Daily GK Updates – 12th Dec, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana: The Union Cabinet has given its approval for Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) to boost employment in the formal sector by encouraging the businesses to do fresh hiring amid the pandemic. ABRY will also incentivize the creation of new employment opportunities under Atmanirbhar Bharat Package 3.0. About the Yojana:

(1) The Cabinet has approved an expenditure of ₹ 1,584 crores for the current financial year and ₹ 22,810 crores for the entire scheme period from 2020 to 2023.

(2) The scheme will provide subsidy for two years in respect of new employees engaged on or after October 1, 2020, and up to June 30, 2021.

(3) The government will pay both 12 per cent employees’ contribution and 12 per cent employers’ contribution i.e. 24 per cent of wages towards EPF in respect of new employees in establishments employing up to 1,000 employees for two years.

(4) It will pay only employees’ share of EPF contribution i.e. 12 per cent of wages in respect of new employees in establishments employing more than 1,000 employees for two years.

Eligibility: (1) An employee drawing monthly wage of less than ₹ 15,000 who was not working in any establishment registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) before October 1, 2020, and did not have a Universal Account Number (UAN) or EPF Member account number prior to October 1, 2020, will be eligible for the benefit.

(2) Any EPF member possessing Universal Account Number (UAN) drawing monthly wage of less than ₹ 15,000 who made exit from employment during COVID pandemic from March 1, 2020, to September 30, 2020, and did not join employment in any EPF covered establishment up to September 30, 2020 will also be eligible to avail benefit.

 

2. National Centre for Divyang Empowerment inaugurated in Telangana: The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy has inaugurated the National Centre for Divyang Empowerment (NCDE) at the CRPF Group Centre in Hakimpet near Hyderabad, Telangana.

About National Centre for Divyang Empowerment: The NCDE is first of its kind establishment to re-skill and rehabilitates the Divyang Warriors of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) who suffered life-threatening injuries in the line of duty. Several market-driven expertise like computer skills and various sports skills will be imparted on the Divyang Warriors to empower them and enable them to serve the force and the country. All possible assistance and cooperation will be extended for the welfare of the Divyang Warriors.

Note: Central Reserve Police Force Director-General: AP Maheshwari; Central Reserve Police Force Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

 

3. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Koilwar bridge in Bihar: The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated the 1.5 km long Koilwar bridge over Sone river in Bihar through Video Conferencing. This newly inaugurated bridge is a part of the six-lane bridge being made in place of the existing two-lane bridge, for both rail and road traffic, which is 138 years old. The total cost of setting up this three-lane bridge is estimated at Rs 266 crore. The bridge is a major road for transport between Bihar and UP. Once this six-lane bridge is fully operational, the traffic on NH-922 and NH-30 will ease substantially.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kuwait emir reappoints Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid as prime minister: Kuwait Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has re-appointed Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah as prime minister. The move comes two days after Sheikh Sabah submitted his government’s resignation in a procedural step following parliamentary polls. The country’s ruler accepted the premier’s resignation before reassigning him to form the upcoming government. Sheikh Nawaf who took over the leadership of the Gulf state in September after the death of his brother also asked Sheikh Sabah to nominate members of a new cabinet. The new cabinet would have to be approved by the Emir.

Note: Kuwait Capital: Kuwait City; Kuwait Currency: Dinar.

 

2. International Day of Neutrality: 12th December: International Day of Neutrality is a United Nations recognized day held on December 12 each year to raise public awareness of the value of neutrality in international relations. It was officially declared by a UN General Assembly resolution adopted in February 2017 and first observed on December 12, 2017.

About Neutrality: Neutrality is defined as the legal status arising from the abstention of a state from all participation in a war between other states, the maintenance of an attitude of impartiality toward the belligerents, and the recognition by the belligerents of this abstention and impartiality — is critically important for the United Nations to gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of all in order to operate independently and effectively, especially in situations that are politically charged.

 

3. International Universal Health Coverage Day: 12th December: International Universal Health Coverage Day is a United Nations’ recognized international day celebrated every year on December 12. The Day aims to raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage with multi-stakeholder partners. This year theme of International Universal Health Coverage Day is ‘Health For All: PROTECT EVERYONE’. The theme reflects that to end this crisis (COVID-19) and build a safer and healthier future, we must invest in health systems that protect us all—now.

