Daily GK Updates – 14th Nov, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Digital/Online media now under govt regulation: Digital/Online media has been brought under the purview of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Currently, there is no law or autonomous body governing digital content. The 2nd Schedule of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961 has been amended to include following entries viz. Films and Audio-Visual programmes, News and current affairs content. This means that digital content providers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hotstar will now be regulated by the Union ministry headed by Prakash Javadekar.

About the Amendment: The I&B ministry will also regulate online audio-visual programmes and current affairs content, according to the amendment order signed by President Ram Nath Kovind. The decision has been taken in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (3) of Article 77 of the Constitution, by amending the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 and it will come into effect immediately. This means OTT platforms, like Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc and online news portals are brought under the control of the Ministry. Other subjects which are under the purview of the Ministry are Broadcasting Policy And Administration, Cable Television Policy, Radio, Doordarshan, Films, Advertising And Visual Publicity, Press, Publications, Research And Reference etc. Centre had submitted that it is necessary to lay down guidelines for the “web-based digital media” which includes “web magazines” and “web-based news channels” and “web-based news-papers” as the same not only has a very wide reach but is completely uncontrolled.

Note: Minister of Information and Broadcasting: Prakash Javadekar.

 

2. Azim Premji tops Edelgive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2020: The founder-chairman of Wipro Ltd, Azim Premji has topped the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2020. The 75-year-old made the highest contribution of Rs 7,904 crore between April 2019 and March 2020 towards philanthropic causes. It ranks individuals from India who donated Rs 5 crore and above between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, towards philanthropic contributions. Shiv Nadar, founder and chairman of HCL Technologies, ranked second (Rs 795 crore) on the list. He topped the list in 2019. India’s richest man and the chairman of Reliance Industries, Mukesh Ambani stood at the third spot (Rs 458 crore). 7 women found a place in the list with Rohini Nilekani (donating Rs 47 crore) being India’s most generous woman; followed by Anu Aga & family of Thermax (Rs 36 crore), and Biocon’s Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (Rs 34 crore).

About EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2020: The EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2020 is compiled by the EdelGive Foundation and Hurun Research Institute. It is the seventh edition of the annual list. EdelGive Hurun India philanthropy list includes cash and cash equivalents pledged with legally binding commitments for the twelve months between April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020, and the latest available CSR data filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. For 2020, the list features individuals who have donated Rs 5 crore or more during the period under review.

 

3. Thavaasmi book launched by Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu: Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu has launched the book titled “Thavaasmi: Life and Skills through the lens of Ramayana”. The book was authored by Rallabandi Srirama Chakradhar and co-author by Amara Sarada Deepthi. Thavaasmi is in 4 volumes prepared by a team of young professionals. The book presents the story of Ramayana as a dialogue between a father and daughter with a number of exercises making it an interesting learning experience.

 

4. National Ayurveda Day: 13th November: National Ayurveda Day is being observed every year from 2016, on the day of Dhanwantri Jayanti. This year the 5th Ayurveda Day falls on November 13, 2020. The Potential role of Ayurveda in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic will be the focus of this year’s ‘Ayurveda Day’ observation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the two future-ready Ayurveda institutions in Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) at Jamnagar in Gujarat and the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) at Jaipur in Rajasthan on November 13. These institutions are expected to play global leadership roles in the growth and development of Ayurveda in the 21st century.

 

5. Children’s Day: 14th November: On 14th November, Children’s Day is celebrated every year to mark the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Children’s Day is popularly known as ‘Baal Diwas’ in India. The day aims at increasing the awareness of the rights, care and education of children. On this day, many educational and motivational programs are organised across the country, by and for children.

