Daily GK Updates – 29th Oct, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launches ‘e-Dharti Geo portal’: Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri has launched the ‘e-Dharti Geo Portal’ to integrate legacy drawings such as maps and lease plans in the management information system and make its geographic information system (GIS)-enabled.  The Land and Development Office deals with more than 60000 residential, commercial, industrial and institutional properties. Now with the launch of the portal the property certificate details and outline map of the property can be easily accessed online. The portal is highly beneficial to the elderly public. It will help avoid unnecessary litigation. Also, the portal will help a purchaser to learn about the details of the property whether any lawsuit is pending in respect of the property.

What is a property certificate? It is usually created during the purchase of a property. The property certificate provides information about the property to the purchaser and the lessee. This information about the property certificate can now be accessed by paying a nominal fee of thousand rupees.

Note: Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Civil Aviation: Hardeep Singh Puri.

 

2. PM Modi Inaugurates 4th edition of India Energy Forum: PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 4th India Energy Forum by CERAWeek organised by HIS Markit. The event was held from October 26-28, 2020. The theme of this edition is “India’s Energy Future in a World of Change”. Thousands of delegates from Indian, regional, and international energy companies, institutions, and governments virtually participated in the 4th India Energy Forum. The forum provides a platform to bring together the global energy leaders and experts to India to deliberate on the opportunities and challenges in India’s energy sector. 

India is the third-largest and the fastest-growing aviation market in terms of domestic aviation and Indian carriers are projected to increase their fleet size from 600 to 1200 by 2024. According to PM, India’s Energy Plan aims to ensure energy justice while fully following India’s global commitments for sustainable growth. This means more energy is needed to improve the lives of Indians with a smaller carbon footprint. He envisioned India’s energy sector to be growth-centric, industry-friendly and environmentally conscious.

Note: The CERAWeek India Energy Forum has been organized since 2017 by the information and insights company IHS Markit based in Houston, Texas.

 

3. IIT Jodhpur, NHAI sign MoU for betterment of Highway Infrastructure: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share expertise for the betterment of highway infrastructure. About Memorandum of Understanding:

(1) The two institutions will work in domains which include transportation engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering.

(2) They will also cooperate in hydraulics engineering, infrastructure systems, earthquake engineering, urban and rural planning and disaster management and planning domains.

(3) The MoU will enable Undergraduate and Postgraduate students of IIT Jodhpur to undertake internships from the above-mentioned domains.

(4) The joint activities will bridge the industry-institution gap and develop technologies that would be adopted in practice by NHAI.

Note: National Highways Authority of India Chairman: Sukhbir Singh Sandhu; National Highways Authority of India Headquarters: New Delhi.

Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur Chairman: R. Chidambaram; Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur: Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

 

4. Centre extends ESI Scheme to Arunachal Pradesh from Nov 1: In its continuous endeavor to cover more workers under ESI Scheme, the Centre has extended the Employees’ State Insurance, ESI Scheme to Arunachal Pradesh from 1st of next month. A notification to this effect has been issued by the Central Government for notifying the district of Papum Pare, under the ESI Scheme. All factories located in the district of Papum Pare employing 10 or more persons will become eligible for coverage under ESI Act 1948.

 

5. Income tax return filing deadline for FY20 extended till December 31: The Ministry of Finance has further extended the deadline for filing income tax returns by individual taxpayers for FY 2019-20 by a month till December 31, 2020. Earlier this deadline was November 30, 2020. In addition to this, for those taxpayers whose accounts need to be audited, the Income-Tax Return filing deadline has been extended by two months till January 31, 2021. The extension in the deadlines will provide more time to taxpayers for furnishing of Income Tax Returns.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian-origin Wavel Ramkalawan elected President of Seychelles: Indian-origin Wavel Ramkalawan has been elected as the President of Seychelles. Seychelles has elected an opposition candidate as president for the first time since 1977. He has defeated the incumbent Danny Faure. Ramakalwan is a priest of Indian Origin whose grandfather came from Gopalganj, Bihar.

Note: Seychelles Capital: Victoria; Seychelles Currency: Seychellois rupee; Seychelles Continent: Africa.

 

2. India announces USD1 billion Line of Credit to Central Asian Countries for connectivity & other development projects: The second meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was held virtually on 28 October 2020 under the chairmanship of the External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar. The foreign minister of all the five Central Asian countries- Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyzstan– participated in the meeting. Apart from this, the Acting Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan also attended the meeting as a special invitee. During the meeting, India announced US $ 1 billion line of credit for “priority developmental projects” in Central Asian countries in the fields of connectivity, energy, IT, healthcare, education, agriculture and offered to provide grant assistance for implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) for furthering socio-economic development in the countries of the region. The first India-Central Asia Dialogue was held in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand in 2019.

 

3. India hosts 19th Meeting of SCO Ministers of Foreign Economy & Foreign Trade: India hosted the 19th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Ministers of Foreign Economy and Foreign Trade on 28 October 2020. The virtual meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry of India Shri Piyush Goyal. It was attended by the Secretary General of SCO Vladimir Norov and Ministers from Kyrgyz Republic, China, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the following four documents:

(1) Statement on the response to Covid-19.  It highlights the need for greater cooperation for access to medicines and facilitation of trade.

(2) Statement on the Multilateral Trading System of Ministers of SCO Countries who are WTO Members.  It highlights the importance of the rules based multilateral negotiations.

(3) Statement on SCO Cooperation on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).  It relates to cooperation of intellectual property and include sharing information/experience on legislation and enforcement, cooperation in international organisations and other areas.

(4) Action Plan for Implementation of MOU to stimulate cooperation within the framework of SCO in the field of MSMEs.  It looks at number of areas of cooperation among MSMEs, including exchange of information, organisation of events and collaboration on research and capacity building.

 

4. International Internet Day 2020: 29th October: International Internet Day is observed on 29th October every year. It aims to honour a momentous day in the history of telecommunications and technology. This day also highlights the sending of the 1st electronic message which was conveyed from one computer to another computer in the year 1969.

History of International Internet Day: Charley Kline who was a student programmer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), he discovered the transmission of first-ever electronic message in the world ‘LO’ on 29th October 1969. In that era, the Internet was called ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network). In 2005, this was the first time when the world observed first International Internet Day on 29th Oct.

