Daily GK Updates – 10th Nov, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 1st solar-based water supply project of India launched in Arunachal Pradesh: Union Jal Shakti Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has launched India’s first solar-based Integrated Multi-Village Water Supply Project (IMVWSP) in Arunachal Pradesh. The solar-based lift water supply project is ‘first of its kind’ in the country, and has been commissioned at a cost of Rs 28.50 crore. However, such projects will be carried out in other parts of the country too.

About the project: The project would provide drinking water to 17,480 people in 39 villages of Lower Dibang Valley district in Arunachal Pradesh. The solar-based Integrated Multi-Village Water Supply Project has been designed as an integrated project with three components, which are drinking water, green energy and tourism. The project uses a green energy-solar grid, SCADA automation system, pre-fabricated zinc alum storage tank and HDPE conduit for mains, sub-mains and distribution networking system. The project also includes amusement park including swimming pool, amphitheatre, fountains, and sit-outs.

Note: Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh: Pema Khandu; Governor: B.D. Mishra.

 

2. PM Modi: Shipping ministry to be renamed: The Ministry of Shipping is being expanded and renamed as the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. This information was given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 8 November 2020, during a launch event of Ro-Pax terminal at Hazira and flagging off the Ro-Pax ferry service between Hazira and Ghogha in Gujarat, which will reduce the 370-km road distance between the two places to 90-km by sea route. The service will also cut the travel time between the two places to about four hours from 10 to 12 hours. The ferry will make three trips daily, annually transporting five lakh passengers, 80,000 passenger vehicles, 50,000 two-wheelers and 30,000 trucks, as per the release.

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

 

3. AAI Signs MoU With NTPC Subsidiary, NVVN: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN), to promote usage of electric vehicles and set up solar power plants at the airports managed and operated by AAI.

Under the MoU: NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) will be provided adequate land and rooftop space by AAI, free of cost, at identified AAI airports to set up solar power plants. Initially, NVVN will begin working on the projects at airports in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. The solar capacity required at airports in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan is around 55 MW and 8 MW, respectively to become 100% solar-powered airports. Apart from this, AAI and NVVN will jointly work towards supporting the government of India’s initiatives for the adoption of electric vehicles by the creation of public charging infrastructure and promoting the usage of electric vehicles at airports.

Note: Airports Authority of India Headquarters: New Delhi; Airports Authority of India Founded: 1 April 1995; Chairman of Airports Authority of India: Arvind Singh.

 

4. ISRO launches PSLV C49 with 10 satellites: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched the 51st mission of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). This is the first mission by ISRO in 2020. The carrier vehicle PSLV C49 will deliver 10 satellites in all with EOS-01 as the primary one. It is the 51st mission of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The carrier was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The EOS-01, an earth observation satellite, was intended to provide agriculture, forestry and disaster management support. The nine customer satellites are from Lithuania (1), Luxembourg (4) and USA (4). The customer satellites were being launched under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), department of space.

Note: ISRO Chairman: K. Sivan; ISRO Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Joe Biden defeats Trump to become 46th President of the USA: Joe Biden has defeated President Donald Trump to become the 46th president of the United States. He is from the Democratic Party one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. Other is the Republican Party. His full name is Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. and has served as Vice President of the United States under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. Biden will become the oldest president-elect in U.S. history and the first to oust a sitting commander-in-chief after one term since Bill Clinton defeated George H.W. Bush in 1992. Joe got 284 electoral college votes while Trump got 214 votes. Kamala Harris, 56, will be the vice president and will be the first Indian-American woman to serve as Vice Present of the USA.

 

2. Indian diplomat Vidisha Maitra elected to UN advisory committee: Indian diplomat, Vidisha Maitra has been elected to the UN’s Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ). The election was a tightly contested one but Maitra won with 126 UN members supporting her candidature for the only post for the Asia-Pacific group while 64 voted for the opposing candidate who was from Iraq. India has been a member of the committee since its inception in 1946.  India’s win in this committee comes as India also prepares to take a seat as one of 10 non-permanent members in the UN Security Council for a two year period starting 1 January 2021.

