Daily GK Updates – 6th Nov, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurates “Tourist Facilitation Centre” in Kerala: Union Minister of State (IC) for Tourism & Culture, Prahlad Singh Patel virtually inaugurated the “Tourist Facilitation Centre” facility at Guruvayur, in Kerala. The facility has been constructed under the project “Development of Guruvayur, Kerala” under PRASHAD Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, at the cost of Rs. 11.57 Crores.

About PRASHAD scheme: The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) were launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15. The objective of PRASHAD scheme is integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations. It includes infrastructure development such as entry points (Road, Rail and Water Transport), last-mile connectivity, basic tourism facilities like Information/ Interpretation Centers, ATM/ Money exchange, eco-friendly modes of transport, area Lighting and illumination with renewable sources of energy, parking, drinking water, toilets, cloakroom, waiting rooms, first aid centres, craft bazaars /haats/ souvenir shops/ cafeteria, rain shelters, Telecom facilities, internet connectivity etc.

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

 

2. ADB approves USD 132.8 mn loan to improve power distribution in Meghalaya: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 132.8 million loan to Meghalaya, to improve and upgrade the power distribution network in the state. The fund will help in improving the distribution system & financial sustainability of the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL). The MePDCL has a huge outstanding against the power purchased from central power generating stations and to the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). The loan will support in clearing the power outstanding dues.

About the Project: The project will construct 23 substations; renovate and modernize 45 substations, including the provision of control room equipment and protection systems; install and upgrade 2,214 kilometres of distribution lines and associated facilities covering three out of the six circles in the state. It will replace antiquated electromechanical meters with smart meters, which will benefit about 180,000 households. The project will help develop a distribution sector road map and a financial road map for the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL). These road maps will strengthen the capacity of MePDCL to operate and manage the distribution networks.

Note: Meghalaya Chief Minister: Conrad Sangma; Meghalaya Governor: Satya Pal Malik; Meghalaya Capital: Shillong.

 

3. 5 states to get conservation centres to protect vultures: Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will get a vulture conservation and breeding centre each, according to the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025. The plan has also suggested that new veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) be tested on vultures before their commercial release. The new plan has laid out strategies and actions to stem the decline in vulture population, especially of the three Gyps species:Oriental white-backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) and Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus).

 

4. Kerala, Goa and Chandigarh Best Governed States and Union Territory in Public Affairs Index 2020: Kerala was adjudged the best governed state in the country while Uttar Pradesh ended at the bottom in the large states category, according to the Public Affairs Index-2020 released by the Public Affairs Centre. Four southern states, Kerala (1.388 PAI Index point), Tamil Nadu (0.912), Andhra Pradesh (0.531) and Karnataka (0.468) stood in the first four ranks in the large state category in terms of governance. Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Bihar were at the bottom of the ranking, scoring negative points in the category. They got – 1.461, -1.201 and -1.158 points respectively.

Best-governed small state: Goa, followed by Meghalaya

Worst governed small state: Manipur

Best governed UT: Chandigarh, followed by Puducherry, Lakshadweep

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bangladesh and US launch joint naval exercise CARAT Bangladesh 2020: Bangladesh and US navies launched the ‘Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Bangladesh 2020’ to expand relationships and broaden maritime awareness between the two countries.

About the Exercise: The exercise demonstrates the U.S.’s continuing commitment to work with the Bangladesh military to address shared maritime security concerns in the region and strengthen partnership to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The sea phase of the exercise will take place in the Bay of Bengal with ships from both countries. The events are designed to enhance interoperability between the two navies. U.S. and Bangladesh will work through coordinated deployment of surface ships, to include tactical manoeuvres among other activities. CARAT 2020 underscores the shared vision of the US and Bangladesh for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific region.

 

2. India, Mexico to further work on strengthening ‘Privileged Partnership’: The 8th India-Mexico Joint Commission Meeting was held through Video-Conference. The Meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Mexican counterpart Marcelo Ebrard. The two sides agreed that given their respective economic strengths, growing regional and global profile, India and Mexico will further work on strengthening their ‘Privileged Partnership’. The two sides discussed a number of issues and agreed to add new momentum to the relations in the fields of Trade and Commerce, Agriculture, Health, Space, Science and  Technology. They also underscored the importance of the Joint Commission mechanism in deepening political dialogue, reviewing bilateral and multilateral co-operation.

 

3. World Tsunami Awareness Day: 5th November: World Tsunami Awareness Day was observed across the world on 5 November. The day is celebrated to spread awareness among people across the world in matters related to the dangers of tsunami. In 2020, World Tsunami Awareness Day encourages the development of national and community-level, local disaster risk reduction strategies to save more lives against disasters. This year’s observance promotes “Sendai Seven Campaign,” target.