 

5. World Psoriasis Day 2020: 29th October: World Psoriasis Day is commemorated by International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) annually on 29th October. It aims to create awareness and promoting empowerment, taking action regarding improving the quality of life for citizens with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. World Psoriasis Day Theme 2020: INFORMED.

About Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a kind of a skin disorder that reasons skin cells to multiply up to ten times faster. Psoriasis causes the skin to build up into bumpy red patches embraced with white scales.

Note: President of International Federation of Psoriasis Associations: Hoseah Waweru; International Federation of Psoriasis Associations Founded: 1971; International Federation of Psoriasis Associations Headquarters: Sweden.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports appoints Bimal Julka as Chairman: Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) has announced the appointment of Bimal Julka as its Chairman. In his new role, Julka will work closely with all the stakeholders to further strengthen the operating standards of the Indian fantasy sports industry. Bimal Julka is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer of the 1979 batch belonging to the Madhya Pradesh Cadre. Julka is taking over from John Loffhagen, who served as the Chairman of FIFS for over three years. Loffhagen will assume the role of a Strategic Advisor and support FIFS on collaborating with relevant international bodies in the industry.

Note: Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) is India’s first and only self-regulatory industry body for fantasy sports, established in 2017.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank MD & CEO Aditya Puri retires: The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Bank, Aditya Puri has stepped down, after 25 years of a highly successful career at India’s largest private sector lender. The 70-year-old Puri had transformed a start-up in a sector dominated by state-owned banks into an industry leader. At nearly Rs 6 trillion, HDFC Bank leads the industry in terms of market capitalisation and remains the most profitable by a long margin. Sashidhar Jagdishan has been appointed as the new chief executive and managing director of the HDFC Bank w.e.f. 27 October 2020.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Nippon Life Invests in World Bank Sustainable Development Bonds and Highlights Support for Nutrition: The World Bank issued a 15-year AU$150 million Sustainable Development Bond, while for the first time, highlighting the importance of good nutrition to build human capital.  Nippon Life Insurance Company was the sole investor in this transaction. World Bank bonds support the financing of sustainable development projects and programs in member countries across a range of sectors in line with its mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. This includes US$4.9 billion in projects, of which US$1 billion are in IBRD countries, helping to improve nutrition.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Om Puri awarded Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously at IIFFB 2020: Late Indian actor, Om Puri was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the third edition of the India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB 2020). The award was received by his wife Nandita Puri. The three-day film festival, based in Boston USA. Another highlight of the festival was a conversation with chef Vikas Khanna, recipient of the “Pride of India Award”.

Malayalam film “Kaanthi” bagged the Best Feature Film Award, while the Best Male Actor was won by Victor Banerjee for playing a priest in Josef: Born In Grace. The Best Female Actor went to Shylaja Ambu for Kaanthi at the Boston festival.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Gujarati Actor Naresh Kanodia passes away: Veteran Gujarati film star-turned-politician, Naresh Kanodia passed away. He was the younger brother of Gujarati singer Mahesh Kanodia who died on 25 October 2020 in Gandhinagar after a prolonged illness. Naresh Kanodia worked in over 100 Gujarati films. Later he joined politics and was elected as a BJP MLA from Karjan constituency between 2002 and 2007. Both brothers were known as the Mahesh-Naresh duo in Gujarati film industry and together shared credit for several Gujarati hit movies.

Daily GK Updates – 28th Oct, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi launched 3 projects in Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated three projects in his home State Gujarat, one each related to farmers’ welfare, healthcare, and tourism development, via video conference from New Delhi. The projects inaugurated include:

Kisan Suryodaya Yojna: The ‘Kisan Suryodaya Yojna’ is an Agri scheme which aims to provide power supply during daytime from 5 am to 9 pm (16 hours) for irrigation purposes to farmers. The state government has allocated a budget of Rs 3,500 crores for installing transmission infrastructure under this scheme by 2023. Initially, Dahod, Patan, Mahisagar, Panchmahal, Chhota Udepur, Kheda, Tapi, Valsad, Anand and Gir-Somnath districts have been covered under the scheme for 2020-21. The rest will be included in a phased manner by 2022-23.

India’s biggest cardiac hospital in Ahmedabad: The Paediatric Heart Hospital was inaugurated at U.N Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre at Civil Hospital campus in Ahmedabad and a Mobile Application for telecardiology. The new facilities have been set up at the cost of Rs 470 crore and will be India’s biggest hospital for cardiology. It has increased the existing 450 beds to 1251 beds, 531 cardiac ICU beds, 15 cardiac modular operation theatres and 6 cardiac cath labs.

World’s longest temple ropeway project at Girnar in Junagadh: Girnar hill ropeway at Junagadh is Rs 130 crore project. It would attract more tourists and pilgrims to this historical place which will boost employment opportunities. The 2,320 metres long ropeway has a capacity of carrying 1,000 passengers every hour.

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

 

2. World Bank sanctions Rs 3 crore for Sand Dune Park in Goa: India’s first sand dune parks and interpretation centres are set to be developed in Goa. World Bank has sanctioned around Rs.3 crore under the programme. The Goa state biodiversity board has proposed the project, which will be implemented with financial assistance from the World Bank.

About Sand Dune Park: The Sand Dune park project will have interpretation centres to educate locals and tourists on the importance of the sand dune ecosystem. Park would also have Bridges made of nature-friendly material to reduce trampling on sand dune vegetation. Besides this, nurseries of sand dune vegetation will also be set up, which will enable its replantation on beach stretches where vegetation has gone extinct.

Note: Goa Capital: Panaji; Governor of Goa: Bhagat Singh Koshyari; Chief Minister of Goa: Pramod Sawant.

 

3. NTPC ranks 1st among Indian PSUs in Forbes’ World’s Best Employer 2020: National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has featured on the top on the list of Indian PSUs under the ‘World’s Best Employer 2020’, published by Forbes. The recognition is testimony to NTPC’s commitment towards inculcating best in class practices that are thoughtfully designed and robustly executed, the company stated in a statement. The modules have helped thousands of workers from NTPC to grow and think beyond the professional sphere.

