Daily GK Updates – 8th Nov, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves Rs 1810 cr investment for 210 Mega Watt Luhri Stage-I Hydro Power Project in Himachal Pradesh: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA approved 1 thousand 8 hundred 10 crore rupees investment proposal of 210 Mega Watt Luhri Stage-I Hydro Power Project on river Satluj which is situated in Shimla and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh. The project will be commissioned within 62 months and it will lead to reduction of 6.1 lakh tonne of carbon dioxide from the environment annually. The project is being implemented by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, SJVNL on Build-Own-Operate-Maintain basis with active support from the Centre and State Government.

 

2. DMC launched “Plastic Lao MASK LE JAO” initiative: In Uttarakhand, Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) has launched an initiative named Plastic Lao MASK LE JAO to fight against the menace of plastic waste and contain the spread of Covid-19. It has distributed Five thousand face masks in exchange for plastic waste. Municipal commissioner of Dehradun, Vinay Shankar Pandey, who was the first to bring plastic waste from his house and get a face mask, and create awareness in the public against plastic waste and also the importance of masks.

Note: Governor of Uttarakhand: Baby Rani Maurya; Capitals of Uttarakhand: Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer); Chief Minister of Uttarakhand: Trivendra Singh Rawat.

 

3. IIT Roorkee develops world 1st biosensor to detect harmful detergent pollutant: A five-member team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have developed the world’s first specific reliable bacterial biosensor to detect the presence of common environmental pollutant- Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate /Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SDS). The IIT Roorkee team has developed a whole-cell biosensor using Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 strain as a framework (chassis). The system involves a highly specific regulator along with a fluorescent protein that is produced only when SDS is present in the sample

 

4. Chacha Chaudhary becomes the Brand Ambassador for NamamiGange Project: The iconic Indian superhero, Chacha Chaudhary, whose brain works faster than a computer has now come forward to join hands with the NamamiGangeProgramme. Diamond Toons will conceptualize and publish this new ‘Talking Comics’ with Chacha Chaudhary spreading awareness on the cultural and spiritual significance of River Ganga and deploy best available knowledge across the masses for Ganga rejuvenation. The teaser was released during Ganga Utsav 2020.

 

5. Syska Group announces Rajkummar Rao as its new brand ambassador: Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) company Syska Group, has roped in actor Rajkummar Rao as the new face of the brand. Rao will work closely with the company to promote the Syska products across LED and fan segments. The partnership will also see Syska Group launch a new ad campaign with Rajkummar focusing on LED and fans. The company aims to leverage the actors strong connect with urban audiences, as well as with those from Tier 2 and 3 markets, which make up the large segment of its target groups.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. United States Formally Exits Paris Climate Accord: The United States has officially withdrawn from the Paris climate accord on 04 November 2020. With this, the US has now become the only country to formally pull out of the deal since it was adopted in 2015. The landmark Paris climate agreement was signed in 2015 to protect the planet from the worsening impacts of the climate crisis. As per the rules of the agreement, a country cannot officially leave before one full year of notifying the UN of its intent to withdraw. The United States notified the United Nations of its withdrawal on November 4, 2019.

Reasons for withdrawal: Under the Paris pact, developed countries are under obligation to mobilize at least $100 billion every year from the year 2020 in climate finance meant for the developing world. The amount was set to be revised upwards after five years. US President, Donald Trump was opposed to this move and called it “unfair” and hence the withdrawal.

Paris Climate Agreement: In December 2015, 195 Countries adopted the Paris Climate Agreement to combat global warming and actions to intensify actions for low carbon growth at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC in Paris, France. It is an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and is effective since November 2016.

Note: UNFCCC Executive Secretary: Patricia Espinosa; UNFCCC Headquarters: Bonn, Germany.

 

2. Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli wins 2nd term: The President of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli has been sworn for a second five-year term. He took the oath of the office on 05 November 2020. Magufuli won 84% of the total votes in elections held on October 28. He was elected as the fifth President of Tanzania and is in office since 2015. CHADEMA party candidate Tundu Lissu took the second position.

