Daily GK Updates - 11th Sept, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF 2.0) launched: Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C), Shri Hardeep Singh Puri has launched the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF) 2.0. The framework was launched during a virtual event organized by the Smart Cities Mission, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Along with the CSCAF 2.0, the minister also launched the ‘Streets for People Challenge’. The objective of Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF) is to provide a clear roadmap for cities towards combating Climate Change while planning and implementing their actions along with investments. CSCAF initiative intends to inculcate a climate-sensitive approach to urban planning and development in India. The framework has 28 indicators across five categories namely: Energy and Green Buildings; Urban Planning, Green Cover & Biodiversity; Mobility and Air Quality; Water Management and Waste Management

 

2. Shipping Minister launches ‘SAROD-Ports’ for disputes of maritime sector: Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has launched a dispute redressal mechanism named “SAROD-Ports” (Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes-Ports) to facilitate affordable and timely resolution of disputes for the maritime sector. About SAROD-Ports:

(1) SAROD-Ports will advise and assist in settlement of disputes through arbitrations in the maritime sector, including ports and shipping sector in Major Port Trusts, Non-major Ports, including private ports, jetties, terminals and harbours.

(2) The mechanism is similar to provision available in the highway sector in the form of SAROD-Roads constituted by NHAI. It has been established under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 for affordable and timely resolution of disputes in a fair manner.

(3) SAROD-Ports will resolve the disputes in fair and just manner while saving a huge amount of legal expenditure and time.

(4) SAROD-Ports will inspire confidence among private players working with major ports and will ensure the right kind of environment.

(5) It will promote ease of doing business in the maritime sector because of the fast, timely, cost-effective and robust dispute resolution mechanism.

 

3. NSDC, LinkedIn partner to provide digital skills training for youth: National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and LinkedIn have announced a partnership to provide access to free learning resources for digital skills. A total of 10 learning paths consisting of 140 courses will be made available for free on e-Skill India digital platform until March 31, 2021. Under the partnership:

(1) LinkedIn will provide periodic labour market insights based on its economic graph of more than 69 million members in India. This will include in-demand skills, emerging jobs, and global hiring rates to NSDC to better understand the skilling ecosystem.

(2) According to LinkedIn data, Indian professionals with digital skills were 20 per cent more in demand than professionals without digital skills in 2020.

(3) Each learning path includes video content designed to help job-seekers develop core digital skills needed for an in-demand tech role, covering a range of skills from entry-level digital literacy to advanced product-based skills.

(4) The Learning path will include video content to help job-seekers develop core digital skills. It will cover a range of skills from entry-level digital literacy to advanced product-based skills.

Note: ational Skill Development Corporation CEO & MD: Manish Kumar; National Skill Development Corporation Headquarters: New Delhi.

LinkedIn Chief Executive Officer CEO: Ryan Roslansky; LinkedIn Headquarters: California, United States of America.

 

4. Conclave on “School Education in 21st Century” begins: A two-day conclave on ‘School Education in 21st Century’ commenced virtually. The conclave has been organised by Ministry of Education as part of Shikshak Parv 2020. Shikshak Parv is being celebrated from 8th-25th September, 2020 to felicitate the teachers and to take New Education Policy 2020 forward. The conclave was addressed by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi under the National Education Policy- 2020 (NEP-2020). The conclave featured the discussions held in two technical sessions on six subjects of New Education Policy 2020. The first technical session started with a discussion on the subject of ‘Foundational Literacy and Numeracy’. Some other subjects on which discussions were held: “Art Integrated and Toy Integrated Pedagogy”; “Early Childhood Care and Education”; “Teaching in Mother Tongue”; and “No hard separation”.

Note: Union Minister of Education: Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.

 

5. Golden Temple gets FCRA Registration: The Union Home Ministry has granted the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration to Gurdwara Harmandir Sahib, or the Golden Temple, in Amritsar. It will now enable the Golden Temple to receive foreign donations. The foreign contribution can be used by the Sikh shrine for providing financial and medical assistance to the needy. It can also be used to organise langar which is a free community kitchen. Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010:

(1) The FCRA Act is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The act regulates the foreign funding of voluntary organizations in India.

(2) Under the Act, donating organisations need to register themselves every five years.

(3) A person with a definite cultural, economic, educational, religious or social programme can accept foreign contribution after registration or permission from the Central Government.

(4) However, election candidate, Member of any legislature (MP and MLAs), Political parties, publishers of a registered Newspaper, Judge, government servant or employee of any corporation owned by the government cannot accept the foreign contributions.

 

6. Hubballi railway station to be renamed after Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji: Hubballi Railway Station in Karnataka will now be known as ‘Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Railway Station. Union government has approved long-pending demand of Hubballians of renaming the Hubballi railway station. Name of Hubballi railway station, which is headquarters of South Western Railway, is being changed for the second time in the last five years. It was changed in 2015 from ‘Hubli’ to ‘Hubballi’. Siddharoodha Swamiji was an Indian Hindu guru and philosopher.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Former health secretary Preeti Sudan appointed WHO panelist: The World Health Organisation’s independent panel for pandemic preparedness and response appointed former health secretary, Preeti Sudan as one of its 11 panellists from across the world. The decision by the panel’s two heads, former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clarke and former Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. In a meeting of the Chairs, Helen Clarke is believed to have conveyed that Sudan’s experience as the head of the government ministry that led India’s response to the pandemic makes her much more suited for the job.