Note: NTPC Founded: 1975; NTPC Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

 

4. Third phase of National Supercomputing Mission to start in Jan next year: The third phase of the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) will kickstart in January 2021, taking computing speed to around 45 petaflops. The NSM is rapidly boosting high power computing in the country through its various phases to meet the increasing computational demands of academia, researchers, medium, small and micro enterprises and start-ups in areas like oil exploration, flood prediction as also genomics, and drug discovery. The Rs 4,500 crore-National Supercomputers Mission (NSM) envisages nearly 50 supercomputers across the country in three phases.

 

5. Indian Army in J&K Celebrates 74th Infantry Day: Every year, October 27 is celebrated as Infantry Day by the Indian Army in Jammu & Kashmir (known by nickname, Chinar Corps). The Chinar Corps celebrated the 74th Infantry Day on October 27, 2020, to honour the supreme sacrifice of the gallant soldiers in fighting the Pakistani invaders, in Jammu and Kashmir, in 1947. Infantry Day is celebrated as a remembrance of the first military event of independent India, when the First Battalion of the Sikh Regiment of Indian Army fought battle to accomplish victory over the first attack on the Indian soil by the Pakistan Army and Lashkar invader on October 27, 1947, in the Kashmir valley, who tried to grab J&K.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bangladesh govt orders ‘no mask, no service’ policy: Bangladesh government has decided that no service will be provided to people who don’t wear a mask. The cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided that no one will be allowed to enter offices without the mask. It decided that all offices must install notice boards saying ‘no mask, no service’ in order to control the spread of COVID 19 virus in the country. Involving community leaders in the campaign to wear a mask, the Cabinet Secretary said that the government has also talked to the Islamic scholars and religious leaders to publicise this at all mosques through the Imams.

Note: Prime Minister of Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina; Capital: Dhaka; Currency: Taka.

 

2. Pakistan to remain in grey list of FATF till Feb 2021: The global terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has announced that Pakistan will continue to remain on its grey list till February 2021. This decision has been taken since Pakistan has not been able to fulfil six out of the 27 mandates to check terror funding. FATF has strongly urged Pakistan to swiftly complete its full action plan by February 2021.

About FATF: FATF objective is to combat money laundering, terror financing and other related threats to the international financial system. It currently has 39 members which include two regional organizations, the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council.

Note: The headquarters of FATF is in Paris, France; FATF was founded in July 1989.

Prime Minister of Pakistan: Imran Khan; President of Pakistan: Arif Alvi; Capital of Pakistan: Islamabad.

 

3. India’s Rank in Global Mobile Internet Speeds Falls to 131 While South Korea Tops: Ookla: India has been ranked 131 out of 138 countries in the global mobile internet speed rankings by Ookla, the US based company behind testing the speed and performance of the internet connection of a country. India was at 121 rank in 2019. The Ookla Speedtest Global Index shows the data as of September 2020. As per the index, the global average download speed is calculated to be 35.26 Mbps (megabit per second) but the average download of India is just 12.07 Mbps.  The global average upload speed and latency is 11.22 Mbps and 42 ms, India lags at 4.31 Mbps and a higher latency of 52 ms. South Korea has topped the list with an average mobile internet speed of 121.00 Mbps. Also, India’s global rank in fixed broadband speed has slipped from 68 in 2019 to 70 in 2020 out of 175 countries, with average download speeds of 46.47 Mbps. Singapore has topped this index with the download speed of 226.60 Mbps. The global average download speed is 85.73 Mbps

 

4. Samsung Tops Forbes’ list of World’s Best Employer 2020, HCL Tops among Indian list: South Korea based electronics conglomerate Samsung Electronics has topped the list of ‘World’s Best Employer 2020 published by Forbes’. The global list features 750 multinational and large corporations headquartered in 45 countries. Amazon, IBM, Microsoft LG are among the top 5 in the list respectively. From India, HCL Technologies is top industry in the list. It is placed at 30th position globally. In Banking sector, HDFC Bank is top from India. It is at 176th position. In addition to this, state-run power giant NTPC Ltd. has topped the list among Indian PSUs. Globally it is ranked at 261 position.

 

5. International Animation Day: 28th October: International Animation Day is observed globally on 28 October every year. The day has celebrated the art of animation and also recognises the artists, scientists and technicians behind animation. This year marks the 19th International Animation Day. The day was created in 2002 by International Animated Film Association (ASIFA), an International Animated Film Association, a member of UNESCO. ASIFA created the International Animation Day (IAD) in 2002, honouring the birth of animation, recognized as the first public performance of projected moving images: Emile Reynaud’s Theatre Optique in Paris, on the 28th October 1892.

Note: President of ASIFA: Sayoko Kinoshita; ASIFA Founder: John Halas; ASIFA Founded: 1960, Annecy, France.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI bars payment system operators from launching any new QR codes: The Reserve Bank of India has barred Payment System Operators (PSOs) from launching any new proprietary QR code for payment transactions. Currently, there are two interoperable QR codes — UPI QR and Bharat QR. The decision to continue with the two existing Quick Response (QR) codes was based on the recommendations of the committee which was set up by the Reserve Bank under the chairmanship of Deepak Phatak to review the current system of such codes in India and suggest measures for moving towards interoperable QR codes.

QR codes are two-dimensional machine-readable barcodes, which are increasingly used to facilitate mobile payments at the point-of-sale. QR codes can store a large amount of information. PSOs that use proprietary QR codes shall shift to one or more interoperable QR codes; the process of migration shall be completed by March 31, 2022.

Note: Governor of RBI: Shaktikanta Das; Deputy Governors of RBI: BP Kanungo, MK Jain, MD Patra and Rajeshwar Rao; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

2. ICICI Bank shuts down operations in Sri Lanka: ICICI Bank has shut down his operations in Sri Lanka after getting approval from the Sri Lankan monetary authority. The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, having considered the request made by ICICI Bank, has granted approval to close down the business operation of the bank in Sri Lanka and cancel the licence issued to it. The Director of Bank Supervision being satisfied with the bank complying with the terms and conditions imposed by the Monetary Board, the licence issued to the bank to carry on banking business in Sri Lanka is cancelled with effect from October 23, 2020.