About the UN’s Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ): The committee is one of the most coveted in the United Nations system as it controls the financial and budgetary purse of the UN. The ACABQ performs several functions including the examination of the budget submitted by the UN Secretary-General to the General Assembly and advising the Assembly on administrative and budgetary matters referred to it. The ACABQ is a crucial component in ensuring that resources of the Member states are used to good effect and that mandates are properly funded. Members are elected by the General Assembly, consisting of 193 member states, on the basis of broad geographical representation, personal qualifications and experience and service for a period of three calendar years. Members serve in a personal capacity and not as representatives of Member States.

Note: United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA; Mr Antonio Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

 

3. World Science Day for Peace and Development: 10th November: World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated each year on November 10 every year. This day is celebrated to highlight the important role that science play in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. This year World Science Day for Peace and Development theme is “Science for and with Society”. This year, at a time when the world is struggling with the global COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of World Science Day is on “Science for and with Society in dealing with the global pandemic.” World Science Day was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2001 and celebrated for the first time in 2002.

Note: Director-General of UNESCO: Audrey Azoulay; UNESCO formation: 4 November 1946; UNESCO headquarters: Paris, France.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Manipur’s Gyanendro Ningombam becomes new president of Hockey India: Manipur’s Gyanendro Ningombam was elected unopposed as the President of Hockey India, while former President Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad is back in the Hockey India Executive Board after being Elected Unopposed for the Senior Vice President post. Earlier, Gyanendro Ningombam has been serving as the Officiating President of Hockey India since July 2020.

About Gyanendro Ningombam: On being elected unopposed, Gyanendro becomes the first President from northeast India to spearhead Hockey India. He will serve as Head of the national federation for two years. Gyanendro has been associated with the discipline of Hockey in Manipur for the last 40 years, and has impressed with his work at the grassroots level. He was Senior Vice President of Hockey India, Senior Vice President of Manipur Hockey, and also Chief Executive Officer of Manipur Hockey. He also served as the editor of Meeyam, an evening daily in Manipur.

Note: Hockey India Founded: 20 May 2009; Hockey India Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Visa partners with DigitSecure, HDFC Bank for global-first live deployment of PCI certified Tap to Phone card acceptance solution: Visa recently announced the first successful live deployment of a PCI certified Tap to Phone card acceptance solution, in partnership with DigitSecure and HDFC Bank. DeliveryPlus is the first merchant to go live with HDFC Bank as acquirer. This solution enables merchants to securely accept contactless card payments in seconds through an app on their NFC-enabled Android smartphones, and without having dedicated card acceptance devices. In line with the ‘Make in India’ goal of local innovation, DigitSecure is the first company based in Asia Pacific to receive PCI security certification for deploying this technology.

 

2. Paytm partners with SBI to offer Credit Card through its app: SBI Cards and Payment Services (SBI Card) said it has launched credit cards in partnership with the digital payment platform Paytm. Available in two variants, Paytm SBI Card and Paytm SBI Card SELECT, the product has been launched on the Visa platform. The partnership aims to bring ‘new to credit’ users into the formal economy and empowering them to control their finances. The card which can be used across Paytm ecosystem, third-party platform and offline retail stores, will also enable digital process for the card application, issuance and managing the expenses.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Whatsapp Partners with 5 Banks for UPI Payment: WhatsApp has partnered with five Indian banks to process its payment services. These are State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Jio Payments Bank. The Facebook-owned messaging platform, WhatsApp Inc., has received the approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) based payments services in India, to let users send or receive money across the country. The service can however be expanded in a graded manner. It means that initially, Whatsapp can only roll out the payments service to only its 20 million users. The payment system will be rolled out in ten Indian regional languages in the latest version of WhatsApp app.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India’s Special Forces conducted ‘Bull Strike’ triservice exercise: Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) has conducted a three-day Tri-Service Combat Exercise code-named “Bull Strike” at Teressa Island in Nicobar Group of Islands. The exercise focussed on interoperability and synergy among three services – Army, Navy and Air Force to maximise combat potential.

