Daily GK Updates - 3rd Sept, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Power Minister RK Singh launches “Green Term Ahead Market”: Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Raj Kumar Singh launched the Pan-India Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) in New Delhi virtually, for electricity. GTAM is the World’s First Exclusive Product Market for the renewable energy sector. GTAM will lead to an increase in the number of participants in the Renewable Energy Sector. It will benefit buyers of Renewable Energy (RE) by providing them competitive prices, and transparent, flexible procurement. Benefits of Green Term Ahead Market:

(1) It will benefit RE sellers by providing them access to the Pan-India market.

(2) It will help in achieving the Government of India’s target of 175 GigaWatt (GW) RE Capacity by 2022.

(3) The initiative promotes RE merchant capacity addition and helps in achieving the RE capacity additions across the country.

(4) GTAM contracts will provide additional avenues to RE Generators for the sale of renewable energy.

 

2. Government of India Blocks 118 Mobile Apps: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India has decided to block 118 mobile apps in view of the emergent nature of threats. These applications have been blocked as there was information that these apps are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state as well as public order. The step is expected to safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users and will also ensure safety, security and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace.

118 mobile apps have been blocked by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology by invoking it’s power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009.

 

3. Ladakh, Lakshadweep joins ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ scheme: The Union Territories (UTs) Ladakh & Lakshadweep have been included in the ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ scheme on ‘Integrated Management of Public Distribution System’ (IM-PDS). After the integration of these two UTs, a total of 26 States /UTs Connected with the Scheme and will benefit about 65 crore people. Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan has recently approved the integration of Ladakh and Lakshadweep with the scheme in a review meeting chaired by him. Ladakh and Lakshadweep have completed the trial and testing of national portability transactions with other states/UTs in the national cluster. The remaining states will be integrated into the scheme by March 2021.

Note: Lieutenant Governorof Ladakh: Radha Krishna Mathur; Ladakh Capital: Leh & Kargil.

Lakshadweep Capital: Kavaratti; Lakshadweep Administrator: Dineshwar Sharma.

 

4. National Nutrition Week 2020: National Nutrition Week is observed every year from 1st September to 7th September since 1982 and can be considered a significant period to raise awareness on the therapeutic effects of foods. The events of NNW are organised by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), Government of India to educate the importance and role of nutrition in the human body.

Note: Minister of Women and Child Development: Smriti Zubin Irani.

 

5. Madhya Pradesh govt launches ‘Gandagi Bharat Chhodo’ campaign: Madhya Pradesh government has launched a 15-day campaign named ‘Gandagi Bharat Chhodo’. Under the campaign awareness programmes were organized in seven thousand 178 settlements. About 35 lakh people from 378 urban bodies in Madhya Pradesh took part in the campaign. Under the Gandagi Bharat Chhodo campaign:

(1) During the campaign, as per the performance of the urban bodies, the best ones were awarded by the chief minister.

(2) During the campaign over 7 lakh, people took the oath to maintain cleanliness and eight lakh 70 thousand people were approached to make compost from wet waste.

(3) Four lakh 65 thousand masks were distributed with the help of citizens under the mask awareness campaign.

(4) About 10,000 Corona Warrior sanitation workers were honoured. A total of 18 thousand 560 challans were made against polythene carry-bags.

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

 

6. Usha Padhee becomes 1st woman DG of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security: Joint secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Usha Padhee has been given additional charge as Director-General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). She is the first woman and third IAS officer to have been appointed to the post. The central deputation tenure of Usha is scheduled to end on 16th July 2022. She succeeds Rakesh Asthana (IPS) who was appointed as the Director-General of Border Security Force (BSF) on 17th August 2020.

 

7. Union Cabinet approves J&K official languages Bill 2020: The Union Cabinet has approved J&K official languages Bill 2020. According to the J&K official languages Bill 2020, Kashmiri, Dogri and Hindi along with Urdu and English, will be the official languages in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The J&K official languages Bill 2020 will be introduced in Parliament in the upcoming Monsoon Session. This bill will include Dogri, Hindi and Kashmiri as officials’ languages of the Union Territory.

Note: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir: Manoj Sinha;

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting: Prakash Javadekar.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Japan, and Australia to launch trilateral Supply Chain Resilience Initiative in Indo-Pacific region: The trade ministers of India-Japan-Australia held a trilateral meeting on 01 September through videoconferencing to plan on launching a trilateral Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) for building a resilient supply chain in the Indo-Pacific region. The main motive of the trilateral Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) is to reduce dependency on China and create a free and transparent trade & investment environment. The virtual meeting was addressed by Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator Simon Birmingham, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kajiyama Hiroshi. The initiative was first proposed by Japan. The new initiative is expected to be launched by 2020 end. The ministers have called on other countries in the region with similar views to join the initiative.

 

2. India ranks 48th in Global Innovation Index 2020: India has joined the group of top 50 countries in the global innovation index for the first time, moving up four places to the 48th rank and keeping the top position among the nations in central and southern Asia. India ranks in the top 15 in indicators such as ICT (Information and Communication Technology) services exports, government online services, graduates in science and engineering, and R&D-intensive global companies. Switzerland, Sweden, the US, the UK and the Netherlands lead the innovation ranking, and the top 5 positions are dominated by high-income countries. The 13th edition of the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2020 has jointly released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Cornell University and INSEAD Business School.