Note: Tanzania Capital: Dodoma Currency: Tanzanian shilling.

 

3. NDDB Chairman Dilip Rath elected to IDF: National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Chairman, Dilip Rath has been unanimously elected to the board of global dairy body International Dairy Federation (IDF). He has been associated with IDF for the last 10 years as Member Secretary of Indian National Committee and as a member of the Standing Committee on Dairy Policy and Economics. Rath has played a key role in signing the Dairy Declaration at the IDF World Dairy Summit in Rotterdam in October 2016 between IDF and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). India ranks first among the world’s milk-producing nations and has the largest bovine population in the world.

About International Dairy Federation: IDF is an international non-governmental, non-profit association having members from national committees constituted by dairy organisations in each country.

Note: International Dairy Federation Established: 1903; International Dairy Federation President: Piercristiano Brazzale; International Dairy Federation Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

 

4. World Urbanism Day: 8th November: World Urbanism Day, also known as “World Town Planning Day”, is celebrated on 8 November globally, to recognise and promote the role of planning in creating livable communities. WUD is organised by the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP). The day was founded in 1949 by the late Professor Carlos Maria Della Paolera of the University of Buenos Aires, to advance public and professional interest in planning. World Urbanism Day provides an opportunity to look at planning from a global perspective, in order to draw attention to the environmental impact resulting from the development of cities and territories.

 

5. International Day of Radiology: 8th November: International Day of Radiology is observed globally on 8th November every year. The day is celebrated to promote the awareness of the value that radiology contributes to safe patient care and improving public understanding of the vital role radiologists and radiographers play in the healthcare continuum.

In 2020, the International Day of Radiology will therefore be dedicated to all imaging professionals and their essential role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic making an indispensable contribution to the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients. The motto of International Day of Radiology 2020: ‘Radiologists and radiographers supporting patients during COVID-19’. The day also marks the anniversary of the discovery of x-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895. World Radiology Day was first celebrated in the year 2012.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Ritu Phogat wins third straight MMA title: Former Indian wrestler and now a Mixed Martial Arts star, Ritu Phogat won her third consecutive MMA championship title in Singapore. 26-year-old Phogat defeated Cambodia’s Nou Srey Pov with a technical knockout win in the second round. The match was part of ONE Championship’s ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX event that featured four exciting World Championship contests at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NABARD sanctions over Rs 8,504.30 lakh under RIDF scheme to Govt. of Goa during 2020-21: According to the Ministry of Rural Development, NABARD has sanctioned loans worth Rs8504.30 lakh under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to the Government of Goa for various Social Infrastructure Projects in the State. With this, NABARD achieved 100% of the target fixed for sanction to the State Government during 2020-21. RIDF was instituted in NABARD with the sole objective of giving low-cost support to State Governments and State-owned Corporations for quick completion of projects related to medium and minor irrigation, soil conservation and others forms of rural infrastructure.

 

2. HDFC ERGO implements AI enabled solution to automate motor claim settlements: HDFC ERGO General Insurance, India’s third-largest non-life insurance company in the private sector, announced the launch of the AI tool IDEAS (Intelligent Damage detection Estimation and Assessment Solution) for motor claim settlements. The IDEAS module uses Neural Network image processing and Analytics, Machine Learning and Natural Language that supports instant damage detection as well as calculation of the claims estimate for the surveyors to help in motor claims settlement in real-time. The IDEAS module, which is trained using more than 3,00,000 images over the last 2 years and is agnostic to vehicle makes and models has been integrated in the surveyor mobile app.