Note: ICICI Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; ICICI Bank MD & CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi; ICICI Bank Tagline: Hum Hai Na, Khayal Apka.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. BSE inks MoU with ICCI to support SMEs & start-ups: Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has signed an agreement with Inventivepreneur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ICCI) to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, and promote their listing on the exchange. Under the agreement, ICCI will offer assistance to BSE in evaluating SMEs and start-ups for listing on BSE SME board. ICCI will also help to offer industry connections to respective BSE start-ups globally and support entrepreneurship nationwide through knowledge transmission on government announced programs, acceleration fund, international presence and global business relations.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy Missile Corvette INS Prabal launches anti-ship missile: The Indian Navy launched anti-ship missile (AShM) by its Missile Corvette INS Prabal with deadly accuracy at maximum range and sinking the target ship. The missile launched somewhere from the Arabian Sea homed in on its target – an old ship – and hit it with deadly accuracy at its maximum range.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former IAS officer and author of Chola History books passes away: Former IAS officer B. Venkataraman who was an authority on Chola History and Architecture expired in a private hospital in Delhi. He was 95. Mr. Venkataraman, a 1950 batch officer, had served as chief secretary Orissa and then as secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, New Delhi.He had co-authored a book ‘Later Chola Temples’ with his father. Some of the books that he had authored include ‘Laddigam: A Later Chola Temples’, ‘Temple Art under the Chola queens’ and ‘Rajarajeswaram-the pinnacle of Chola art’ on the Thanjavur Brihadeeshwara temple. His doctoral thesis was on the contribution of the Chola queen Sembiyan Mahadevi. 

Daily GK Updates – 27th Oct, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mandi district bags top position for implementation of PMGSY: Union Ministry of Rural Development has declared the list of top-performing 30 districts in the country for implementing the PMGSY programme. Himachal Pradesh’s, Mandi district has bagged top position among 30 districts of the country in the successful implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Himachal Pradesh has also secured the second position at the national level for construction of roads under PMGSY. Mandi district has received top position for constructing roads under PMGSY of maximum length in 2020-21. Six more districts of Himachal Pradesh have also secured a position among top 30 best performing districts, which include Chamba, Shimla, Kangra, Una, Sirmour, Hamirpur and Solan.

The state has also improved its performance under PMGSY programme by constructing 1104 Kilometres roads this year from April till date. PMGSY is a programme funded by the Union government to connect habitations having a population of more than 250 in the state. It was established on 25th December 2000.

Note: Union Minister of Rural Development: Narendra Singh Tomar.

Chief Minister of HP: Jairam Thakur; Governor of HP: Bandaru Dattatraya.

 

2. AYUSH Minister inaugurates Regional Raw Drug Repository at AIIA: AYUSH Minister Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated the Regional Raw Drug Repository at All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi through a virtual function. This RRDR is the second in the series of repositories proposed by National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB). AYUSH Ministry has said that there is an increased demand for the natural healing and herbal products across the globe which has been further pushed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In order to document the diversity in the genetics and chemistry of medicinal plants, eight RRDR and one NRDR have been proposed by Ministry of AYUSH.

 

3. Maharashtra’s Women & Child welfare dept launches initiative to fulfill nutritional requirements of lactating mothers & children: After performing  the most difficult task of providing nutritional food to 74 lakh beneficiaries during Corona pandemic, Maharashtra’s Women and Child welfare department has launched a new initiative to fulfill the nutritional requirements of lactating mothers and children in the state. Women and Child welfare minister Yashomati Thakur inaugurated the platform ‘TARANG SUPOSHIT MAHARASHTRACHA’ which is based on the interactive voice response system. The platform is expected to create more awareness about the nutritional requirements of women and children in the state.

The digital platform Tarang Suposhit Maharashtracha is equipped with the facilities like a helpline, broadcast call, whatsapp chatbot etc. The number 8080809063 will give important guidance about the nutritional food, special care to pregnant women, lactating mothers and parents of the children. Short films containing the information about nutrition and also the video series showing special recipies and preparations of nutritious dishes are available on the platform.

 

4. Karnataka govt gives nod to switch implementing agency for Bhagyalakshmi scheme: The Karnataka cabinet granted approval to implement the Bhagyalakshmi scheme, which provides financial security to girl child of BPL families, through Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana of the postal department instead of LIC. The postal department will be the implementing agency for Bhagyalakshmi scheme, one of the flagship schemes of the Yediyurappa-led BJP government in the state. Since the interest rate offered by the LIC was way less, the state government decided to switch the agency. Under this scheme, a girl child belonging to below poverty line (BPL) families is eligible to receive Rs one lakh after completing 18 years of age. The scheme is aimed at elevating the status of a girl child in the family and society. Re-designing and implementing the Bhagyalakshmi scheme will not result in any loss to the beneficiary.

 

5. Vigilance Awareness Week 2020: 27th Oct - 2nd Nov: The Vigilance Awareness Week 2020, is being celebrated from 27 October to 2 November 2020. Theis observed every year by the Central Vigilance Commission during the week in which the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October) falls.  The theme for 2020 Vigilance Awareness Week is Vigilant India, Prosperous India (Satark Bharat, Samriddh Bharat). The awareness week campaign affirms our commitment to the promotion of integrity and probity in public life through citizen participation. In 2020, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is hosting a National Conference on Vigilance and Anti-Corruption from 27 to 29 October 2020, which will be addressed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Note: Central Vigilance Commissioner: Sanjay Kothari; Central Vigilance Commissioner Formed: February 1964; Central Vigilance Commissioner Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India gets Chairmanship of ILO Governing body after 35 years: India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of International Labour Organization (ILO), after a gap of 35 years. The Labour and Employment Secretary, Apurva Chandra, has been elected as the Chairperson of the Governing Body of the ILO for the period October 2020- June 2021. Chandra is a 1988 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of Maharashtra Cadre. He would preside over the upcoming the Governing Body’s meeting, to be held in November 2020.

About Governing Body of International Labour Organization: The Governing Body is the apex executive body of the ILO which decides policies, programmes, agenda, budget and elects the Director-General. At present, ILO (Headquarter- Geneva, Switzerland) has 187 members. It meets three times a year, in March, June and November.