History of World Tsunami Awareness Day: In December 2015, the UN General Assembly designated 5 November as World Tsunami Awareness Day, calling on countries, international bodies and civil society to raise tsunami awareness and share innovative approaches to risk reduction. World Tsunami Awareness Day was the brainchild of Japan, which due to its repeated, bitter experience has over the years built up major expertise in areas such as tsunami early warning, public action and building back better after a disaster to reduce future impacts. UN Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) facilitates the observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day in collaboration with the rest of the United Nations system.

 

4. International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict: 6th November: The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is an international day observed annually on November 6. On 5 November 2001, the UN General Assembly declared 6 November of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. At the time of war, it affects the ecosystem such as water supply is poisoned, the forest is burnt, animals killed, etc. Though humanity has always counted its war casualties in terms of dead and wounded soldiers and civilians, destroyed cities and livelihoods, the environment has often remained the unpublicized victim of war. Water wells have been polluted, crops torched, forests cut down, soils poisoned, and animals killed to gain military advantage.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. West Indies batsman M. Samuels retires from all forms of cricket: West Indies batsman, Marlon Samuels has announced his retirement from professional cricket. The 39-year-old had informed Cricket West Indies (CWI) about his retirement in June this year, having last played for his country in December 2018 against Bangladesh. He has played 71 Tests, 207 ODIs, and 67 T20s at the international level, has scored 11,134 international runs including 17 centuries across all formats. He also has 152 international wickets to his name. Samuels, who began his international career way back in 2000, also represented several T20 franchises around the world later in his career, including Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, Melbourne Renegades, and Peshawar Zalmi.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. CCI Approves Acquisition of Bharti AXA by ICICI Lombard: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of General Insurance Business of Bharti AXA General Insurance Company Limited (Bharti AXA) by ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited (ICICI Lombard) under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002.

As per the proposed combination: The whole general insurance business of Bharti AXA will be transferred to ICICI Lombard by way of demerger, considering that ICICI Lombard will issue shares to Bharti AXA. The combined entity(proposed merged non-life insurance company) is likely to have a market share of 8.7% on a proforma basis. Under the proposed combination, the shareholders of Bharti AXA will receive 2 shares of ICICI Lombard for every 115 shares of Bharti AXA, held by them as on the date on which the scheme is approved by the Board of Directors of ICICI Lombard and Bharti AXA.

Note: Bharti AXA Co. Ltd Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Bharti AXA MD and CEO: Sanjeev Srinivasan; Bharti AXA Established: 2008; Bharti AXA Tagline: Suraksha ka Naya Nazariya.

ICICI Lombard Co. Ltd Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; ICICI Lombard MD & CEO: Bhargav Dasgupta; ICICI Lombard Established: 2001; ICICI Lombard Tagline: Quick Easy Smart.

 

2. IISc and Indian Oil R&D inks MoU for hydrogen-generation technology: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Research and Development Centre of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) have signed an MoU to develop and demonstrate biomass gasification-based hydrogen generation technology. This technology will be used for producing fuel cell-grade hydrogen at an affordable price.

Under the MOU: The IISc and IndianOil will work jointly on the optimisation of both biomass gasification and hydrogen purification processes, The developed technology will be scaled up and demonstrated at IndianOils R&D Centre at Faridabad, Haryana. Hydrogen generated from this demonstration plant will be used to power fuel cell buses. This initiative to produce fuel cell grade hydrogen from biomass is another step by IndianOil jointly with IISc to bring hydrogen fuel to the major energy matrix of India while using the agricultural forces of India.

Note: Indian Institute of Science Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka; Indian Institute of Science Director: Govindan Rangarajan

Indian Oil Corporation Limited Headquarters: New Delhi, India; Indian Oil Corporation Limited Chairman: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India successfully test-fires enhanced version of PINAKA rocket system: The enhanced version of PINAKA rocket system was successfully flight tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. This enhanced version of the Pinaka rocket would replace the existing Pinaka Mk-I rockets. While Mk-1 had a range of 40 km, the new variant can hit a target 45 to 60 km away. The design and development of Pinaka were done by DRDO laboratories based in Pune, namely Armament Research and Development Establishment, ARDE and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, HEMRL.

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

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Bollywood Actor Faraaz Khan passes away: Bollywood actor Faraaz Khan passed away. He had acted in several popular Bollywood films in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Some of them include Mehndi (1998), Fareb (1996), Dulhan Banoo Main Teri (1999) and Chand Bujh Gaya (2005) among others.

 

2. Kannada actor HG Somashekar Rao passes away: Veteran Kannada theatre and film actor, HG Somashekar Rao passed away. He had appeared in more than 60 movies during his career spanning about five decades. He made his big-screen debut with 1975 Kannada film Geejagana Goodu. Apart from this, HG Somashekar Rao was also a published author. He has written 25 books, including an autobiography.

Daily GK Updates – 5th Nov, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s 1st solar-powered miniature train launched in Kerala: India’s first of its kind solar energy-driven miniature train was inaugurated at the Veli Tourist Village, Kerala by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The train, which would be an attraction for children especially, was part of a string of projects totally worth Rs 60 crore taken up to elevate the facilities at the panoramic destination to international standards.