The panel stated that while it reviewed more than 120 people, it made the final appointments based on skills (including expertise in outbreak response, managing national health systems, leadership in youth and community engagement, socio-economic analytical capabilities), knowledge about the international system including WHO and experience from similar international processes.

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

 

2. Harsh Vardhan Attends 73rd Session of Regional Committee meet of WHO South-East Asia Region: The 73rd session of WHO Regional Committee for South East Asia was held on 9 and 10 September 2020 via virtual plaftorm. The Health Ministers of all the 11 Member States of the WHO South-East Asia Region participated in the two days event. The 73rd session was hosted by the Government of Thailand, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health of Thailand. From India, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare attended the event. This was the first time the event was held entirely through virtual platforms due to COVID pandemic. The event concluded with the adoption of ‘Declaration on the collective response to COVID-19 in South-East Asia Region’. The Regional Committee of WHO meets every year to formulate policies, provide oversight for regional programmes, hear progress reports, and consider, revise and endorse new initiatives. It also adopts resolutions and makes decisions that guide the work of the Regional Office and country offices for the coming year.

Note: Director WHO SEARO: Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

 

1. Police Officer Poonam Khatri crowned Wushu World Champion: Indian Police Officer, Poonam Khatri has claimed World Championship status after her silver medal at the Wushu World Championship last year has been upgraded to a Gold medal. Poonam hails from Haryana’s Jhajjar district. Poonam had lost the final to Iranian opponent Mariyam in the Women’s 75 kg category but after Mariyam recently failed the dope test, the gold medal has been awarded to Poonam Khatri. The information was clarified by Secretary-General of the Indian Wushu Association, Suhel Ahmed.

Note: International Wushu Federation President: Zhongwen Gou; International Wushu Federation Headquarters: Beijing, China; International Wushu Federation  Founded: 3 October 1990.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI defines Role and selection criteria of Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) in Banks: The Reserve Bank of India has released the guidelines to be followed by commercial banks for the appointment of Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). Scheduled Commercial Banks (Excluding RRBs), Local Area Banks, Small Finance Banks and Payment Banks have to appoint a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) to have an effective compliance culture, independent corporate compliance function and a strong compliance risk management programme at bank and group level.

Here are some of the norms to be followed by banks for the appointment of a CCO: Tenor for the appointment of CCO – minimum fixed tenure of not less than 3 years.

Eligibility Criteria for appointment as CCO:

(i) Age – Not more than 55 years;

(ii) Experience – The CCO shall have an overall experience of at least 15 years in the banking or financial services, out of which minimum 5 years shall be in the Audit / Finance / Compliance / Legal / Risk Management functions;

(iii) Rank – The CCO shall be a senior executive of the bank, preferably in the rank of a General Manager or an equivalent position (not below two levels from the CEO).

Role of the Chief Compliance Officer Includes following:

(i) Bank compliance officers are accountable for conducting audits and inspections to make sure a bank adheres to set internal and external laws.

(ii) They are responsible for entails monitoring and analyzing risk areas in a bank’s operation to ensure observance of state or federal laws.

(iii) Bank compliance officers assess policies/procedures and ensure they are in line with all regulations on mortgage and customer deposits.

(iv) The research established banking laws to ensure the non-violation of federal laws.

(v) They also implement and adjust to new regulations passed by state or federal government bodies.

 

2. Mastercard launches Central Bank Digital Currency testing platform: Mastercard has launched “Central Bank Digital Currencies” (CBDCs), a Virtual Testing Environment for Central Banks to Assess and Explore National Digital Currencies. Mastercard has invited Central Banks, Commercial Banks and tech and advisory firms to evaluate the suitability of CBDCs in a country or region.

About Testing platform: The testing platform will allow central banks to evaluate use cases and test roll-out strategies for CBDCs by simulating a CBDC ecosystem. Using the platform they can enable simulation of issuance, distribution and exchange of CBDCs between banks, financial service providers and consumers. They can validate use cases and evaluate interoperability with existing payment rails available for consumers and businesses currently.

Note: Mastercard Chief Executive Officer: Ajay Banga; Mastercard Headquarters: New York, United States.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Crisil projects India’s GDP contraction for FY21 by 9%: Crisil rating agency has predicted India’s Gross Domestic Production (GDP) to contract 9% in the financial year 2020-21 (FY21). The agency has revised its previous contraction forecast from 5% due Covid-19 uncertainty and lack of adequate fiscal support from the government. The revision is also the result of 23.9% GDP fall in Q1 and is expected to fall 12% in Q2. For FY22, Crisil has projected India’s GDP to grow at 10%. For the next three years, between fiscals 2023 and 2025, CRISIL projects the Indian GDP to average a growth of 6.2% annually.

