Daily GK Updates - 19th Oct, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CRPF collaborates with IIT Delhi, DRDO, JATC to augment R&D capabilities: The country’s largest para-military force, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has collaborated with IIT Delhi, Defence Research and Development Organisation, and Joint Advanced Technology Centre (JATC) to augment its Research and Development capabilities. The CRPF officers/SOs (Subordinate Officers) who are trained by the IIT Delhi will also be associated with joint research projects undertaken by DRDO and IIT Delhi in the field of defence/security tech solutions. CRPF has over 3 lakh personnel, of which more than 500 officers/SOs holds a degree in Engineering.

The benefit of the Initiative: This initiative aims at the capacity building to make optimal use of police technologies. It will also help in integrating with DRDO labs for realistic Indigenisation of technologies on the internal security grid. It will also provide operational feedback on futuristic technologies, which enable the IIT Tech experts to conduct proactive R&D.

Note: Central Reserve Police Force Director-General: AP Maheshwari; Central Reserve Police Force Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

 

2. Raj Police Launches Drive For Women’s Safety And Security: The Rajasthan police launched a campaign to spread awareness among woman about the crime against them and to educate them of their rights and ways to secure justice if they end up becoming its victims. Named ‘AAWAJ’ — Action Against Women-related crime and Awareness for Justice the campaign was launched by Civil Rights and Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the police and will run across the state to generate gender equality and curb crimes against women. In the first month of the campaign from October 13 to November 12, special efforts will be made to curb rape incidents, besides spreading awareness about the laws related to women safety.

 

3. GoI extends Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s tenure till 2021: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension of the tenure of Home Secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla till August 22, 2021. Bhalla, a 1984 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre, was appointed as Home Secretary in August 2019. He was to superannuate on November 30, 2020.

 

4. Kati Bihu festival celebrated across Assam: Kati Bihu is one of the sets of three Bihu festivals (agricultural festivals) was celebrated in the state of Assam. The Kati Bihu is also known as Kangali Bihu, the festival of the poor (the word “Kongal” means “poor”) is celebrated in mid-October when the crops are at growing stage and the granaries of the farmers are depleting.

About Kati Bihu: The Kati Bihu is celebrated with the lamp called ‘Saki’ which is lit on the tips of bamboo poles in the fields which represents a guide to spirits and earthen lamps are lit in the garden, under the tulsi plants and in the granaries. The farmers chant spells to ward off the negativity and pests in the field and pray for a prosperous harvest. The locals of Assam celebrate the festival by lighting Diya in their fields and homes and perform cultural dance and organise feasts.

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

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Jacinda Ardern wins 2nd term as New Zealand’s PM: The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, won a landslide victory in the country’s general election, to be elected as the PM for the second consecutive three-year term. In the battle against Covid, Ardern was alone among her western peers in pursuing an explicit elimination strategy and imposed one of the strictest nationwide lockdowns in the world. Ardern’s centre-left Labour Party won 49.2% of the total 83.7% votes counted in the 120-member parliament. The 40-year-old is serving as the 40th Prime Minister of the country since 26 October 2017.

Note: New Zealand Capital: Wellington; New Zealand New Zealand dollar.

 

2. India slips to rank 151 in protecting labour rights: India has fared poorly in protecting labour rights and has slipped to rank 151 among 158 countries, according to Oxfam’s Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index (CRII) report. India also slipped from rank 141 to 151 with weak labour rights and high incidence of vulnerable employment. Highest presence of informal sector for men was in Uttar Pradesh at 86.9 per cent and for women was in Andhra Pradesh at 73.6 per cent. Overall, India ranked 129 in the CRI index out of 158 countries on government policies, and actions in areas of public services of education, health, social protection, taxation, and workers’ rights. Norway topped the CRI index. The CRII is a global report that ranks 158 governments, including India, on their commitment to reducing inequality.

 

3. India ranked 94 in Global Hunger Index 2020: India ranked 94 among 107 nations in the Global Hunger Index 2020. With a score of 27.2, India has been placed in the “serious” category in the GHI scale. Although there is an improvement in a score as compared to 38.9 in 2000, 37.5 in 2006, and 29.3 in 2012 but still it represent a serious level of hunger. Last year, India’s rank was 102 out of 117 countries. According to the report, 14 per cent of India’s population is undernourished. It also showed the country recorded a 37.4 per cent stunting rate among children under five and a wasting rate of 17.3 per cent. The under-five mortality rate stood at 3.7 per cent.

The neighbouring Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan too are in the ‘serious’ category but ranked higher than India in this year’s hunger index. While Bangladesh ranked 75, Myanmar and Pakistan are in the 78th and 88th position. Nepal in 73rd and Sri Lanka in 64th position are in ‘moderate’ hunger category, the report showed.