On 12 December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed a resolution urging countries to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) – the idea that everyone, everywhere should have access to quality, affordable health care – as an essential priority for international development. On 12 December 2017, the United Nations proclaimed 12 December as International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Madagascar replaces Maldives as host of 2023 Indian Ocean Island Games: Madagascar has replaced the Maldives as the host of the 2023 Indian Ocean Island Games due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The event had been awarded to the Maldives last year, but members of the Indian Ocean Island Games Federation voted to move the Games to Madagascar. The decision came as a result of the challenges the Maldives is facing in organising the event during the coronavirus crisis. The Maldives had requested pushing back the 2023 Games to 2025 but the IOIGF was keen to avoid a six-year void between editions of the multi-sport event.

Note: Madagascar Capital: Antananarivo; Madagascar President: Andry Rajoelina; Madagascar Currency: Malagasy ariary.

 

2. Annika Sorenstam elected president of International Golf Federation: The International Golf Federation (IGF) elected Annika Sorenstam as its new president effective January 1, 2021. IGF President, Peter Dawson, is stepping down after 10 years of leadership and service.  Sorenstam, a 72-time winner on the LPGA Tour and former No. 1 from Sweden.

Note: International Golf Federation Founded: 1958; International Golf Federation Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; Golf became an Olympic sport again in 2016 after 112 years.

 

3. Zena Wooldridge Elected As World Squash Federation President: Zena Wooldridge from England has been elected as the World Squash Federation President. She will become the 10th WSF President to serve since the Federation’s inception in 1967. She is the second female President after New Zealand’s Susie Simcock. She replaces outgoing President Jacques Fontaine, from France. She previously served six years as President of the European Squash Federation between 2013-2019.

Note: World Squash Federation Founded: 1967; World Squash Federation Headquarters: Hastings, United Kingdom.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. BoB launches Atmanirbhar Women Gold Scheme: Bank of Baroda (BoB) has recently launched the Atmanirbhar Women Scheme as part of its Baroda Gold Loan. This scheme aims to target the self-reliant woman in India. Under the scheme, the bank is offering loans at 0.50 per cent concession for women. The bank under the gold loan scheme is offering agri-gold loan at 0.25 per cent concession and for a retail loan at 0.50 per cent concession. This Atmanirbhar scheme is exclusively meant for helping women to be self-reliant. The scheme was launched at BOB’s Ramamurthy Nagar branch in Bengaluru and simultaneously in 18 branches coming under 18 zones in the country.

Note: Bank Of Baroda Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat, India; Bank Of Baroda Chairman: Hasmukh Adhia; Bank Of Baroda MD & CEO: Sanjiv Chadha.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Fitch Ratings lowers India’s GDP contraction at 9.4% for FY21: Fitch Ratings has revised the GDP growth rate for India in its Global Economic Outlook, and now expects the economy to contract 9.4 per cent in the current financial year 2020-21, as compared to (-)10.5 per cent forecast earlier. Fitch has also projected the FY22 GDP growth at 11 per cent and 6.3 per cent growth in FY23.

 

2. Nomura Expects India to be fastest growing Asian economy in FY21: The Japanese research and brokerage house Nomura has projected India to be the fastest-growing Asian economy in 2021. Nomura has estimated the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of India for the calendar year 2021 (CY21) at 9.9%. For the calendar year 2020 (CY20), Nomura expects GDP growth at -7.1 per cent.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at 41 on Forbes 2020 list: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has grabbed the 41st spot in the 2020 list of Forbes 100 most powerful women in the world. This is the second time she features in the list, in 2019 ranked at 34 and ranked 41st in 2020. India’s leading Businesswomen, Kiran Mazumdar-shaw, Chairman of Biocon Limited also featured in the list at 68th position. The list also saw the biggest jump in ranking to 3rd position by Kamala Harris, Vice President-Elect of USA, and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Wajed is ranked at 39. Here is the list of top 5 personality in the Forbes 100 most powerful women in the world:

Rank	Personality	Profession
1	Angela Merkel	Chancellor, Germany
2	Christine Lagarde	President, European Central Bank
3	Kamala Harris	Vice President-elect, United States
4	Ursula von der Leyen	President, European Commission, European Union
5	Melinda Gates	Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
41	Nirmala Sitharaman	Finance Minister of India
68	Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw	Founder, Chair and Managing Director, Biocon Ltd.

Note: Forbes is the 103-year-old American Business Magazine, issued weekly. Editor in Chief: Steve Forbes. First issued in September 1917.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Italy’s 1982 World Cup hero Paolo Rossi passes away: Paolo Rossi of Italy, who scored 6 goals in the 1982 World Cup, passed away. He is the only male player in history to win the World Cup, the Golden Boot, the Golden Ball and Ballon d’Or in the same year. In 1982 was Italy’s first victory after 1938.

