formal credit.

(3) It is also expected to cut the time of providing credit, as land verification with the help of satellite data is done in a non-contact manner, and credit assessments are made within a few days as against the industrial practice of up to 15 days.

Note: ICICI Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; ICICI Bank MD & CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi

 

2. Highlights of RBI Annual Report 2019-20; India’s Growth Projected at -4.5%: On August 25, 2020, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its Annual Report for 2019-20. It is Report of the Central Board of Directors on the working of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the year ended June 30, 2020 submitted to the Central Government in terms of Section 53(2) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. In the report, RBI projected that India’s growth at minus 4.5% for 2020-21. It will be (-) 3.7% in the single hit scenario and (-) 7.3% in the double hit scenario in FY2020-21. On the global front, the growth is projected at (-) 6.0% in the single hit scenario and (-) 7.6% in the double hit scenario in FY20-21. Balance Sheet of RBI:

(1) The RBI’s balance sheet increased by 30%, or Rs 12,31,888 crore, from Rs 41,02,905 crore to Rs 53,34,793 crore.

(2) The gross total income for the year 2019-20 declined by 29% to Rs 149,672 crore as compared to Rs 193,036 crore in 2018-19.

(3) Its expenditure for the year 2019-20 is Rs 92,540 crore compared to an expenditure of Rs 17,045 crore in 2018-19.

(4) The year ended with an overall surplus of Rs 57,128 billion which was transferred to the government.

(5) On the liability side, the rise was due to an increase in notes issued, other liabilities and provisions and deposits.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash bags Gold Medal in MCWC: Hyderabad’s, Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash Jonnalagadda has bagged the first-ever Gold Medal for India in Mental Calculations World Cup (MCWC) by Mind Sports Olympiad (MSO). He has created a new All-Time Record and has beaten the records of Math Maestros like Shakuntala Devi and Scott Flansburg. Bhanu Prakash had secured the gold medal with a score of 167, Lebanese contender Mohammed El Mir secured the Silver Medal with a score 102 and Asmita Pal from the UAE bagged the Bronze medal with a score of 100 points. Twenty-Year old Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash is a student of Mathematics (Honors) at Delhi University’s St Stephen College and holds 4 World Records and 50 Limca records for being the fastest human calculator in the world.

Note: The MSO is an international event with over 60 different board game competitions ranging from classics like Chess, Scrabble and 7 Wonders. It was first held in 1998.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. IAF launches ‘MY IAF’ app to provide career-related information: The Chief of the Air Staff, Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria has launched a mobile application named ‘MY IAF’ to provide career-related information and details to the aspirants who wish to join the Indian Air Force (IAF). About “MY IAF” App:

The app launched as a part of the Digital India initiative has been developed in association with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). The app serves as a single digital platform where users can find the details of the selection procedure, training curriculum, pay and perks etc for both officers and airmen in the IAF. The app provides glimpses into the history and stories of valour in the IAF.

Note: Indian Airforce founded: 8 October 1932; Indian Airforce Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Congo President Pascal Lissouba passes away: Former President of the Republic of Congo, Pascal Lissouba passed away. He became the minister of agriculture in 1960 after Congo became an independent country. He served as the president from 1992 to 1997. He served as the Prime minister under the Presidency of Alphonse Massamba Debat. The high court of Justice in the Republic of Congo sentenced Pascal Lissouba in absentia to 30 years forced labour for treason and corruption in 2001.

Note: Note: The Republic of Congo President: Denis Sassou NguessoThe Republic of Congo Prime Minister: Clément Mouamba; The Republic of Congo Capital: Brazzaville. 

Daily GK Updates - 25th Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. GoI and AIIB sign MoU for $500 million for Mumbai Urban Transport Project-III: The Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has signed a loan agreement for a $500 million Mumbai Urban Transport Project-III. The aim of the project is to improve the network capacity, service quality and safety of the suburban railway system in Mumbai. With a population of 22.8 million (2011), Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is the most populous metropolitan region in India and is expected to reach 29.3 million by 2031 and 32.1 million by 2041.

Note: President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: Jin Liqun; Headquarters of AIIB: Beijing, China; AIIB established: 16 January 2016.

 

2. Validity of motor vehicle documents extended till Dec 31 amid Covid-19 pandemic: Central government on 24 August extended the validity of expiring driving licenses and motor vehicle documents till December 31 in the wake of coronavirus crisis. This is the third such extension after the earlier advisories on March 30 and June 9. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has decided to extend the validity of Fitness, Permits, Licenses, Registration or other documents under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 till the 31st of December 2020. “The Ministry had earlier issued advisories on 30th March and 9th June this year regarding extension of validity of the documents related to Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. It was advised that the validity of Fitness, Permit (all types), License, Registration or any other concerned document(s) may be treated to be valid till 30th of September 2020,” the statement added.

 Considering the situation in country due to Covid-19 outbreak, the ministry said that if documents mentioned in the list reached their date of expiration on or after February 1, 2020, and fresh documents in their place could not be granted due to the nationwide lockdown imposed by the government, they would be considered valid till December 31, 2020.