History of Children’s Day: Jawaharlal Nehru, who was India’s first Prime Minister, was quite famous among children and was popularly known as ‘Chacha Nehru’. Following his death in 1964, it was decided that to move the celebrations of Children’s Day to November 14 as a mark of respect to him and to commemorate his fondness for children. A resolution was passed in the Parliament and since then, Children’s Day is celebrated in India on November 14 every year. Notably, Children’s Day was celebrated in India first on November 20, 1956, along with the Universal Children’s Day.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Australia-India Water Centre inaugurated virtually: Australia-India Water Centre (AIWC) has been inaugurated in a virtual event to promote water-related research, teaching, and training between the two countries. This Water Centre is led by IIT Guwahati from the Indian side and the University of Western Sydney from the Australian side. Along with this, the centre has 21 partners from India and Australia.

About the MoU: The 5-year MoU has been signed to establish an understanding of cooperation for the Australia India Water Centre (AIWC) between the parties. The agreement will bring collaboration in capacity building, technology transfer focusing on water security, river health, safe drinking water, etc. The agreement signed on this occasion tries to explain the cooperation between all the parties. All the included parties will work closely for collaboration in the field of water research, student and staff exchanges, for a joint Master’s level course in water futures, workshops, short-term training, conferences, etc.

About the Water Centre: This Water Centre will help the Indian and Australian partners to explore opportunities and create synergy for a long-time collaboration in the field of research and education between the two countries. This Water Centre will help in fighting against the common water challenges and issues faced by both the countries like floods, droughts, water security, climate change, over-exploitation of water, degradation of water quality, etc.

Note: Prime Minister of Australia: Scott Morrison; Currency of Australia: Australian dollar; Capital of Australia: Canberra.

 

2. Nirmala Sitharaman Attends First BRICS Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors Meeting: The first BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Russia on 09 November 2020, via video-conferencing. From India, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the meeting, to discuss the BRICS Economic and Financial Cooperation agenda for 2020. Some of the important agendas discussed during the meeting involved discussions on the outcomes of the G20 Saudi Presidency in 2020, develop a digital platform to encourage infrastructure investments (Russia’s initiative) and expansion of the membership of the New Development Bank (NDB).

 

3. PM Modi Leads Indian delegation at 20th SCO Council of Heads of State Summit: The 20th Summit of SCO Council of Heads of State was held on November 10, 2020, in Video Conference Format. The Meeting was chaired by the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the Indian delegation.

About the Summit: All SCO Member States were represented by their Presidents, while India and Pakistan were represented at the level of Prime Minister. The Secretary-General of the SCO Secretariat, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, the Presidents of the four Observers (Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Mongolia) of the SCO also attended the meeting.

This was the third meeting that India participated after becoming a full member in 2017. India will host the next regular meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government on November 30, 2020, in virtual format.

 

6. World Diabetes Day: 14th November: World Diabetes Day is observed on 14th November every year. The campaign aims to raise awareness around the crucial role that nurses play in supporting people living with diabetes. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2020 is “The Nurse and Diabetes.”  In 2007 General Assembly adopted resolution 61/225 designating 14 November as World Diabetes Day. The document recognized “the urgent need to pursue multilateral efforts to promote and improve human health, and provide access to treatment and health-care education.”

About the Diabetes: Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower limb amputation. A healthy diet, physical activity and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. In addition, diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with medication, regular screening and treatment for complications.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Mumbai Indians wins IPL 2020 trophy: Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals in the final of Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 to lift their fifth IPL trophy. Chasing 157 runs for victory, Mumbai were helped by their captain Rohit Sharma, who hit 68 runs off 51 balls. Mumbai had defeated Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2019 final. They have now become the only side after Chennai Super Kings to defend the title. Kings XI Punjab skipper KL Rahul bagged the Orange Cap for being the leading run-scorer of the IPL 2020. He racked up 670 runs from 14 games at an astronomical average of 55.83. Delhi Capitals’ Kagiso Rabada won the Purple Cap after finishing at the top of the table with a total of 30 wickets at the end of IPL 2020. Here are the award winners:

Rohit Sharma adjudged Game Changer of the Match in the final of IPL 2020.

Trent Boult named the Player of the Match in the final of IPL 2020.

Kings XI Punjab skipper KL Rahul bags the Orange Cap.

Game Changer of the Season: KL Rahul.

Delhi Capitals’ Kagiso Rabada wins the Purple Cap.