About Global Hunger Index: The GHI is a tool designed to measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and national levels to make a reasonable assessment. Data from the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral agencies are used for the calculation GHI on the basis of 4 Indicators. A score of less than 9.9 signifies “low” hunger, that of 10-19.9 represents “moderate” levels of hunger, 20-34.9 points to “serious” hunger, 35-39.9 signifies “alarming” and over 50 “extremely alarming” levels of hunger.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Pakistan’s fast Bowler Umar Gul announces retirement: Pakistani pace bowler, Umar Gul has announced that he will retire from all forms of cricket. The 36-year-old Gul, who played his last match for Pakistan an ODI in 2016, featured for Balochistan team in the National T20 Cup. The Peshawar-born Gul made his international debut in an ODI in 2003. He played his first Test that year itself. His last Test was against South Africa in 2013. From 47 Test matches, Gul took 163 wickets at an average of 34.06. He also claimed 179 wickets from 130 ODIs, besides 85 wickets from 60 T20Is.

 

2. Rohan Jaitley elected unopposed as DDCA President: Advocate Rohan Jaitley, the son of late Union Minister Arun Jaitley, has been elected unopposed as the President of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). He was the single candidate left for the post, as the lone candidate who had filed his nomination against him withdrew his candidature. The 31-year-old lawyer is slated to remain in the post till June 30, 2021. Notably, late Arun Jaitley had also served as the president of DDCA between 1999 and 2013.

 

3. Odisha to sponsor National rugby teams: Odisha Government announced that it would sponsor the Indian national rugby team for the next three years and facilitate high performance training and conditioning of the players. An agreement with Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) was inked at Kalinga Stadium. Sports Director R Vineel Krishna and president of IRFU Maneck Unwala signed the agreement in presence of Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Secretary Vishal Dev, CEO IRFU Naseer Hussain and former rugby player Rahul Bose. The partnership is part of the State Government’s mission to develop, promote and expand the sports ecosystem beyond hockey and football. The sponsorship will cover training, conditioning and incentivising the Indian national rugby teams (men and women) participating in international rugby events. The Odisha Government will pay the Indian Rugby Football Union (also known as Rugby India) ₹3 crores as the sponsor of National teams over three years.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI to conduct first-ever OMO purchase of State Developments Loans: Reserve Bank of India will conduct its first-ever Open Market Operation (OMO) purchase of State Developments Loans (SDLs) on 22nd October. OMOs will have a worth of Rs 10,000 crore and will be conducted as a special case during current financial year to improve liquidity and facilitate efficient pricing.  The size of the auctions may be enhanced subsequently, depending on the market response. The RBI will purchase the SDLs through a multi-security auction using the multiple price method. The result of the auction will be announced on the same day.

SDLs: Dated securities issued by states for meeting market borrowing requirements of the state

 

2. Rajkiran Rai becomes new chairman of IBA: The Managing Director and CEO of Union Bank of India, Rajkiran Rai G has been elected as the Chairman of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) for the term 2020-21. He succeeds Rajnish Kumar as the IBA Chairman after Kumar recently retired as SBI Chief. Apart from this, Dinesh Kumar Khara, the Chairman of State Bank of India has been elected as the deputy chairman of the association. IBA is an association of banks and other entities in the banking ecosystem in India catering to its members

Note: IBA Headquarters location: Mumbai, Maharashtra; IBA Founded: 26 September 1946.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Aishwarya Sridhar wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award: A 23-year-old, Mumbai based girl, Aishwarya Sridhar became the first Indian woman to win the 2020 Wildlife Photographer of the Year award. It is the 56th year of the prestigious award. Her image titled ‘Lights of passion’, won among 50,000 entries from over 80 countries across the world. Only 100 images were shortlisted and she won the award for her photograph in the Behaviour Invertebrates category. She is the first and youngest girl to win this prestigious award from India in the Adult category. The award winners were announced at the Natural History Museum in London.

 

DEFENSE

 

1. India to hand over its kilo-class submarine INS Sindhuvir to Myanmar for training purpose: As per the information delivered by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India has decided to hand over INS Sindhuvir, a Kilo class submarine to the Myanmar Navy by the end of 2020. This initiative has been launched under the vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), to guarantee security for all maritime partners and is also in line with India’s commitment to build capacities and self-reliance in all its neighbouring countries. The Indian Navy had bought the INS Sindhuvir, a Soviet-origin Kilo-class submarine, from Russia in 1980s and has operated it since 1988. It is currently being modernized by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Vizag, after which its service life will be extended by 10-15 years. It will then serve the Myanmar Navy till the 2030s. The INS Sindhuvir will be used by the Myanmar Navy for training purposes. It will also be the first-ever submarine for the Myanmar Navy, which is looking at acquiring its own submarine fleet in the coming years.

 

2. India conducts successful night trial of nuclear-capable Prithvi-2 missile: India has successfully conducted the night trial of its nuclear-capable Prithvi-2 missile from Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore, off Odisha coast. The user flight trial was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command of the armed force under the watch of DRDO scientists as part of a training exercise.

About Prithvi-2: The state-of-the-art missile is India’s first indigenous surface-to-surface strategic missile, developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. The 9-metre tall liquid-propelled Prithvi-2 has a range of 350 km and can carry a 1-tonne warhead. It uses Advanced Inertial Guidance System (AIGS) with manoeuvring trajectory to reach the target with a few metre accuracy. It has been designed to deliver advanced warheads deep into enemy territory. The missile dives at the target at an 80-degree angle.