About the Global Innovation Index (GII): The Global Innovation Index (GII) provides detailed metrics about the innovation performance of 131 countries and economies around the world. Its 80 indicators explore a broad vision of innovation, including political environment, education, infrastructure and business sophistication.

 

3. India Placed 72nd on global list with average monthly wage of Rs 32,800: With an average monthly wage of Rs 32,800 (USD 437), India has been ranked a lowly 72nd among 106 countries in terms of the average wage per month, while Switzerland topped the chart, according to a global ranking of average wages prepared by Picodi.com, an international e-commerce platform which provides discount coupons. Switzerland, where the average wage converted into rupees amounts to Rs 4,49,000 (USD 5,989), topped the ranking, while in Cuba the average wage is the lowest at Rs 2,700 (USD 36), report said.

 

4. A new book titled “Let Us Dream” by Pope Francis: Pope Francis is set to release the book “Let Us Dream” in December 2020. In the book, Pope Francis explains how a crisis can teach an individual to deal with problems they face in their lives. He cites three major crises from his own personal life. The book will be an outcome of numerous exchanges between Pope Francis and his Biographer Austen Ivereigh in the weeks following the Coronavirus outbreak around the world. Austen Ivereigh is a Roman Catholic Journalist, Commentator, the author based out of Britain. The book is being published by Simon & Schuster and will be released in English and Spanish Editions simultaneously.

 

5. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina re-elected as President of the African Development Bank Group: Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina was re-elected to serve a second five-year term as president of the African Development Bank Group by the board of governors of the bank. Adesinae was first elected as president of the bank on May 28, 2015. As newly re-elected president, Dr Adesina, a former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, will begin his new term on this Sept 1.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. S Krishnan becomes new MD & CEO of Punjab & Sind Bank: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of S Krishnan as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Punjab & Sind Bank. He will replace S Harishankar. ACC has given permission to S Harishankar to voluntarily retire with effect from the date of notification of the acceptance. Earlier to this elevation, S Krishnan was as an Executive Director at Canara Bank.

Note: Punjab & Sind Bank Non-Executive Chairman: Dr Charan Singh; Punjab & Sind BankHeadQuarters: NewDelhi, India; Punjab & Sind Bank Tagline: Where Service is a Way of Life.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Adani Group buys 74% stake in Mumbai International Airport: Adani Group has acquired 74% stake in Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) that operates Mumbai Airport. Mumbai Airport is the second largest airport in India. Under this, Adani Group will acquire 50.5% stake of GVK group. Additionally, Adani will also acquire 23.5% stake of minority partners Airport Company of South Africa (ACSA) and Bidvest. The acquisition will also give Adani’s ownership of the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport in which MIAL holds 74% stake.

 

2. Myntra appoints Kiara Advani as brand ambassador: E-commerce website Myntra has appointed Kiara Advani as its brand ambassador. Actress Kiara Advani will be the brand ambassador and nationwide celebrity endorser for Myntra. Her mass appeal as an actor and fashion trendsetter is poised to accelerate conversations around Myntra’s apparel segments.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Hyderabad International Airport wins CII-GBC ‘National Energy Leader’ award: The Hyderabad International Airport or GMR led Rajiv Gandhi International Airport won the ‘National Energy Leader’ and ‘Excellent Energy Efficient Unit’ awards at the 21st National Awards for ‘Excellence in Energy Management’.  Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited-Vizag Steel Plant (RINL-VSP) has also been awarded ‘Excellent Energy Efficient Unit’ award by CII-GBC in national award competition for excellence in energy management.

About CII-GBC ‘National Energy Leader’ award: The ‘National Awards for Excellence in Energy Management’ is instituted by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Godrej Green Business Centre (GBC) to recognize significant and innovative practices of the energy efficiency sector, for the energy-efficient and sustainable growth of the Indian industry.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Katyayani Shankar Bajpai, Doyen of Indian Foreign Policy, passes away: Former diplomat Katyayani Shankar Bajpai, who had been the ambassador in India’s three most important and challenging posts, has passed away at the age of 92. Bajpai served as India’s ambassador to the US, China, and Pakistan. He had also served as the Chairman National Security Advisory Board from 2008 to 2010. Popularly known as Shankar Bajpai, he was the son of Girja Shankar Bajpai, first secretary-general of the Ministry of External Affairs. 

Daily GK Updates - 2nd Sept, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CFI to host first-ever Cycling Summit in 2021: The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) is all set to host the first-ever Cycling Summit in 2021, with an aim to promote the culture of cycling in the country. This one-day summit is designed to promote the culture of cycling and exchange knowledge with budding and professional cyclists.

The Cycling Summit 2021 will be hosted in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore and is expected to be a unique confluence of cycling enthusiasts, renowned athletes, and businesses from all over the country.  The Cycling Summit 2021 will consist of cyclists, athletes, fitness and sports enthusiasts, cycling coaches, health and nutrition experts, and influencers. There will also be indigenous and global brands that cater to the needs of health, fitness and cycling enthusiasts. The summit is estimated to attract around 25,000 people in each city.