Emerging Player of the season: Devdutt Padikkal (RCB).

Rajasthan Royals speedster Jofra Archer emerges as the Most Valuable Player.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bharti AXA General Insurance launches cancer awareness drive on social media: Bharti AXA General Insurance has launched #CancerSendsNoNotifications campaign – a special initiative to increase awareness and spread knowledge on detecting the disease early among people in India. Observing the ‘National Cancer Awareness Day’, the company has embarked upon this social media campaign comprising a series of activities to be held throughout the month to highlight the significance of increased awareness about cancer prevention and early detection among the public. Through this cancer awareness drive, Bharti AXA aims to engage with close to a million Indians on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ruskin Bond conferred with Tata Literature Lifetime Achievement Award: Ruskin Bond, one of India’s most cherished authors was conferred Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award for 2020. He has a substantial body of work, close to 100 books – across genres for children and adults. Bond writing has charmed both categories of readers into lifelong love and admiration. He has been recognised by the Indian Council of Child Education for his contribution to the growth of children’s literature in India. His famous works: Room on the roof, Blue Umbrella, etc. He was conferred the Padma Shri & Padma Bhushan.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. ‘Scooby-Doo’ Co-creator Ken Spears passes away: American television editor, writer and producer Ken Spears, who co-created the beloved animated series “Scooby-Doo” passed away. He was also the co-founder of television animation production company, Ruby-Spears Productions, along with the late Joe Ruby. Together, Spears and Ruby created Scooby-Doo, Dynomutt, Dog Wonder, and Jabberjaw, among other programs. Joe Ruby has recently passed away on August 26, 2020.

Daily GK Updates – 13th Nov, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Assam: Tezpur Litchi gets GI tag: The Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has announced that Assam’s Tezpur Litchi has been given the geographical indication (GI) tag, though the litchis name in the GI tag list is there since 2015. The application for GI tagging was made on 28th August 2013 by North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd (NERAMAC). Tezpur Litchi of Assam has got the geographical indication (GI) tags, making this item an incontrovertible proof of their origins in the state, and protecting them from production elsewhere. Litchi’s from Tezpur is known for its excellent quality, pleasant flavour, juicy pulp with attractive red colour.

About geographical indication: A geographical indication is used on a product of specific geographical origin that attains its uniqueness or reputation because of its place of origin. An application needs to be filed in the office of the controller general of patents, designs and trademarks. The development has been confirmed by the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an apex body under the Union ministry of commerce and industry, which is responsible for the export promotion of agricultural products.

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

 

2. Hardeep S. Puri inaugurates 13th Urban Mobility India Conference 2020: The 13th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference was organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It was inaugurated by Hardeep S. Puri, Minister of State (IC) Housing and Urban Affairs. The day-long conference was held via Video Conference on the theme “Emerging Trends in Urban Mobility”.

About the conference: The conference focused on innovative measures taken at the national and international level to address the challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic to provide accessible and convenient transport to the people. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs had issued the National Urban Transport Policy, 2006 (NUTP) to ensure safe, affordable, quick, comfortable, reliable and sustainable access for the growing number of city residents to jobs, education, recreation and such other needs within our cities. As part of the NUTP, the Ministry has been organizing the annual international Conference-cum-Exhibition on Urban Mobility India popularly known as UMI. The primary objective of the conference is to disseminate information to the cities, whose officials attend the conference to help them keep up-to-date with the latest and best urban transport practices globally.

 

3. PM Modi inaugurates Ro-Pax Hazira-Ghogha ferry service in Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Ro-pax ferry services between Hazira near Surat and Ghogha in Bhavnagar district, through video conferencing. This ferry service will reduce the distance between Bhavnagar and Surat from 375 km (by road) to just 90 kilometres (by sea route). The three-deck Ro-Pax Ferry Vessel ‘Voyage Symphony’ connecting Hazira in Surat district of south Gujarat and Ghogha in Saurashtra’s Bhavnagar has a load capacity of 30 trucks, 100 passenger cars, and 500 passengers plus 34 crew and hospitality staff.  The Ro-Pax terminal is 100 metre long and 40 metre wide costing approximately Rs 25 crore.