 

2. Israeli Embassy to have first 'Water Attache' in India from January, 2021: Israel Embassy will have a separate 'Water Attache' from January 2021 to help share their country's best practices and technologies for advancements in India's water management and agriculture sectors. In another significant development, Israel will soon nominate an honorary Consul in the North-East to increase its presence and collaboration in that region.

In January for the first time Israel is going to nominate a ‘Water Attache’ who will join the ‘Agriculture Attache’ who has been here for many years and together. They will go to the centres of excellence for agriculture established as part of Indo-Israel collaboration and bring to India technology and systems in water management and agriculture. As many as 29 such centres of excellence have already been established across India and nearly 1.5 lakh farmers have been trained at these centres in just one year.

 

3. USAID announces $5 m to support India’s initiatives: The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has introduced two new awards totalling $5 million to Catalyst Management Service’s COVID Action Collaborative (CAC) and the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence as a part of the US authorities’s help to India’s Covid-19 response. This financial assistance brings USAID’s COVID-19 assistance to India to over $13 million.The two-year, $3-million partnership with CAC, will profit over 10 million uncared for and susceptible people affected by the pandemic, the discharge stated. This can be executed by strengthening the capability of 100 native organisations, 10 native governments and 15 associations of healthcare suppliers, small retailers, and avenue distributors, and can hyperlink them with authorities and personal sector assets.

 

4. World Day for Audiovisual Heritage: 27th October: The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is observed globally on 27 October every year. The day was chosen by UNESCO to raise awareness of the significance and preservation risks of recorded sound and audiovisual documents. The theme of the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2020: “Your Window to the World”. The 33rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference adopted 33 C/Resolution 53 to proclaim 27 October as World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, in commemoration of the adoption, in 1980 by the 21st session of the General Conference, of the Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images.

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lewis Hamilton wins Portuguese Grand Prix 2020: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) has won the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, held at Algarve International Circuit, Portugal. This was the 12th round of the 2020 Formula One World Championship. This is Hamilton’s 8th win of the season and 92nd career race victory. With this win, he has surpassed the record of 91 wins set by German great Michael Schumacher. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes- Finland) came second followed by Max Verstappen (Red Bull – Netherlands) at the third spot.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Mastercard partners with Atlantis to expand Digital First Program in India: Mastercard has entered into a partnership with Atlantis to expand the Digital First Program in India. The partnership aims to provide the users of Mastercard, a technology solution that enables them to enjoy a best-in-class digital banking experience. After the launch in India, the partnership will expand to Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The partnership allows the users of the Mastercard to have immediate account access and convenient payments.

Digital First Program: The Digital First Program aims to renew the relationship of users with more meaningful experiences. It is operational with prepaid, debit and credit cards and account-based payments through any digital device. Advantages for Customers:

(1) Users can use their cards/accounts to make digital transactions within minutes of application, enabled by a completely digital online application and the issuance process including video KYC (in collaboration with Signzy).

(2) Cardholders can use their cards for online shopping or at physical stores, without having to wait to receive a physical card.

(3) Users can control their own spending and set usage alerts from the mobile app.

(4) Users have the option to pay anytime, anywhere at the places where Mastercard cards are accepted globally.

Note: Mastercard Headquarters: New York, United States; Mastercard President: Michael Miebach; Mastercard Chief Executive Officer(CEO): Ajay Banga (Michael Miebach will take over as CEO by January 2021).

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India's foreign exchange reserves touch 555.12 billion dollars: India's foreign exchange reserves have surged by 3.615 billion dollars to touch a fresh lifetime high of 555.12 billion dollars in the week ended 16th October. Foreign currency assets increased by 3.539 billion dollars to 512.322 billion dollars. Gold reserves went up by 86 million dollars in the reporting week to reach 36.685 billion dollars. The country’s special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund remained unchanged at 1.480 billion dollars.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India-assisted hydroelectric project in Bhutan wins UK engineers’ body award: India-assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric project in Bhutan has been awarded the Brunel Medal-2020, an award conferred by the UK’s top engineering body, Institute of Civil Engineers.

About Mangdechhu Hydroelectric project: The 720-MW Mangdechhu run-of-river power project is built on the Mangdechhu River in Trongsa Dzongkhag district of central Bhutan at a cost of Rs 4,500-crore. The project was jointly inaugurated by the prime ministers of the two countries in August 2019, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Bhutan.

Note: Capital of Bhutan: Thimphu; Prime minister of Bhutan: Lotay Tshering; Currency of Bhutan: Bhutanese ngultrum.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-Hee passes away: The chairman of South Korea’s largest conglomerate, Samsung Group, Lee Kun-hee has passed away. Lee helped to transform Samsung from a small trading business to become the world’s largest producer of smartphones and memory chips. The firm’s overall turnover today is equivalent to a fifth of South Korea’s GDP. Lee was also the richest person in South Korea, according to Forbes, with a net worth of nearly $21bn.

 

2. Veteran Gujarati Singer Mahesh Kanodia passes away: Veteran Gujarati film musician, singer and former Lok Sabha MP Mahesh Kanodia (83 years) passed away due to prolonged illness at his residence in Gandhinagar. He was a member of 10th, 11th, 12th and 14th Lok Sabha from Patan constituency of North Gujarat. He was known for singing in 32 different voices including female voices along with working for Gujarat cinema. He was awarded for Best Music for Gujarati films Jigar ane Ami, Tanariri, Jog Sanjog and Laju Lakhan.

Daily GK Updates – 26th Oct, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NITI Aayog panel for reforms in urban planning education: NITI Aayog has constituted a 14-member advisory committee to look into introducing reforms in the urban planning education system. The panel will be headed by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar. The members of the committee include Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog and secretaries of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA), Ministry of Education(MoE) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

Role of the Committee: The committee will examine the current system in terms of multidisciplinarity, curriculum and other related issues at the level of graduates and postgraduates against the challenges of rapid urbanization. The committee will examine the urban planning education system in India and examine the availability, demand and supply of the qualified urban planners in India.