Note: President of Cycling Federation of India: Parminder Singh Dhindsa; Cycling Federation of India Established: 1946; Cycling Federation of India Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

2. IIT-Bombay students launch AI-based scanning app “AIR Scanner”: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, students have launched a free-of-cost mobile scanner application “AIR Scanner”. The app saves the scanned document in PDF format and stores directly in the device. The AI (Artificial Intelligence) based Reading Assistant and Document Scanner app is developed by Rohit Kumar Chaudhary and Kavin Agrawal. About “AIR Scanner” App: AIR Scanner app does not collect any information about the user and all the documents are stored in the phone’s local storage. The document scanned using a mobile camera will be saved in PDF format and will be stored in the device only.

Note: IIT-Bombay Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Director of IIT-Bombay: Subhasis Chaudhuri.

 

3. Aveek Sarkar becomes new Chairman of Press Trust of India: The Editor Emeritus and Vice Chairman of the Ananda Bazar Group of Publications, Aveek Sarkar has been elected as the chairman of Press Trust of India (PTI). He succeeds Vijay Kumar Chopra, Chief Editor of the Punjab Kesari Group of newspapers. Aveek Sarkar was the founding Managing Director of Penguin India, the Indian counterpart of Penguin Books, the founding Editor of Business Standard and also the pivotal figure behind the acquisition of STAR News by the ABP Group in 2003.

Note: PTI Headquarters location: New Delhi; PTI Founded: 27 August 1947.

 

4. Hemant Khatri becomes new CMD of Hindustan Shipyard Limited: Commodore, Hemant Khatri (Retd) has assumed charge as the Chairman and Managing Director of state-owned defence shipbuilder, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. He will replace Rear Admiral L V Sarat Babu (Retd). Previously, Hemant Khatri was serving as the Director of Strategic Projects HSL. Hemant Khatri was appointed as the CMD of HSL was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on 27th May 2020 with effective from 1st September 2020 till 31st July 2025 the date of his superannuation or until further orders.

Note: Hindustan Shipyard Ltd Established: 22 June 1941; Hindustan Shipyard Ltd Headquarters: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

 

5. Tamil Nadu appoints India’s 1st-ever woman ambulance driver: Tamil Nadu has appointed India’s first-ever woman ambulance driver, M Veeralakshmi under a new initiative by CM Palaniswami. M Veeralakshmi was appointed as the driver of one of the newly launched ‘108’ ambulances. As per the Tamil Nadu government, this is the first such instance in the country. Palaniswami on March 24, had announced that to strengthen the 108 ambulance emergency services, ‘500 new ambulances would be dedicated to the state at a cost of about Rs 125 crore’.

Note: Tamil Nadu's Governor: Banwarilal Purohit; Tamil Nadu's Capital: Chennai

 

6. A book title “The Big Thoughts of Little Luv” authored by Karan Johar: Bollywood Filmmaker, Karan Johar authored a children’s picture book titled “The Big Thoughts of Little Luv” inspired by his Twins Yash and Roohi. The book will be published by Juggernaut Books. The book narrates the story of the twins Luv and Kusha and features the challenges faced by the parents and the difference imposed between the boys and girls by the parents while raising them. Karan Johar released his autobiography titled “An Unsuitable Boy” in 2017.

 

7. Centre to develop three Bamboo Clusters in Jammu, Katra and Samba areas of J&K: Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh said that three Bamboo Clusters will be developed in Jammu, Katra and Samba areas for making of Bamboo basketry, Agarbatti and Bamboo Charcol. Apart from this a Mega Bamboo Industrial Park at Ghati near Jammu and Bamboo Technology Training Centre will also come up in the region. It will provide direct employment to nearly 25 thousand people.

 

8. Tripura University scientist designs WARBOT to protect doctors: To extend a big help to the doctors, attending the infected patients, a scientist at Tripura University has designed a robot which can prevent the doctors, nurses and health staff from getting infected while they come in contact with patients infected with the virus. The robot is named as Covid-19 WARBOT. The “COVID 19 Warbot” stands upon a box-shaped structure that has been attached to four wheels that ensures the free movement of it. The electronic transmission system has been used in it so that it can be operated from 20-meter distance at the most and it has the ability to bear a weight of 30 Kgs.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mustapha Adib becomes new Prime Minister of Lebanon: Lebanon’s ambassador to Germany, Mustapha Adib was appointed prime minister in crisis-hit Lebanon. Adib, who has been Beirut’s Berlin envoy since 2013, is affiliated with a small Sunni party headed by former Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Days after the blast, the government of Prime Minister Hassan Diab, a self-styled technocrat, stepped down. President Michel Aoun asked Lebanon’s ambassador to Germany Mr Adib to form a new government after he secured 90 votes in the 128-member Parliament.

Note: Capital of Lebanon: Beirut; Currency of Lebanon: Lebanese pound.

 

2. Ericsson & UNICEF Partnered to Map School Internet Connectivity in 35 Countries: Ericsson, Swedish Telecom Company, partnered with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to map internet connectivity landscape for schools in 35 countries by the end of 2023 to provide digital learning access to the children. This joint initiative is a part of the Giga initiative launched by UNICEF and International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in September 2019 to provide internet connection to every school and their surrounding communities. Ericsson is the first private sector partner to make a million-dollar invest to the Giga initiative and global UNICEF partner for School Connectivity Mapping.