 

3. DRDO chief G Satheesh Reddy gets two-year extension: Renowned Indian scientist, G Satheesh Reddy was given a two-year extension as the chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He was appointed to the post in August 2018 for two years. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension of Reddy”s tenure as the DRDO chairman and as the Secretary of the Department of Defence Research & Development (DoDRD) for a period of two years beyond August 26.

Note: DRDO Headquarters: New Delhi; DRDO Established: 1958.

 

4. Tata Group to launch “Super App” for digital services: Tata Group is launching a new app named “Super App” purported to bring together the country’s disparate sales sector to offer a range of consumer goods. The app will put the conglomerate in competition with giants of the region like Reliance Industries and global titans like Amazon. The app will offer food and grocery ordering, fashion and lifestyle, consumer electronics and consumer durables, insurance and financial services, education, healthcare and bill payments.

Note: Tata Group Chairman: Natarajan Chandrasekaran; Tata Group Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

5. Manipur student develops mobile game ‘Coroboi’ amid COVID-19: A class 9 student from Imphal, Baldeep Ningthoujam has developed a mobile game ‘Coroboi’ amid COVID-19 pandemic. The game has become popular and most searched android-based game worldwide and more than 20 thousand users had downloaded the game. Its theme is Coronavirus and Lockdown. It has already made a record by become second trending mobile game app in google play store. The game, based on COVID guidelines is now available for Android users. According to the description of the app on Google play store, “Coroboi, a boy from India (Manipur) is stranded and wants to return home. Wearing Leirum Phee (Manipuri traditional cloth) and a Mask, he will run towards his goal. He will be earning points during his journey. If the police caught him, a fine of 5000 points will be deducted”

 

6. Andhra University Researchers find rare fish ‘Mahseer’ in Sileru river: A team of researchers from the Department of Zoology, Andhra University has spotted a species of rare fish called Mahseer (scientific name Tor) on 24 August 2020, from the upper part of Sileru river, in Andhra Pradesh. This species of fish is listed under the endangered category by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Professor D.E. Babu, the leader of the research team has informed that the Golden Mahseer fish, is basically found in the Himalayan region, where the temperature around year does not exceed 20° Celsius such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nepal and Bhutan. But it is rare to find it in Andhra Pradesh region of the country and calls for a much detailed study.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Uzbekistan conduct first meeting of National Coordination Committee: India and Uzbekistan held the first meeting of their National Coordination Committee on August 24, 2020. The committee has been set up to monitor the implementation of the mutually agreed projects between India and Uzbekistan. The National Coordination Committee was constituted under the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The first meeting of the committee was co-chaired by the Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan and Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan and Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade, Sardor Umurzakov. Key Highlights:

(1) During the National Coordination Committee's meeting, the two nations comprehensively reviewed the ongoing and planned activities of bilateral economic and trade cooperation between the two nations including the status of negotiations for concluding a Preferential Trade Agreement, Bilateral Investment Treaty and mutual market access for agricultural produce for both nations.

(2) The committee also reviewed the implementation of projects identified under India’s Lines of Credit and the India-Uzbekistan Entrepreneurship Development Centre at Tashkent. It also reviewed the cooperation agreement between India's Gujarat and Uzbekistan's Andijan region.

(3) The co-chairman of the meeting expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved by the two nations in mutual projects and expressed hope that the expeditious completion of the projects will further strengthen bilateral trade and investment between India and Uzbekistan.

(4) The Union Minister of State V. Muraleedharan further extended an invitation to Deputy PM Umurzakov to visit India as per mutual convenience.

Note: Uzbekistan Capital: Tashkent; Currency: Uzbekistani soʻm.

 

2. External Affairs Ministry co-hosted 6th ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks: The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India has organized the 6th Round Table of ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT) in association with Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The theme of the two-day long symposium was ‘ASEAN-India: Strengthening Partnership in the Post COVID Era’. It was jointly inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand Don Pramudwinai. ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks was formed at the 7th ASEAN-India Summit, which was held in Thailand in 2009. The aim of AINTT is policymaking for India and the ASEAN countries for future co-operative actions. The 1st Round Table on AINTT was held in 2012. Highlights of Round Table:

(1) India raised some concerns over the UNSC’s approach during the pandemic outbreak, the conflict between USA and WHO after the COVID-19 outbreak, the future direction of global issues in post-pandemic conditions.

(2) India asked for a cooperative solution to all issues and suggested the adoption of strategic autonomy to formulate its own interest without any influence.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Bayern Munich wins UEFA Champions League 2019-20: German professional sports club, Bayern Munich won the UEFA Champions League 2019-20 title by defeating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0. The final was played in Lisbon, Portugal. Bayern Munich has become the first European Cup winners who won all their matches during the tournament. This is the sixth European Champions League title for Bayern Munich. Bayern Munich joins deposed champion Liverpool as six-time champions of Europe, only behind AC Milan (7) and Real Madrid (13).

