Daily GK Updates – 12th Nov, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Country’s longest motorable single-lane bridge inaugurated in Uttarakhand: India’s longest single-lane motorable suspension bridge has been inaugurated in Tehri-Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The Dobra-Chanti Jhula (suspension) bridge, was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat to mark the 20th foundation day of the state on 9th November 2020. The bridge is 725-metre long and has been built in 14 years over the Tehri lake with a cost of Rs. 2.95 crore. It will cut travel time between Tehri and Pratapnagar from 5 to 1.5 hours.

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

 

2. Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival to be celebrated virtually: Nagaland govt decides to celebrate Hornbill Festival virtually this year, amid the surge in COVID-19 cases in the country. This festival is also called the Festival of Festivals. It is held every year from December 1 to 10, showcases the culture, heritage, food and customs of Naga tribes. 16 tribes come together to celebrate their traditions with dance performances. Tourists from across the globe attend the 10-day gala.

Note: Chief Minister of Nagaland: Neiphiu Rio; Governor of Nagaland: R. N. Ravi.

 

3. Former chief secretary MM Kutty to be chairperson of CAQM: Former Chief Secretary of Delhi, M.M. Kutty was appointed as the chairperson of Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas. The CAQM was formed on October 28 after dissolving several pollution-monitoring bodies, including most prominently the 22-year-old, Environment Pollution Prevention & Control Authority (EPCA) that has so far addressed air pollution in the Delhi NCR. This body will perform the job of coordinating activities between the States.

About the Commission: The Centre has notified the Commission for Air Quality Management for the National Capital Region (NCR) days after it issued an ordinance on October 29 to set up the new agency with sweeping powers to monitor and act against sources of air pollution across five north Indian states. The ordinance empowers the agency to make rules, set emission standards, and slap fines of up to Rs 1 crore or imprison violators for up to five years. In exercise of its powers under the ordinance, a selection panel under Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar’s chairmanship selected Kutty. The panel that also comprises Union ministers Piyush Goyal, Nitin Gadkari, Harsh Vardhan; and cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba has named Arvind Kumar Nautiyal, joint secretary, as the Commission’s full-time member.

 

4. Indian Oil Corp director A K Singh to head Petronet LNG: Indian Oil Corp (IOC) director-pipelines Akshay Kumar Singh will be the new managing director and chief executive of the country’s biggest gas importer, Petronet LNG Ltd. He will replace Prabhat Singh who completed his 5-year term. Petronet is a joint venture of IOC, GAIL, Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and BPCL. The four state-owned firms hold 12.5 per cent stake each in the company whose chairman is the Oil Secretary. Petronet operates liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal at Dahej in Gujarat and Kochi in Kerala.

Note: IOC Chairperson: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya; IOC Headquarters: New Delhi; IOC Founded: 30 June 1959.

 

5. Anupam Kher’s new book titled ‘Your Best Day Is Today!’: Actor Anupam Kher’s latest book is titled “Your Best Day Is Today!”. He had announced the book, in which he experiences during the coronavirus-induced countrywide lockdown. Through this book, Kher will recount his experiences during the lockdown, several ups and downs, including the time when his mother Dulari and brother Raju Kher had contracted the virus. His previous books are his biography Lessons Life Taught Me Unknowingly & The Best Thing About You is You. He is also a recipient of two National Film Awards.

 

6. Kottoor Elephant Rehabilitation Centre set to become largest care centre in the World: The Elephant Rehabilitation Centre at Kottoor in Thiruvananthapuram is set to become the largest care and cure centre for elephants in the world. The first phase of the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre will be commissioned in February 2021. The project is being implemented at a cost of Rs 108 crore with funding from Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The centre has facilities to accommodate 50 elephants including the existing 16 elephants. The project will also include the construction of various reservoirs and check dams at the Neyyar Dam and also special facilities for the care of elephant calves.