Note: UNICEF Headquarters: New York; Head: Henrietta H. Fore; Founded: 11 December 1946

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

 

1. AIFC, FCA signs MoU for the development of football in India and Australia: The Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Football Coaches Australia (FCA) for the development of football in India and Australia. The aim is to promote enrollment of female coaches and make football more accessible for all participants. Highlights:

(1) Under this MoU, standard contracts for the coaches with the country will be introduced. This will inturn provide the minimum employment conditions and structured and resourced process for termination of employment.

(2) The two firm will look to encourage the involvement of more female coaches and increase access to football for all participants.

(3) The move aims to use the opportunities for both parties to collectively advance professional development, cultural, employment, and commercial opportunities for football coaches.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Announces Measures to Foster Orderly Market Conditions: The Reserve Bank of India has announced the following measures to ensure the orderly functioning of financial markets in India (weakened due to COVID-19):

(1) Additional special open market operation of Rs 20,000 crore: The Reserve Bank will conduct additional special open market operation involving the simultaneous purchase and sale of Government securities for an aggregate amount of Rs. 20,000 crore in two tranches of Rs. 10,000 crore each.

(2) Term repo operations for an aggregate amount of Rs. 100,000 crore: The Reserve Bank will conduct term repo operations for an aggregate amount of ₹100,000 crore at floating rates (i.e., at the prevailing repo rate) in the middle of September 2020 to assuage pressures on the market on account of advance tax outflows. The banks which had availed of funds under the previous long-term repo operations (LTROs) may reduce their interest liability by returning funds taken at the repo rate prevailing at that time (5.15 per cent) and availing funds at the current repo rate of 4 per cent.

(3) Increase of HTM up to an overall limit of 22 per cent of NDTL: Currently, banks are required to maintain 18 per cent of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) in SLR securities. The extant limit for investments that can be held in HTM category is 25 per cent of total investment. Banks are allowed to exceed this limit provided the excess is invested in SLR securities within an overall limit of 19.5 per cent of NDTL. RBI has decided to allow banks to hold fresh acquisitions of SLR securities acquired from September 1, 2020 under HTM up to an overall limit of 22 per cent of NDTL up to March 31, 2021.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. ICICI Prudential Life launched voice chatbot “LiGo” on Google Assistant: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited has introduced an Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered voice chatbot, “LiGo”, on Google Assistant. This will enable the company’s policyholders to address their queries by simple voice commands. It provides an easy to use and convenient service touch-point for customers. About LiGo on Google Assistant:

(1) Expanding the functionalities of LiGo to Google Assistant is part of the company’s strategy to be on platforms that customers prefer and to offer them an immersive experience.

(2) The customers by activating ‘Google Assistant’ on their Android smartphones and speaking out their policy number or registered phone number, they can instantly access the information about their policies.

(3) The assistance is available in ‘Indian English’ and supports 9 Indian Languages.

(4) The introduction provides an additional layer of convenience for customers, i.e., further strengthens the digital platform.

Note: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited CMD:  N. S. Kannan.; ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited Head Office: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

           

DEFENCE

 

1. Committee set up to review effective utilisation of AFHQ CS cadre: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the setting up of 3-member committee headed by Lt. Gen. Shekatkar (retired) to review the effective utilisation of the Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services (AFHQ CS) cadre. Two other members of the committee are R. Chandrashekhar, a retired AFHQ cadre officer, and AN Das from the MoD finance wing. The committee will enable the Defence Ministry to optimise the civil as well as military administrative appointments in the service headquarters.

The 3-member committee will conduct a study and find out such appointments in Service HQs and Inter-Service Organisations (ISO) that may fall under the domains of AFHQ CS officers as recognised in the report by the committee of experts due to their longer tenures and expertise. It will also interact with various branches, directorates of service headquarters as well as ISOs for the study. The committee is expected to submit its report by November.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. India’s 1st female cardiologist Dr S. Padmavati passes away: Noted cardiologist, Dr S Padmavati passed away at the age of 103 years due to COVID-19. She was the first female cardiologist of India and was popularly known as ”God Mother of Cardiology”. She was the founder of the National Heart Institute in 1981 and All India Heart Foundation in 1962. She was honoured with Fellowship of the American College of Cardiology and FAMS. She was also awarded with Padma Bhushan in 1967 and Padma Vibhushan in 1992. She was born in Burma (now Myanmar) in 1917, a year before the world was hit by the Spanish Flu pandemic. 

Daily GK Updates - 1st Sept, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Narendra Modi announced September to be observed as “Nutrition month”: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced to celebrate September 2020 as “Poshan Maah” or “Nutrition Month” during the monthly radio broadcast programme “Mann ki Baat”. He stated that to increase the awareness of nutrition among the children, the schools must introduce Nutrition Monitor and Nutrition Cards. During the Nutrition Month, Food and Nutrition Quiz and meme competition will be organised by the MyGov portal. The month will be celebrated across India to educate everyone on the importance of optimum nutrition. The nutrition month was celebrated earlier in September 2018 and 2019. New Initiative during “Nutrition Month”: Agriculture Fund of India with information about the crops of each district and their nutrition value are being prepared. A unique nutrition park has been created at the Statue of Unity, where people can witness the nutrition-related education along with other fun activities.