 

2. German Golfer Sophia Popov wins Women’s British Open 2020: German Golfer Sophia Popov won the Women’s British Open 2020 title (rebranded as 2020 AIG Women’s Open) by defeating Thailand’s Jasmine Suwannapura by two strokes at Royal Troon in Scotland. She went to the final round by 3-shot lead and completed with 68 golf shots. Jasmine Suwannapura from Thailand was the runner-up after shooting 67 shots. Sophia Popov is ranked as the 304 in the world ranking. Sophia has now become the first female golfer from Germany to win the LPGA Tour’s major title.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NABARD rolls out Debt and Credit Guarantee Product: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has revealed a dedicated debt and credit guarantee product named as “Structured Finance and Partial Guarantee Program for Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC)-Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs)”. The newly launched product seeks to offer undisturbed flow of credit to the last mile in rural areas hit by the pandemic. The Structured Finance and Partial Guarantee Program for NBFC-MFIs include offering partial guarantee on pooled loans offered to small and mid-sized MFIs. It will help in facilitating Rs 2,500 crore funding in the initial phase which is expected to be scaled up in the future. The program is targeting to cover over 1 million households across 28 States and 650 districts. Nabard has signed a pact with Vivriti Capital and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank for this.

Note: Chairman of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development: Govinda Rajulu Chintala.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Businesses with annual turnover of up to Rs 40 lakh are now exempted from GST: Finance Ministry: The Ministry of Finance on 24 August announced that businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs 40 lakhs are exempt from GST and those with a turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore can opt for the Composition Scheme and pay only one per cent tax.  Earlier, the GST exemption limit was Rs 20 lakh. In a series of tweets, the Ministry also informed that significant reliefs have been extended to the construction sector, particularly the housing sector which has been placed at the 5 per cent tax rate. Significant relief has been extended to the construction sector, particularly the housing sector. It has now been placed at the 5% rate. GST on affordable housing has been reduced to 1%. Once GST was implemented, the tax rate on a large number of items was brought down. As of now, the 28% rate is almost solely restricted to sin and luxury items. Out of a total of about 230 items in the 28% slab, about 200 items have been shifted to lower slabs. The Ministry of Finance said that the taxpayer base has almost doubled since the rollout of GST.

The move comes as another relief for businesses across the country, which is dealing with the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier, the Central government had also announced an economic package to revive the economy.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. NLCIL bags “Swachhta Hi Seva award” for transforming Neyveli Township: The Government of India Navratna, NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has bagged the award for making an extremely valuable contribution in the implementation of the “Swachhta Hi Seva Programme”. Rakesh Kumar, CMD of NLCIL hailing the efforts of NLCIL in transforming the entire Neyveli into a plastic-free, clean and green campus, and announcing the “Swachhta Hi Seva 2019” Award. The Swachhta Hi Seva Award was conferred to the following three units of NLCIL:

Township Administration Office: First rank

Thermal Power Station-1: Second rank

Mines Sub-Stores: Third rank

About Swachhta Hi Seva programme: The Swachhta Hi Seva programme, an initiative of the Swachch Bharat Mission, was launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in September 2019. NLCIL Implemented the programme in two phases: the first phase from September 11, 2019, to November 2, 2019; and the second phase from October 3 to October 27, 2019.

Note: NLCIL Founded: 1956; NLCIL Headquarters: Neyveli, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India Pavilion Inaugurated at Army-2020 International Military and Technical Forum In Russia: The ARMY 2020 International Military and Technical Forum has been organised in Moscow, Russia from August 23 to 29, 2020. The forum is being organised by the Russian Defence Ministry since 2015, at the Patriot Park near Moscow. The India Pavilion at the 6th edition of the International Military-Technical Forum was inaugurated by Secretary (Defence Production) Raj Kumar and Indian Ambassador DB Venkatesh Verma. Delegations from at least 70 nations have confirmed their participation in the high-profile event. Over 730 pieces of Russian weapons and equipment, as well as 28,000 exhibits from industrial enterprises will be showcased for a free inspection. For the first time, a line of 23 tanks and armoured vehicles were deployed in an open area in Patriot Park. Discussions will also be held among global military officials, researchers and defence industry experts about the application of 3D technologies in designing, manufacturing and operating weapons and military equipment.

Note: President of Russia: Vladimir Putin; Capital of Russia: Moscow; Currency: Russian Rouble; Prime minister: Mikhail Mishustin. 

Daily GK Updates - 24th Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Aarogya Setu introduces ‘Open API Service’: An innovative feature ‘Open API Service’ has been introduced by Aarogya Setu to help the people, businesses and the economy in its efforts to return to normalcy. The newly launched service will help the organizations to get the health status of their employees as well as any other Aarogya Setu User without violating their data privacy. Aarogya Setu’s Open API Service addresses the fear/risk of Covid-19 infections and enables organizations to verify the status of Aarogya Setu and integrate it into its various Work from Home features. Hence it will help the businesses and economy to start functioning while being safe. The service would be available to organizations and business entities, who are registered in India with more than 50 employees. They can utilize the service to query the Aarogya Setu Application in real-time and will receive the health status of their employees or any other Aarogya Setu User, who have given their consent for sharing their health status with the organization.