Daily GK Updates – 11th Dec, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ADB approves Rs 2.5 mn in technical assistance for biofuel development in India: The Manila-based multilateral lending agency Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 2.5 million (about Rs 18 crore) technical assistance to support advanced biofuel development in India. The grant will be funded from the Asia Clean Energy Fund, financed by the Government of Japan under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility, and the Republic of Korea’s e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund. The technical assistance (TA) will support the development of advanced bioethanol, bio-compressed natural gas, and biodiesel plants to demonstrate the best practices for suitable feedstock, efficient conversion technology, and sustainable biofuel value chain.

Note: President of ADB: Masatsugu Asakawa; Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.

 

2. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana Participates in 7th WASH Conclave Concludes: The 7th WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Conclave was organised in virtual mode by organised by the UNICEF and the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR). The theme of the conclave was “Hygiene Matters”. Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan was the Chief Guest at the event. The event had participants from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana to discuss key issues with particular focus on hygiene and create an opportunity for strengthening collaborations and partnerships among institutions including government dealing with WASH and related programs across three states and districts

The Government of India has set the target to provide access to and use of safe and adequate drinking water to all households within premises by 2024.

 

3. PwC, UNICEF and YuWaah partner to redefine education: Consulting firm PwC India has collaborated with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and YuWaah (Generation Unlimited in India) to upskill 300 million young Indians over the next 10 years. This collaboration is part of PwC’s global multi-sector partnership with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited to upskill and provide about 1.8 billion youngsters with socio-economic opportunities from school to work by 2030. This partnership will focus on three facets to India’s digital empowerment for youngsters, which are education, skilling and entrepreneurship. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), India is staring at a 29 million skill deficit by 2030.

Note: International Labour Organization Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; International Labour Organization Founder: Paris Peace Conference; International Labour Organization Founded: 1919; International Labour Organization Director-General: Guy Ryder.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mt Everest declared 86 cm taller by Nepal and China: The world’s highest mountain peak ‘Mount Everest’ has become taller by 86 cm, as per a survey conducted jointly by Nepal and China. The Government of Nepal and China jointly conducted an exercise to measure the world’s highest peak. The new height of Mt Everest has been calculated at 8,848.86 metres, which is 0.86m more than the previous measurement done by India in 1954. In feet, the new elevation is about 29,031 ft, or about 3 ft higher than Nepal’s previous claim. In Tibetan language, Mount Everest is known as Mount Qomolangma while in Nepalese language it is famous as Sagar-Matha.

Some important facts of Mount Everest height: The common declaration meant that the two countries have shed their long-standing difference in opinion about the mountain’s height — 29,017 feet (8,844 m) claimed by China and 29,028 ft (8,848 m) by Nepal. In 1955, the height of Mount Everest was measured at 8848 m (29,028 feet) by the Survey of India. There was also a third estimate, even higher, in 1999, a US team put the elevation at 29,035 feet (nearly 8,850 m). This survey was sponsored by the National Geographic Society, US. The Society uses this measurement, while the rest of the world, except China, had accepted 8,848 m so far.

 

2. UNICEF Day: 11th December: Every year the UNICEF Day is observed on December 11. The United Nations General Assembly created UNICEF on December 11, 1946, as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund to improve the health, nutrition, education, and general welfare of children devastated due to World War II. UNICEF’s name was subsequently changed from United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund to United Nations Children’s Fund though; it continued to be known by the popular acronym based on the previous title.

Note: UNICEF Headquarters: New York, United States of America; UNICEF Executive Director: Henrietta H. Fore.

 

3. International Mountain Day: 11th December: The International Mountain Day is observed globally on December 11 every year. The day is celebrated to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world. “Mountain biodiversity” is the theme of this year’s International Mountain Day, so let’s celebrate their rich biodiversity, as well as address the threats they face. The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2003 to encourage sustainable development of mountains. United Nations had declared 2002 as the UN International Year of Mountains.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Kiren Rijiju launches 2nd edition of Fit India Cyclothon: Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has launched the second edition of Fit India Cyclothon through a virtual platform. The mega cycling event will run for 25 days, beginning from 7th December till 31st December 2020. The event has been organised across the country in each district. The citizens can participate by registering on Fit India website. The participants can cycle daily for a distance of their choice, and share their images and videos on social media. They may also tag @FitIndiaOff and use the hashtag – FitIndiaCyclothon and #NewIndiaFitIndia.