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

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Bengali Vocal Artiste Pradip Ghosh passes away: Noted Bengali elocutionist Pradip Ghosh (78 years) passed away at his residence in Kolkata due to COVID-19. He was a prominent recitor and renowned vocal artist, who was well-known for his inimitable style of recitation. His most notable works included his recitation of Tagore’s poems, especially those for children. He worked as a joint director in the state information and cultural affairs department. He was awarded with Kaji Sabyasachi award by West Bengal Govt in 2017.

 

2. Bihar Panchayati Raj Minister Kapil Deo Kamat passes away: Bihar's Panchayati Raj minister Kapil Deo Kamat (70 years) passed away at AIIMS, Patna due to COVID-19. He was suffering from kidney failure and had been on ventilator over the past few days. He was JD(U) MLA from Babubarhi assembly constituency. Babubarhi is set to go to polls during the third phase of Bihar elections, on November 7. He is the second minister in Nitish Kumar's cabinet to succumb to the infection this week. 

Daily GK Updates - 18th Oct, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Education Minister launched “KAPILA” Kalam Program: Union Education Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has virtually launched the campaign ‘KAPILA’, which stands for Kalam Program for Intellectual Property Literacy and Awareness campaign on 15th October 2020. The day was launched in honour of 89th birth anniversary celebration of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Through the campaign, the government will spread awareness through educational programs about the importance of patenting an invention, to lead India towards self-reliance. In order to promote awareness in the field, the Ministry has decided to celebrate the week from 15 to 23 October as ‘Intellectual Property Literacy Week’. Various awareness programs will be organised to create awareness about the system and the importance of the process of applying for a patent.

 

2. SC appoints former judge to monitor steps to prevent stubble burning: The Supreme Court has appointed Justice Madan B Lokur, a former judge of the apex court, as a one-man monitoring committee to prevent stubble burning in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, amid rising levels of pollution in the national capital and adjoining regions. The bench also directed court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) and chief secretaries of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh to help the Lokur panel with physical surveillance of fields to check instances of stubble burning and other related matters.

The new committee will monitor the stubble burning and take preventive steps. It will get assistance from chief secretaries of all states as well as National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme and Bharat Scouts. The panel shall submit its report on stubble burning within 15 days to the apex court.

 

3. J&K L-G announces ‘My Town My Pride’ programme: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has announced that the government is coming up with a movement called ”My Town My Pride” from October 19 to provide governance at the doorsteps in urban areas on the pattern of the ”Back to Village” programme. The three main objectives of the programme: Public outreach in towns; Strengthening grassroots democracy; Service delivery at doorsteps;

Features of “My Town My Pride”: The programme will also ensure that on-the-spot grievance redressal, instant delivery of services to the masses, and on the ground speedy execution of people-centric projects. The “My Town My Pride” programme anticipates the time-bound delivery of documents like domicile, SC/ST/RBA/ALC/OBC certificates, revenue services. This programme will also ensure the time-bound delivery of benefits of various welfare schemes like pensions, scholarships, PMAY, KCC, Health golden cards, Ladli Beti, etc.

 

4. NTPC CMD Gurdeep Singh’s term extended till 2025: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has extended the tenure of state-run National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd, chairman and managing director, Gurdeep Singh till 31 July 2025. He had first assumed the charge of utility’s chairman and managing director in February 2016.

Gurdeep Singh has earlier worked at NTPC and also across the power sector in firms such as CLP, CESC, IDFC, Powergen and AES. His second term will start from 4 February next year and extend till 31 July 2025 which is the date of his superannuation.

Note: National Thermal Power Corporation Founded: 1975; National Thermal Power Corporation Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

 

5. A book titled ‘The Battle of Belonging’ authored by Shashi Tharoor: Renowned Author and Politician, Shashi Tharoor is set to release his new book titled “The Battle of Belonging” is set to be released in November 2020. The book is published by Aleph Book Company. Shashi Tharoor described this book as his “magnum opus” on the Theory, evolution and practice of Nationalism across the globe and especially in India.

About “The Battle of Belonging”: The book appears to be an extension of his book “Why I Am a Hindu”. It provides the historical context to the ideas of nationalism, patriotism, humanism, democracy and their origins. This book established the actual Indianism and what it means to be a patriotic and nationalistic Indian in the 21st century.

 

6. 36th Raising Day of National Security Guard: The 36th Raising Day of National Security Guard (NSG) is observed on 16 October. NSG plays a crucial role in India’s security apparatus. It has been associated with the utmost courage and professionalism. The NSG is a Federal Contingency force to deal with anti-terrorist activities. The NSG is a force equipped and trained to deal with the specific situation and is therefore used in exceptional circumstances to thwart serious acts of terrorism. It was established in 1984, NSG is popularly known as the Black Cats. It is an elite striking force in the country trained and equipped to handle situations like a terrorist attack, hijacking, and hostage captivity.