 

3. RBL Bank and Visa launch instant payouts for fintechs: India-based private sector lender RBL Bank has launched instant payouts for fintech firms by partnering with payments giant Visa. Under this partnership, the bank will leverage Visa’s real-time push payments platform Visa Direct, across the country. It will allow RBL Bank to create technology-led banking solutions catering to the growing needs of merchants and partners. Further, this will enable fintech firms to create digital payment solutions for the end customer.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. HAL inks Rs 400-crore pact with Tech Mahindra for project Parivartan: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) said the company signed a contract worth Rs 400 crore with Tech Mahindra for implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) to support its project Parivartan. As a system integrator, Tech Mahindra will implement project Parivartan over a period of nine years at a cost of Rs 400 crore.  Project Parivartan is a comprehensive business transformation exercise initiated by HAL through technology enhancement and centralised ERP.

 

2. Nestlé acquires healthy meals startup Freshly for up to $1.5 bn: Nestlé USA announced that it has acquired Freshly for $1.5 billion — $950 million plus potential earnouts of up to $550 million based on future growth. Founded in 2015, Freshly is a New York City-based startup that offers healthy meals delivered to your home in weekly orders, which can then be prepared in a few minutes in your microwave or oven.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Hariharan wins JC Daniel award for lifetime contributions in Malayalam cinema: Noted filmmaker Hariharan has been selected for the JC Daniel Award, the state government’s highest honour for lifetime contributions to Malayalam cinema. The award carries a purse of Rs 5 lakh, a citation, and a sculpture. Hariharan was chosen for the prestigious award by a jury chaired by MT Vasudevan Nair with director Harikumar, actor Vidhubala, State Chalachitra Academy chairman Kamal and Cultural Department Secretary Rani George as members. Hariharan, who initially skilled with cinematographer U Rajagopal in Madras, later assisted administrators M Krishnan Nair, AB Raj, and JD Thottanm for seven years. In 1972 he directed the film ‘Girls Hostel’. Later he got here up with a few of the evergreen films in Malayalam.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Legendary Australia swimming coach Don Talbot passes away: Don Talbot, the foundation director of the Australian Institute of Sport and one of the country’s greatest coaches, has died. He was 87. Talbot was the driving force behind Australia becoming a swimmer powerhouse in the 1960s and 1970s, and also spent time coaching in Canada and the United States during his career.

Daily GK Updates – 7th Nov, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre forms committee to assess existing TRP system of TV channels: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has constituted a four-member committee, to assess the existing Television Rating Points (TRP) of TV channels. The committee will be chaired by Prasar Bharati CEO, Shashi S Vempati.

About the committee: The committee will be responsible to address the ‘needs of the stakeholders’ and make necessary recommendations for a rating system which shall be ‘robust, transparent and accountable’. It will have to submit its report to the Information and Broadcasting minister within two months. The need to form such committee was felt after the alleged TRP scam in which it was alleged that certain TV channels manipulated TRPs in return for payment. TRP is calculated in India by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) using a device called Bar-O-Meter, which is installed in over 45,000 households across the country. The device collects data about a programme or channel watched by members of these households on the basis of which weekly ratings are issued by BARC.

Note: Chairman of Broadcast Audience Research Council India: Punit Goenka; Broadcast Audience Research Council Founded: 2010; Broadcast Audience Research Council Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

2. Ministry of AYUSH to form strategic policy unit named “Strategic Policy & Facilitation Bureau (SPFB): Ministry of AYUSH has collaborated with M/s Invest India to set up a strategic policy unit called “Strategic Policy & Facilitation Bureau (SPFB)”. The role of the “Strategic Policy & Facilitation Bureau (SPFB)” will be to facilitate planned and systematic growth of the Ayush Sector. Under the collaboration, Invest India would deploy highly trained and expert resources to implement and execute the plans of the Ministry of AYUSH.

 

3. AK Gupta becomes new MD and CEO of ONGC Videsh: AK Gupta, the new Managing Director and CEO of ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) took charge. Before this, he was Director (Operations) of the company. Gupta was also the Head of New businesses in Marketing in ONGC and Head Business development in ONGC Videsh, both for the domestic and international markets. He has handled commercial negotiations with alliance partners, regulators, customers and National Oil Companies.