 

2. Dept. of Fertilizers observes Swachhta Pakhwada from 1-15 September 2020: Union Department of Fertilizers is observing Swachhta Pakhwada from 1st to 15th September 2020. All Public Sector Units as well as other Organizations under the Department are also participating in the Swachhta Abhiyan. Swachhta Pakhwada has become more relevant in year 2020 in view of the outbreak of COVID 19 pandemic. The initiative was launched to bring a fortnight of intense focus on the issues as well as practices of Swachhata by engaging GOI Ministries/Departments in their jurisdictions. The Ministries observing Swachhata Pakhwada are monitored closely with the help of online monitoring system of Swachhata Samiksha.

Note: Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers: DV Sadananda Gowda.

 

3. Rajiv Kumar takes charge as new Election Commissioner of India: Rajiv Kumar has taken the charge as the new Election Commissioner (EC) of India. He has joined the Election Commission of India with Chief Election Commissioner Shri Sunil Arora and Election Commissioner Shri Sushil Chandra. Rajiv Kumar is a 1984 batch Indian Administrative Service Officer, with more than 36 years of Government of India service. He has a very rich work experience across various sectors namely Social Sector, Environment & Forests, Human Resources, Finance and Banking Sector. He retired in February 2020 as Finance Secretary, Government of India and later on served as the Chairman of Public Enterprises Selection Board from April 2020 to 31st August 2020.

Note: Chief Election Commissioner of India: Sunil Arora

 

4. CSIR-CMERI develops World’s Largest Solar Tree: World’s Largest Solar Tree has been developed by the CSIR-CMERI. The solar tree has been installed at the Residential Colony of CSIR-CMERI in Durgapur, West Bengal. The solar tree has the annual capacity to generate 12,000-14,000 units of Clean and Green Power while its installed capacity is above 11.5 kWp. The Solar Tree has been designed in such a way that it ensures maximum exposure of each Solar PV Panel to Sunlight. A single solar tree comprises of 35 Solar PV Panels each having a capacity of 330 wp each. The energy generation data of the tree can be monitored either real-time or on daily basis. This tree will also ensure minimum Shadow Area which will make it available for usage in Agricultural activities like High Capacity Pumps, e-Tractors and e-Power Tillers.

 

5. “MEDBOT” medical trolley developed by Indian Railways: Indian Railways has developed a remote-controlled medical trolley named ‘MEDBOT’ to help deliver food and medicines to COVID-19 patients. During Corona crisis, apart from providing transport facilities and essential items like foodgrains to people, Indian Railways has also provided facilities for COVID-19 patients. It is providing service in the Central Hospital of the Diesel Rail Engine Factory of Indian Railways.

Note: Union Minister of Railways: Piyush Goyal.

 

6. Karnataka CM flags off first RORO train from Bengaluru to Solapur: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa flagged off Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) train between Bengaluru (Nelamangala) to Solapur (Maharashtra) through video conferencing. The train consists of an open flat wagon. It was flagged off from Nelamagala station. The train will take 17 hours to cover 682 kms and reach its final destination. This train can carry 42 trucks with goods at a time. RORO service reduces accidents on the road, improves safety, saves fuel, and foreign exchange. It will also ensure faster transportation of essential goods, food items, and cargo. Its USP lies in the fact that it can transport a large amount of goods and reduces pollution. Drivers and their assistants like cleaners of each truck will sit in their vehicles during the journey.

 

7. Indian Railway solarises more than 960 stations: The Indian Railways has solarised more than 960 stations till date, in order to achieve its objective of becoming 100 per cent self-sustainable for all it's power needs and also to contribute to national solar power goals. According to an official release, orders have been placed for 198 MW solar rooftop capacity for 550 stations which are under execution. Indian Railways had recently organised a meet of leading solar power developers who had shared their expectations of being partners in the journey of Indian Railways to become "net zero carbon emitter" before 2030. Indian Railways is set to produce solar energy for meeting all it's energy consumption needs of more than 33 billion units by 2030. Current annual requirement is about 20 billion units. Indian Railways has a mega plan for installing solar plants of 20 GW capacity by utilizing its vacant land by 2030. Some of the Stations solarised are Varanasi, New Delhi, Old Delhi, Jaipur, Secunderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Howrah etc.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Japan commits ODA of Rs 3500 crore to fight COVID-19 in India: India will receive an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of an amount of JPY50 billion (approx. Rs. 3,500 crore) from the government of Japan. Japan has committed the loan for the COVID-19 Crisis Emergency Response Support in order to fight the COVID-19 crisis. The ODA loan will support India’s efforts in its fight against COVID-19. It will also assist the country to prepare the health system to handle future epidemics. It will also increase the resilience of India’s health systems against infectious diseases. Japanese government has also committed Grant Assistance of an amount of JPY 1 billion (approx. Rs. 70 crore) for offering medical equipment to bolster the public health and medical system in India.