Note: Sports Authority of India Founder: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Sports Authority of India Founded: 1982; Sports Authority of India Headquarters: Delhi; Director-General of Sports Authority of India: Sandip Pradhan

 

2. Yulimar Rojas and Mondo Duplantis crowned 2020 World Athletes of the Year: Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis and Venezuelan triple jumper Yulimar Rojas are the 2020 Male and Female World Athletes of the Year. They are their countries’ first recipients of the prestigious athletics award announced during the virtual awards.

About Mondo Duplantis: At the age of 20, Duplantis is the youngest ever winner of the Male Athlete of the Year Award after twice breaking the absolute world record (6.17m and 6.18m) in February before producing the highest outdoor vault in history (6.15m) in September.

About Yulimar Rojas: Rojas who broke the world indoor triple jump record with a leap of 15.43m, finished the shortened 2020 season undefeated in four triple jump competitions indoors and outdoors.

 

3. Parthiv Patel announces retirement from all forms of cricket: India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 35-year-old left-hander, who made his international debut in 2002, played 25 Tests, 38 ODIS and two T20Is for India. He last wore Indian jersey in 2018 during a Test match against South Africa in Johannesburg. While the Gujarat cricketer represented his state in 194 first-class matches. He played 204 T20 matches for his state and various IPL franchises and scored 4,300 runs at a strike rate of 123.84, with the help of 23 half-centuries.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI cancels licence of Maharashtra-based Karad Janata Sahakari Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has cancelled the licence of Karad Janata Sahakari Bank Ltd in Maharashtra, as it does not have adequate capital and earning prospects. As such, it does not comply with the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. More than 99 per cent of the depositors of the bank will get full payment of their deposits from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). With the cancellation of licence and beginning of liquidation proceedings, the process of paying the depositors of Karad Janata Sahakari Bank will be set in motion. On liquidation, every depositor is entitled to repayment of their deposits up to ₹ 5 lakh only from the DICGC. After cancellation of licence from the close of a business hour on December 7, the bank cannot work anymore, which includes taking deposits and repaying deposits.

 

2. RBI introduces Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs): The Reserve Bank of India has allowed the Scheduled Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to take part in the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) of RBI for better for liquidity management. The following Scheduled RRBs will be eligible for the scheme:

(1) Implemented Core Banking Solution (CBS)

(2) There is a minimum CRAR of nine per cent and

(3) Fully compliant with the terms and conditions for availing LAF and MSF issued by Financial Markets Operations Department (FMOD), Reserve Bank of India.

 

3. Kotak AMC launches REIT Funds of Funds scheme: Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company (Kotak Mutual Fund), has launched Kotak International REIT Fund of Funds, India’s first diversified REIT Mutual Fund. REIT stands for Real Estate Investment Trust. About Kotak International REIT Fund of Funds:

(1) Kotak International REIT Fund of Funds is an open-ended mutual fund scheme that will invest in units of SMAM Asia REIT Sub Trust Fund.

(2) This mutual fund scheme will have a diversified investment portfolio comprising of listed REITs which will invest in real estate projects like residential, office, data centres, warehousing, retail and hospitality.

(3) The Kotak International REIT Fund of Funds will invest in units of Japan-based SMAM Asia REIT Sub Trust Fund.

(4) The SMAM Asia REIT Sub Trust Fund is one of the largest Asia Pacific (Ex Japan) REIT funds investing in listed REITs in the Asia Pacific region.

(5) It is managed by Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company, which has a significant portfolio of listed Real Estate Investment Trusts in Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong.

Note: MD of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company: Nilesh Shah; Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Invest India wins United Nations Investment Promotion Award 2020: The Geneva-based United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has awarded the 2020 United Nations Investment Promotion Award to Invest India, the National Investment Promotion Agency of India. The Invest India was declared the winner from among the 180 global Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs). The response of IPAs to the COVID-19 pandemic was the basis for the evaluation of the 2020 United Nations Investment Promotion Award. The annual award recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements and best practices of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) across the globe.

Note: Invest India is a non-profit venture under the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Invest India MD & CEO: Deepak Bagla; Invest India Established: 2009; Invest India Headquarter: New Delhi.