 

2. ITBP launches cycling expedition from its Pegong base in Sikkim: The Eleventh Battalion Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has launched a cycling expedition from its Pegong base in Sikkim to border villages of the state. The Minister of Culture, Road and Bridges Department of Sikkim, Samdup Lepcha flagged off the expedition. Total 218 Kilometers will be covered by the ITBP team in the course of 20 days in difficult terrains. The team will generate more awareness among masses of the border villages on Covid 19 related issues, will organize medical and veterinary camps, distribute hygiene and sanitation items. They will also spread awareness about various government missions for the welfare of society at large. The 18 member team of ITBP will cover difficult terrain in the expedition. Most of the members are highly trained mountaineers and rescuers. The expedition will reach Gurudongmar lake at extremely high altitude as its destination before starting the return journey.

About Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Raised in 1962, the ITBP is primarily a mountain force known for being deployed in harsh Himalayan borders of China since its inception. With more than 215 successful mountaineering expeditions undertaken till now, the force will complete 58 years of its raising on 24 October.

 

3. AAI Plans To Develop 100 Airports, Waterdromes, Heliports Under UDAN By 2024: Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to develop at least 100 airports, waterdromes and heliports by 2024 under the regional air connectivity scheme. The scheme is aimed at providing affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes. “50 unserved and underserved airports (including five heliports) with 285 routes have been added under UDAN across the length and breadth of India.

 

4. MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari launches India’s first-ever high quality Khadi Fabric Footwear: Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises- MSME, Nitin Gadkari launched India’s first-ever high quality Khadi Fabric Footwear, designed by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) through Video Conference. These footwear are made of Khadi fabric like Silk, Cotton and Wool.The footwear have been launched in 15 designs for ladies and 10 designs for men and their prices are in the range of Rs. 1100 to Rs. 3300 per pair. On the occasion, Mr Gadkari also launched the online sale of Khadi footwear through KVIC’s e-portal www.khadiindia.gov.in.

 

5. Vega ropes in Rohit Sharma as brand ambassador: Ace Indian cricketer and Captain of Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma has been signed up by India’s leading beauty accessories brand, Vega, for its men’s personal grooming electronics range under the ‘Vega Men’ brand. Rohit Sharma will feature as the brand ambassador for ‘Vega Men’ range in the upcoming digital campaign.

 

6. Mizoram to observe ‘COVID-19 – No Tolerance Fortnight’ from Oct 26: In Mizoram, the state government has decided to observe ‘COVID-19 – No Tolerance Fortnight’ beginning from 26th October as a containment measure to flatten the curve of Covid-19 in the state. The state government has accorded zero tolerance policy to flouting any COVID-19 containment measures being implemented and enforced. All Unlock Guidelines, all SOPs and all sections of the Mizoram Containment and Prevention of COVID-19 Ordinance, 2020 will be enforced very strictly.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Andorra Joins IMF as its 190th Member: Andorra has joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to become its 190th member. Andorra is a microstate situated between France and Spain. However, it is the largest microstate in Europe. IMF’s Membership allows the Andorran government to benefit from IMF policy advice, especially as the country tackles the crisis caused by COVID-19 and can now receive an annual review or “health check” of its economy by the IMF, tap technical assistance, and access IMF lending if needed.

Note: Capital of Andorra: Andorra la Vella; Currency of Andorra: Euro.

 

2. Saad al-Hariri reappointed as Lebanon Prime Minister: Former Lebanese Prime Minister, Saad al-Hariri has been re-appointed to the post, after winning a slim majority of votes in parliament election. Hariri received 65 parliamentary votes out of 118, giving him the mandate to form his new government. In October 2019, Hariri announced his resignation amid 2019-20 mass-protests. Previously he had served as Prime Minister of Lebanon from 9 November 2009 to 13 June 2011 and then from 18 December 2016 to 21 January 2020. Hariri is the third person to be tasked with forming a government this year, after academic Hassan Diab, who succeeded in forming a government but resigned and then diplomat Mustafa Adib.

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

 

3. Dhaka-Siliguri passenger train planned to start in March 2021: Bangladesh Railway Minister: Passenger train services from Dhaka to Siliguri are planned to be started from 26 March next year. The Railway Minister of Bangladesh Md. Nurul Islam Sujan said that the Chilahati-Haldibari line is also expected to be inaugurated on the occasion of the Victory Day celebration in December this year. In the beginning freight trains would run on this route. The Minister said that the work on the Bangabandhu railway bridge would start next month. The bridge would improve rail connectivity between the two countries immensely.

 

4. India recorded highest air pollution exposure globally in 2019: Report: India recorded the highest annual average PM 2.5 concentration exposure in the world last year, according to the State of Global Air 2020 (SOGA 2020) report which was released by US-based Health Effects Institute and Global Burden of Disease (GBD). India was followed by Nepal, Niger, Qatar and Nigeria in high PM 2.5 exposures. This means people in India are exposed to the highest PM 2.5 concentrations globally. Out of the 20 most populous countries, 14 have recorded a gradual improvement in air quality but India, Bangladesh, Niger, Pakistan and Japan are among those that have recorded a modest increase in air pollution levels

India is also among the top ten countries with highest ozone (O3) exposure in 2019. Qatar recorded the highest O3 exposure followed by Nepal and India. Among the 20 most populous countries, India recorded the highest increase (17%) in O3 concentrations in the past ten years.On average, global exposure to ozone increased from about 47.3 parts per billion (ppb) in 2010 to 49.5 ppb in 2019.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Kokrak claims first-ever PGA Tour win at CJ Cup: American Jason Kokrak fired off eight birdies in a flawless final round for his first-ever PGA Tour victory at the CJ Cup in Las Vegas, Nevada, clinching his maiden title on the 233rd try. The 35-year-old outclassed a crowded field of elite performers, carding an eight-under-par 64 at the Shadow Creek Golf Course, draining a 20-foot putt on 10, one of 11 putts he made from further than 10 feet away through 72 holes.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Baroda ties up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor: Bank of Baroda (BoB) has entered into a tie-up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), whereby the bank will be one of the preferred financiers for the entire range of vehicles sold by the latter. India’s third-largest public sector bank, in a statement, stated that under the tie-up, customers can avail customised solutions such as high on-road funding of 90 per cent, long repayment period of 84 months, no prepayment or foreclosure charges. On the other hand, TKM dealers will benefit from ‘digitised supply chain finance’ with competitive interest rates.