Note: National Security Guard Headquarters: New Delhi; DG of National Security Guard: Anup Kumar Singh; The motto of National Security Guard: Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India & France re-elected as President and Co-President of International Solar Alliance (ISA): India and France have been re-elected as the President and the Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) respectively for a term of two years. This decision was taken during the Third Assembly of the ISA, held virtually from 14 to 16 October 2020. India’s Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister, RK Singh will represent as the President of the ISA Assembly. Barbara Pompili, the Minister for Ecological Transition from France will be the Co-President of the Assembly. Four new Vice-Presidents have also been selected to represent the four regions of ISA. They are:

Representatives of Fiji & Nauru – Asia Pacific Region;

Representatives of Mauritius & Niger – Africa Region;

Representatives of UK & Netherlands – Europe and others Region,

Representatives of Cuba and Guyana – Latin America and Caribbean Region

 

2. Vishal V Sharma appointed India’s next permanent representative to UNESCO: Vishal V. Sharma has been appointed as the next Permanent Representative of India to the Permanent Delegation of India to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with the rank of Ambassador. He will replace Jawed Ashraf. Sharma is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

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

 

3. North Korea unveils massive new ballistic missile in military parade: North Korea unveiled what analysts believe to be one of the world’s largest ballistic missiles at a military parade celebrating the 75th anniversary in Pyongyang. The massive weapon Hwasong-15, was carried by an 11-axle truck, capable of carrying a super-heavy nuclear warhead. Solid-fueled missiles offer an advantage over liquid-fueled ones in that they can move without fuel trucks accompanying them. This means they can be launched more quickly and hidden more easily from spy satellites.

 

4. New Zealand passport most powerful, India ranked 58 in Global Passport Index: New Zealand has knocked off Japan for the strongest passport in the world according to the latest Global Passport Index compiled by global financial advisory firm Arton Capital. The US passport ranked 21 and India, 58. The passport index lists the power of passports in terms of real-time, visa restrictions, factoring in legislative changes, and entry requirements. The index, which compares the access granted by the passports of 193 United Nations member countries.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. IWF appoint Michael Irani as interim president: Dr Michael Irani of Great Britain (GBR) has been appointed as the Interim President of the International Weightlifting Federation(IWF), at the meeting of the IWF Executive Board, in accordance with the constitution of IWF. Michael Irani was appointed following the resignation of IWF President Tamás Aján. Prior to this, Michael Irani was serving as the chairman of the IWF Medical Committee.

Michael Irani was born in Bombay, India. Michael Irani is a leading physician in Rheumatology who works as a Consultant Rheumatologist at Ashford Hospital NHS Trust. He was the former Chairman of the anti-doping Commission of IWF. He was a member of the IWF Medical Committee since 1992. He served as the President of the European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) Medical Committee from 1995 to 1999.

Note: International Weightlifting Federation Headquarters: Budapest, Hungary; International Weightlifting Federation Founded: 1905.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Indian Bank inks MoU with Housing Ministry, SIDBI for street vendors: Public sector Indian Bank has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for payment of subsidy to street vendors under the Centre’s SVANidhi Scheme. Indian Bank has developed an integrated online system to make payments of interest subvention and cash incentives to all street vendor-beneficiaries across the country through the Direct Benefit Transfer.

 

2. PhonePe launches car and bike insurance on its platform in association with Baja Allianz: Flipkart-owned PhonePe launched car and bike insurance products on its platform in association with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. With this launch, over 230 million registered PhonePe users can now insure their vehicles seamlessly in under 2 minutes, without the need for any documents to be uploaded before the purchase and also view their policy documents instantly on the app. PhonePe users can also customise their car insurance plan based on their needs with a range of value-added offerings such as zero depreciation, 24X7 roadside assistance and engine protection among others.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Centre to borrow Rs 1.1 Lakh Crore to meet shortfall of GST Compensation: The central government will borrow Rs 1.1 lakh crore under the special window to meet the shortfall of Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation. Under the Special Window, the estimated shortfall of Rs 1.1 lakh cr (assuming all States join) will be borrowed by Government of India in appropriate tranches. The borrowed amount will be passed on to the States as a back-to-back loan in lieu of GST Compensation. This will not have any impact on the fiscal deficit of the Government of India.

 The amounts will be reflected as the capital receipts of the State Governments and as part of the financing of its respective fiscal deficits. This will avoid differential rates of interest that individual States may be charged for their respective SDLs and will be an administratively easier arrangement. The govt also clarified that the General Government (States+Centre) borrowings will not increase by this step. The States that get the benefit from the Special Window is likely to borrow a considerably lesser amount from the additional borrowing facility of 2% of GSDP (from 3% to 5%) under the Aatma Nirbhar Package.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Jnanpith Awardee Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri passes away: The eminent Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri, who was conferred with the 55th Jnanpith award in June 2020, has passed away due to age related ailments. He was 93-years-old. The popular Kerala-based writer was often referred to as Akkitham and is the sixth Keralite to be conferred with the prestigious Jnanpith literary award. Apart from this, he was also honoured with Padmashri in 2017. His work includes over 45 works of poems, plays and short stories. 