About “Bull Strike” Exercise: The exercise saw participation from three services components of ANC, elements of Indian Army’s Parachute Brigade, MARCOS (Marine Commando Force) and Special Forces. The training activities included combat free fall and paradrop from Advanced Airlifter C-130J “Super Hercules” by a company of Para Commandos, action by MARCOS of Indian Navy and Special Heli Borne Operations (SHBO) by Indian Army Ghatak platoons. Search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation procedures were also practised by the participating troops.

Note: Chief of Defence Staff of India: General Bipin Rawat; Commander-in-Chief of Indian Armed Forces: Ram Nath Kovind (President of India).

 

2. Two-day joint coastal security exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ begins: A two-day joint coastal security exercise, “Sagar Kavach” was launched at Paradip Coast, Odisha. The exercise is being carried out by a joint effort of the state of Odisha and West Bengal governments.

About the “Sagar Kavach”: The main purpose of the exercise is to carry out the exercise on the coast of Paradip this year, just like every year after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The exercise is being carried out to prevent a repeat of the Mumbai attacks by sea. More than 10 such departments, including the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, the Odisha Police, the local fishermen, the forest department, and the port marine department, have joined the joint exercise. It will run for two days, with red and green forces being formed to infiltrate and prevent attacks. This year for coastal security the exercise was named “Sagar Kavach”.

Note: Chief of the Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Filmmaker Sudarshan Rattan passes away: Bollywood filmmaker Sudarshan Rattan passed away due to COVID-19. He was known for his 1986 film Manav Hatya, starring Madhuri Dixit and Shekhar Suman. Apart from this, the late filmmaker had also written, directed and produced the 1996 action drama film Hahakaar, starring Sudhir Pandey, Shafi Inamdar, Neelima Azeem and Johny Lever among others.

Daily GK Updates – 9th Nov, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Chhattisgarh CM launches scheme for distribution of fortified rice: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched a scheme for distribution of fortified rice through Public distribution System (PDS) and other welfare initiatives for the people of Kondagaon district of the state on a pilot basis. The fortified rice is a mixture of iron, vitamin B-12 and folic acid enriched fortified rice kernel (FRK), which meet the nutritional requirements in the diet and thereby help in controlling malnutrition and anemia. It will be distributed through fair price shops. CM also dedicated five newly-built tourist resorts as part of the Tribal Tourism Circuit in different districts.

 

2. Telangana CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao inaugurates state’s 1st Rythu Vedika: Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said he was as happy as conquering a kingdom in inaugurating the State’s first Rythu Vedika in Jangaon agriculture cluster. The farmers’ centre was built at a cost of ₹22 lakh. Each of the clusters would be managed by an agriculture extension officer, and the centres would soon be equipped with audio-visual system and manned with required staff. The state government intends to set up 2,601 Rythu Vedika platforms across Telangana and has set aside a budget of Rs 572.22 crore for the same

 

3. Harpreet A De Singh appointed CEO of Alliance Air; becomes first woman to head an Indian air carrier: Harpreet A De Singh, the first woman pilot of Air India, has been appointed as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Alliance Air, a subsidiary of the national carrier. She has become the first woman ever to head an Indian carrier. The Captain Nivedita Bhasin, a senior commander flying Boeing 787 Dreamliner, will be new ED (flight safety) and replace Harpreet. Harpreet was appointed as the first woman commercial pilot of Indian Airlines in 1988. She, however, had to give up her flying job due to health issues.

 

4. Railways to implement artificial intelligence, data analytics for better operational efficiency: The railways is set to go big with artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve its operational efficiency and has tied up with the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad to analyse the data generated by the national transporter. The railways will set up a Centre for Excellence in this regard in the next three months. The Railway Board has taken a decision to appoint a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in every zonal railways whose mandate will be to keep track of emerging technologies in analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) and use it in the rail system.

 

5. Assam Education Dept launches toll free tele-education helpline number for govt school students: In Assam, the Education department has launched a toll free tele education helpline number for government school students. The helpline number is to guide 6th to 10th standard students on subject matters and psycho-social aspects. The tollfree no is – 18003453578 would work on all 6 days in week except Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.