About the Train: It covers a distance of 2.5 km with three bogies that can accommodate around 45 people at a time. It features a fully- equipped rail system, including a tunnel, station and a ticket office. The miniature rail has all the features of a fully- equipped rail system, including a tunnel, station and a ticket office. The eco-friendly solar-powered 2.5 km miniature railway will enable visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. The Rs ten crore project is the first of its kind in the country.

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

 

2. Sarbananda Sonowal lays foundation stone of Indo-Israeli CoE: The Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal has laid the foundation stone of Indo-Israeli Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Vegetables Protected Cultivation at Khetri on the outskirts of Guwahati. The Indo-Israeli Centre of Excellence for Vegetables Protected Cultivation is estimated to be set up at an investment of Rs 10.33 Crore. The CoE will provide exposure to the latest Israeli technologies to the farmers of Assam and help them in maximizing their production and income. It would also boost agricultural and horticultural production in Assam leading to greater economic rewards to state’s farmers.

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

 

3. CJI inaugurates e-resource centre, virtual court in Nagpur: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad Arvind Bobde and Justice DY Chandrachud of the Supreme Court, jointly inaugurated India’s first-ever E-resource centre and the virtual court called “Nyay Kaushal” at Judicial Officers Training Institute in Nagpur. The Nyay Kaushal will facilitate electronic-filling of cases in the Supreme Court, any High Court as well as district courts across the country to enable speedy justice for litigants, by utilising technology. The virtual court will be working from Katol in Nagpur district of Maharashtra.

 

4. NMCG organises three-day virtual ‘Ganga Utsav 2020’: Ganga Utsav-2020 has been organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) jointly with the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The three-day-long Ganga Utsav-2020 has been organised from 02 to 04 November 2020, virtually amidst COVID-19 precautions. The annual event is organised to spread awareness about river Ganga and the need to keep the river clean and rejuvenated. The 2020 edition marks the 12th anniversary of Ganga being accorded the status of National River, on 4th November 2008.

Note: Minister of Jal Shakti: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

 

5. PVG Menon appoints as CEO of Electronics Sector Skill Council of India: The Electronics Sector Skill Council of India (ESSCI) announced the appointment of PVG Menon as its chief executive officer. Menon will be responsible for overseeing the operations of ESSCI and work closely with its governing Council on strategic issues related to the growth of the electronic systems design and manufacturing (ESDM) industry in India. ESSCI works with industry, the National Skill Development Corporation, and the Ministry of Electronics and IT to provide both skilling and re-skilling services to the industry.

Note: Electronics Sector Skill Council of India Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

6. A book titled “Pandemonium: The Great Indian Banking Tragedy” by T. Bandyopadhyay: Tamal Bandyopadhyay has authored a book titled “Pandemonium: The Great Indian Banking Tragedy” and will be released on November 09, 2020. This book, published by Roli Books, provides an understanding of the challenges and economic potential of India.

About the book: The book “Pandemonium” accounts how many promoters had swapped equity with debt while the managements of the banks were finding a way to protect their balance sheets until the intervention of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) against their bad loans. The Same issue trouble also affected the developing non-banking financial companies of India who were quick to identify the post-demonetisation easy liquidity and the reluctance of banks to lend which promoted them to borrow short to lend long.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Priyanca Radhakrishnan becomes first Indian-origin minister of New Zealand: Indian-origin New Zealand politician, Priyanca Radhakrishnan has created history by becoming the first Indian-Kiwi woman to become a minister in New Zealand. Radhakrishnan was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The 41-year-old was one of five new ministers inducted into the Cabinet. She was appointed as Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, Minister for Youth and Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment in Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s cabinet.

Note: Prime minister of New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern; Capital of New Zealand: Wellington; Currency of New Zealand: New Zealand dollar.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lewis Hamilton wins F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2020: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) has won the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2020 at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari race track, Italy. This was his 9th win of the season and 93rd F1 win of his career. Valtteri Bottas finished second while Daniel Ricciardo finished third. Mercedes won the seventh consecutive constructors’ title for 2020.

 

2. Shane Watson retires from all forms of cricket: Australian all-rounder, Shane Watson has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 39-year-old will hang up his boots after an illustrious career during which he won two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups and two ICC Champions Trophy titles. He played 59 Tests, 190 ODIs and 58 T20Is.

Watson, a right-hand bat and right-arm fast-medium bowler, continued to play in T20 leagues around the world since retiring from international cricket in 2016. Watson, who began his first-class cricket career in Tasmania, made his ODI debut for Australia in 2002 against South Africa and was part of a golden era for the Baggy Greens. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2016, Watson was named Australia’s T20I Player of the Year in January 2017.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI revises norms for housing finance firms (HFC): Reserve Bank of India (RBI) shared final guidelines for housing finance companies (HFC) highlighting that these NBFCs should have at least 60% of their net assets deployed in the business of providing finance for housing by March 31, 2024.