Note: Japan Capital: Tokyo; Currency: Japanese yen

 

2. India co-sponsors UN Security Council resolution on women peacekeepers: India has co-sponsored a Security Council resolution which was put forth by Indonesia. This resolution calls for full, effective and meaningful participation of women personnel in peacekeeping operations. The mission said India has set for itself during its tenure in the Security Council beginning 2021 that India will continue to push for greater involvement of women in all areas.

 

3. New Zealand’s stock exchange (NZX) resumes trading after cyber attacks: New Zealand's stock exchange resumed trading on 30th August, after facing disruptions for four consecutive days in the wake of cyber attacks this week, while the government said national security systems had been activated to support the bourse. There is no clarity on who was behind these two "offshore" attacks, but the failure to stop them has raised questions about New Zealand's security systems, experts said. Finance Minister Grant Robertson said the Government Communications Security Bureau and the national agency fighting cyber crime had been called in to help the bourse. NZX was hit on 26th and 27th by distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, a common way to disrupt a server by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic. The attacks forced NZX to halt trading in its cash markets, disrupting operations in its debt market, Fonterra Shareholders Market and derivatives market.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lewis Hamilton wins F1 Belgian Grand Prix 2020: Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain) has won the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix 2020 at Spa-Franco champs, Belgium. This was his 5th win of the season. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-Finland) came second followed by Max Verstappen (Red Bull – Netherlands) at third place.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Indian economy contracted by 23.9% in Q1 of 2020-21: The estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter (April-June) Q1 of 2020-21 has been released by the National Statistical Office(NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. NSSO has released the GDP estimates at both Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices. According to the latest release, the GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices in Q1 of 2020-21 is estimated at Rs 26.90 lakh crore. This value was Rs 35.35 lakh crore in Q1 of 2019-20. Hence, the Indian economy has experienced a contraction of 23.9% as compared to 5.2% growth in Q1 2019-20. While the GDP at Current Prices in the year Q1 2020-21 is estimated at Rs 38.08 lakh crore.

This value was Rs 49.18 lakh crore in Q1 2019-20. Hence, it showed a contraction of 22.6% as compared to 8.1% growth in Q1 2019-20.

Note: Ministers of State (I/C) for Statistics and Programme Implementation: Rao Inderjit Singh.

 

2. Pramod Chandra Mody gets 6-month extension as CBDT Chairman: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved extension in the re-appointment of Pramod Chandra Mody as Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for a period of six months with effect from 01.09.2020 to 28.02.2021 or until further orders. The CBDT is headed by a chairman and can have a maximum of six members. It frames policy for the Income-Tax Department. PC Mody, a 1982 batch Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax cadre) officer, was appointed the CBDT chief in February 2019. He was in August last year re-appointed on the post for one year, till August 31, 2020, beyond the date of his superannuation on August 31, 2019.

Note: Central Board of Direct Taxes Established: 1924; Central Board of Direct Taxes Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Reliance buys Kishore Biyani’s Future retail for Rs 24,713 crore: Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited will buy Kishore Biyani’s Future retail for Rs 24,713 crore. The first step in this acquisition will be the merger of five Future Group’s listed entities including Future Retail, Future Lifestyle and Future Consumer – into Future Enterprises (FEL). FEL will then sell the retail, wholesale business, logistics and warehouse business as a slump sale to Reliance Retail and Fashion Lifestyle Limited (RRFLL). RRFLL is a subsidiary of RRVL which in turn is a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited. This acquisition is subject to SEBI, CCI, NCLT, shareholders, creditors, and other requisite approvals.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Air Force Sports Control Board Gets Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2020: Air Force Sports Control Board was conferred with ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2020’ for the outstanding contribution in helping sportsperson to excel in their respective disciplines and implement robust sports welfare measures. The award is for sustained efforts towards encouragement and promotion of sports in the country and IAF in particular. Air Marshal MSG Menon, Air Officer-In-Charge Administration and President, Air Force Sports Control Board received the award from Hon’ble President of India in an organised online ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan.

Air Force Sports Control Board (AFSCB) is the apex body for planning and conduct of sports activities within the IAF and at Inter-Services level. It has been the constant endeavour of AFSCB to improve standards of IAF teams and to guide them in career progression as sportsmen in IAF.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. MoD signs contracts worth Rs 2580 Cr with BEML, TPCL & L&T: Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth Rs 2580 Cr with M/s. Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML), M/s. Tata Power Company Ltd. (TPCL) and M/s. Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The contract has been signed for supply of six Pinaka Regiments to the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army and hence will enhance the operation preparedness of our Armed Forces. Induction of Six Pinaka Regiments which comprise 114 Launchers with Automated Gun Aiming & Positioning System (AGAPS); 45 Command Posts to be procured from M/s TPCL and M/s L&T and 330 Vehicles to be procured from M/s BEML, is planned to be completed by 2024. It will also provide further boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of Government of India in the Defence Sector.