Note: Crisil's CEO: Ashu Suyash; Headquarters: Mumbai

 

DEFENCE

 

1. First batch of five Rafale aircraft formally inducted into IAF: The first batch of five Rafale fighter jets was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 10 September 2020 at the Air Force Station in Ambala. They have been inducted in the Indian Air Force’s 17 Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ based in Ambala. The first five Rafale aircraft had arrived from France on 27 July 2020.

About Rafale jets: The multi-role Rafale jets have been built by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation. India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in 2016 to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore. The delivery of all 36 aircraft is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021. Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers.

Note: Chief of the Air Staff: Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria; Indian Airforce founded: 8 October 1932; Indian Airforce Headquarters: New Delhi. 

Daily GK Updates - 10th Sept, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. AIM Launches Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-ANIC Initiative: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, has launched the Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal New India Challenges. The programme will spur applied research and innovation in Indian MSMEs and startups. The initiative will help identify and promote innovations necessary for boosting the MSME sector.

The programme will be driven by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), four ministries including Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Food Processing Industries; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs along with associated industries to facilitate innovative solutions to sectoral problems. The programme will support deserving applied research–based innovations by providing funding support of up to Rs 50 lakh for speedy development of the proposed technology solution and/or product.

Note: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog: Amitabh Kant.

 

2. PM Modi to launch “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana”: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will digitally launch the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Along with the scheme, the PM will also launch e-Gopala application. The scheme aims to enhance fish production to 70 lakh tonnes by 2024-25. It aims to double the income of fish farmers. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate one-unit fish feed mill at Madhepura, Bihar and two units of ‘Fish on Wheels’ at Patna under ‘blue revolution’. He will also interact with the beneficiaries on the occasion.

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: The scheme will reduce the post-harvest losses of fisheries sector from 20% to 25% to 10%. The scheme focuses on sustainable development of fisheries in India. It is to be implemented between 2020-21 and 2024-25, doubling of incomes of fishermen and fish farmers. The PMMSY is a flagship scheme for focused and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the country with an estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crore.

 

3. Andhra Pradesh CM launches ‘YSR Sampoorna Poshana’ scheme: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched two nutrition schemes ‘YSR Sampoorna Poshana’ and ‘YSR Sampoorna Poshana Plus’ to provide nutritious food to pregnant women, lactating mothers and children in the state.

About the schemes: YSR Sampoorna Poshana will cover the urban and rural areas lying in plain lands while YSR Sampoorna Poshana Plus is intended to supply nutritious food exclusively in 77 Tribal areas covering 8320 Anganwadi Centres. Around 30.16 lakh women/mothers and children will benefit from these two schemes.

Note: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy; Governor: Biswa Bhusan Harichandan.

 

4. Paresh Rawal becomes new chairman of National School of Drama: Former Lok Sabha MP and Bollywood actor, Paresh Rawal have been appointed as the new chief of National School of Drama by President Ram Nath Kovind. In a career span of over three decades, Rawal has been acknowledged with numerous awards, including the prestigious National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1994. He was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2014 for his contribution to the entertainment industry. Rawal made his debut with the 1985 film Arjun. He played a supporting role in the film. He, however, gained recognition after the release of the 1986 blockbuster Naam.

About National School of Drama: The National School of Drama is one of the foremost theatre training institutions in the world and the only one of its kind in India. It was set up by the Sangeet Natak Akademi as one of its constituent units in 1959. In 1975, it became an independent entity and was registered as an autonomous organisation.

 

5. Andhra Pradesh CM flags off south India’s first Kisan rail: The country’s second and South India’s first “Kisan Train” was flagged off from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh to Adarsh Nagar Railway Station in Delhi. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy & Union Minister for Agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar flagged off the train, via a video link from New Delhi and Amaravati. This train, loaded with 14 parcel vans, will cover a distance of 2,150 km in 40 hours. On August 7, the first Kisan Rail was flagged off between Devlali in Maharashtra and Danapur in Bihar as a weekly service, which was later made bi-weekly due to increasing demand. Now the second Kisan Rail will benefit farmers of the states coming en route.

About Kisan Rail: Kisan Rail is being started to help in the speedy transportation of farm produce to distant places, in keeping with the goal of doubling farmers’ income. This facility will also help in increasing agricultural exports.

Note: Union Minister of Railways: Piyush Goyal; Chairman and CEO of Railways: VK Yadav.

 

6. World Bank approves USD82 million loan for implementation of Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project: The World Bank has approved loan amount worth $82 million for the implementation of Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project which will strengthen transport and road safety institutions of Himachal Pradesh by improving the condition, safety, resilience, and engineering standards of state road network. The loan agreement for this purpose was signed on 7 September 2020 by the World Bank with the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India & Japan signs MoU on Reciprocal Provision of Supplies & Services: India and Japan signed an agreement concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Armed Forces of India and The Self-Defense Forces of Japan. This agreement forms the enabling framework for closer cooperation between the Armed Forces of India and Japan in reciprocal provision of supplies and services while engaged in bilateral training activities, United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, Humanitarian International Relief and other mutually agreed activities. The agreement will also improve the interoperability between the Armed Force of India and Japan thereby further increasing the bilateral defence engagements under the Special Strategic & Global Partnership between the two countries.