 

2. Tourism Ministry partners with TAAI & FICCI’s FLO to promote tourism: Ministry of Tourism has signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) with primary objective of women empowerment. The signed MoU will enable FLO & TAAI to focus on personal and hospitality skills, a more flexible work balance and greater options for entrepreneurship with lower capital.

The partnership between the three aims to increase the participation of women in the tourism sector and enable them to become an integral part of the tourism workforce of India. This will be achieved by creating awareness among state tourism departments and state tourism corporations, to highlight the contribution tourism industry can make for sustainable livelihood for women and ensure their economic upliftment.

Note: Union Minister of State for Tourism (I/C): Prahlad Singh Patel.

 

3. Government Forms National Council for Transgenders to Formulate Policies Aimed at Equality & Participation: Central Government has constituted the National Council for Transgender Persons to formulate policies, programmes, legislation and projects for the benefits of the transgender community and help them in achieving equality and have full participation by them. Union Minister of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will be the ex-officio Chairperson of the council. Presently, this post is held by Thaawar Chand Gehlot. The council was established by the Centre in exercise of the powers conferred by the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

 

4. Govt activates Aadhaar authentication for new GST registration: Government has activated Aadhaar authentication for new goods and services tax (GST) registration to enhance ease of doing business. For those opting for Aadhaar authentication, new GST registration will be issued within three working days and will not need to wait for physical verification. However, those not opting for Aadhaar authentication will be granted it only after physical verification of the place of business or documentary verification which may take up to 21 working days or more. Government said Aadhaar authentication for new registration will substantially enhance ease of doing businesses for genuine businesses. It said, the move will facilitate genuine and honest taxpayers while at the same time keeping the fake and fraudulent entities away from GST. The facility of quick approval of GST registration through Aadhaar authentication can be availed by all Indian citizens.

 

5. A book titled ‘One Arranged Murder’ authored by Chetan Bhagat: A book titled ‘One Arranged Murder’ authored by Chetan Bhagat will be released globally on September 28, 2020. The fiction book portrays a murder mystery in the backdrop of an arranged marriage. The book will be published by Westland Publications Ltd. It is the author’s 9th novel and 11th book overall. His last release was The Girl in Room 105. The essence of the book: A murder mystery in the backdrop of an arranged marriage will be at the centre stage of bestselling author Chetan Bhagat’s upcoming fiction book. The book not only has intense suspense but also is filled with humour, love and relatable Indian characters.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. China launches 5th Gaofen-9 series Earth observation satellite: China has successfully launched 5th Earth observation satellite, Gaofen-9 (05), from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The satellite, sent into orbit by a Long March-2D carrier rocket, is an optical remote-sensing satellite with a resolution up to the sub-meter level.  This launch was the 343rd mission of the Long March rocket series and the 23rd for China in 2020.

About Gaofen-9 (05): Gaofen-9 (05) is an optical remote sensing satellite developed by Aerospace Dongfanghong Satellite Co.Ltd, part of China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The satellite will be mainly used for land surveying, city planning, road network design, crop yield estimation and disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as providing information for the construction of the Belt and Road. Other payloads carried on the rocket include a multi-functional experimental satellite and Tiantuo-5, a spacecraft developed by the National University of Defense Technology. The major upcoming Chinese mission in 2020, probably in November, is the Chang’e-5 lunar sample return.

About Gaofen satellites: In 2010, the Gaofen satellites series are nominally part of the civilian China High-resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS) to provide all-weather, all-day coverage with optical and synthetic aperture radar satellites. Land surveying, urban planning, road network design, agriculture and disaster relief are the main uses of Gaofen satellites.

Note: China Capital: Beijing; China Currency: Renminbi; China President: Xi Jinping.

 

2. India ranked 57th in Digital Quality of Life Index 2020, Denmark tops: An online privacy solutions provider, SurfShark Ltd. has released a “Digital Quality of Life Index 2020“. It is a global research on the quality of a digital wellbeing in 85 countries hence covering 81% of the global population. The recently launched index ranks the countries by looking their scores in five fundamental pillars that describes the digital quality of life. India has been ranked 57th in Digital Quality of Life Index 2020 with overall score of 0.5. Denmark has topped the index and was followed by Sweden and Canada. The five pillars are as follows:

(1) Internet affordability: It indicates the amount of time people have to work to afford the internet connection.

(2) Internet quality: It indicates the speed as well as the stability of the internet connectivity in a country.

(3) Electronic infrastructure: It describes the level of development and inclusiveness in the existing electronic infrastructure.

(4) Electronic government: It indicates how much advanced and digitized are country’s governmental services.

(5) Electronic security: It indicates about how much safe and protected can people feel in a country.

India’s rank in the five core pillars is as follows:

Pillar 1: India has been ranked 09th in terms of Internet affordability.

Pillar 2: India has been ranked 78th in terms of Internet quality.