Note: Union Minister of Defence: Raj Nath Singh.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former President Pranab Mukherjee passes away: The former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee passed away at the age of 84. He had tested positive for the coronavirus disease before undergoing successful surgery to remove a brain clot. He was born in the village of Mirati in Birbhum district of West Bengal. He was fondly known as ‘Pranab Da’. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2019. He was the fifth president to receive this Bharat Ratna award. He held the important foreign, defence, commerce and finance portfolios as a Union minister across various Congress-led governments in the past. Before becoming finance minister for the first time as part of Indira Gandhi’s Cabinet in 1982, Mukherjee had served as a deputy minister for finance in 1973-74. 

Daily GK Updates - 31st Aug, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s 1st International Women’s Trade Centre to be set up in Kerala: Kerala will establish the first international women’s trade centre (IWTC) of India at Angamaly. The IWTC would be set by Kerala in consonance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The IWTC seeks to accelerate the women entrepreneurship and secure gender parity. It will also offer a safe place away from home to women to start new businesses, set up or expand, and get their products marketed globally. IWTC will also enable women entrepreneurs to participate in international trade, and enhance their competitiveness to tap market opportunities. Hence, it will enable women to enjoy greater economic benefits.

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

 

2. UP Government launches “Major Dhyan Chand Vijaypath Yojana”: “Major Dhyan Chand Vijaypath Yojana” has been launched by the Uttar Pradesh government. Under this scheme, 19 international players from the state of Uttar Pradesh will get road connectivity to their houses. The 19 international players who will be benefited from the scheme includes Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, former pacer Praveen Kumar, Piyush Chawla and Mohammad Kaif. The initial list of the beneficiaries includes 19 players, and more players will be added to the scheme in the coming future.

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

 

3. Gujarat to commence Seaplane service from 31 October 2020: The first-ever “seaplane services in Gujarat” will be commenced from 31 October 2020. The seaplane service will offer seamless and affordable air connectivity from Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to Statue of Unity in Kevadia in Gujarat. Spicejet Airline will operate the seaplane service to be commenced on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. To start Seaplane services in the state, the Gujarat government has signed a tripartite agreement with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), and Airports Authority of India.

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

Minister of State (I/C) for Civil Aviation: Hardeep Singh Puri.

 

4. Assam Government to set up Skill University worth Rs 900 Crore at Darrang district: The Assam Cabinet has approved the Assam Skill Development University Bill which allows for setting up a state-of-the-art skill University at Mangaldoi in Darrang district of Assam. The University at Mangaldoi will be the Centre of Excellence and first ever Skill University in north eastern states of the country. The total cost of setting up the University is estimated at Rs 900 crore with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank. It will be spread over 100-bigha plot. Assam government has also inked a memorandum of understanding recently with the ITE Education Service, Singapore, for training resource persons of the university.

 

5. CISF launches mobile app ‘Pension Corner’ for its retired personnels’: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched a mobile application ‘Pension Corner’ to cater to the needs of all its retired personnels. The in-house built app has been developed as part of an e-office initiative introduced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some important features of the app are: The app is available on both web and Android platforms. It includes an SMS invitation system to keep pensioners connected to the CISF for any important events happening at their nearest CISF unit across the country. It has inbuilt grievance redressal mechanism. All important circulars like job opportunities and benefits relating to pensioners will be available on the app.

 

6. IIT Hyderabad launches ‘world’s most affordable’ respirator mask: In a bid to help people protect themselves against COVID-19, the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, has launched a novel respirator mask in the country. The protective gear is said to be far better than standard N95 respirators in terms of protection and, the best part is, it will cost you just Rs. 13 per day. Officially dubbed US9, the new silicon-based respirator mask has been developed and commercialized by USafe Healthcare, the latest entrepreneurial entity from the Center for Healthcare Entrepreneurship at IIT-H.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Piyush Goyal Attends 8th East Asia Summit (Economic Ministers’ Meeting): The 8th East Asia Summit (Economic Ministers’ Meeting) was held virtually on 28 August 2020, to strengthen the regional supply chains, become resilient during this challenging time of Covid-19 pandemic, and to spur economic growth. The meeting was attended by the Economic ministers from the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) members and eight other nations, including India, the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Australia and New Zealand. The East Asia Summit 2020 was chaired by Vietnam’s Industry and Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh. The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal represented India in the Summit. The meeting concluded with a joint statement in which the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promote trade and investment, minimise disruptions to trade and global supply chains and facilitate supply chain connectivity, including for essential goods such as medical supplies, medicines, including vaccines, food, commodities and other essential supplies and services in the region.

 

2. Maldives launches India backed infrastructure projects: A ground-breaking ceremony for development of the Hulhumalé Central Park and renovation of the Arrival Jetty in Maldives financed by India was held marking yet another milestone in Delhi’s growing partnership with Male. The project is being executed by the HDC through an approximate 10 million Maldivian Rupee grant assistance from India. It is included under the 18 grant projects being funded by India in the Maldives under a total grant assistance of USD 6.9 million (MVR 106 million) extended in 2019.

Note: Maldives Capital: Malé; Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa

 

3. Amul becomes 1st Indian Dairy Company to Enter Rabobank’s Global Top 20, 2020 List: Amul, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) became the first Indian Dairy Company to enter Rabobank’s Annual listing of Global Dairy Top 20, 2020 Companies. Amul was ranked 16th with an annual turnover of USD 5.5 billion (approximately Rs 40,240 Crores). Switzerland’s Nestle topped the list with a turnover of USD 22.1 Billion, followed by France’s Lactalis with USD 21 Billion turnovers and US’ Dairy Farmers of America.