Note: Bank Of Baroda Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat, India; Bank Of Baroda Chairman: Hasmukh Adhia; Bank Of Baroda MD & CEO: Sanjiv Chadha.

 

2. RBI pegs minimum NOF for housing finance companies at Rs 25 cr: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) fixed the minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) size for housing finance companies at Rs 25 crore. The housing finance companies (HFCs) holding a Certificate of Registration (CoR) and having an NOF of less than Rs 25 crore will be required to achieve NOF of Rs 15 crore by March 31, 2022 and Rs 25 crore by March 31, 2023.  The RBI further said that it would be incumbent upon such HFCs whose NOF currently stands below Rs 20 crore to submit a statutory auditor’s certificate to the central bank within a month evidencing compliance with the prescribed levels.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Tata Communications Names Former Microsoft Executive Kabir Ahmed Shakir as CFO: Tata Communications was announced appointment of Kabir Ahmed Shakir as Chief Financial Officer with effect from October 21. Shakir will take charge from Pratibha K Advani who has resigned from the company after a stint of over 5 years. Until recently, Shakir was CFO at Microsoft India.

 

2. NHPC designates Rajendra Prasad Goyal as CFO: Rajendra Prasad Goyal, Director (Finance), NHPC Limited has been designated as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with effect from October 1, 2020 in place of Mahesh Kumar Mittal, Ex-Director (Finance) & CFO. Prior to taking over charge as Director (Finance), he was working as Chief General Manager (Finance).

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Eighth grader Anika Chebrolu wins 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her work on COVID-19: A 14-year-old Indian-American girl has won a USD 25,000 young scientist challenge for a discovery that could provide a potential treatment for COVID-19. Anika Chebrolu, an eighth grader from Frisco in Texas, won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, regarded as the US’ premier middle school science competition, for her work using in-silico methodology for drug discovery to find a molecule that can selectively bind to the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus in an attempt to find a cure for the coronavirus pandemic.

 

2. Rakayet Ul Karim Rakim of Bangladesh wins the Greenstorm International Nature Photography Contest: Rakayet Ul Karim Nakim, a native of Chittagong, Bangladesh, has won the 12th edition of the Greenstorm International Nature Photography Contest conducted in association with UNEP in connection with the World Environment Day. Rakayet Ul Karim Rakim won the first prize for his capture of a butterfly poised on a cactus, ready for flight. Mohamed Noufal from Sharjah, UAE, and Kartikeya Grover from Ghaziabad, India, bagged the second and third prizes, respectively. The photographs of Vladlena Lapshina from Russia, Abdul Momin from Bangladesh and Sreedharan Wadakkanchery from Kerala have bagged the consolation prizes.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. ISKCON President Jasomatinandan Das Ji passes away: Shri Jashomatinandan Das Ji, president of The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple, Ahmedabad and Zonal Secretary of ISKCON Gujarat passed away. He was 72 and undergoing treatment following the Covid-19 infection. Shri Jashomatinandan Dasji is known for building ISKCON temples in Ahmedabad, Kathwada and several other places in Gujarat. He had initiated and completed construction of 40 temples and centers of ISCKON. One of major contributions of Jashomatinandan Das Maharaj was his translation of ISKCON Bhagavad Geeta and other religious books in Gujarati language. 

Daily GK Updates – 25th Oct, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Andhra Pradesh CM launches ‘YSR BIMA’ for BPL families: The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched ‘YSR Bima’, a scheme to provide financial assistance through insurance cover to the beneficiary in case of death or accident of their families members. All families with white ration cards are eligible for YSR Bima scheme. Village/ward volunteers will visit the families and enrol the names of the primary householders.

About “YSR Bima” Scheme:  The claim amount will be directly credited into the beneficiary bank account within 15 days of making the claim. Apart from this, immediate assistance of Rs 10,000 will be provided to the families through village and ward secretariats. The scheme will benefit 1.41 crore BPL families of the state. An amount of Rs 510 crore would be paid by the state government annually as an insurance premium for this scheme. This will also make Andhra Pradesh as the first state in the country to single-handedly fund the insurance scheme.

Category wise insurance amount covered under the scheme:

(1) Accidental death and total permanent disability for people aged between 18-50 years: Rs 5 lakh.

(2) Accidental death and total permanent disability for people aged between 51-70 years: Rs 3 lakh.

(3) Natural death cases (18-50 years): Rs 2 lakh.

(4) Partial permanent disability in an accident case (18-70 years): Rs 1.5 lakh.

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

 

2. Tamil Nadu Govt launches “Smart Black Board Scheme”: The state government of Tamil Nadu has launched the Smart Black Board scheme in 80,000 government schools of the state. The initiative aims to ensure a better teaching environment as well as lead towards Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Under this Smart Black Board scheme, audiovisual teaching material would be possible, that can even be fed into the computer screens in classes using widely available pen drives. The Tamil Nadu Govt has taken an important decision to lessen syllabus for season 2020-21 by 40 per cent.

Note: Tamil Nadu Capital: Chennai; Tamil Nadu Chief Minister: Edappadi K. Palaniswami; Tamil Nadu Governor: Banwarilal Purohit.

 

3. Uttarakhand CM launches Integrated Model Agricultural Village scheme: Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Trivendra Singh Rawat has inaugurated Integrated Model Agricultural Village scheme (Ekikrit Adarsh Krishi Gram Yojana) in the state in partnership with NABARD. Putting emphasis on mechanised farming for boosting productivity, state Agriculture Minister Subodh Uniyal urged National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Chairman G R Chintala to lend a helping hand to farmers to switch over to mechanised farming.

About Integrated Model Agricultural Village scheme: Integrated Model Agricultural Village scheme is a concept which will prove to be a milestone in strengthening the economy of farmers and doubling their income. The limit for the interest-free loan given to farmers is being hiked to Rs 3 lakh from Rs 2 lakh. Farmers to focus on it with emphasis on mechanised and scientific farming to boost productivity.

Note: Uttarakhand Chief Minister: Trivendra Singh Rawat; Governor of Uttarakhand: Baby Rani Maurya.