RBI notified that any HFC not having 60% of its net assets deployed for housing loans must get 50% of its books utilised for such loans by March 31, 2022, 55% by March 31, 2023 and 60% by March 31, 2024. Minimum percentage of total assets towards housing finance for individuals during this period should be raised to 40%, 45% and 50%, respectively.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. IBM, Indian Oil Corporation collaborate for digital services: Tech giant IBM stated it has collaborated with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to transform the latter’s customer experience using digital tools. Around 12,400 IOCL distributors covering about 130 million consumers can now use the IndianOil One mobile app and portal, developed by IBM Services. The IndianOil One mobile app and portal are part of Indian Oil’s Project ePIC, an integrated platform for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Distribution Management System (DMS).

This platform ensures real-time updates to inventory, orders, and invoices, thereby reducing the time to order fulfilment. Indian Oil can respond more quickly to customer service requests, including grievances using the platform. The platform also presents a unified customer experience across various access devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and desktops.

Note: IBM CEO: Arvind Krishna; IBM Headquarters: Armonk, New York, United States.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd Chairperson: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya; Indian Oil Corporation Ltd Headquarters: New Delhi; Indian Oil Corporation Ltd Founded: 30 June 1959.

 

2. AAI hands over Lucknow airport to Adani group: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has handed over the Lucknow airport to the Adani group on lease for a period of 50 years. Apart from this, the Adani group has taken over/will take over operations of 5 more airports. In February 2019, the Central Govt had privatised six major airports of the country namely Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Guwahati. The right to run all these 6 airports has been won by Adani Group for 50 years. Adani group has taken over the operations of Jaipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram in September 2020, Mangaluru on October 31, 2020, Lucknow on November 02, 2020, and will take on the operations of Ahmedabad Airport on November 11, 2020.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. DBS named Asia’s Safest Bank for 12th consecutive year: Global Finance, New York based trade publication released the list of World’s 50 Safest Banks 2020 which named DBS Bank, Singapore as the Safest Bank in Asia for the 12th consecutive year. DBS secured the 4th rank as the safest commercial bank in the world and 14th safest bank globally from 2019 and 2018. Due to COVID-19 pandemic situation the Global Finance conducted a virtual award ceremony of the 2020 World’s Safest Banks. DBS Bank has also won the Global Finance’s Best Bank in the World 2020 which marks the 3rd consecutive year for DBS Bank to be honoured with the World’s Best Bank award. DBS bank was also named the World’s Best Bank 2019 by Euromoney, a leading financial publication and Global Bank of the Year 2018 by Financial Times Publication. Winners were selected through an evaluation of long-term foreign currency ratings – from Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch – of the 500 largest banks worldwide.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DBS named Asia’s Safest Bank for 12th consecutive year: Global Finance, New York based trade publication released the list of World’s 50 Safest Banks 2020 which named DBS Bank, Singapore as the Safest Bank in Asia for the 12th consecutive year. DBS secured the 4th rank as the safest commercial bank in the world and 14th safest bank globally from 2019 and 2018. Due to COVID-19 pandemic situation the Global Finance conducted a virtual award ceremony of the 2020 World’s Safest Banks. DBS Bank has also won the Global Finance’s Best Bank in the World 2020 which marks the 3rd consecutive year for DBS Bank to be honoured with the World’s Best Bank award. DBS bank was also named the World’s Best Bank 2019 by Euromoney, a leading financial publication and Global Bank of the Year 2018 by Financial Times Publication. Winners were selected through an evaluation of long-term foreign currency ratings – from Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch – of the 500 largest banks worldwide.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Violin Maestro, Padma Awardee TN Krishnan passes away: Noted violin maestro and Padma awardee, TN Krishnan passed away. His full name was Tripunithura Narayanaiyer Krishnan. He was born on 6 October 1928, in Tripunithura, Kerala and later around 1942, he settled in Chennai. He was conferred with many prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri (1973), the Padma Bhushan (1992) and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1974) among others.

 

2. 6th & shortest served CM of Bihar Satish Prasad Singh passes away: Former Chief Minister and Socialist of Bihar, Satish Prasad Singh passed away. He was born on January 1, 1936, in Korchakka (now known as Satish Nagar) Village, Khagaria district, Bihar. Satish Prasad Singh, the leader of Soshit Samaj Dal became the 6th and the shortest- served CM of Bihar for 5 days (28 January to February 1, 1968) with the support of Indian National Congress (INC). He served as the MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) in 1967 from Parbatta (Vidhan Sabha constituency) Assembly on the Socialist Party ticket. He was elected as the Member of Parliament-MP to the 7th Lok Sabha on a Congress ticket from Khagaria constituency of Bihar in 1980. He joined BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), but in 2013 he quit the party.