Note: Japan Prime minister: Shinzō Abe; Capital: Tokyo; Currency: Japanese yen

 

2. First India-France-Australia Trilateral Dialogue held virtually: The first India-France-Australia Trilateral Dialogue was held virtually. The meeting was held with the objective of building on the strong bilateral relations that the three countries share with each other and synergising their respective strengths to ensure a peaceful, secure, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific Region. During the dialogue, the three sides discussed economic and geostrategic challenges and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and domestic responses to COVID-19. The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary of India, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Secretary-General, François Delattre and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Secretary, Frances Adamson.

The three countries also had an exchange on the priorities, challenges and trends in regional and global multilateral institutions, including the best ways to strengthen and reform multilateralism. Cooperation on Marine Global Commons and potential areas for practical cooperation at the trilateral and regional level were also discussed, including through regional organisations such as ASEAN, IORA and the Indian Ocean Commission.

Note: Australia Capital: Canberra; Prime Minister: Scott Morrison; Currency: Australian dollar

France President: Emmanuel Macron; Prime Minister: Jean Castex; Capital: Paris; Currency: Euro (€) and CFP franc (XPF)

 

3. World Suicide Prevention Day: 10th September: The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) observes World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on 10 September every year. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented.  The theme for the 2020 World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to host World Suicide Prevention Day with various activities around the world since 2003.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar & Smriti Mandhana became the brand ambassadors of Playerzpot: The fantasy sports gaming platforms, Playerzpot has announced the signing of cricketers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Smriti Mandhana as its brand ambassadors. Playerzpot is a fantasy sports gaming app that allows its users to play fantasy cricket. The partnership will see the cricketers in the brand’s upcoming campaigns and promote Playerzpot through engagement activities. The duo will anchor the brand with their sports charisma and help in creating a higher brand recall amongst the key target audience.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an iconic cricketer and an inspiration for the younger generation. Smriti Mandhana herself is a world-class performer and connects beautifully with sports, cricket, and even female audience.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI to launch new loan scheme SAFAL for organic cotton growers: State Bank of India is planning to launch a loan product named “SAFAL” for organic cotton growers. The product Safe and Fast Agriculture Loan (SAFAL) is primarily focussed on organic cotton growers who don’t have any credit history. SBI will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for this purpose. The product was announced at Fintech conference organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) by SBI MD C S Setty.

Note: Chairman of SBI: Rajnish Kumar; SBI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

2. Bank of Baroda tops EASE 2.0 Index by IBA: As per the EASE Banking Reforms Index 2.0, Bank of Baroda has been placed at the first spot. State Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) got the 2nd and 3rd place respectively. The Indian Banking Association (IBA) makes EASE (Enhanced Access and Service Excellence) reform index. The aim of this index is to bring fruitful change in the PSBs by brining in healthy competition among these PSBs and by encouraging them to learn from each other. The Index measures the performance of the Public Sector Bank on more than 120 objective metrics based on six themes: Responsible Banking; Customer Responsiveness; Credit off-take; Governance and HR; PSBs as Udyamimitra for MSMEs and Deepening Financial Inclusion and Digitalisation.

Note: Indian Banking Association CEO: Sunil Mehta; Indian Banking Association Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Indian Banking Association Founded: 26 September 1946.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India Ratings forecasts contraction of 11.8% in FY21 GDP: The Indian arm of Fitch Ratings, India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has projected India’s FY21 GDP growth forecast at -11.8% as against its earlier prediction of -5.3%. The rating agency estimates the economic loss in FY21 to be Rs 18.44 lakh crore. The rating agency also expects India’s GDP to rebound and grow at 9.9% year-on-year in FY22 primarily due to the weak base of FY21. The Indian economy contracted by a record 23.9% in 1st (April-June) quarter of FY21, which is much higher than Ind-Ra’s forecast of 17.0% due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (lockdown).

Note: MD & CEO of India Ratings and Research: Rohit Karan Sawhney; India Ratings and Research Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Liberation war fighter Ziauddin Tariq Ali passes away in Dhaka: Liberation war fighter and a prominent public figure of Bangladesh Ziauddin Tariq Ali passed away in Dhaka. He was a member of the cultural group ‘Muktir Gaan’, which inspired the freedom fighters through their songs during the Liberation War in 1971. He was instrumental in setting up the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka in 1996 with contributions from the common people.

  

Daily GK Updates - 9th Sept, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Organic Food Processing Unit inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh: Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, inaugurated Organic Food Processing Unit in Uttar Pradesh. With the inauguration of this food processing unit, 5000 farmers will be benefitted and it is expected to leverage an investment of Rs 50.33 crores. The unit namely M/s Organic India Pvt. Ltd is likely to generate direct employment of 100 and indirect employment of 250 persons. M/s Organic India Pvt. Ltd is set up with total cost of Rs. 55.13 crores. A processing capacity of 3 MT per day has been created and the unit will process agro produce worth Rs 350 crores.