Daily GK Updates – 10th Dec, 2020

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Inaugurates virtual India Mobile Congress 2020: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and addressed the virtual edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2020 on 8th December 2020 through video conference. The objective of IMC 2020 is to align with the Prime Minister’s vision to promote ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, ‘Digital Inclusivity’, and ‘Sustainable development, entrepreneurship & innovation’ and drive foreign and local investments, encourage R&D in the telecom and emerging technology sectors. The theme for IMC 2020 is “Inclusive Innovation – Smart, Secure, Sustainable”. The three-day event held from 8th to 10th December 2020. IMC 2020 has been organised by the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).

 

2. NTPC inks MoU with IIFM-Bhopal for Narmada Landscape Restoration Project: National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), a PSU under Ministry of Power, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, for the implementation of Narmada Landscape Restoration Project (NLRP). IIFM Bhopal is an Autonomous Institute under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

About the Narmada Landscape Restoration Project: The NLRP Project involves a grant in aid from NTPC Ltd and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in equal proportions. IIFM-Bhopal will be jointly implementing this project with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) [Headquarter-Seoul, South Korea], an intergovernmental organization that promotes sustainable and inclusive economic growth in emerging economies. IIFM Bhopal will participate in the project with the grant-in-aid from NTPC, Ltd and GGGI will participate with funding support from USAID.

Note: NTPC Founded: 1975; NTPC Headquarters: New Delhi, India; Director of IIFM: Pankaj Srivastava.

 

3. Gwalior, Orchha in UNESCO world heritage cities list: The historical fort cities of Gwalior and Orchha in Madhya Pradesh have been included in the list of UNESCO’s world heritage cities under its The World Heritage Cities Programme. Under the plan, UNESCO will suggest best measures and resources for the development and beautification of these places as per the UNESCO Historic Urban Landscape recommendations. With this Inclusion, the total number of UNESCO World Heritage Cities of India will increase to 40. The inclusion will lead to the beautification of both cities by the MP Tourism Department in collaboration with UNESCO. In this regard, UNESCO team will visit the state in 2021 and will prepare a master plan for their development and conservation under the Historic Urban Landscape recommendation. Chemical treatment of historic spots like Mansingh Palace, Gujri Mahal and Sahastrabahu Temple will also be done so that art inscribed on them will become more visible.

About Gwalior: The famous spots include Sun Temple, Jal Vilas Palace, Memorial of Tansen, Tigra Dam, 15th-century Gujari Mahal Palace among others.

About Orchha: The famous spots in the town are Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, Ramraja Temple, Rai Praveen Mahal, and Laxminarayan Mandir.

Note: UNESCO World Heritage Centre Director: Mechtild Rossler; UNESCO World Heritage Centre Headquarter: Paris, France.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Ranks 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index 2021: India is ranked at 10th place in the ‘Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2021’, released on 7th December 2020. The overall score of India is 63.98. It is for the second time in a row that India emerged among the top 10 countries with higher climate performance from among 58 economies. India was at 9th spot last year in the index.

Like CCPI 2020, the first three places in 2021 ranking also remains unoccupied, since none of the countries is on the path compatible with the Paris climate targets, to implement strategies to limit global warming below 2 or even 1.5°C. Sweden (4th) United Kingdom (5th), Denmark (6th), Morocco (7th), Norway (8th), Chile (9th) were among the top 10 rankers in the index. It was also noted that, from the G20 countries, only the EU as a whole, along with the UK and India, ranked among high performers.

 

2. World Human Rights Day: 10th December: Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10 December annually across the world. This Day came into existence on December 10, 1948, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations. This day is observed every year across the world, as it empowers us all. The day also acknowledges the advocates and defenders of human rights around the world. This year theme of Human Rights Day: Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights. This year theme relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and focuses on the need to build back better by ensuring Human Rights are central to recovery efforts.

About the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The UDHR is a milestone document that proclaims the inalienable rights which everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth or another status. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Jehan Daruvala becomes first Indian to win F2 race: Jehan Daruvala created history, as he became the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, Bahrain. This was the final race of the F2 season. The Formula 2 Championship is a second-tier single-seater racing championship. The 22-year-old Jehan Daruvala is currently a member of the Red Bull Junior Team and competes for Carlin Motorsport. His Japanese teammate, Yuki Tsunoda came second while Britain’s Daniel Ticktum was in a third spot. Racing legend Michael Schumacher’s son Mick Schumacher was crowned as the overall F2 champion of the season.