 

7. Gujarat HC becomes first state apex court to live-stream proceedings on Youtube: The Gujarat High Court became the first high court in the country to live-stream its court proceedings on Youtube in order to enhance access to courts, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The link to watch the proceedings is available on the YouTube channel of the Gujarat High Court. The link to live stream the proceedings will be updated every evening.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. China launches ‘world’s first 6G experiment satellite’: China has sent into space the world’s first 6G experiment satellite. The 6G satellite was among three Chinese satellites successfully launched into orbit, along with 10 commercial remote sensing satellites developed by Argentinian company Satellogic. This was the 351st rocket of China’s Long March series. As per the reports, the technology is expected to be over 100 times faster than 5G.  The 6G communications test satellite was launched into the orbit along with 12 other satellites. The satellite also carries technology which will be used for crop disaster monitoring and forest fire prevention.

Note: China Capital: Beijing; China Currency: Renminbi; China President: Xi Jinping.

 

2. Kosovo′s President Hashim Thaci resigns: Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, who fought in his country’s 1998-1999 war for independence from Serbia, has abruptly resigned after a Hague-based special court confirmed that he’s been indicted on war crimes charges. Thaci was a senior commander in the Kosovo Liberation Army guerrilla group. After the end of the war in 1999, he was prime minister of Kosovo and was elected president in 2016.

Note: Kosovo Capital: Pristinaa; Currency: Euro; Prime Minister: Avdullah Hoti

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Andrey Rublev wins fifth ATP title of season at Erste Bank Open: Andrey Rublev won his fifth ATP title of the season, beating unheralded Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 6-4 at the Erste Bank Open. The eight-ranked Russian has won three of his last four tournaments, improving to 7-2 in career finals, and win earned him a berth for the season-ending ATP Finals in London. Rublev became the first player in this shortened season with five titles, one more than Novak Djokovic. No other player has won more than two tournaments.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Aegon Life Insurance announced the launch of ‘Life + 36 critical illness Insurance’ on Flipkart: Aegon Life Insurance, the pioneer of digital insurance in India, announced the launch of ‘Life + 36 critical illness Insurance’ on Flipkart at the starting premium of just Rs. 153 for a life cover of Rs 1 lakh plus Critical Illness cover of Rs.10,000. This means that the policy holder gets the benefit of life protection along with a lumpsum pay-out on diagnosis of any of the 36 critical illnesses. Aegon Life’s “Life+ 36 Critical illness Insurance” ensures that the policyholder gets covered against most of the lifestyle diseases along with a life cover to ease the financial burden.

 

2. Bank of Baroda launches employee-assistance programme: Bank of Baroda (BOB) has introduced Employee Assistance Program, a new employee Central initiative to help employees to deal with personal and professional issues in psychological consulting and counselling. Bank of Baroda has introduced this as a pilot project in Mumbai zone and its corporate offices. This initiative uses multiple channels of assistant and technology in addition to personal counselling in association with EAP India. The counselling service is offered in collaboration with specialists. This 24×7 service is “safe, non-judgmental, and highly confidential” and can be availed not only by the employees but their family members too.

 

3. HDFC Bank Appoints Ramesh Lakshminarayanan as its New CIO: Largest private sector lender HDFC Bank said it has hired Ramesh Lakshminarayanan as its next chief information officer (CIO). The appointment comes nearly four months after the resignation of its the then CIO Munish Mittal to pursue higher education in the UK after spending over 25 years at the bank.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Tamil Nadu, HCL to set up disaster management analytics centre: Tamil Nadu government and HCL will set up a Disaster Management – Data Analytics Centre to strengthen the State’s disaster management efforts in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Disaster Management Centre of the Tamil Nadu government (in Chepauk, Chennai) is responsible for the overall management of disasters across the entire state. The Disaster Management-Data Analytics Centre will help capture data trends from across all districts of Tamil Nadu in real time and display them live to inform the government’s future decisions on degree of response needed for each district and, also for graded relaxation of the current lockdown to resume economic activities.

 

2. Govt., Tata Technologies Ltd. ink pact to upgrade 150 ITIs in Karnataka: The State government of Karnataka entered into an agreement with Tata Technologies Ltd., Pune, to upgrade 150 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) at a cost of ₹4,636.5 crore. The upgrade of the ITIs at Peenya, Hosur Road (Bengaluru), Ballari, Mysuru, Dastikoppa (Belagavi), and Shikaripur (Shivamogga) will be taken up in the first phase. Private companies are providing over ₹4,000 crore under CSR activities for this initiative. Along with Tata Technologies Ltd., about 20 companies have decided to contribute ₹4,080 crore. The remaining ₹657 crore would be provided by the State. Each ITIs would be upgraded at a cost of ₹30 crore.