Daily GK Updates - 17th Oct, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves Rs. 5718 crore World Bank-supported STARS project: Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has approved the implementation of the Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project. ‘STARS’ is a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education for improving the quality of education, in the Indian School Education System. The total project cost is Rs 5718 crore with the financial support of World Bank amounting to the USD 500 million (approximately Rs. 3700 crores). The project will cover 6 states namely Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha.

Under the STARS Project: The project envisages improving the overall monitoring and measurement activities in the Indian School Education System by supporting the selected states in developing, implementing, evaluating and improving interventions with direct linkages to improved education outcomes and school to work transition strategies for improved labour market outcomes. The overall focus and components of the STARS project are aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 of Quality-Based Learning Outcomes.

 

2. DG of Shipping notified as National Authority for Ships Recycling: The Central government has notified the Directorate General of Shipping as the National Authority for Recycling of Ships. The DG Shipping has been designated as the apex authority for the ship recycling industry of India under Section 3 of the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019. The office of the National Authority of Ship Recycling will be set up in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

About National Authority for Recycling of Ship: National Authority for Recycling of Ships will administer, supervise and monitor all activities relating to ship recycling. It would be the final authority for the various approvals required by the ship-recycling yard owners and the State governments.

Note: Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Shipping: Mansukh L. Mandaviya.

 

3. Union Cabinet approves Rs 520 crore package under NRLM for J&K and Ladakh: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a special package of Rs 520 crore for the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh under the National Rural Livelihood Mission. This special package has been approved for a period of five years till the financial year 2023-24. The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) will ensure sufficient funds to both the Union Territories with the aim to eliminate rural poverty and improved access to financial services. The decision is in line with Centre’s aim to universalise all centrally sponsored beneficiary-oriented schemes in J&K and Ladakh in a time-bound manner.

 

4. Rajnath Singh lays foundation stone for Nechiphu tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh: Amid face-off between the Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for the strategically important Nechiphu tunnel at West Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh via video conferencing. The 450m-long tunnel, which will bypass the existing road, will be D-shaped and comprise two lanes of 3.5m width each. Another 1.8 km-long tunnel is also being constructed on the BCT road and both will reduce the distance to the area bordering China by 10km. Besides this, the Defence Minister also inaugurated 43 BRO-made bridges across 7 Border States of the country, including 7 in Arunachal and 4 in Sikkim.

 

5. Akbar Ebrahim Gets A Second Term As FMSCI President: Former racer Akbar Ebrahim was unanimously elected for a second term as the president of India’s motorsports governing body, FMSCI. Farooq Ahmed was unanimously elected as the vice-president. Ebrahim had his first stint as FMSCI chief from 2016-2018 following which he was replaced by J Prithviraj.

 

6. IIT Delhi-incubated Startup Launches Antimicrobial Water Storage Containers ‘AqCure’: IIT Delhi-incubated startup Nanosafe Solutions has developed a range of antimicrobial mixing traditional science with nanotechnology i.e. antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal water storage containers and launched it as “AqCure”, which is based on the inherent antimicrobial properties of copper. AqCure water containers have >99.99% antibacterial, >99.99% antifungal, and >99% antiviral activity tested as per ISO and ASTM standards. These containers are made from BPA/BPS-free high quality food grade polymers and is ideal for home and office use.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbai Jeenbekov resigns: Kyrgyzstan President, Sooronbai Jeenbekov has resigned from his post, following 10 days of unrest caused by protesters who have demanded his removal from office. On 4th October 2020, he was re-elected as the President in Parliamentary election, causing political turmoil throughout the country. The 61-year-old has served as the President of Kyrgyzstan from 2017 to 2020. He was also the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan from April 2016 to August 2017.

Note: Kyrgyzstan Capital: Bishkek; Kyrgyzstan Currency: Kyrgyzstani som

 

2. Russia approves 2nd coronavirus vaccine “EpiVacCorona”: Russia has given regulatory approval to a second Covid-19 vaccine, named ‘EpiVacCorona’, after early-stage studies. The new coronavirus vaccine comes two months after a similar move for Russia’s first vaccine Sputnik V prompted widespread criticism from scientists both at home and abroad. Russia became the first country to give regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine in August when Sputnik V was officially registered ahead of the large-scale clinical trial. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the country has registered the second Covid-19 vaccine.

About EpiVacCorona: The second Russian vaccine to receive regulatory approval was developed by the Vector State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology. The two-shot vaccine, ‘EpiVacCorona’, was tested among 100 volunteers in early-stage, placebo-controlled human trials, which lasted more than two months and were completed two weeks ago. The volunteers were between 18 and 60 years old. Vector’s vaccine EpiVacCorona relies on chemically synthesized peptide antigens of SARS-CoV-2 proteins, conjugated to a carrier protein and adsorbed on an aluminium-containing adjuvant, according to details posted at ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world.

Note: Russia President: Vladimir Putin; Russia Capital: Moscow; Russia Currency: Russian Ruble.

 

3. India contributes 1 million dollars to UNRWA for Palestine Refugees: India has contributed one million dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in Near East. This aid will support the Agency’s programmes and services, including education, health care, relief and social services. The Representative Office of India in Ramallah stated, India’s support for the Palestinian cause is an integral part of the nation’s foreign policy. It shall continue supporting the UNRWA’s activities in providing vital services and necessary humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.