Pillar 3: India has been ranked 79th in terms of Electronic infrastructure.

Pillar 4: India has been ranked 15th in terms of Electronic government.

Pillar 5: India has been ranked 57th in terms of Electronic security.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

 

1. Australia all-rounder Cameron White announces retirement: Australian all-rounder Cameron White has announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket. He represented Australia in 4 Test matches, 91 ODIs and 47 T20Is. He also led the Australian limited-overs team in 7 international games. He amassed 146 runs in tests, 2072 runs in ODIs and 984 runs in T20Is. Cameron White has been a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket. He scored 10,537 first-class runs from 177 games at an average of 39.91.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. National Strategy for Financial Education: 2020-2025 released: The second edition of National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE): 2020-2025 has been released. The first edition of NSFE was for the period 2013-2018. NSFE: 2020-2025 has been prepared by National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) in consultation with the four Financial Sector Regulators- RBI, SEBI, IRDAI and PFRDA and other relevant stakeholders. It has been prepared under the aegis of the Technical Group on Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy under the Chairmanship of Shri M. K. Jain, Deputy Governor, RBI. The NSFE document intends to support the Vision of the Government of India and Financial Sector Regulators by empowering various sections of the population to develop adequate knowledge, skills, attitude and behaviour which are needed to manage their money better and plan for their future.  The Strategy has recommended a ‘5 C’ approach for dissemination of financial education in the country. The ‘5 C’ approach of the strategy includes:

Content: emphasis on the development of relevant Content in the curriculum in schools, colleges and training establishments,

Capacity: developing Capacity among intermediaries involved in providing financial services,

Community, Communication, and Collaboration: leveraging the positive effect of Community-led model for financial literacy through appropriate Communication strategy, and, enhancing Collaboration among various stakeholders.

 

2. Ashwani Bhatia becomes new Managing Director of SBI: Government of India has appointed Ashwani Bhatia as the managing director (MD) of the State Bank of India (SBI). He has been appointed as the managing director up to the date of his superannuation that is May 31, 2022. Bhatia is currently working as the managing director and chief executive officer at SBI Mutual Fund. He will be appointed in place of PK Gupta who superannuated on March 31.

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

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Anand Mahindra and Shantanu Narayen selected for 2020 Leadership Awards by USISP: Mahindra group Chairman’s Anand Mahindra and Adobe’s Chairman and CEO Shantanu Narayen have been selected for the 2020 Leadership Awards by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). The award will be conferred to them during the 3rd Annual Leadership Summit, which is titled as ‘US-India Week: Navigating New Challenges’ and will be held from August 31, 2020 to September 03, 2020. The summit will highlight areas of bilateral cooperation, collaboration in fintech, etc. 

Daily GK Updates - 23rd Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Arjun Munda e-inaugurates “Tribes India Showroom” in Mumbai: “Tribes India Showroom” has been e-inaugurated by the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda. The showroom has been inaugurated in Indian Globe Chambers of LIC Western Zonal Office, Fort, Mumbai. “Tribes India Showroom” is an initiative of TRIFED, Ministry of Tribal Affairs to promote the livelihood of the tribal people marketing. “Tribes India on Wheels” is also launched by TRIFED to boost the sales and enhance tribal income in these challenging times. It is a mobile van stacked fully with Van Dhan natural produce, immunity boosters including other tribal products and aims to deliver these products directly to the customer’s doorstep in 150 cities across the nation. The van brings various kinds of immunity boosting products like wild honey, organic haldi, amla, ginger, black pepper etc.

 

2. Launch of Online system of “Registration and Renewal” for Jewellers: An online system of Registration and Renewal of Jewellers has been virtually launched by the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan. The minister also launched the online system of recognition and renewal of the Assaying and Hallmarking Centres. These systems are expected to bring about ease of doing business for the jewellers as well as the entrepreneurs. Those jewellers and the entrepreneurs who have established Assaying and Hallmarking Centres or wish to do so, can access these newly launched online systems through Bureau of Indian Standards web portal. Hallmarking of precious metals will become mandatory from 1st June 2021. Those jewellers who are seeking to obtain a license can apply online and submit required necessary documents including fees through this online portal. These portals will ensure the availability of the gold jewellery of proven quality as well as purity to the consumers.

 

3. India’s longest river ropeway inaugurated in Assam: The longest river ropeway of India has been inaugurated in Assam. The ropeway is 1.8 Km long and connects Guwahati and North Guwahati over Brahmaputra river. The ropeway will be operated from Kachari Ghat in Guwahati to Dol Govinda temple in North Guwahati. The new ropeway service empowered with state-of-the-art technology will decrease the travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati. It is also expected to strengthen the tourism sector as it will enable people to see the landscapes of Guwahati city, mighty Brahmaputra including the Umananda Temple on Peacock Island.

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

 

4. Nitin Gadkari launches “Harit Path” app to monitor plantation: Union Minister for road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari has launched a mobile app named ‘Harit Path’ to monitor plantation along national highways. Under this initiative, the NHAI planted over 25 lakh plants in 25 days along the stretches of the national highways between July 21 and August 15, 2020. About “Harit Path” app:

(1) The minister launched ‘Harit Path’, a mobile app to monitor the plantations through geo-tagging and web-based GIS-enabled monitoring tools.