 

3. Axis Bank acquires stakes worth over Rs36cr in govt’s CSC e-Governance Services: The private lender Axis Bank has executed an agreement for subscribing to 57,743 equity shares of face value of Rs 1,000 each to be issued by CSC e-Governance Services India for Rs 6,300 each. The transaction is for 9.91% equity stake for a cash consideration of Rs 36.38 crore in CSC e-Governance Services India as a strategic investment by the bank. The transaction is expected to be completed by December 2020.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Karsh Kale, Salvage Audio Collective win best music for ‘Gully Boy’ at Asian Film Awards: Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar’s drama “Gully Boy” has bagged the best original music award for musician Karsh Kale and the Salvage Audio Collective at the 14th Annual Asian Film Awards. “Gully Boy” featured Ranveer Singh as an up-and-coming rapper who sets out to achieve his dream by rhyming about his life on the Mumbai streets. Its music, supervised by composer-singer Ankur Teawari, turned out to be a chartbuster with the track “Apna Time Aayega” becoming an anthem.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Sikkim CM Nar Bahadur Bhandari passes away: The three-term former chief minister of Sikkim, Nar Bahadur Bhandari, passed away. The 77-year old Bhandari rose to become one of the longest-serving chief ministers of Sikkim. Bhandari became the chief minister of the tiny Himalyan state for the first time in 1979 on a Janata Parishad ticket and then again in 1984 and 1989 on a Sikkim Sangram Parishad ticket. The founder of the SSP, Bhandari remained its president till his death. Known as a pragmati and resilient leader, Bhandari was the second chief minister after L D Kazi to hold the reins of the fledgling state which officially became a part of the Indian Union in 1975. He was also a former president of Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee. 

Daily GK Updates – 11th Nov, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. FASTags mandatory for all four-wheelers from January 1, 2021: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a notification that FASTags will become mandatory for all four-wheelers, including old vehicles, from January 1, 2021. For this government has made an amendment in FORM 51 (certificate of Insurance), wherein the details of FASTag ID shall be captured. This shall be applicable w.e.f. April 1, 2021. Government has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 to make FASTag mandatory for registration of new four-wheeled vehicles, including for those sold before December 1, 2017.

About FASTags: FASTag would be supplied by the vehicle manufacturers or their dealers during registration. Apart from this, a valid FASTag will also be mandatory while getting new third party insurance. The initiative aims to promote electronic toll collection and ensure that payment of fees is done at toll plazas through the electronic means only so that the vehicles pass seamlessly through the toll plazas.

Note: Minister of Road Transport and Highways:  Nitin Jairam Gadkari.

 

2. Pakke Tiger Reserve provides Covid-19 Insurance to Green Soldiers: Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Arunachal Pradesh has become the first in the eight-State northeast to provide insurance cover against Covid-19 for “green soldiers”. Eight-State northeast includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. 57 frontline staff (referred to as green soldiers) of the Park have been insured for nine months against health issues due to the infection by the Covid-19. The forest guards are rightly the green soldiers in the frontline of India’s wildlife, and the onus of wildlife conservation pretty much falls on them.

About the Insurance: The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), an NGO, paid the insurance amount with support from Foundation Serge. The NGO has been supporting India’s frontline forest staff with accident cover for the last 20 years. The insurance coverage is of Rs. 1 lakh each but a few who would be retiring soon has been insured for Rs. 50,000.

About Pakke Tiger Reserve: Pakke Tiger Reserve (declared in 1999-2000) lies in the foothills of the eastern Himalaya in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh and is also known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve. It falls within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot. It is home to over 2000 species of plants, 300 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, etc. Many species of the flora and fauna are globally threatened, and PTR is one of the last remaining strongholds left for these species. It is known for its amazing sightings of four resident hornbill species.