Note: UNRWA is a United Nations (UN) agency which was established by the UN General Assembly in 1949. The agency is mandated to provide protection and assistance to some 5.6 million Palestine refugees who are registered with UNRWA across its 5 fields of operation. TThe mission of UNRWA is to help the Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, West Bank, including Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem.

UNRWA Headquarters: Amman, Jordan; UNRWA Commissioner-General: Philippe Lazzarini.

 

4. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: 17th October: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed globally on 17 October every year. The day aims to raise awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution around the world, particularly in developing countries. 2020 Theme: “Acting together to achieve social and environmental justice for all”. The theme for the Day this year addresses the challenge of achieving social and environmental justice for all. This year marks the 27th anniversary of the declaration by the General Assembly, in its resolution 47/196 of 22 December 1992, of 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This year also marks the 32nd anniversary of the Call to Action by Father Joseph Wresinski — which inspired the observance of October 17 as the World Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty — and the recognition by the United Nations of the day as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. AIFF announces ‘Indian Football – Forward Together’ as its new motto: All India Football Federation, the apex body for the sport of football in the country, announced the launch of their new motto “Indian Football. Forward Together”, defining the new brand direction. The motto is based on the core belief of the Federation to promote, grow and develop the game of football throughout India with the support of the football community, and creates synergy with the core values of the organization – passion, respect, leadership, teamwork, integrity, professionalism and inclusivity.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IKEA partners Mastercard, Citi to launch Family Credit Card: Citibank India (Citi) and Mastercard jointly announced the launch of “IKEA Family Credit Card by Citi” to make shopping at the Swedish furnishing company more affordable, convenient and rewarding. The card provides instant in-store card bookings, direct payments via Bharat QR, accelerated reward points and attractive EMIs and would also offer reward points on all purchases with instant reward redemption at IKEA. The card is available to IKEA family members at ”zero joining fee and zero annual fee’‘ and can be used for purchases made on IKEAs online and offline stores, or anywhere in the world that accepts credit cards.

 

2. EarlySalary launches ”Salary Card” powered by RuPay to meet the Rising Demand for Digital Credit: EarlySalary, India’s largest consumer lending platform, announced the launch of ‘Salary Card’ a zero-touch digital card that provides instant access for salaried professionals, enabling them to make instant purchases across thousands of merchants across India. Powered by RuPay, the Salary Card comes with a unique feature that allows consumers the flexibility of setting up a dynamic credit limit to suit that shopping, medical, travel, entertainment and other needs. The ‘Salary Card’ backed by advanced Machine Learning (ML) technologies and risk-oriented decision making mechanisms, is designed to serve as a secure payment mode to help consumers spend responsibly.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. BharatPe elevates Dhruv Dhanraj Bahl to chief operating officer: Merchant payment network BharatPe has elevated Dhruv Bahl as its chief operating officer (COO) with immediate effect.  In his new role, Bahl will be leading operations across customer support, deployments – QR, Swipe & Cards, KYC, loan disbursals and lead generation.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former New Zealand all-rounder John R Reid passes away: New Zealand’s oldest surviving Test cricketer and former captain John Reid has died at the age of 92. Reid, regarded as one of the world’s best all-rounders during his heyday in the fifties and early sixties, captained New Zealand in 34 Tests including, most notably, the country’s first three victories. Reid played 246 first-class games and scored 16128 runs at 41.35, including 39 centuries, while taking 466 wickets at 22.60. He retired in 1965 and later became a New Zealand selector, manager, and an ICC match referee.

 

2. India’s first Oscar winner Bhanu Athaiya passes away: India's first Oscar winner Costume designer Bhanu Athaiya (91 years) passed away in Mumbai. She won Oscar for her work in epic film Richard Attenborough's Gandhi in 1983 jointly with John Mollo. She began her career as a costume designer in movie 'C.I.D.'.  She is known for Bollywood's looks, including Vyjayantihmala in Aamrapaali, Waheeda Rehman in Guide and Zeenat Aman in Satyam Shivam Sundaram. She also won 2 national awards for Lekin (1990) and Lagaan (2001). In 2012, Athaiya returned her Oscar to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for safekeeping.

 

3. Cricket journalist and commentator Kishore Bhimani passes away: Veteran sports journalist and Cricket commentator, Kishore Bhimani passed away. He was a leading cricket commentator in the Eighties and Nineties and is best remembered for being on the air during the tied Test of 1986 between India and Australia in Chepauk, Chennai. He had received a lifetime achievement award for his decades-long contribution in the fields of media and commentary in 2013. 

Daily GK Updates - 16th Oct, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gujarat govt announces to set up the world’s biggest Zinc Smelter project: Gujarat government has signed a pact with Vedanta Group firm Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) to set up a greenfield zinc smelter in the state. This facility will entail an investment of Rs 5000- 10,000 crore in phases, creating more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs and will be operational by 2022. The proposed 300 (kilo tonnes per annum) production capacity project would provide big employment opportunities to the local youths in this tribal area.