 

6. National Legal Services Day: 9th November: In India, 09 November is celebrated as “National Legal Services Day” every year by all Legal Services Authorities, to commemorate the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987. The Day is celebrated to make people aware of the various provisions under the Legal Services Authorities Act and the right of the litigants. The aim of celebrating this day is to offer free of charge, proficient and legal services to the people belonging to weaker sections of society. It also seeks to make sure the availability of free services to weaker section people as well as making them conscious about their rights.

On 11 October 1987, the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 was enacted, while the act took effect on 9 November 1995. The day was started by the Supreme Court of India in 1995 to provide help and support to poor and weaker sections of the society. It was established with a mandate to offer help and support to a weaker and poor group of sections of people which may be women, disabled persons, Scheduled Tribes (STs), children, Scheduled Castes (SCs), human trafficking victims as well as natural calamities victims.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India hands over another NPR 1 billion tranche for Nepal Housing Project: Indian Ambassador to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra handed over a cheque of NPR 1 billion to the Nepal government as reimbursement of Nepal Housing Reconstruction Project. India had announced the reconstruction drive in Nuwakot and Gorkha District of Himalayan Nation after it was severely hit by 2015 earthquake. India has pledged to construct a total of 50,000 houses in two districts where the UNDP and UNOPS are providing the technical and other consultation supports.

 

2. Shaktikanta Das Chairs 40th SAARC Central Bank Governors Meet: The 40th Meeting of the SAARCFINANCE Governors’ Group was held virtually, under the Chairmanship of Shri Shaktikanta Das, Governor, RBI. The meeting was attended by the Governors from SAARC central banks. During the meeting, Mr Das also inaugurated the SAARCFINANCE Sync, a closed user group secure communication network.

About SAARCFINANCE Sync: In his opening remarks, Governor Shri Das highlighted the close partnership and co-operation among the member countries in jointly fighting the pandemic. The group took stock of the macroeconomic situation in the SAARC region; discussed the current SAARCFINANCE initiatives; and the way ahead. The Governors reaffirmed their commitment to continued co-operation and sharing of central bank experiences. SAARCFINANCE is a network of central bank governors and finance secretaries of the SAARC region. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the current chair of SAARCFINANCE.

The meeting was attended by the Governors from SAARC central banks: Mr Fazle Kabir, Bangladesh Bank; Mr Dasho Penjore, Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan; Shri Shaktikanta Das (Chairperson), Reserve Bank of India; Mr Ali Hashim, Maldives Monetary Authority; Mr Maha Prasad Adhikari, Nepal Rastra Bank; Dr Reza Baqir, State Bank of Pakistan; Prof. W. D. Lakshman, Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Governor, Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) was represented by a senior official of DAB.

Note: SAARCFINANCE Established: September 9, 1998; SAARCFINANCE Current Chair: RBI (Reserve Bank of India)

 

3. India-Italy Virtual Bilateral Summit 2020: The Bilateral Summit between India and Italy was held virtually on 6th November 2020. The Summit was attended by the Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Italy Prof. Giuseppe Conte. The two leaders reviewed the broad framework of the bilateral relationship and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation against common global challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic. A wide range of issues was discussed including political, economic, scientific & technological, space and defence cooperation. 15 MoUs/Agreements were signed during the Summit in various sectors such as energy, fisheries, shipbuilding, design etc.

Note: President of Italy: Sergio Mattarella; Prime Minister of Italy: Giuseppe Conte; Capital of Italy: Rome; Currency of Italy: Euro.

 

4. Dharmendra Pradhan co-chairs 4th Meeting of the OPEC-India Dialogue: The 4th High-Level Meeting of the OPEC-India Dialogue was hosted by the OPEC Secretariat. The Meeting was co-chaired by HE Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, Secretary-General of OPEC and Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Steel.