Daily GK Updates – 4th Nov, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Harsh Vardhan launches SERB-POWER schemes to support women scientists: The Union Minister of Science and Technology, Harsh Vardhan has launched the ‘SERB – POWER’ schemes which aim to encourage and support emerging as well as eminent women researchers to undertake R&D activities in frontier areas of science and engineering. SERB-POWER stands for Science and Engineering Research Board – Promoting Opportunities For Women in Exploratory Research. This scheme is formulated to mitigate gender disparity in science and engineering research funding in various S&T programs in Indian academic institutions and R&D Laboratories, to ensure equal access and weighted opportunities for Indian women scientists engaged in research and development activities. The schemes have been launched to provide two categories of research support which are:

1. SERB – POWER Research Grants: This scheme will encourage emerging and eminent women researchers for the individual-centric and competitive mode of research funding. Under this, the funding will be under the following two categories:

Level I: The scale of funding up to 60 Lakhs for three years.

Level II: The scale of funding up to 30 Lakhs for three years.

2. SERB – POWER Fellowship: The Power Fellowship scheme will identify and reward outstanding women researchers and innovators working in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories, holding Ph.D.degree in any branch of science and engineering.

Fellowship of Rs. 15,000/- per month in addition to regular income.

Research grant of Rs.10 Lakh per annum.

Note: SERB is a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology, GOI, established by an Act of the Parliament of India in 2009 (SERB ACT,2008).

 

2. India’s first ‘tyre park’ to come up in West Bengal: In West Bengal, Kolkata will soon feature India’s first “Tyre Park”, where artworks made from scrap and defective parts will be on display. The West Bengal Transport Corporation will launch this Tyre Park. The Tyre Park, which will come up at the Esplanade area, would have a small cafe where people can sit, relax and enjoy the craftsmanship made from tyres. No scrap material can be labelled as waste, it can be reused and converted into an art form. Scrap tyres, lying as waste in various bus depots, have been reworked and converted to colourful shapes by the in-house team of WBTC.

Note: Chief Minister of West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee; Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar.

 

3. UNESCO allots India’s Panna Tiger Reserve ‘Biosphere Reserve’ status: In Madhya Pradesh, the Panna Tiger Reserve has been included in the ‘World Network of Biosphere Reserves’ list of the UNESCO. This is the 12th biosphere reserve from India to be included in the ‘World Network of Biosphere Reserves’, and third from Madhya Pradesh, after Pachmarhi and Amarkantak. Currently, Panna Tiger Reserve is home to 54 tigers. The UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) covers internationally designated protected areas (known as biosphere reserves) that demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature (like encourage sustainable development).

Note: Madhya Pradesh Capital: Bhopal; Madhya Pradesh Governor: Anandiben Patel(additional charge); Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

 

4. Centre Extends Term of Justice Bansi Lal Bhat as officiating Chairperson of NCLAT till December 31, 2020: The Central Government has once again extended the term of Justice (retd) Bansi Lal Bhat as the acting Chairperson of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). Justice Bhat’s term has been extended till December 31, 2020 or until a regular Chairperson is appointed or until further orders, whichever is the earliest. This is the third extension given to Justice Bhat. Justice Bansi Lal Bhat was appointed as Acting Chairperson in March 2020, after the first Chairperson of NCLAT, Justice SJ Mukhopadhaya, demitted office upon completion of his term. Initially, Justice Bhat’s  was appointed for a period of three months, from March 2020 till June 2020. His term was, however, extended further till September 2020 and then for one month till October 2020.

 

5. Rajiv Jalota becomes new chairman of Mumbai Port Trust: Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer, Rajiv Jalota has been appointed as the chairman of Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT). The appointment committee of the Union cabinet issued the order for the central deputation. The post of MbPT chairman was vacant after former chairman Sanjay Bhatia retired on July 31 and was appointed as Lokayukta of Maharashtra. Jalota, who is the first Goods and Services Tax (GST) commissioner of Maharashtra, is currently the additional chief secretary in the higher and technical education department of the state government. He first served as sales tax commissioner and then as GST commissioner from January 2015 to January 2020.

Note: Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray; Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India-Pak border to light up with 8000MW renewable park: India’s border areas with Pakistan in Rajasthan would soon be illuminated with renewable energy. The state government will soon ink an MoU with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to establish Ultra Mega Renewal Energy Power Park. The park to be set up near borders areas will be of 8,000 megawatts (MW) capacity, which will comprise 4,310 MW of wind energy; 3,760 MW of solar energy and 120 MW of power from biomass. Currently, Rajasthan’s solar generation capacity is 4,883 MW.

The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) would be signing a separate MoU with the NTPC and the SECI to materialise the GoI Mega Power Park project. Rajasthan has over 1000 kilometre-long international border which is currently supplied power through traditional methods. The Rajasthan government had also approved a proposal for setting up solar power parks to generate 10,000 MW green energy with an investment of Rs 50,000 crore. The state has given nod to the proposal of Adani Green Energy Limited to set up solar power parks at five locations and a solar panel manufacturing unit which will generate around 7,500 direct and indirect jobs.