About the Project: The first phase of the proposed plant will be operational in 36 months. The project will satisfy the domestic as well as global needs through exports. The new facility – the first for Hindustan Zinc in Gujarat, will be set up with zero discharge technology and will be among the lowest-cost smelters in the world. This is one of the largest MoUs signed by the state under the State’s new industrial policy, which gives extra benefits to the companies investing in backward tribal districts. Hindustan Zinc is one of the world’s largest and India’s only integrated producer of Zinc-Lead and Silver.

Note: Gujarat Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani; Gujarat Governor: Acharya Devvrat.

 

2. Government sets up a panel of secretaries headed by Rajiv Gauba to streamline telecom spectrum allocation: The Government of India has constituted a panel of secretaries to streamline the spectrum allocation process and also make the auction of spectrum an annual calendar event. The panel will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba. Other members of the panel would include the secretaries of home, defence, railways, telecom, I&B and department of space. The panel will also look into the possibility of identifying spectrum which is likely to be released for commercial purposes in future and convey that to the telcos. This step has been taken to help the telecom companies to get a clear road map of the quantum as well as the frequency of spectrum on offer for commercial use, following which they can then plan their strategies more efficiently

 

3. Arunachal Pradesh to feature on country’s aviation map with Greenfield airport at Hollongi: Arunachal Pradesh is poised to feature on country’s aviation map with a greenfield airport at Hollongi. With estimated cost of 650 crore rupees, the project includes the development work, construction of airport pavements, air side work, terminal Building and city side works. The new domestic airport, with an area of 4,100 square metres, the Hollongi Airport will be able to handle 200 passengers during peak hours. The terminal will be an energy efficient building provisioned with Rain Water Harvesting system and sustainable landscape. The tentative date for completion of the project is November, 2022.

 

4. UP Govt to dedicate Navratra Festival to ‘Women’s Safety’ by launching ‘Mission Shakti’: The Uttar Pradesh government will dedicate the coming Navratra festival to women’s safety, dignity and empowerment by launching “Mission Shakti”. Various programmes will be organised from gram panchayats to industrial units, school campuses to government offices, from Durga Puja pandals to Ramlilas to reaffirm the faith and resolve towards women power.

 

5. Microsoft & AICTE collaborate to empower students and educators: Microsoft and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have partnered to empower students and educators in new-age technologies. This technology includes artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), data science and cloud computing.

Under the partnership: Over 1,500-course modules from Microsoft will be made available to students and educators free of cost through AICTE’s e-learning portal Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). For this, Microsoft has integrated its learning resource centre Microsoft Learn with the ELIS platform to provide access to personalised learning paths and resources for students and educators.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft: Satya Nadella; Microsoft Founded: April 4, 1975; Headquarters of Microsoft: Washington, United States.

 

6. PM Modi to release commemorative coin to mark 75th Anniversary of FAO: Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative coin of Rs 75 denomination on the occasion of 75th Anniversary of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on 16 October 2020. PM Modi also dedicates to the Nation 17 recently developed biofortified varieties of 8 crops. The event marks the highest priority accorded by the government to agriculture and nutrition and is a testament of the resolve to completely eliminate hunger, undernourishment and malnutrition. Anganwadi centres, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, organic and horticulture missions across the country will be part of the event. India’s proposals for declaring 2016 as the International Year of Pulses and 2023 as the International Year of Millets have also been endorsed by the FAO.

Note: Food and Agriculture Organisation Headquarters: Rome, Italy; Food and Agriculture Organisation Head: Qu Dongyu; Food and Agriculture Organisation Founded: 16 October 1945.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Exim Bank extends USD 400 million soft loan to Maldives: The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) on behalf of the Government of India has extended a Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 400 million (about Rs 2,932 crore) to the Maldives. The soft loan will be used for financing the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) in the Maldives, which is the single-largest connectivity and infrastructure project in the island nation. LoCs or soft loans are concessional loans that are offered at cheap rates. The soft loans to the Maldives have funded connectivity, water, sewerage projects, Addu Development Project, an international cricket stadium, Gulhifalhu port, Hanimaadhoo airport and road construction work.

Note: Export-Import Bank of India CEO: David Rasquinha; Export-Import Bank of India Founded: 1 January 1982; Export-Import Bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

2. US FDA approved first treatment for Ebola: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first drug for the treatment of Ebola on October 14, 2020. The United States approved a lab-made antibody treatment against the Ebola virus developed by the biotech firm Regeneron after it was shown to significantly reduce the mortality rate in a clinical trial.

The US regulator approved the drug developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for treating adults and children. It was tested during an outbreak in Congo that killed nearly 2,300 people before it ended in June. The drug, named Inmazeb (IN’-meh-zehb), dramatically increased survival, when compared to three other treatments. The study was ended ahead of schedule last year so patients could get Inmazeb or a second drug that was nearly as effective. Earlier, FDA approved its first vaccine for Ebola in last December.