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

 

3. Kerala launches “Parivarthanam” scheme for better livelihood of fisherfolk: The government of Kerala has launched a pioneering eco-sustainable programme called ‘Parivarthanam’, to improve the livelihood of the fishing community. The scheme aims at improving the livelihood skills of youngsters along the coastline and also enable socio-economic uplift of the fishermen community.

About “Parivarthanam” scheme: Parivarthanam, which means change, will be headed by Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC). The scheme will promote the processing and marketing of clean fish and its fresh products. Parivarthanam will also guarantee a fixed price to fish-catchers as fair compensation. It would also provide jobs to college dropouts and migrant workforce returning home due to Covid-19. Apart from this, the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) of Union governments will monitor the procurement and processing of fish besides ensuring its quality.

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

 

4. Ex-SPG officer pens novel “Rasaathi” on transgenders: Ex-SPG officer, Sasindran Kallinkeel’s has penned a novel named “Rasaathi: The Other Side of a Transgender”. The main character in the novel, published by BookMitra, is a transgender named Rasaathi born in a well-to-do family in South India. Rasaathi, meaning princess, is in the late 40s who wants people to treat transgenders like human beings by showering love, affection, sympathy and recognise their pathetic and horrible life.

About Sasindran Kallinkeel: Sasindran Kallinkeel was with the Central Reserve Police for 23 years and had a seven-year stint with the Special Protection Group (Prime Minister’s Security) as a senior security officer when Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh were in office.

 

5. NGT bans sale and use of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a total ban on the sale and use of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region from 9 November to 30 November. The ban will be applicable in cities and towns where the air quality is in the “poor” category. NGT further added that in cities or towns where the air quality is “moderate” or below, only green firecrackers will be sold and the time duration of bursting them will be restricted to two hours during festivals such as Diwali, Chhath, New Year/Christmas Eve as may be specified by the state. Currently, the state governments have their own set of guidelines with regard to permitting/banning the sale and use of firecrackers during the festive season.

Note: Chairman of NGT: Adarsh Kumar Goel; NGT Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. AIM and Sirius jointly launch ‘AIM-Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0’: The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a flagship initiative by the NITI Aayog, and Russia’s Sirius (Scientific International Research In Unique Terrestrial Station) have jointly launched ‘AIM–Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0’. AIM–Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0 is a 14-day virtual programme for Indian and Russian schoolchildren.

About ‘AIM-Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0’: It is the first Indo-Russian bilateral youth innovation initiative, which seeks to develop technological solutions, both web-based and mobile-based, for the two countries. During the event, around 48 students and 16 educators and mentors will create 8 virtual products and mobile applications to address global challenges across a wide range of areas, in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic. These areas include culture, distance education, applied cognitive science, health and well-being, sports, fitness, and games training, chemistry, artificial intelligence, and digital financial assets.

 

2. 30 Indian cities likely to face acute water risks by 2050: WWF: About 30 Indian cities will face increasing “water risks” in the next few decades according to a new report released by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). According to the scenarios in the WWF Water Risk Filter report, nearly 30 Indian cities, including Jaipur, Indore, Amritsar, Pune, Srinagar, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kozhikode and Visakhapatnam will face acute “water risks.” Globally, the report estimates that “hundreds of millions of people in cities across the globe could face dramatically increased water risks.” 100 cities will witness a massive rise in water risks by 2050. The list also includes cities such as Beijing, Jakarta, Johannesburg, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Mecca and Rio de Janeiro.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Russian Daniil Medvedev wins Paris Master 2020: Russian, Daniil Medvedev has won Paris Master 2020 title in tennis when he beat Alexander Zverev 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 in Paris. He became the fourth Russian to capture the Rolex Paris Masters title. The World No. 5 earned his first service break at 4-4 in the second set and charged to the title from that point by winning eight of the final nine games. Medvedev joins countrymen Marat Safin, Nikolay Davydenko and Karen Khachanov on the Paris honour roll.