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

 

2. Haryana CM launches “Apka Mitra” chatbot for UG courses: Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar has launched Educational WhatsApp Chatbot “Apka Mitra” & Online Admission Platform for UnderGraduate (UG) courses in government-aided and self-financed colleges for the new academic session 2020-21. About ‘Apka Mitra’:

(1) ‘Apka Mitra’ is the first-of-its-kind educational WhatsApp Chatbot to resolve admission related queries of the students.

(2) Students can send a message on Whatsapp chatbot number 7419444449 to get information regarding admission & scholarship.

Online Admission Platform: Using the new platform, the students will be able to complete the entire admission process in the convenience of home. Chief Minister also launched online international journals, namely the Journal of Humanities and Social Science, prepared by the Higher Education Department to promote research. The online system is expected to strengthen the admission process and also make it transparent.

Note: Governor of Haryana: Satyadeo Narayan Arya; Chief Minister of Haryana: Manohar Lal Khattar.

 

3. Karnataka CM inaugurates flyover named after Veer Savarkar: Karnataka Chief Minister, B.S. Yediyurappa inaugurated the ‘Veer Savarkar’ flyover in Bengaluru. The inauguration of the 400-metre long flyover built on Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Road in the city. The Bengaluru’s civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) built the flyover at the cost of Rs 34 crore. The project of constructing the flyover began in September 2017.

Note: Chief Minister of Karnataka: B.S. Yediyurappa; Governor: Vajubhai Vala.

 

4. National Jal Jeevan Mission conducts webinar: National Jal Jeevan Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti conducted a webinar on the planning, implementation, and monitoring of outputs & outcomes of the flagship programme, Jal Jevan Mission. The webinar was attended by about 2,500 State, district and block officials of Public Health Engineering Departments/ Rural Water Supply Departments of various States/ UTs. Jal Jeevan Mission is under implementation in partnership with States. It aims to ensure every rural household of the country gets assured drinking water supply in adequate quantity and of prescribed quality on regular and long-term basis at affordable service delivery charges leading to improvement in their living standard. The major objectives of the mission are: to ensure water supply to every home; focus on functionality of water supply systems on long-term basis; decentralized operation & management arrangements; water quality surveillance by the local community.

 

5. PM Modi inaugurates Patrika Gate in Jaipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Patrika Gate in Jaipur, Rajasthan through video conference. The Patrika Gate was built by the Patrika group of Newspapers on the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg in Jaipur. PM Modi also launched 2 books Samvad Upanishad and Akshar Yatra, authored by Gulab Kothari, Editor in Chief of Rajasthan Patrika Group and Chairman of Patrika Group of Newspaper.

About Patrika Gate: The Patrika Gate is a memorial that reflects the cultural heritage and architectural style of Rajasthan. This memorial is an attempt to integrate the art, craft and cultural heritage of Rajasthan in one structure. The design of the Patrika gate incorporates the culture lifestyle and architecture of all the parts of Rajasthan from Sriganganagar to Banswara and from Jaisalmer to Bharatpur. It is the southern gate of Jaipur.

Note: Chief Minister of Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot; Governor: Kalraj Mishra.

UNESCO sites of Rajasthan: The Jantar Mantar, Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

 

6. ADB inks $500 Million Loan agreement with India for Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India has signed a $500 million loan pact on 8th September 2020 to build a modern, high-speed 82-kilometer Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. This loan amount is the first tranche of a total $1 billion loan approved by ADB for the venture in August 2020. The RRTS corridor will connect Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut. It will have a total of 24 stations of which 21 will be in Uttar Pradesh and the rest in Delhi.  The project will improve regional connectivity and mobility in India’s national capital region (NCR).

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. First World Solar Technology Summit of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) held: The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the first edition of the World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS) of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), on 8th September 2020, with focus on new Technologies and Innovations in the field of Solar. The World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS) was organised by ISA and FICCI. More than 26000 participants from 149 countries joined the virtual Summit. The Summit aimed at accelerating affordable and sustainable clean green energy by showcasing and deliberating on innovative state of the art next generation technologies in solar power.

The Summit included signing of four agreements between:

(1) ISA and International Institute of Refrigeration,

(2) ISA and Global Green Growth Institute.

(3) ISA and National Thermal Power Corporation,

(4) A tripartite agreement between India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the World Bank and the International Solar Alliance.

ISA also launched a Journal on Solar Energy (I JOSE) that would help authors from across the globe to publish their articles on solar energy.

Note: International Solar Alliance Headquarters location: Gurugram; International Solar Alliance Leader: Upendra Tripathy; International Solar Alliance Founded: 30 November 2015.

 

2. International Day to Protect Education from Attack: 9th September: The UN recognized International Day to Protect Education from Attack is observed on 9 September to raise awareness regarding the importance of safeguarding schools as places of protection and safety for students and educators and the need to keep education at the top of the public agenda. The Day is being celebrated for the first time in 2020. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 9 September as International Day to Protect Education from Attack on 29 May 2020. UN calls for action to prevent attacks on education and to do more to mobilize resources for humanitarian funding and education programs. UNESCO and UNICEF will facilitate the annual observance of the Day in close collaboration with partners within and outside the UN system.