About OPEC-India Dialogue: Key matters discussed at the meeting included rapidly changing global energy landscape, overcoming energy challenges, global oil price mechanisms, measures being taken by OPEC and its partners for balancing oil markets, and on ensuring oil supply security for India. This was the first time that the meeting of this Institutional Dialogue was held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The virtual meeting was joined by OPEC Member countries, Secretary Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India and CMD & MDs of India’s oil and gas industry from both the public and the private sector. The first such dialogue was held in 2015. It was informed that the next High-Level Meeting of the OPEC-India Dialogue will be held in 2021, and if possible in person, in New Delhi.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. MoU signed between SAI and Arunachal Pradesh government: In order to develop the sports infrastructure at the National Centre of Excellence in Itanagar, an MoU was signed between the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Arunachal Pradesh government. According to the MoU, SAI would develop ‘state-of-the-art’ sports facilities including sports infrastructure, training centres and multi-purpose hall.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Govt provides Rs 670-cr support to Regional Rural Banks to meet regulatory capital: In a bid to strengthen capital base, the union government has provided Rs 670 crore to Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) considering their importance in agriculture finance during these difficult times. This round of infusion would take care of capital needs till March 31, 2021. Of the 43 RRBs, about one-third especially from north-eastern and eastern regions are in losses and they needed fund to meet regulatory capital requirement of 9 per cent. As per the current scheme for recapitalisation of RRBs, the capital support is provided to these banks by the Centre, concerned state governments and the sponsor banks in the ratio of 50:15:35, respectively to enable them to meet the regulatory requirement of capital to risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR) of 9 per cent.

 

2. Govt set to divest 10% in GIC, New India: Government is set to offer 10% shares in the country’s largest non-life insurance company New India Assurance through an offer for sale to the public. The Centre may also do a similar dilution in the General Insurance Corporation (GIC Re). The government had divested close to 15% stakes in both New India and GIC in 2017. The disinvestment of GIC Re resulted in a mop-up of Rs 11,370 crore and New India’s IPO raised Rs 9,600 crore.

 

3. NPCI launches ‘RuPay Festive Carnival’: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) unveiled discounts up to 65 per cent on purchase of various branded items using RuPay card. The ‘RuPay Festive Carnival’ will provide compelling benefits and attractive discounts to RuPay users, aimed at encouraging safe, contactless and cashless payments. RuPay cardholders can revel in celebrations by availing attractive offers from not only categories such as health, fitness, education, e-commerce – which are most relevant and significant amid current scenarios – but also from dining and food delivery, shopping, entertainment, wellness, pharmacy and others.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. TRIFED signs MoU with JD Centre of Arts to preserve craft traditions through collaborations: TRIFED and JD Centre of Arts have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborating on joint socio-cultural research work and anthropological study of tribal art and tradition in tribal dominated regions of India. The collaboration is an attempt to preserve the arts and crafts and traditions of the tribal communities which are slowly becoming a thing of the past. As a part of this association, it has been agreed to work together and identify areas of cooperation for research, documentation, archiving and collection of tribal art and craft, with specific reference to Tribal lifestyle and livelihood.

 

2. TransUnion CIBIL, MoSPI launch MSME Credit Health Index: In order to provide a measure of the growth and strength of the MSME sector in India, TransUnion CIBIL in partnership with Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has launched MSME Credit Health Index. The MSME Credit Health Index will provide government, policy makers, lenders and MSME market participants, a numeric indicator for benchmarking the health of the MSME sector. This measurement model will facilitate better MSME credit risk management, formulation of strategies and policies to support the revival and resurgence of the MSME sector and the economy.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. CDAC Senior Director Dr Dinesh Katre wins Emmett Leahy Award: Dr Dinesh Katre, Senior Director and Head of Human-Centred Design & Computing Group at the Centre for Development of Advance Computing (CDAC) has won the prestigious 2020 Emmett Leahy Award. The Emmett Leahy Award, which was constituted in 1967 in the USA, honours a pioneer in the field of information and records management and recognizes the outstanding contributions that have a major impact on this profession. As the recipient of this award, Dr Katre is now invited to join the Emmett Leahy Award Committee for the next ten years.

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.