 

2. West Indies Great Michael Holding Appointed MCC Foundation Patron: Former West Indies fast bowler, Michael Holding has been appointed as a new patron of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation. The 66-year-old Holding is a passionate advocate for equality in cricket and the wider community. The MCC Foundation is the charitable arm of the Marylebone Cricket Club, custodian of the game’s laws, and was created with the aim of enhancing lives through cricket. Last month, actor, mental health advocate and cricket-lover Stephen Fry had joined the Foundation as a patron. The pair joins the list which includes Claire Taylor, Mike Brearley, Mike Atherton, Mike Gatting.

Note: Director of the MCC Foundation: Sarah Fane; MCC FoundationFounded in 1993.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SEBI increases Overseas Investment limits for Mutual Funds: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has enhanced the investment limits for Mutual Fund companies for overseas investments. Mutual Funds can make overseas investments subject to a maximum of US $ 600 million per Mutual Fund, within the overall industry limit of US $ 7 billion. Earlier it was USD 300 million. Mutual Funds can make investments in overseas Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) subject to a maximum of US $ 200 million per Mutual Fund, within the overall industry limit of US $ 1 billion. Earlier it was Rs 50 million.

Note: Securities and Exchange Board of India Founded: 12 April 1992;Securities and Exchange Board of India Headquarters: Mumbai; Securities and Exchange Board of India Agency executive: Ajay Tyagi.

 

2. RBI to evaluate impact of ‘RBI Kehta Hai’ campaign: The Reserve Bank of India will evaluate the impact of multi-media public awareness campaign ‘RBI Kehta Hai’, which was launched in 14 languages to educate the public about safe banking and financial practices. As part of the campaign, messages have been launched on basic savings bank deposit accounts, customer liability in unauthorised electronic banking transactions, safe digital banking practices, banking facilities for senior citizens, banking ombudsman scheme, and cybersecurity, among others.

About ‘RBI Kehta Hai’ campaign: ‘RBI Kehta Hai’ was the first even 360-degree campaign initiated by the central bank using all mass media, including media such as television, radio, newspapers, hoardings, web banners, gifs, social media and SMS. In order to evaluate the impact of the public awareness campaign, the RBI has invited Expression of Interest (EoI) from eligible companies and other entities which have successfully completed at least five similar projects. The RBI had launched the multi-media campaign with a view to creating awareness among common man about good practices, regulations and initiatives in banking and financial sector.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Amazon India launches first all-women virtual customer service in Bengaluru: Building on its diversity, equity and inclusivity efforts, Amazon India announced the launch of its first all-women Virtual Customer Service (VCS) site in Bengaluru with 60 women. Through this all-women VCS site, the company has extended flexible career opportunities for women across the city, empowering them to pursue their careers from their homes. This site will enable Amazon India to reach out to a broader talent pool of women who prefer to work from home, as it seeks to bring greater diversity across its teams.

 

2. Vodafone Idea appoints Jagbir Singh as CTO: Vodafone Idea Ltd (VIL), the telecom operator providing services under the brand ‘Vi’, has appointed Jagbir Singh as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He will be replacing Vishant Vora, who quit in October citing personal reasons. Previously, Jagbir was Group CTO at Smartfren Telecom, Indonesia, and is responsible for network, IT and digital platforms and enterprise business.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Vidya Balan’s short film ‘Natkhat’ eligible for Oscar nomination: The Indian film ‘Natkhat’, starring and co-produced by Vidya Balan, has won the top prize at the third edition of Best of India Short Film Festival 2020. By winning the festival, the film has become eligible for 2021 Oscar qualification. The film has been directed by Shaan Vyas and co-produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Vidya Balan. The film also won cash prize money of $2,500 (approximately Rs 1,85,497) and an opportunity for a television broadcast deal on ShortsTV. The Best of India Festival has been established by ShortsTV since 2018 to honour and recognize the exceptional work of the Indian (India) filmmaker.

 

2. Malayalam author S Hareesh wins the JCB Prize for Literature: Malayalam author, S Hareesh has won the JCB Prize for Literature 2020 for his novel Moustache. It has been translated into English by Jayasree Kalathil & published by HarperCollins India. The JCB Prize for Literature is regarded as the richest literary prize in India. As per the norm, the Malayalam author will receive a Rs 25 lakh cash prize and the translator will receive an additional Rs 10 lakh.

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.