Note: UNESCO headquarters: Paris, France; UNESCO Head: Audrey Azoulay; UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945; UNICEF Executive Director: Henrietta H. Fore; UNICEF Founded: 11 December 1946; UNICEF Headquarters: New York, United States.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

 

1. Anil Jain becomes new President of All India Tennis Association: The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has elected Anil Jain as its new president, while Anil Dhupar was chosen as its secretary-general. India’s Davis Cup captain Rohit Rajpal was elected as the treasurer for a four-year term till 2024. All the office-bearers, as well as the new executive committee members, were elected unopposed. Anil Jain will replace Praveen Mahajan as AITA president. Dhupar will replace Hironmoy Chatterjee.

Note: All India Tennis Association Founded: March 1920; All India Tennis Association Headquarters: R.K. Khanna Tennis Stadium, Delhi.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI ceased Banking operations of Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank: Reserve Bank of India has ceased the Banking operations by the Aditya Birla Idea Payments (ABIP) Bank under Banking Regulations Act 1949 with effect from July 28, 2020. Now the bank company could not able to work successfully and applied for voluntary winding up by the Vodafone Idea Limited which holds 51% in ABIP bank and the remaining 49% by Grasim Industries Limited.

About Aditya Birla Idea Payments (ABIP) Bank: In February 2018, Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank became the fourth entity to begin payments banking operations since the issuance of licences to 11 firms by the RBI in August 2015. The Bank had received the banking licence to operate as a payments bank in April 2017. It had also got authorisation to work on Prepaid Payments Instrument business.

Note: Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank Founded: 2016; Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank Parent organization: Aditya Birla Nuvo.

 

2. BoI launched “Signature Visa Debit Card” on his 115th Foundation Day: On the occasion of Bank of India (BoI)’s 115th Foundation Day, BoI has launched an international contactless debit card, “Signature Visa Debit Card” for high net worth individuals who are maintaining an average quarterly balance of Rs 10 lakhs and above. Features of Signature Visa Debit Card:

(1) This card will have a spending limit of up to ₹5 lakhs on POS & e-commerce and ₹1 lakh on ATM.

(2) Other features include complimentary lounge access (2 per quarter) and offer on travel, retail, dining, lifestyle, entertainment, luxury hotels, reward points for online usage etc.

(3) It will also provide Insurance against fraudulent transactions.

Note: Bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Bank of India MD & CEO: Atanu Kumar Das; Bank of India Founded: 7 September 1906.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Fitch Ratings Projects Indian economy to contract 10.5% in FY21: In its September update of Global Economic Outlook (GEO), the US-based Fitch Ratings has sharply lowered the forecast for the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of India for the current fiscal 2020-21 (FY21) and now expects the GDP to contract 10.5 percent. Earlier in June Global Economic Outlook, the rating agency has estimated 5 percent contraction for FY21. The downward revision comes after India’s GDP shrank by 23.9% year-on-year in the April-June quarter, the worst performance in nearly four decades. The rating agency has also revised its forecast for global GDP and expects it to fall by 4.4 percent in 2020, which is a modest upward revision from the 4.6 percent contraction expected earlier.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Father of Indian Radio Astronomy Govind Swarup passes away: Father of India’s Radio Astronomy, Prof Govind Swarup passed away. He was born on March 23rd, 1929 in Thakurdwara, United Provinces, British India( Now in Uttar Pradesh). He was the founding director of National Centre for Radio Astrophysics of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Govind Swarup was the key person behind the concept, design and installation of the Ooty Radio Telescope (India) and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), which established India as one of the leading countries for radio astronomy research. He is well known for his many important research contributions in several areas of astronomy and astrophysics.

Achievements of Govind Swarup: He was the recipient of Padma Shri (1973). He served as president of the Astronomical Society of India during 1975-77. A strong group in radio astrophysics was formed under his leadership at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, which is comparable to the best in the world. He has received Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology (SSB)(1972); TWAS Prize in Physics (1988); H. K. Firodia Award (2001)and the Grote Reber Medal (2007) among others. He was the fellow of many institutions including as a Fellow of The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge(Royal Society).

 

2. Telugu actor Jaya Prakash Reddy passes away: Telugu actor Jaya Prakash Reddy passed away. He was working as a sub-inspector of police when he got an opportunity to act in Venkatesh’s 1988 film Brahma Puthrudu.  He was last seen in Mahesh Babu starrer Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020). Reddy was popular for his role in films like Samarasimha Reddy, Preminchukundam Raa, Narasimha Naidu, Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana, Julayi, Ready, Kick, Jayam Manadera, Jamba Lakidi Pamba, Avunu Valliddaru Istapaddaru, Kabaddi Kabbadi, Evadi Gola Vadidi and Kithakithalu. 

Daily GK Updates - 8th Sept, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. GoI launches mental health rehabilitation helpline “KIRAN”: Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry have launched a toll-free mental health rehabilitation helpline “KIRAN”. The helpline was launched in view of the growing incidence of Mental Illness, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. The helpline – 1800-500-0019 will provide relief and support to persons with mental illness. About “KIRAN” helpline:

The helpline will resolve mental health issues that are related to the following namely, anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, Panic Attack(s) Adjustment Disorders, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and the psychological issues & mental health emergencies induced by the pandemic. It will offer mental health rehabilitation services. It functions as a lifeline to provide 1st stage advice, counselling. It is available 24*7 with the Technical Coordination of BSNL.