(2) The GPS-based app has been developed by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Road and Transport.

(3) The app helps to monitor location, growth, species details, maintenance activities, targets and achievements of each of its field units for each and every plant under all plantation projects.

To commemorate 25 years of its service to the nation, the National Highways Authority of India has also recently undertaken ‘Harit Bharat Sankalp’, a nation-wide plantation drive which is in line with NHAI’s commitment to promoting environmental protection and sustainability.

 

5. Harsh Vardhan launches game on COVID-19 “The Corona Fighters”: Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has launched a game on COVID-19 titled as “The Corona Fighters”. The game has been launched with a target to influence the players’ actions in the real world, reminding them to take the right precautions and escape infection. So, this game is a new and extremely creative method to teach people the right tools as well as behaviours to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with “The Corona Fighters” game, the minister also launched IEC’s two promotional videos urging adherence to key COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviours. Both products will seek to influence children, and through them the elders in the community, and spread the message as well as importance of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.

 

6. A book titled “Gastric Cancer” released by Jitendra Singh: Union Minister, Jitendra Singh has released a book on cancer named “Gastric Cancer” edited by Dr Ashok K. Vaid. The book was launched during a special session organized during the 3-day virtual conference on Oncology. The book is published by Springer Healthcare Education. Ashok K. Vaid is a Noted Oncologist and was awarded Padma Shri in 2009 for his outstanding work in the field of medicine.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Uttar Pradesh Govt Inks Deal with Israel for Bundelkhand water crisis solution: The Government of Uttar Pradesh has signed a ‘plan of cooperation’ with the Government of Israel for the management of water resources in Bundelkhand region of the state, which faces potable water shortage in summers. The plan of cooperation for the ‘India –Israel – Bundelkhand Water Project’ was signed by the Israeli ambassador to India, Ron Malka, and UP’s Agriculture Production Commissioner Alok Sinha on 20 August, the day on which ‘India Day’ is celebrated in Israel. The agreement has been signed for a period of two years and will be extended later. The Bundelkhand Water Project comprises of three key components – water conservation, water efficient transportation and advanced water practices for agriculture. Under this project 28 districts across the country, including two in Uttar Pradesh, have been selected. In the first phase, 25 villages in Babina block of Jhansi district had been selected. The project will provide farmers of the Bundelkhand region with latest farming technologies, including drip irrigation. The water reservoir of Pahuj dam in Jhansi will be enabled with integrated drip irrigation.

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

Prime Minister of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu; Capital: Jerusalem; Currency: Israeli Shekel

 

2. International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition: 23rd August: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is a UNESCO designated day held every year on August 23 to memorialize the transatlantic slave trade. It was on the night of 22 and 23 August 1791, in Santo Domingo (today Haiti and the Dominican Republic) that saw the beginning of the uprising that would play a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. It is a day to honour  the  memory  of  the  men  and  women  who,  in  Saint-Domingue  in  1791,  revolted  and  paved  the  way  for  the  end  of  slavery  and  dehumanization.

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

 

1. Jacques Kallis, Zaheer Abbas & Lisa Sthalekar inducted into ICC Hall of Fame: Legendary South African all-rounder Jaques Kallis, Pakistan batting great Zaheer Abbas and Pune-born former Australian captain Lisa Sthalekar were inducted into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame in a virtual ceremony. Kallis represented South Africa in 166 Tests, 328 ODIs and 25 T20s between 1995 and 2014. Kallis is the fourth South African player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Zaheer Abbas played 78 Tests and 62 ODIs for Pakistan, accumulating 5062 and 2572 runs respectively. He averaged over 40 in both the formats. Abbas is the sixth Pakistani player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Sthalekar represented Australia in eight Tests, 125 ODIs and 54 T20s. Sthalekar is the 27th from Australia and the ninth woman player in the list, which includes five from her country.

Note: CEO of ICC: Manu Sawhney; Headquarters of ICC: Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Chairman of ICC: Imran Khwaja (Interim).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Axis Bank launches hiring initiative named ‘Gig-a-Opportunities’: Axis Bank has launched a new initiative named ‘Gig-a-Opportunities’. The initiative aims to attract skilled talent that can work with the bank remotely, from anywhere in the country. This hiring model comprises two working patterns. One is the full-time permanent job and the second is based on the duration of a project and is temporary in nature. Axis Bank aims to employ 800-1000 people over the next under this initiative.

Note: MD and CEO of Axis Bank: Amitabh Chaudhry; Axis Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Axis Bank Founded: 1993, Ahmedabad.

 

2. ICICI Lombard, Bharti AXA to merge general insurance businesses: ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company and Bharti AXA General Insurance Company have announced the merger of their businesses. The merger would result in an entity with a combined annual premium of Rs 16,447 crore and a market share of nearly 8.7%. The merger will happen through a scheme of arrangement. About the deal:

(1) The board of directors of ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company and Bharti AXA General Insurance Company at their respective meetings approved entering into definitive agreements for demerger of Bharti AXA’s non-life insurance business into ICICI Lombard through a Scheme of Arrangement.