 

4. ‘Karkhanisanchi Waari’ only Indian entry at Tokyo Film Festival: Marathi film, Karkhanisanchi Waari (Ashes on a Road Trip), the 149-minute film tells the story of the Karkhanis, the last joint family of Pune. The movie was directed by Mangesh Joshi. The movie will have its world premiere at the 33rd Tokyo International Film Festival. It is the only Indian entry at the festival.

 

5. Tamil Nadu tops Indian states in new investments in H1FY21: CARE Ratings: Tamil Nadu leads Indian states in attracting investments during the first half of FY21, having managed to grab 16 per cent of the funds that came into India during the period, according to CARE Ratings. Andhra Pradesh garnered 11 per cent, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Karnataka have garnered seven per cent each, while the balance went to the other states. Tamil Nadu topped fresh investments in the first quarter, according to Projects Today’s latest report on investment announcements in the July to September quarter. Karnataka was third in the list, followed by Gujarat and Maharashtra. The CARE Ratings reports said all-India investments for new projects have been falling the past five years during April–September, save for H1FY19, when they rose 29% YoY to Rs 7.7 trillion from Rs 6 trillion in H1FY18. New projects announced for H1FY21 fell sharply by 69 per cent to Rs 1.5 trillion compared with Rs 4.8 trillion last year. This sharp fall was owing to the lack of economic activity due to the pandemic induced lockdown announced nationally in the last week of March 2020.

 

6. IIT-Bombay launches self-help website ‘Bandhu’ for students: With the pandemic adding to the stress of students, IIT Bombay launched a selfhelp website to assist them through the tough time and enhance their emotional wellbeing. The website – ‘Bandhu’ (a friend in need), iitb-bandhu.com – is an initiative of IIT Bombay’s batch of 1992.  The website addresses several issues such as procrastination, exam stress, the fear of failure, hostel life, discrimination, peer pressure, Internet addiction and a range of mental health issues. It also discusses a few techniques for relaxation and dealing with certain stressors.

 

7. National Education Day: 11th November: In India, the National Education Day or Rashtriya Shiksha Diwas is celebrated on 11 November every year. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India. According to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, schools are the laboratories that produce future citizens of the country. He is the person behind IITs and various other institutes in India. On 11 September 2008, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has announced to commemorate the birthday of the great person by recalling the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in the field of education by celebrating 11 November as National Education Day. Since 2008, every year in India, National Education Day is celebrated without declaring it a holiday.

About Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s contributions in the field of education, nation-building, and institution-building are exemplary. He is the key architect of education in India. The first education minister of independent India from 1947 to 1958. He was awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously, India’s highest civilian honour in 1992.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and Maldives sign four agreements: India and the Maldives have signed four agreements, during the visit of Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to the Maldives. Shringla is on a two-day visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago. These MOUs will help to improve the relations between the two countries. Maldives tourism industry has been greatly affected by COVID-19 and because of this India provided a loan of $250 million to the country in September 2020. The Indian foreign secretary appreciated the “India First” policy of Maldives and also said that it is strongly reciprocated by India through “Neighborhood First” policy.

MoUs signed includes: Grant of $100 million by India, which is part of India’s “$500 million packages” for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) that will link capital Male with three islands. India will also provide a $400-million line of credit for the project through EXIM, the largest such infrastructure venture undertaken in the Maldives. The second agreement signed between the two countries is to set up a plant and soil testing laboratory with a grant of 1.71 million Maldivian rufiyaas. The third agreement has been signed for the establishment of a drug detox facility with another grant of 7.7 million Maldivian rufiyaas. The fourth MOU was signed to increase cooperation in the field of sports and youth affairs between both the countries.

Note: President of the Maldives: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih; Capital of Maldives: Male; Currency of the Maldives: Maldivian Rufiyaa.