Note: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment: Thaawarchand Gehlot.

 

2. Karnataka approves Rs. 600-cr watershed project ‘REWARD’ with World Bank assistance: The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a project titled ‘Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agriculture Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD)’. The REWARD project is designed to ensure soil and water conservation in 20 taluks with low groundwater levels in Karnataka. The total cost of this project is Rs 600 crore. The World Bank will fund 70% of the project amount, which amounts to Rs 420 crore, whereas, 30% of the expenses (Rs 180 crore) will be borne by the state government of Karnataka. The project will cover 50,000 hectares of parched land with depleted groundwater table for watershed development in each of the 20 taluks to increase the groundwater table. The taluks to be covered under the project are Bagepalli, Challakere, Shikaripur, Gundlupet, Harapanahalli, Sira, Arsikere, Kadur, Bailhongal, Athani, Hirekerur, Hungund, Kundgol, Bagewadi, Ron, Jewargi, Basavakalyan, Manvi, Yelburga, and Shahapur.

Note: Karnataka Capital: Bengaluru; Chief Minister: B. S. Yediyurappa

 

3. Andhra Govt & LEAF signs agreement for food processing: Government of Andhra Pradesh and Lawrencedale Agro Processing India (LEAF) has signed an agreement to expand the scope of food processing in the State. The State tops in the production of mango, lime, tomato, eggs, banana, chillies, and shrimp and second in production of groundnut, maize and paddy in the country. LEAF has inked an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh Food Processing Society at Tadepalli, Guntur, under the purview of the Andhra Pradesh government’s Department of Industries and Commerce to boost the income of marginal farmers with special focus on food processing. This initiative of Integrated Food Park Scheme is one more aspect towards ensuring higher income for farmers.

Note: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy; Governor: Biswa Bhusan Harichandan.

 

4. Venkaiah Naidu released ‘The State of Young Child in India’ report: Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu has released “The State of Young Child in India” report. The report was prepared by a policy advocacy organization, Mobile Creches. The report measured Health and Nutrition in the country. According to the report, there 159 million children aged below 6 years in India out of the 21 per cent are undernourished, 36 per cent are underweight and 38 per cent do not receive full immunization. According to the analysis on expense towards child nutrition, healthcare, education and other protection services, India has spent Rs 1,723 per child in 2018-2019, which is insufficient to reach the entire eligible population. The report has also released the list of Best-performing states & worst-performing states based on the Young Child Outcomes Index.

Best-performing states: (1) Kerala; (2) Goa; (3) Tripura; (4) Tamil Nadu; (5) Mizoram

Worst-performing states: (1) Bihar; (2) Uttar Pradesh; (3) Jharkhand; (4) Madhya Pradesh; (5) Chhattisgarh

The Young Child Outcomes Index (YCOI) measures health, nutrition and cognitive growth with help of indicators such as infant mortality rate, stunting and net attendance at the primary school level. Based on the index, eight states have scored below the country’s average. They are Assam, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The index was constructed for two time periods 2005-2006 & 2015-2016 to provide inter-state comparisons and also provides an idea of change over time.

 

5. DRDO successfully tests scramjet technology for hypersonic missiles: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested a Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), which is an unmanned scramjet vehicle with the ability to travel at six times the speed of sound. The test was conducted from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha.  Now, India has joined the elite club of the United States, Russia and China to develop and successfully test Hypersonic Technology. About HSTDV:

(1) The HSTDV tests the indigenously developed hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology. The scramjets are a variant of air-breathing jet engines and have the ability to handle airflows of speeds much higher than the speed of sound.

(2) The hypersonic cruise vehicle was launched using a proven solid rocket motor, which took it to an altitude of 30 kilometres, where the aerodynamic heat shields were separated. The cruise vehicle separated from the launch vehicle and the air intake opened as planned.

(3) The hypersonic combustion sustained and the cruise vehicle continued on its desired flight path at a velocity of six times the speed of sound, which is nearly two kilometres per second, for more than 20 seconds.

(4) The critical events, like fuel injection and auto-ignition of the scramjet, demonstrated technological maturity.

Note: DRDO Chairman: Dr G. Satheesh Reddy; DRDO Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

6. NITI Aayog constitutes Multidimensional Poverty Index Coordination Committee (MPICC): NITI Aayog has constituted a Multidimensional Poverty Index Coordination Committee (MPICC). The MPICC is chaired by Ms. Sanyukta Samaddar, Adviser (SDG). NITI Aayog is the nodal agency for the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and has been assigned the responsibility of leveraging the monitoring mechanism for it and to drive reforms. Global MPI is an international measure of multidimensional poverty covering 107 developing countries and was first developed in 2010 by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for UNDP’s Human Development Reports.