 

2. Sri Lanka to host Asia Cup in 2021: Sri Lanka will host the Asia Cup in June 2021 while Pakistan has earned the rights to host the tournament in 2022. As per the original schedule, the tournament was supposed to be hosted by Pakistan in 2020, however, it got postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now the event has been moved forward to June 2021, with Sri Lanka Cricket taking the hosting rights from PCB. As compensation, PCB has got the hosting rights for the 2022 edition.

 

3. Sergio Perez wins Sakhir Grand Prix 2020: Sergio Perez (Mexico-Racing Point-BWT Mercedes), won the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain. Esteban Ocon (Renault-France) secured the second position, followed by and Lance Stroll (Racing Point-BWT Mercedes-Canada) at third place. The race was the maiden edition of the Sakhir Grand Prix and sixteenth race of the 2020 Formula One World Championship. This is the first Formula One win for Perez. He is also the first Mexican Formula One driver to win a race since Pedro Rodríguez won the 1970 Belgian Grand Prix.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ICICI Bank Launches iMobile Pay to offer Payments: The private lender ICICI Bank has launched a new version of its mobile payment app called iMobile Pay, to offer payment and banking services to customers of any bank. The latest version of the app is interoperable and will now allow payments and other banking services to even those customers who do not hold an ICICI Bank account.

About “iMobile Pay”: Using the app, the customers of other banks can link their bank account, generate a UPI ID and start paying, shopping, transfer funds to any bank account or to any other payment apps or digital wallets; or bill payments and online recharges, among others.

It also offers instant banking services such as savings account, investments, loans, credit cards, gift cards, and travel cards, among others.

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

 

2. RBI increases limit for Processing of e-mandates for recurring transactions on card transactions: The Reserve Bank of India has increased the limit for processing e-mandates / standing instructions on cards and Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) and UPI for recurring transactions without the need of Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000. The new limit of Rs 5,000/- per transaction will come into effect from January 1, 2021.

 

3. RBI enhances limit for Card transactions in Contactless mode to Rs 5000: The Reserve Bank of India has increased the limit allowed for Card transactions in Contactless mode from Rs 2000 to Rs 5000 without the need of an Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA). Transactions beyond this limit can be processed in contactless mode, but with AFA like OTP. This will come into force from January 01, 2021.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Centre Launches QRMP scheme for GST payers: The Central Government has launched ‘Quarterly Return filing & Monthly Payment of Taxes (QRMP)’ scheme for small taxpayers under the GST system. Taxpayers with an aggregate annual turnover of up to Rs 5 crore in the preceding financial year and have filed their October GSTR-3B (sales) return by November 30, 2020, are eligible for this scheme. The notifications for the same were issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

About QRMP Scheme: Persons with aggregate turnover up to Rs 5 crore would be allowed to furnish their GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B returns on a quarterly basis, beginning January-March quarter of 2020-21. Quarterly GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B can also be filed through an SMS. Taxpayers can also make GST payments every month, through challan, with effect from January 1, 2021. This can be done either by self-assessment of monthly liability or 35% of net cash liability of previous filed GSTR-3B of the quarter.

Note: CBIC Chairman: M. Ajit Kumar; CBIC Parent Ministry: Ministry of Finance.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. ICAR wins 2020 King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has won the prestigious International King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award for 2020. The award was presented annually by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The award was conferred to the ICAR on the occasion of World Soil Day, on December 5. ICAR India will officially receive the award by Her Royal Highness, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, during an event in Bangkok in January 2021.

ICAR has been conferred the award for its commitment to raising awareness of the importance of healthy soils at the World Soil Day celebration in 2019, which addressed soil erosion under the motto “Stop soil erosion, save our future”. The programme was organised by Bhopal-based Indian Institute of Soil Science, an autonomous institute for higher learning, established under the umbrella of Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

About the award: The King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award was launched in 2018, to acknowledge individuals or institutions that raise public awareness of soils by organising successful and influential World Soil Day celebrations. The award is sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand.

Note: Food and Agriculture Organization Head: Qu Dongyu; Food and Agriculture Organization Headquarters: Rome, Italy; Food and Agriculture Organization Established: 16 October 1945.

 

2. Raj Kamal Jha wins Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize: Journalist-author, Raj Kamal Jha has won the 3rd Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize for his novel, “The City and The Sea”. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the winner of the $5,000 prize was announced online in Copenhagen, Denmark. Jha’s book, which is based on the December 2012 Nirbhaya rape and murder case, was chosen from ten shortlisted books including Amitav Ghosh’s Gun Island, Nirmala Govindarajan’s Taboo and Ranjit Hoskote’s Jonahwhale.