OVL is the international petroleum company of India and the overseas arm of national oil and gas major Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Limited. Gupta brings with him over three decades of experience in various capacities in domestic and overseas oil and gas exploration and production operations.

Note: ONGC Videsh Limited Founded: 1965; ONGC Videsh Limited Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

4. ‘Till We Win’: Book on Covid-19 by AIIMS Director: A new book titled “Till We Win” by AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria and two other doctors will give a definitive account of India’s fight against Covid-19 and how to deal with the pandemic in the days to come. The book has been co-written by leading public policy and health systems expert Chandrakant Lahariya and renowned vaccine researcher and virologist Gagandeep Kang.

About the book: The book deals with the “realization of inner strength and unity” amongst people of all walks of life in a country known for its cultural and linguistic diversity. It will hit the stands this month and published by Penguin Random House India. The book delves into how learnings from Covid-19 pandemic can be used to strengthen the Indian health system, for better, forever. It is up to all of us to convert the challenge posed by pandemic as an opportunity to strengthen health systems.

 

5. National Cancer Awareness Day: 7th November: The National Cancer Awareness Day is observed annually in India on November 7, to spread awareness on cancer, its symptoms and treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. In 2018, approximately 18 million cases were there globally, of which, 1.5 million were in India alone. In 2018, there were around 0.8 million cancer deaths in India against 9.5 million globally. The day was first observed in 2014 as and when announced by the union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan. The day coincides with the birth anniversary of scientist Marie Curie (Marie Skłodowska Curie), winner of the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Note: World Cancer Day: 4th February.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara wins 3rd term: The incumbent President of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, has won a third 5-year term in a landslide victory, gaining more than 94 per cent of the votes polled. The 78-year-old, Mr Ouattara was first sworn in as the president in 2010 and then re-elected in 2015. Apart from this, he has also served as the Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire from November 1990 to December 1993.

Note: Ivory Coast Capital: Yamoussoukro; Ivory Coast Currency: West African CFA franc.

 

2. Piyush Goyal Co-chairs 8th Meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments: The 8th meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments (“the Joint Task Force”) was hosted by India in virtual format on 4th November 2020. The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The India-UAE Joint Task Force was created in 2012 as a crucial forum for investment and cooperation in areas of mutual interest with the purpose to stimulate economic activity, and further deepening the already strong economic ties between the UAE and India.

 

3. PM Modi Chairs Virtual Global Investor Roundtable (VGIR) 2020 Conference: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the Virtual Global Investor Roundtable (VGIR) 2020 Conference on 05 November 2020, aimed at attracting investment in the country. The conference focused on discussions around India’s economic and investment outlook, structural reforms and the government’s vision for making the country a $5 trillion economy. The Virtual Global Investor Roundtable (VGIR) was organised by the Ministry of Finance and the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund. It provided a platform for exclusive dialogue between leading global institutional investors, Indian business leaders and the highest decision makers from the government of India and financial market regulators. The roundtable witnessed participation from 20 of the world’s largest pension and sovereign wealth funds with a total assets under management of about USD 6 trillion. These global institutional investors represent key regions including the US, Europe, Canada, Korea, Japan, Middle East, Australia, and Singapore. The Indian side included business leaders, financial market regulators, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI governor Shaktikanta Das.

 

4. ‘Argyle Mine’ World’s Biggest Pink Diamond Mine in Australia, Shuts Down After Exhausting ‘Economic Reserves’: The world’s largest pink diamond mine, Argyle mine, in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, has announced that it is shutting down its business, after 40 years of a successful operation. The iconic mine has exhausted all its economic reserves, hence it is shutting down its business. The seam was discovered in 1979 and the Anglo-Australian firm began mining operations in 1983. It produced more than 90 percent of the world’s pink diamonds. Globally, Argyle is the fourth-largest diamond-producing mine in the world by volume.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ICICI Bank launches ‘Mine’ a comprehensive banking programme: Private lender ICICI Bank has launched a comprehensive banking programme for its millennial customers, (in the age bracket of 18 years to 35 years), called ‘ICICI Bank Mine’. The ‘ICICI Bank Mine’ is India’s first and unique product launched by the bank to offer a mobile-first, highly personalised and experiential led banking experience to the millennial customers. Features of ‘ICICI Bank Mine’:

(1) Instant savings account

(2) New look iMobile, the Bank’s mobile banking app

(3) Curated credit and debit card,

(4) Instant personal loans & overdrafts,

(5) Experiential branch with social engagement space

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. WhatsApp’s payments service gets NPCI nod: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has finally allowed Facebook-owned messaging platform “WhatsApp” to roll out its payments service in the country in a “graded” manner. The announcement by NPCI came after the organisation made a crucial change to its regulations concerning the use of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The change puts a limit on single third parties such as WhatsApp or its rivals Google Pay and Walmart’s PhonePe where they can only handle 30 per cent of overall UPI transaction volumes. The NPCI runs the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) used for real-time payments between peers or at merchants’ end while making purchases. The UPI channel has rapidly grown to become India’s most favoured mode of digital transactions since its launch in terms of volumes.

Note: National Payments Corporation of India MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe; National Payments Corporation of India Headquarters: Mumbai; National Payments Corporation of India Founded: 2008.

 

2. Maple Group gets RBI nod to acquire up to 9.99% stake in RBL Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has granted its approval to Maple Group to acquire up to a 9.99 percent stake in the RBL Bank.  Maple Group was one of the investors that participated in the bank’s preferential issue. The group had acquired rights to buy the stake and was waiting for permission from the banking regulator. RBL reported a standalone net profit of Rs 144.2 crore in July-September quarter as against Rs 54.3 crore posted in Q2 the previous financial year. The number was better-than-expected, as a CNBC-TV18 poll had estimated the number to the tune of Rs 126.2 crore.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian Army chief made honorary General of Nepal Army: The Chief of Army Staff General, MM Naravane was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army by President Bidya Devi Bhandari. He was honoured at a special ceremony at the President’s official residence ‘Shital Niwas’ in Kathmandu, Nepal. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Nepal K.P. Sharma Oli, Indian Ambassador Vinay M. Kwatra and other senior officials of both the countries.

The practice follows a seven-decade-old tradition of conferring Army Chiefs of each other’s country with the honorary title. Commander-in-Chief General KM Cariappa was the first Indian Army Chief to be decorated with the title in 1950. In January last year, Chief of Nepali Army, General Purna Chandra Thapa, was also made the honorary General of the Indian Army by President Ram Nath Kovind at a ceremony in New Delhi.

Note: Prime minister of Nepal: KP Sharma Oli; President: Bidhya Devi Bhandari; Capital of Nepal: Kathmandu; Currency: Nepalese rupee.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India receives 2nd batch of Three Rafale Aircraft: India receives the second batch of three Rafale Aircraft, bringing total Rafale Jets with IAF to eight. The second batch of three Rafale jets landed in Jamnagar, Gujarat on 4th November 2020, after flying non-stop from France. Earlier, the first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 28 and they were officially inducted in the Indian Air Force on 10 September at Ambala Air Base in Haryana. With the arrival of the second batch, the IAF now has a total of eight Rafale fighter aircraft. As per the information by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, the induction of all 36 jets will be completed by 2023.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Filmmaker-actor Ashish Kakkad passes away: Noted actor, filmmaker and voiceover artiste, Ashish Kakkad, has passed away after suffering a massive cardiac arrest. He was 49. He was one of the most prominent artist from Gujarati film industry. As a filmmaker, Ashish was known for his Gujarati projects namely Better Half (2010) and Mission Mummy (2016). As an actor, he was seen in several Hindi films such as Kai Po Che! in 2013, and psychological thriller ‘Beyond Blue: An Unnerving Tale of a Demented Mind’ in 2015, including other Gujarati films.

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.