(2) Once the deal is completed the combined entity will become the largest private non-life insurer and the 3rd largest non-life insurer in the general insurance industry after New India Assurance and United India Insurance.

(3) The shareholders of Bharti AXA will receive 2 shares of ICICI Lombard for every 115 shares of Bharti AXA, held by them as on the date on which the scheme is approved by the board.

(4) As a part of the deal, shareholders of the demerged company( i.e. Bharti and AXA) will be allotted equity shares of the combined entity of Rs 10 each, where Bharti will receive 18.23 million shares and AXA will receive 17.52 million shares which will amount to 521 million euro.

(5) Currently, promoter ICICI Bank Ltd holds is 51.89% stake in ICICI Lombard & the rest by the public. After the deal, ICICI Bank Ltd stake will come down to 48.11%.

(6) Post the merger, no special rights will be given to Bharti Enterprises or AXA and they will be categorised as public shareholders in the combined entity after the deal. Both Bharti Enterprises and AXA will exit the non-life business after the merger.

Note: Bharti AXA General Insurance Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Bharti AXA General Insurance MD and CEO: Sanjeev Srinivasan.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Headquarter: Mumbai, Maharashtra; ICICI Lombard General Insurance MD & CEO: Bhargav Dasgupta.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Coast Guard launches Interceptor Boat ‘ICGS C-454’: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has launched an Interceptor Boat ‘ICGS C-454’ in Surat, Gujarat. The Interceptor Boat ‘ICGS C-454’ has been built by Larsen and Toubro and it has a maximum speed of 45 nautical miles or 83 kilometers per hour. The newly launched Interceptor Boat ‘ICGS C-454’ is a 27-meter-long boat with average draft of 1.4 meter and empowered with excellent seakeeping, maneuverability and endurance range of 500 nautical miles.

Note: Director-General of Indian Coast Guard: Krishnaswamy Natarajan. 

Daily GK Updates - 22nd Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. DRDO Successfully Test Fires First Pinaka Rockets Produced by Private Sector: The Indian Army successfully test-fired the first ever privately manufactured Pinaka rockets recently from the firing range in Pokharan, which achieved the desired results by accurately hitting targets. The rockets have been manufactured by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL) and are the first ammunition of its kind made by the private sector in India. Six Pinaka rockets were test fired as part of the final developmental trials. This development will enable Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to do away with its single source dependency on Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) for the rockets and also boost Make in India initiative.

 

2. “Ek Sankalp-Bujurgo ke naam” campaign in Madhya Pradesh: The Chhatarpur Police of Madhya Pradesh has been running a campaign “Ek Sankalp-Bujurgo ke naam” in the midst of corona infection in the state. “Ek Sankalp-Bujurgo ke naam” i.e. ‘a commitment for elders’ is proving to be a boon for the elderly and helpless people living alone in homes during the global pandemic COVID-19. Under this campaign, the police personnels are taking care of the elderly people from the food to their health. This campaign is in line of the motto of Madhya Pradesh Police i.e. “Desh Bhakti-Jansewa”. Under this, 3000 senior citizens of district have been selected by the Chhatarpur police whose children are away from them and they are living alone in the home.

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

 

3. IIM Kozhikode signs MoU with Switzerland-based HELP Logistics: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) with the Switzerland-based HELP Logistics. The partnership between the two entities seeks to produce humanitarian logistics in India and the region by offering consulting services as well as logistics training for the humanitarian community such as United Nations bodies, government institutions and non-governmental organisations. The partnership will also work towards improving regional knowledge on humanitarian logistics matters as the two entities will together carry out activities that integrate efforts to shape supply chains that benefit humanity during a humanitarian crisis.

Note: Switzerland Currency: Swiss franc; Capital: None (de jure), Bern (de facto)

 

4. Ministry of Skill Development partners with Ministry of Shipping: Ministry of Skill Development has inked an MoU with Ministry of Shipping to promote skill development in port and maritime sector. The partnership between the two ministries seeks to skill, re-skill and up-skill the manpower for the growing maritime industry as well as development of coastal community. The Memorandum of Understanding will offer extensive employment opportunities to the youth of coastal areas. It will also strengthen the commitment of Coastal Community Development under Sagar Mala programme launched by the Ministry of Shipping. It will work towards nurturing the skilled manpower for the development of ports as well as maritime sector of India and globally.

Note: Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: Mahendra Nath Pandey.

Ministers of State (I/C) of Shipping: Mansukh L. Mandaviya.

 

5. Rajiv Kumar appointed as new Election Commissioner: The Government of India has appointed Rajiv Kumar as the new Election Commissioner of India. Rajiv Kumar will be appointed as the election commissioner “with effect from the date he assumes the office. He will succeed Ashok Lavasa who has submitted his resignation to the Indian President. Rajiv Kumar is a 1984-batch IAS officer from Jharkhand cadre. He was designated as finance secretary in July 2019 and during his tenure he played a major role in merging 10 public sector banks into four. He has also served as establishment officer (EO) in the personnel ministry.