Other winners: The Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize for Social Achievement 2020 was conferred to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the late Sultan of Oman and The People of Oman and Renowned Indian choreographer Sandip Soparrkar for his contribution to the betterment of society through his initiative Dance for a Cause.

About the Prize: The Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize was founded in 2018 by US-based publisher Bundalo as a platform for world peace, literature, art, education and human rights. Last year, the award also recognises works towards human rights and world peace with the Social Achievement Prize.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. All India Radio writer Madhukar Gangadhar passes away: Eminent Hindi writer, Madhukar Gangadhar passed away. He was the lead storyteller of the new story movement. He was an associate of Renuji in Patna Akashvani, director of All India Radio in Allahabad & Deputy Director General at Delhi AIR. After serving for 39 years in All India Radio (AIR) he became an independent writer based in Delhi. ‘Motiyo Wale Hath’, ‘Hirna Ki Aankhen’ are some of his most well-known works.

Note: AIR since 1957 as Akashvani; it was established in 1936.

Daily GK Updates – 9th Dec, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi virtually inaugurates Construction work of Agra Metro project: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the construction work of the Agra Metro project in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The Agra Metro project comprises 2 corridors with a total length of 29.4 km. It would connect major tourist attractions like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandra with railway stations and bus stands.

About the Project: The estimated cost of the project will be around Rs 8,379.62 crore. It will be completed in 5 years. The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has set the target to complete the first phase of the Agra Metro Rail Project by December 2022. Once operational, the project will boost `Ease of Living` of the 26 lakh population of the city and also cater to more than 60 lakh tourists who visit Agra every year. It will also provide an environment-friendly Mass Rapid Transit System to the city.

 

2. ADB approves $190 million loan to upgrade power distribution in Bengaluru: The Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $190 million (approx Rs 1,400 crore) to modernize and upgrade the power distribution system in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The financial-assistance by ADB will be used for the Bengaluru Smart Energy Efficient Power Distribution Project. The $190 million loan includes a $100 million sovereign loan and a $90 million non-sovereign guarantee loan to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM). BESCOM is one of five state-owned distribution utilities and the largest in Karnataka. This combination of sovereign and non-sovereign loans is being deployed by ADB in India on a pilot basis for the first time.

Note: President of ADB: Masatsugu Asakawa; Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.

 

3. Meghalaya CM Unveils State Disability Logo, Launches Meghalaya Sign Bank App: In Meghalaya, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed with a formal function held at Yojna Bhawan Auditorium, Shillong. The theme this year is building back better towards a disability inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-Covid 19 world. During the function the Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma,unveiled the State Disability Logo. The second edition of the Meghalaya Sign Bank App was also launched by the Chief Minister. The app is available for both ios and android users. Two students with disabilities were also felicitated for their outstanding achievements by Chief Guest Sangma and Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla

 

4. Pixxel to launch remote-sensing satellite on ISRO rocket: The Bengaluru-based space-technology start-up “Pixxel”, has signed a pact with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to launch its first remote-sensing satellite on Isro’s workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket in early 2021. Earlier, the startup had planned to launch this satellite towards the end of 2020 and on a Russian Soyuz rocket. Pixxel aims to put a constellation of 30 earth observation micro-satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit by mid-2023. The data through these satellites will help in various sectors, ranging from agriculture to urban monitoring, such as track on air and water pollution levels, forest biodiversity and health, coastal and marine health, and changes in the urban landscape.

About the agreement: The agreement was signed between Pixxel with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Government of India company under the Department of Space. This agreement with NSIL is the first-of-a-kind private earth-observation mission and one of the first since the setting up of IN-SPACe, the authorisation and regulatory body under the Department of Space (DoS) to enable private players undertaking space activities in India.

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

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Anil Soni appointed first CEO of The WHO Foundation: US-based Indian-origin health expert, Anil Soni has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the newly-created “The World Health Organization (WHO) Foundation”. Before this, he was working with Viatris, a global healthcare company in the US, where he served as Head of Global Infectious Diseases. He will assume his role as CEO with effect from 1st January 2021.

About the WHO Foundation: The WHO Foundation was launched in May 2020 as an independent grant-making agency, based in Geneva, Switzerland, to work alongside the WHO and the global health community to address the most pressing global health challenges.

Note: Headquarters of WHO: Geneva, Switzerland; Director-general of WHO: Tedros Adhanom.