 

2. Portugal’s Duarte Pacheco elected as President of IPU for 2020-23: Portugal MP,  Duarte Pacheco has won the elections for the post the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The term of the Duarte Pacheco will be from 2020-2023. He will be the 30th President of the IPU and will succeed Mexican MP Gabriela Cuevas Barron who completed the tenure in October 2020. Candidates from four countries were in the race for elections. The other three participants were Pakistan’s Muhammad Sanjrani, Uzbekistan’s Akmal Saidov and Canada’s Pakistani origin Salma Ataullahjan.

Note: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is based in Geneva, Switzerland; Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU): founded in 1889; It consists of representatives from the National Parliaments of 179 countries.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian boxers Amit Panghal wins gold at the Alexis Vastine International: Indian boxers Amit Panghal, Sanjeet and Ashish Kumar have won gold medals at the recently concluded Alexis Valentine International Boxing Tournament held in Nantes, France. The tournament was the first international event that Indian boxers were a part of since the lockdown.

Amit Panghal: Amit Panghal, the silver medalist at the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships in the 52 kg-weight categories, overcame the challenge from American boxer Rene Abraham.

Sanjeet: Sanjeet was up against France’s Soheb Bouafia in the 91 kg final bout and produced a clinical performance to win the top honours.

Ashish Kumar: In the 75 kg weight category, Indian boxer Ashish Kumar won the gold medal after his opponent from the USA, Joseph Gerome Hiks, gave him a walkover due to injury.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes monetary penalty on DCB Bank for rule violations: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalty on DCB Bank and Jio Payments Bank for various rule violations. The central bank has imposed a penalty of Rs 22 lakh on DCB Bank for non-compliance with certain provisions on marketing/distribution of mutual fund/insurance etc. The penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

In the case of Jio Payments Bank, the RBI imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore for non-compliance with RBI directions on timely submission of application in the case of reappointment of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer under Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (the Act).

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

 

2. Government extends Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme till November 30, 2020: Central Government has extended the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) by one month till November 30th, 2020, or till such time that an amount of Rs. 3 lakh crore is sanctioned under the Scheme. The ECLGS was announced as part of the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package of Central Government to provide fully guaranteed and collateral-free additional credit to MSMEs, business enterprises, individual loans for business purposes and MUDRA borrowers. The limit of credit be upto 20% of their credit outstanding as on 29.2.2020. Till now Rs. 2.03 lakh crore has been sanctioned under the Scheme.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Axis Bank to buy 19.002% stake in Max Life against 17% earlier: Axis Bank has announced that it will acquire 19.002% stake in Max Life as against 17.002% stake decided earlier. The decision has been taken after, the RBI rejected Axis Banks proposal to buy 17.002% stake in Max Life. Now under the revised scheme, Axis Bank along with its subsidiaries Axis Capital and Axis Securities will acquire a total of 19.002% stake in Max Life. The further bifurcation of this 19.002% is as follows. Axis Bank will acquire up to 9.002% of the equity share capital of Max Life. While, Axis Capital and Axis Securities together will acquire up to 3%of the share capital of Max Life.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India-US-Japan-Australia kick-starts Malabar Naval Exercise-2020: The Navies of India, the US, Japan and Australia began the four-day-long phase first of the Malabar naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal. From the Indian side, destroyer Ranvijay, frigate Shivalik, off-shore patrol vessel Sukanya, fleet support ship Shakti and submarine Sindhuraj will be part of the drill. US Navy Ship USS John S McCain (Guided-missile destroyer), Australian Navy Ship HMAS Ballarat (long-range frigate) and Japan Maritime Self Defence Ship (JMSDF) Ship JS Onami (destroyer) are participating along with Indian Navy units.

In the first phase of the exercise, navies would witness complex and advanced naval drills like anti-submarine and anti-air warfare operations, cross deck flying, seamanship evolutions and weapon firings. The Phase-I of the exercise will be held from November 3 to 6, while the Phase-II is scheduled to be held from November 17 to 20 in the Arabian sea. This is the first time that the member nations of the Quad or Quadrilateral Coalition is participating in the exercise together after 2007 (Quad member nations are India, the US, Japan and Australia).

Note: The Malabar exercise started in 1992 as a bilateral drill between the Indian Navy and the US Navy in the Indian Ocean. Japan became a permanent member of the exercise in 2015.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. James Bond actor Sean Connery passes away: The Scottish actor, best known for his portrayal of James Bond, Sean Connery passed away. Scottish movie legend Connery, who shot to international stardom as the suave and sophisticated British agent James Bond and went on to grace the silver screen for four decades. Connery will be remembered first as British agent 007. He was admired by generations of film fans as the original and best 007 and went on to create a distinguished body of work in films such as The Man Who Would Be King, The Name of the Rose and The Untouchables.