 

6. MeitY launches “Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge”: “Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge– Innovate Solutions for #Aatmanirbhar Bharat” has been launched by the Union Minister of Law & Justice, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad. It aims to invite innovators, startups and students to use two microprocessors namely “SHAKTI (32 bit) and VEGA (64 bit)” to develop various technology products. SHAKTI & VEGA microprocessors have been developed by IIT Madras and Center for Development of Advance Computing (CDAC) respectively. The Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge will provide momentum to the strong ecosystem of Start-up, innovation as well as research in India. The challenge has been made open to students at all levels and startups.

 

7. Bhagat Singh Koshyari took additional charge as Goa Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari (78 years) has been sworn in as Governor of Goa at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Panaji. He was administered the oath by Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Justice Dipankar Datta. He is the Governor of Maharashtra and will continue to be in position, along with additional charge of Goa. He succeeded Satya Pal Malik who was transferred from Goa and appointed Governor of Meghalaya.

Note: Goa’s Chief Minister: Pramod Sawant

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Francisco Asue reappointed as PM of Equatorial Guinea: Francisco Pascual Eyegue Obama Asue was reappointed as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea for 3rd consecutive term. On 14th August 2020, The Asue government tendered the resignation to President Teodoro Obiang, following the criticism of the president. The government was dissolved to resolve the economic situation. Francisco Asue was first appointed as the Prime Minister of Equatorial Guinea on 23rd June 2016. Equatorial Guinea, a central African oil producer, has suffered double economic shock due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the drop in the price of crude, which is the source of three-quarters of the state’s revenue. According to the International Monetary Fund figures, the country’s economy is expected to contract by 5.5% in 2020.

Note: Republic of Equatorial Guinea President: Teodoro Obiang; Republic of Equatorial Guinea Capital: Malabo; Republic of Equatorial Guinea Currency: Central African CFA franc.

 

2. US Senator Kamala Harris nominated as US Democratic Party candidate: US Senator Kamala Harris becomes first Indian American to accept nomination for the US vice Presidential candidate for Democratic Party. She is an American politician and lawyer who have served as the junior United States senator from California since 2017. She is the first Asian-American, and the third female vice presidential candidate. 2020 United States presidential election (the 59th quadrennial presidential election) is scheduled to be held on November 3, 2020

 

3. International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief: 22nd August: The second annual International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is being observed on 22 August 22, 2020. The international day aims to remember the victims and survivors of evil acts on the basis of or in the name of religion or belief. It aims to spread awareness that international communities must work together to achieve justice for the survivors of past abuses by holding perpetrators accountable, and demonstrating to governments that action must be taken to ‘never again’ tolerate genocide or other atrocities. The day was adopted at the 73rd UN General Assembly on 28 May 2019 as proposed by Poland.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Ronnie O’Sullivan wins World Snooker Championship 2020: Ronnie O’Sullivan defeated Kyren Wilson with a score of 18-8 to win the World Snooker Championship 2020. He has claimed his sixth World Championship title at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. Witch his victory, Ronnie O’Sullivan has also become the oldest winner of World Snooker Championship since Reardon, who was 45 in 1978. He has also advanced to the second spot in the world rankings behind last year’s champion Judd Trump.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HSBC India launches “Green Deposit Programme”: A “Green Deposit Programme” has been launched by the HSBC India. The “green deposit programme” has been launched exclusively for corporate clients. Under this programme, the bank will use the deposits to finance green initiatives and environment friendly projects. With this, the deposit scheme launched by the HSBC India will provide its corporate clients stable and pre-agreed returns along with the same protection as a normal bank deposit does. The deposit under the “Green Deposit Programme” will come in the form of a term deposit with higher interests as compared to savings deposits. The scheme will finance eligible businesses and projects that encourage the transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient and sustainable economy. Under this, the clients will also receive quarterly reports comprising portfolio-level information about the use of the deposited funds.

Note: HSBC Headquarters: London

HSBC India CEO: Surendra Rosha; Headquarters: Mumbai

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. CCI approves proposed acquisition of C&S Electric by Siemens: The proposed acquisition of C&S Electric Limited by Siemens Limited has received the approval of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The proposed combination envisions acquisition of 100% of the share capital of C&S Electric Limited (C&S) by Siemens Limited (Siemens India). Siemens India supplies smart mobility solutions for rail as well as road transport, including infrastructure solutions for Smart Cities. It focuses on the areas of power generation and distribution along with intelligent infrastructure for buildings and distributed energy systems. While, C&S Electric Limited is engaged in the manufacturing of a range of electrical switchgear, power protection and electrical distribution products. It is also indulged in electrical contracting business which performs turn key solutions for industrial and commercial electrification, substations and power plants.

Note: Chairperson of Competition Commission of India: Ashok Kumar Gupta.