 

4. ECI constitutes committee to examine issues concerning expenditure limits: The Election Commission of India has set up a 2-member committee to examine the issue of revising the expenditure limit for candidates for Lok Sabha and assembly polls. The committee will comprise of Shri Harish Kumar, Ex. IRS and DG (Investigation), Shri Umesh Sinha, Secretary-General and DG (Expenditure). The need to set up this committee was felt in view of the increase in the number of electors and the rise in the Cost Inflation Index. It will submit its report within 120 days of its constitution.

The committee will be responsible for: To assess the change in the number of electors across the States/Union Territories and its bearing on expenditure. To assess the change in the Cost Inflation Index and its bearing on the pattern of expenditure incurred by the candidates in recent elections. To seek views/inputs of the political parties and other stakeholders. To examine other factors which may have bearings on expenditure. To examine any other related issue.

Note: Chief Election Commissioner of India: Sunil Arora; Election Commission of India Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

5. India Posts releases 75th Anniversary of UN Commemorative Stamp: Department of Posts (DOP), Ministry of Communications released a commemorative postage stamp on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Organisations. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Anurag Srivastava stated India attaches the highest priority to the expansion of the UN Security Council so that it reflects contemporary realities of the world. He stated reformed multilateralism will be a key pillar of the overall approach in the upcoming innings of India as a non-permanent member. It may be noted that the Department of Posts has previously released similar such commemorative postage stamps on the UN’s 9th, 40th, and 50th Anniversaries in 1954, 1985, and 1995 respectively.

Note: Indian Post Headquarters: New Delhi; Director-General of Indian Post: Arundhaty Ghosh.

United Nations Headquarters: New York, United States; United Nations Founded: 24 October 1945; United Nations Secretary-general: António Guterres

 

6. 59th ITBP Raising Day: 24th October: Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has observed his 59th raising Day on 24th October. The ITBP was raised in the aftermath of the 1962 Chinese aggression and it has a strength of about 90,000 personnel with 60 battalions on the ground. ITBP is one of the five bodies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). It keeps Vigil on the northern borders and prevents border violations. It checks illegal immigration, trans-border smuggling, and maintains peace.

Note: Director-General of ITBP: Surjeet Singh Deswal.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Neena Malhotra appointed as Ambassador to Republic of San Marino: Indian diplomat Dr Neena Malhotra, 1992-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, appointed as next Ambassador to the Republic of San Marino. She will have a residence in Rome. Presently, she is serving as the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Italy.

Note: Republic of San Marino Capital: San Marino; Republic of San Marino Currency: Euro.

 

2. Sushil Kumar Singhal appointed as next Ambassador to Solomon Islands: Sushil Kumar Singhal, a 2000-batch IFS officer, has been concurrently accredited as the next High Commissioner of India to the Solomon Islands. He is presently serving as the High Commissioner of India to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

Note: Solomon Islands Capital: Honiara; Solomon Islands Currency: Solomon Islands dollar.

 

4. LG signs Lewis Hamilton as ambassador of LG Signature: LG Electronics has named Lewis Hamilton a global ambassador for its home solutions brand, LG Signature. Hamilton, the epitome of skill, style and precision will be seen communicating the brand’s philosophy. In the new campaign, he will share with audiences his thoughts on how to lead a stylish, sophisticated life, and what motivates him to be the best in his field.

Note: LG Electronics Chairman: Kwang-Mo Koo; Vice-Chairman and CEO of LG Electronics: Jo Seong-Jin; Headquarters of LG Electronics: South Korea.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Indian Bank, IIT-Madras in pact for start-up funding: Indian Bank has introduced an initiative for funding start-ups, ‘IND Spring Board’, in collaboration with the IIT-Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC). The Chennai-headquartered bank seeks to bridge the gap in funding for start-ups through this collaboration with IITMIC. Under the deal, IITMIC will refer start-ups with proven technology and established cash flows to the bank and also extend advisory to the bank on the business model. The bank will extend loans of up to 50 crores to these start-ups for their working capital requirements or purchase of machinery, equipment.

Note: Indian Bank Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Indian Bank CEO: Padmaja Chunduru; Indian Bank Tagline: Your Own Bank, Banking That’s Twice As Good.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Bank of Baroda ties up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor for auto finance: State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) announced a tie up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) to enable finance options for the automaker’s customers and dealers. Following the pact, BoB will be one of the preferred financiers for the entire range of vehicles sold by TKM. The new service facilitates customers to avail customised solutions such as high on-road funding of 90 per cent, long repayment period of 84 months, no prepayment or foreclosure charges.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Dr Jajini Varghese honoured with Outstanding Young Person 2020: UK-based Indian-origin plastic surgeon, Dr Jajini Varghese has been named an ‘Outstanding Young Person of the World 2020’ by a non-profit NGO for her “incredible” scientific contributions to diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Varghese has been recognised in the “Medical Innovation” category for making it her personal mission to attempt to restore the lives of millions of women affected by breast cancer and will be presented with the award at a ceremony at the 2020 Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress in Yokohama, Japan. In the UK, she is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Plastic Surgery (FRCS) and a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS). She is also on the Board of Examiners for the MSc in Plastic Surgery at University College London (UCL).

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO successfully conducts final trial of Nag anti-tank guided missile: Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully carried out the final trial of the third generation, anti-tank guided missile ‘NAG’, from the Pokhran field firing ranges in Rajasthan. The successful final user trial of the missile makes the Nag anti-tank missile ready for induction in the Indian Army. Following the final trial, the missile will now enter into the production phase.

About “NAG”: The Nag anti-tank guided missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in the day and night conditions. It has an operational range of 500 m to 20 km. It will be manufactured by defence PSU Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), of DRDO.

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

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Malayalam Singer, Music Composer and actor Zero Babu passes away: Renowned Malayalam playback singer, music director and actor K J Mohammed Babu, has passed away. He was 80. He was popularly known as ‘Zero’ Babu, ever since he acted the role and performed a song called Open Zero in a play. Babu was a recipient of the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award. Babu has sung in nearly 300 films and various plays.

 

2. Former Telangana Home Minister Narasimha Reddy passes away: Senior TRS leader and Former Telangana home minister Nayini Narsimha Reddy passed away at the age of 76, at a private hospital in Hyderabad. Reddy has served as the first Home Minister of Telangana after its formation in 2014. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly in undivided Andhra Pradesh for three terms in 1978, 1985 and 2004.