 

2. World Pneumonia Day: 12th November: World Pneumonia Day is observed globally on 12th November every year. The day is celebrated to raise awareness, promote prevention and treatment and produce action to combat the disease. The day was first celebrated in the year 2009. The day was celebrated on November 12 in 2009 by the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia. Since then the day has provided an annual forum for the world in standing together against the disease. The day is celebrated all over the world through various events and activities related to Pneumonia.

 

3. Public Service Broadcasting Day: 12th November: Public Service Broadcasting Day is celebrated on 12 November every year. The day is celebrated to commemorate the first and only visit of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, to the studio of All India Radio, Delhi in 1947. On 12 November 1947, Mahatma Gandhi addressed the displaced people (a refugee from Pakistan), who had temporarily settled at Kurukshetra in Haryana after partition. The day was declared as Public Service Broadcasting Day or (Jan Prasaran Diwas) in 2000, after it was conceptualised by Suhas Borker, Convenor, Jan Prasar. Prasar Bharati has been given the responsibility of public service broadcasting, deepen democratic traditions and provide opportunities to all diverse communities and cultures. Mahatma Gandhi had decided to visit the studio of All India Radio, to convey his message through radio, as he couldn’t visit refugees of Partition stationed at Kurukshetra in Haryana.

 

4. World Kindness Day: 13th November: World Kindness Day is observed globally on 13th November every year. The day is celebrated to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us. World Kindness Day was first celebrated in 1998 by The World Kindness Movement. The theme for the 2020 World Kindness day is Kindness: The World We Make – Inspire Kindness.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI announces co-lending scheme for banks, NBFCs for priority sector: The Reserve Bank came out with a Co-Lending Model (CLM) scheme under which banks can provide loans along with NBFCs to priority sector borrowers based on a prior agreement. Under the CLM, banks will be permitted to co-lend with all registered NBFCs (including HFCs) based on a prior agreement, RBI said, adding that “the co-lending banks will take their share of the individual loans on a back-to-back basis in their books”. The CLM, which is an improvement over the co-origination of loan scheme announced by the RBI in September 2018, seeks to provide greater flexibility to the lending institutions, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The NBFCs will be  required to retain a minimum of 20% share of the individual loans.

 

2. Airtel Payments Bank partners with Bharti Axa General Insurance to offer car insurance: Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with Bharti AXA General Insurance to offer comprehensive car insurance to the payments bank’s customers. The Smart Drive Private Car Insurance offers financial protection against damage to the vehicle due to accident, theft, and natural and man-made disasters. The car insurance offered through Airtel Payments Bank also compensates for injury or damages to another person or property caused due to a car accident.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. IFFCO Bazar Partners With SBI YONO Krishi App: www.iffcobazar.in, the e-commerce arm of IFFCO has announced its integration with the SBI YONO Krishi, which is the dedicated portal catering to the farmer’s needs. This will ensure that a wide variety of agriculture products are made accessible to lakhs of Indian Farmers. Hassle free payment portal of SBI YONO and quality products of IFFCO is a combination which aims to drive the digital sales in this segment.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Rajnath Singh unveils model of Anti-Satellite Missile at DRDO Bhawan: A model of Anti Satellite (A-SAT) Missile installed inside DRDO Bhawan was unveiled by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The installation of the A-SAT model will inspire the DRDO fraternity to take up many more such challenging missions in future.

About ‘Mission Shakti’: ‘Mission Shakti’ was the country’s first-ever Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) Missile Test successfully conducted on 27th March 2019 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha, where a fast-moving Indian orbiting target satellite in Low Earth Orbit was neutralised with pinpoint accuracy. This made India 4th nation in the world with the capability to defend its assets in outer space.

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

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Gujarati columnist Carlos Gonzalez Valles SJ passes away: Author & Gujarati columnist, Father Carlos Gonzalez Valles SJ passed away. A Jesuit priest born in Spain, he was a Mathematics teacher. He wrote in Gujarati, English & Spanish. He translated many mathematical concepts into Gujarati and coined terms. He is popularly known as Father Valles. 

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.