Note: AMUL: Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) is India’s largest food product marketing organization. It is an apex organization of Dairy Cooperatives of Gujarat, it aims to provide remunerative returns to the farmers and also serve the interest of consumers by providing quality products. It is based out of Anand, Gujarat, India. Its tagline is “The Taste of India”.

AMUL Managing Director: RS Sodhi.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Japan’s Olympic badminton gold medalist Ayaka Takahashi announces retirement: Japanese badminton player, Ayaka Takahashi, who is a doubles specialist has announced her retirement with effect from 31 August 2020. The 30-year-old player is known as the partner of Misaki Matsutomo. The pair, commonly known as “Taka-Matsu,” claimed Japan’s first ever Olympic badminton gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the women’s doubles event. Takahashi also captained Japan to its first women’s World Team Championships, (Uber Cup), in 2018.

 

2. Arsenal beat Liverpool on penalties to win 2020 FA Community Shield: Arsenal beat Premier League champions Liverpool by 5–4 on penalties to claim the 2020 FA Community Shield after a 1–1 draw. The annual football match was played between the winners of the previous season’s Premier League, Liverpool, and the previous season’s FA Cup, Arsenal, on 29 August at the Wembley Stadium in London. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the goal for Arsenal while Takumi Minamino scored for Liverpool. This is the 16th time that Arsenal is winning the Community Shield title.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Dinesh Kumar Khara recommended as Chairman of SBI: A state-run banks appointment panel recommended Dinesh Kumar Khara, one of State Bank of India's (SBI) four managing directors, as the next chairman of the country's top lender. Unlike his predecessor, SBI's current chairman Rajnish Kumar did not get an extension to his term, which ends on October 7 after three years. The central government will need to approve the Banks Board Bureau's recommendation before Mr Khara can take the job. Mr Khara took up his current role, in which he oversees global markets and subsidiaries of SBI, in August 2016 for a three-year period, which was extended for another two years last year. The Banks Board Bureau also named another SBI managing director, Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, as the candidate on the Reserve List for the chairman's job, to take the post if Mr Khara does not.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Mahindra inks pacts with Israeli firm to develop electric commercial vehicles: Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has inked a pact with Tel Aviv-based REE Automotive to explore production of electric commercial vehicles for global markets. The strategic collaboration will leverage REE’s revolutionary electric vehicle corner module and platform technology of integrating powertrain, suspension and steering components in the arch of a vehicle wheel.

 

2. RIL appoints former Indian Oil chairman Sanjiv Singh as group president: Sanjiv Singh, former chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), has joined Reliance Industries as group president and member of the oil-to-chemicals (O2C) business leadership team. Singh, who superannuated from India’s largest oil firm on June 30, will be a member of the oil-to-chemicals (O2C) business leadership team.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Juliette Binoche to be honoured with Golden Icon Award: French star Juliette Binoche will be honoured with the Golden Icon Award at the 2020 Zurich Film Festival. The 16th edition of annual film gala will be held from September 24 to October 4 this year. The 56-year-old Academy Award winner will be the first French artiste to receive the award. She will be presented the honour on September 30 at a presentation ahead of a screening of her most recent film, the French-language comedy "How to Be a Good Wife". In her 35 years of career, she has been featured in movies like ‘Hail Mary’, ‘Family Life’, ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’, ‘Three Colors: Blue’, ‘The English Patient’, ‘Chocolat’ and ‘Certified Copy’.

 

DEFENSE

 

1. India withdraws from multilateral military exercise, Kavkaz 2020, in Russia: India has withdrawn its participation from the multilateral Military Exercise Kavkaz 2020 to be held in Russia between 15th to 26th September 2020. The reason for this has been cited as the COVID-19 Pandemic and consequent difficulties in exercise, including arrangements of logistics. Kavkaz 2020 would be held in Astrakhan province of Southern Russia where member countries of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Central Asian countries would be participating.

Other countries that would participate in this exercise are- China, Pakistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Syria, Iran, Egypt, Belarus, Turkey, Armenia, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Congress MP Harikrishnan Vasanthakumar passes away: Congress MP Harikrishnan Vasantha Kumar from Tamil Nadu has passed away due to COVID-19. He was 70. He was elected as the Member of Parliament to the 17th Lok Sabha from Kanyakumari constituency in the 2019. Vasantha Kumar was the founder and chairman of Vasanth & Co, one of the largest retail home appliance chains in Tamil Nadu. He was also the founder and MD of the Tamil satellite TV channel Vasanth TV.

 

2. ‘Scooby Doo’ Co-Creator Joe Ruby Passes Away: Joe Ruby, the co-creator of the cartoon series Scooby-Doo, has passed away due to natural cause. He was 87. Ruby, an American animator, television editor, writer, and producer, created the much-loved characters of beloved kids show Scooby-Doo, along with his creative partner Ken Spears. Together, the pair started their own production company Hanna-Barbera Productions and created other memorable cartoons as well.