 

2. Meghalaya icon Spelity Lyngdoh Langrin passes away: Face of the decades-long anti-uranium mining movement of Meghalaya, Spelity Lyngdoh Langrin (95 years) passed away. She was the icon for turning down a multi-crore offer from the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), a Public Sector enterprise in Meghalaya. India’s largest and richest uranium deposits in Domiasiat and Wahkyn areas of Meghalaya. Domiasiat uranium deposit was discovered in 1984 and has 9.22 million tonnes of high-grade uranium ore deposits. 

Daily GK Updates – 3rd Nov, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves Rs 10,211 crore project to improve dams in India: The cabinet committee on economic affairs has approved Rs 10,211 crore under dam rehabilitation and improvement project (DRIP) phase II and phase III. The objective of the project is to improve the safety and performance of select dams and associated structures across India in a sustainable manner and strengthen the dam safety institutional setup in participating states as well as at central level. The DRIP project is financially supported by the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).  DRIP will be implemented over a period of 10 years in two phases. Each phase will be of six years with two years overlapping from April 2021 to March 2031. The first phase of this project started in 2012. Out of the total cost of the project, the share of external funding is Rs 7,000 crore, while the balance Rs 3,211 crore will be borne by the concerned implementing agencies. Besides, the Government will contribute Rs 1,024 crore as loan liability and Rs 285 crore as “counterpart funding for central component.”

 

2. PM Modi launches India’s first seaplane service in Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the country’s first seaplane service between the Statue of Unity near Kevadiya in Gujarat’s Narmada district and Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. He travelled in the maiden flight of the twin-engine plane from pond-3 close to Sardar Sarovar Dam and landed at Sabarmati riverfront where a water aerodrome has been set up.

About the seaplane service: The 19-seater seaplane will be managed by private airline SpiceJet. The service will cover the 200km distance between Sabarmati and Kevadia, in just 45 minutes by flight, which usually takes 4 hours. The flight will be able to accommodate 12 passengers and tickets will cost Rs 4,800 per person.` There will be four flights a day between Ahmedabad and Kevadia on each side, which means four arrivals and four departures.

 

3. IIT Kanpur, ASI sign MoU with Italian institutes for restoration of monuments: The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K) and the Archaeological Survey of India have signed an agreement with two institutions from Italy, seeking restoration and protection of historical monuments.

About MoU: The MoU was signed among IIT-K, Ca’Foscari University of Venice, Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti E Paesaggio, Venice, on creating a network and sharing skills for restoration and protection of historical monuments. All institutes have agreed to develop collaborative scientific study activities and sharing skills to restore and protect monuments on a reciprocal and equal basis. All institutes shall seek to promote collaboration and activities in areas such as collaboration in scientific studies and skill sharing, the exchange of knowledge, experience, academic materials and publications, conducting workshops, undertaking joint field studies and technology development.

Note: Archaeological Survey of India Director-General: V. Vidyavathi; Archaeological Survey of India Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

4. Indian Railways launches ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative for security of women in trains: The Indian Railways has introduced a new initiative called “Meri Saheli” to provide safety and security to women passengers during their train journeys. The Meri Saheli initiative has been launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Indian Railways.

Key Features of Meri Saheli Initiative: A team of lady officer and staff have been formed under the new initiative, which will visit all passenger coaches of the train including ladies coaches, to identify women passengers. The team will note down their journey details like coach number and seat number, especially if a lady is travelling alone on the train. Passengers will be briefed about RPF Security Helpline Number 182, GRP Security Helpline Number 1512 as well as other precautions like, not to take food with strangers, buying food from only authorized IRCTC stalls, taking care of luggage, etc. Initially, the “Meri Saheli” initiative has been introduced in two trains namely Bandra Terminus-Amritsar Special and Mumbai Central-Jaipur Superfast Express.

Note: Union Minister of Railways: Piyush Goyal.

 

5. World’s first scientoon book “Bye Bye Corona” by Anandiben Patel: World’s 1st scientoon book entitled “Bye Bye Corona”, was released by Anandiben Patel, Governor, Uttar Pradesh. The book was written by ‘scientoonist’ Dr Pradeep Srivastava, former Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow. It is further planned to make a 3D version of the book. The book has been published by Vigyan Prasar.

About “Bye Bye Corona” book: The 220 pages book contains comprehensive information on novel coronavirus pandemic, its symptoms and its prevention through precautions. ‘Bye Bye Corona’ also has a very interesting chapter on the ‘Art of Living with Coronavirus’ highlighting the methods to deal with the virus in day to day life if it is here to stay for a longer time. The book offers a perspective insight into the intricacies of the deadly pandemic without scaring the reader. The basic purpose of this book is to make people aware of COVID-19 in an engaging way.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Super Typhoon Goni hits the Philippines: Super Typhoon Goni, claimed as the world’s strongest typhoon of 2020 has hit the south of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon. Goni is one of the strongest storms to hit the Philippines since 2013’s Haiyan, which killed more than 6,300 people.

Note: Philippines President: Rodrigo Duterte Trending; Philippines Capital: Manila; Philippines Currency: Philippine peso.