 

7. AIM partners with Freshworks to provide robust support to innovators and entrepreneurs in India: The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of the NITI Aayog has partnered with a customer-engagement software company Freshworks Inc. to provide support to incubators and the startup ecosystem in India to get further empowered in their innovation journey. Under the partnership, Freshworks will provide credits for its suite of products to AIM and its beneficiaries, which will empower startups to function efficiently while keeping a tab on costs in related activities. The collaboration will increase the efficacy of the institutions and startups in the AIM portfolio and foster innovation and entrepreneurship among startup innovators. Freshworks is a cloud-based SaaS (software as a service) company, which provides innovative customer-engagement software for businesses of all sizes.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. SCO Heads of Government Summit to be held in India on 30 November: India will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit of the council of heads of government on November 30, 2020 in New Delhi. This SCO Summit is the 19th edition of the council of heads of government meeting of SCO. India is hosting this summit for the first time after its admission into the grouping in 2017.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): Beijing-based SCO is an eight-nation regional grouping comprising of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and became its full member in 2017 along with Pakistan.

 

2. Australia appoints cricket icon Matthew Hayden as trade envoy to India: Government of Australia has appointed former cricketer, Matthew Hayden and Indian-origin politician Lisa Singh as trade envoys for advancing business ties with India. The council plays an important role in advancing Australia's foreign and economic policy interests with India. Three new appointments to the board of the Australia-India Council were announced recently, Ashok Jacob has been reappointed as chair, and will be joined by three new board members."

About Matthew Hayden: Hayden is a former international cricketer, who played 103 Tests and 161 One Day Internationals for Australia. He has scored 40 international centuries. He was made Member of the Order of Australia in 2010 for his sporting excellence. Hayden has served as a board member in the Institute for Australia India Engagement since 2018.

About Lisa Singh: Singh has represented Tasmania in the Federal Senate from 2010 to 2019. She is a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from the government of India for her service as a person of Indian heritage in fostering friendly relations between India and Australia.

Note: Prime Minister of Australia: Scott Morrison; Currency of Australia: Australian dollar; Capital of Australia: Canberra.

 

3. Saudi Arabia chairs G20 Education Ministers Meeting: The Education Ministers Meeting will take place as part of the Sherpa Track for the G20 Leaders Summit 2020, which is to be hosted by Saudi Arabia at the end of 2020. The Saudi Arabian Presidency has selected the following theme for the G20’s 2020 activities: Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century For All. The meet was chaired by Saudi Arabia’s Education Minister Dr Hamad Al-Asheikh where India was represented by Union Minister of Education,  Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, in the virtual mode.

The focus of the Meeting: This meeting held to discuss and share experiences of member countries in the three identified areas viz. Education Continuity in Times of Crises, Early Childhood Education and Internationalization in Education.

Note: Capital of Saudi Arabia: Riyadh; Currency: Saudi riyal.

 

4. International Literacy Day: 8th September: International Literacy Day is observed globally on 8th September every year. The day spread awareness about the importance of literacy for individuals, communities, and societies and the need for intensified efforts towards more literate societies. International Literacy Day 2020 focuses on “Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond,” especially on the role of educators and changing pedagogies. The theme highlights literacy learning in a lifelong learning perspective, and therefore, mainly focuses on youth and adults. The day was declared by UNESCO on 26 October 1966 at 14th session of UNESCO’s General conference. It was celebrated for the first time in 1967.

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Apple’s first ‘floating’ store to be launched in Singapore: Technology giant Apple Inc. has announced that it is going to open its first ever “floating” store, in Singapore on 10th September 2020. The floating Apple Store, will be located at Singapore’s posh Marina Bay Sands resort. It will be the third retail store of Apple in Singapore. The first-of-its-kind store has a sphere-shaped all-glass dome structure that is fully self-supported, and made up of 114 pieces of glass, held together by only 10 narrow vertical mullions for structural connection.

 

2. Mahindra Finance’s subsidiary set to enter online insurance: Mahindra Finance is set to enter the business of online insurance broking giving digital services to the customers of its insurance brokerage subsidiary, Mahindra Insurance Brokers, through a soon-to-be launched portal called PayBima. The new portal would play a role in the transformation of Mahindra’s insurance broking services to a “phygital” model, which would leverage its feet-on-the-street agents at more than 400 locations in the country, with the digital aggregation and settlement services.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. David Attenborough awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2019: The Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust will present the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2019 to renowned broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. The prize is awarded to him for a lifetime of doing more to reveal the wonders of the natural world than perhaps any other individual. The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development was instituted in the memory of the former prime minister by a trust in her name in 1986. It consists of a monetary award of Rs 25 lakh along with a citation.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Oscar winning Czech Director Jiri Menzel passes away: Oscar-winning Czech film director, Jiri Menzel passed away. He was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia on 23 February 1938. His 1st feature film, ‘Closely Watched Trains’ won an Academy Award (Oscars) for Best Foreign Language film in 1968. Menzel won the Czech Lion for lifetime artistic contribution and was honoured by the Karlovy Vary festival. He is a recipient of the Medal of Merit, the French Order of Arts and Literature and a score of other international awards. He was awarded an IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2013.