 

3. International E-Waste Day: 14th October: The International E-Waste Day (IEWD) is celebrated on 14 October every year since 2018, to promote the correct disposal of e-waste throughout the world with the aim to increase re-use, recovery and recycling rates. 2020 is the third edition of the International E-Waste Day. The day was developed in 2018 by the WEEE Forum, an international association of e-waste collection schemes, with the support of its members. The theme for 2020 IEWD is ‘Education’.

 

4. Global Handwashing Day: 15th October: The Global Handwashing Day (GHD) is observed on 15 October every year. It is an international handwashing promotion campaign to motivate and mobilize people around the world to improve their handwashing habits. The day was established by the Global Handwashing Partnership (GHP) (formerly called “Public Private Partnership for Handwashing” (PPPHW)) in 2008. Theme of GHD 2020 is ‘Hand Hygiene for All’.

 

5. World Food Day: 16th October: World Food Day (WFD) is observed globally on 16 October every year. The day is celebrated to eradicate worldwide hunger from our lifetime. This day generates awareness globally for those who suffer from hunger and to ensure the need for food security and nutritious diets for all. Theme 2020: “Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together”. The main focus of this day is that food is a basic and fundamental human right. WFD commemorates the day in 1945 when the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was founded.

Note: Food and Agriculture Organization Head: Qu Dongyu; Food and Agriculture Organization Headquarters: Rome, Italy; Food and Agriculture Organization Established: 16 October 1945.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Constantina Dita named ambassador for Half Marathon C’ships Gdynia 2020: Romania’s 2008 Olympic champion, Constantina Dita has been named an ambassador for the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships Gdynia 2020. The 2020 World Athletics Half Marathon Championships, originally scheduled for 29 March 2020 in Gdynia, Poland, was postponed until 17 October 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dita competed at eight editions of the World Half Marathon Championships and earned seven medals in the process, making her one of the most successful athletes in the history of the event. Her double victory in Edmonton in 2005, taking individual and team gold medals, remains one of the highlights of her career. She won the marathon gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank to launch ‘The HealthyLife Programme’ for its customers: India’s leading private sector bank, HDFC Bank and Apollo Hospitals have collaborated to launch the “HealthyLife Programme”, a holistic healthcare solution. This programme will be launched for HDFC Bank customers, to make healthy living accessible and affordable while making the process convenient and easy for the customers.

Benefits of the programme: Customers will get round the clock access to emergency Apollo Doctor at No Cost on Apollo’s digital platform, Apollo 24/7. It will also come with various other benefits such as choice of payment options and ease of finance for treatments at all Apollo Hospitals. Customers can avail unsecured loans of up to Rs. 40 lakh to pay for medical expenses incurred at the healthcare chain.

Note: HDFC Bank CEO: Aditya Puri; The tagline of HDFC Bank: We Understand Your World; HDFC Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India will be 3rd-largest economy by 2050: Lancet: India is likely to overtake Japan as the third largest economy in the world by 2050 and continue in that position till 2100, according to a study published in the medical journal Lancet. The study constructed scenarios for GDP using the working age population of countries. The study based 2017 as the reference when India was the seventh largest economy in the world, and forecast that India will emerge as the fourth largest economy by 2030 behind USA, China, Japan and by 2050 it will go onto the third spot. By 2100, India was forecasted to still have the largest working-age population in the world, followed by Nigeria, China, and the USA. Other countries bolstered by immigration that rose up in the global rankings by GDP were Australia and Israel. Despite huge declines in population forecasted this century, Japan remained the fourth-largest economy in 2100, according to the study on fertility, mortality, migration and population scenarios for 195 countries from 2017 to 2100.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. “Bank of Ghana” wins Central bank of the year award 2020: “Bank of Ghana” has won the Central bank of the year award 2020. Apart from this, Mark Carney (Governor of the Bank of England) has won the Governor of the year at the Central bank of the year award 2020. Central Banking Awards is held annually to recognize excellence in the central banking community. This was the 7th edition of the award and the ceremony was held virtually on.

Note: Governor of Bank of Ghana: Ernest Kwamina Yedu Addison; Bank of Ghana Headquarters: Accra, Ghana; Bank of Ghana Founded: 1957.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Renowned Indian-origin South African Human Rights Lawyer Priscilla Jana Passes Away: Renowned Indian-origin South African human rights lawyer Priscilla Jana who represented many anti-apartheid political leaders, including Nelson Mandela, has passed away. He was 76. Jana, who had played a significant role against apartheid, was the Deputy Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). Jana was also a member of the South African Law Commission and served as a member of the Advisory Committee to the President. After a period as a Member of Parliament in the democratic government following the election of Mandela in 1994, Jana served as South African Ambassador in the Netherlands and in Ireland.

 

2. Renowned Kuchipudi dancer Shoba Naidu passes away: Renowned Kuchipudi dancer, Shobha Naidu passed away. Her major achievements include choreography and presentation of Ballets Vipranarayana, Kalyana Srinivasam and many others, in which she was the main protagonist and portrayed various roles like Satyabhama, Devadevaki, Padmavathi, Mohini, Sai Baba, and Goddess Parvati which won her great appreciation. Some of the famous awards won by her include, Padma Shri in 2001, Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1991.