 

2. World Vegan Day: 1st November: World Vegan Day is observed globally on 1st November every year. This day is celebrated to spread benefits of veganism for humans, non-human animals, and the natural environment.  Vegan Day is an opportunity to promote the benefits of a vegan diet and veganism in general. The term vegan was coined by Donald Watson and derived from the word Vegetarian. At that time, the differentiation was that Vegans did not consume dairy products. Later this extended to eggs, and by 1951, veganism had become a movement of people who did not partake in the exploitation of animals. Each year there are a number of festivals and exhibitions held around the world by vegan societies. In addition, there are many local events, talks and cooking demonstrations organised by individuals. Vegan Day is an opportunity to promote the benefits of a vegan diet and veganism in general. The day was established in 1994 by Louise Wallis, then Chair of The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the organisation and the coining of the terms “vegan” and “veganism”. The President of the Vegan Society decided to elect the date of the 1st of November. This is now recognised as the date on which the Vegan Society was founded and on which Vegan Day would be observed.

 

3. International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists: 2nd November: The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is an UN-recognized day observed annually on 2 November. The day draws attention to the low global conviction rate for violent crimes against journalists and media workers, estimated at only one in every ten cases. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2 November as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ in General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/163. The Resolution urged the Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity. The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on 2 November 2013.

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Jio named title sponsor for BCCI’s Women T20 Challenge 2020: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Jio as the Title Sponsor of the 2020 edition of the Women’s T20 Challenge. The partnership will also have the support of Reliance Foundation Education and Sports For All (RF ESA). This is a historic partnership, as for the first time a sponsor has signed with BCCI exclusively for the women’s matches. The Jio Women’s T20 Challenge to be played from 4th November to 9th November will be held in Sharjah. Three teams are Velocity, Supernovas and Trailblazers will play each other once to decide the finalists on November 9, a day before the IPL final.

Note: President of BCCI: Sourav Ganguly; Headquarters of BCCI: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Founded: December 1928.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IndusInd Bank becomes first bank to go live on RBI’s ‘Account Aggregator Framework’: IndusInd Bank has become the first bank in India to go live on the new ‘Account Aggregator Framework’ of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). IndusInd Bank has announced that it has gone live as a ‘Financial Information Provider’ (FIP) under the new ‘Account Aggregator Framework’ of RBI. The Account Aggregator framework of RBI will enable customers to avail benefits like viewing statements of their accounts, track deposits, plan investments and avail credit cards on a single window.

Note: IndusInd Bank CEO-MD: Sumant Kathpalia

 

2. Govt provides support of Rs 670 crore to Regional Rural Banks to meet regulatory capital: The Central Government has provided support of Rs 670 crore to Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) operating in the country to help them meet the regulatory capital requirement of 9%. At present 43 Regional Rural Banks are operating in the country. Around one-third of them are in loss and considering their importance in agriculture finance during these difficult times it was important to provide this support.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. e-Invoice system under GST launched for businesses with turnover more than Rs. 500 Crores: Ministry of Electronics & IT along with NIC had launched the e-invoice system for GST on 1st October 2020 for the businesses with aggregate turnover of more than Rs. 500 Crores in the financial year.  The system has completed one month and will be a milestone in India’s journey in enhancing the ease of doing business.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Malayalam writer Paul Zacharia selected for Ezhuthachan Puraskaram 2020: Noted Malayalam writer, Paul Zacharia has been selected for this year’s Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, the Kerala government’s highest literary honour. Zacharia was chosen for his contribution to Malayalam literature during the past five decades. A five-member jury, headed by Kerala Sahitya Akademi President Vyshakhan, selected him for the award. ‘Salam America’, ‘Oridath, ‘Aarkkariyam’, ‘Bhaskara patelarum ente jeevithavum’ are among his various literary works. Zacharia also won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979 and the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 2004.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India Successfully test fires BrahMos Missile from Sukhoi 30 MKI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully test-fired an air-launched version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from a Sukhoi fighter aircraft in the Bay of Bengal. The aircraft took off from an airbase in Punjab & reached the Bay of Bengal after mid-air refuelling.

About BrahMos supersonic cruise missile: The missile successfully hit a sinking ship in the Bay of Bengal, with deadly accuracy. This test was the longest range BrahMos strike that was undertaken by the Sukhoi 30 MKI platform. This missile was developed by DRDO, the air-launched version of nuclear-capable BrahMos has a strike range of 400 km with the capability to hit targets at sea or land in all weather conditions.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz passes away: Veteran Politician and former prime minister of Turkey, Mesut Yilmaz has passed away. He was the Chief of the now-defunctional centre-right Motherland Party or ANAP from 1991 to 2002. He served as prime minister of Turkey three times in the 1990s. His first two prime-ministerial terms lasted for just one month, in 1991 and then in 1996, while the third term was from June 1997 to January 1999.

Note: Turkey Capital: Ankara; Currency: Turkish lira