 

2. International Anti-Corruption Day: 9th December: International Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually on 9 December to raise public awareness for anti-corruption. The day is observed since the passage of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on 31 October 2003. The theme of International Anti-Corruption Day 2020: ‘RECOVER with INTEGRITY.’ The theme focuses on recovery through corruption mitigation and emphasizes that inclusive COVID-19 recovery can only be achieved with integrity.

 

3. International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime: 9th December: The International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime is observed annually on December 9. The 9th of December is the anniversary of the adoption of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the “Genocide Convention”). This year marks the 71st anniversary of the Convention. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the Genocide Convention and its role in combating and preventing the crime of genocide, as defined in the Convention, and to commemorate and honour its victims.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson retires from all forms of Cricket: New Zealand all-rounder, Corey Anderson has announced his retirement from international cricket. Anderson has played 13 Tests, 49 ODIs and 31 T20Is for New Zealand, scoring 2277 runs with two hundred and 10 half-centuries and 90 wickets. Anderson has signed a 3-year contract with Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA, where he will serve in the Major and Minor League Cricket and coaching ventures at the cricket academies that come under the MLC.

Some facts about Anderson: Anderson rose to fame after scoring fastest 100 in the history of One Day International cricket (ODI), in 36-ball against West Indies in January 2014. However, this record was broken by AB de Villiers, in January 2015 who scored the fastest ODI century against the West Indies in Johannesburg in 31 balls.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PNB launches loan management solution ‘LenS-The Lending Solution’: Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched a tech-based loan management solution ‘LenS-The Lending Solution’, to speed up and maintain accuracy in online loan processing and sanctioning of credit proposals. It is envisaged to be implemented in a phased manner for all kinds of loans. Under the Mudra scheme, the processing and sanction of credit proposals up to Rs 10 lakh including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ( MSME) loans (fresh, renewal, enhancement and review) will be done by LenS.

Main Purpose of PNB LenS: To standardise the system, process and assess formats for credit processing; To auto-generate the loan documents for each type of credit facilities; To reduce delay, cost and human errors involved in manual processing, digital record maintenance, security & data privacy; Ready to use monitoring and MIS reports for better tracking and transparency.

Note: PNB Headquarters: New Delhi; PNB CEO: S. S. Mallikarjuna Rao.

 

2. RTGS system to be available on 24×7 basis from December 14: The Reserve Bank of India has announced that the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system will be made available round the clock on all days of the year with effect from 00:30 hours on December 14, 2020. Presently RTGS system is available for customers between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

RTGS shall continue to be governed by the RTGS System Regulations, 2013. RTGS shall be available for customer and inter-bank transactions round the clock, except for the interval between ‘end-of-day’ and ‘start-of-day’ processes, whose timings would be duly broadcasted through the RTGS system. Intra-Day Liquidity (IDL) facility shall be made available to facilitate smooth operations.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Finin launches as neobank in India in partnership with SBM: Finin, a fintech company, has launched itself as a ‘neobank’, in partnership with SBM Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Bank of Mauritius in India, focussing on saving rather than lending. It will provide features such as detailed break-up of user spending and send prompts if they exceed pre-set limits and automatic sweeps of money into liquid funds. The bank will target white-collar workers and freelancers and has waiting list of 15,000 people before launch. It aims to open 50,000 accounts in six months.

 

2. HDFC Life stands with Dabbawalas of Mumbai with ‘PromiseWalaDabba’ Campaign: In support of Mumbai’s Dabbawalas, HDFC Life in association with Ketto India has initiated #PromisewalaDabba, a nationwide crowdfunding campaign. #PromiseWalaDabba has been initiated by the insurance company for supporting the community, with an aim to help the Dabbawalas of Mumbai stand on their feet once again with a month’s supply of ration, delivered to their homes. Ketto, India’s foremost crowdfunding platform has also partnered with HDFC Life as part of the campaign in order to serve as a platform to raise money for this cause.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Serum Institute’s Adar Poonawalla named as 1 of 6 “Asians of The Year”: Adar Poonawalla, the Chief Executive of the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), has been named among six “The Straits Times Asians of the Year” for 2020, by Singapore’s leading daily, The Straits Times, for their work in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. SII has collaborated with the University of Oxford and the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to develop COVID-19 vaccine, ‘Covidshield’, and is conducting trials in India.

The other five Asians of the Year includes: (1) Chinese researcher Zhang Yongzhen; (2) China’s Major-General Chen Wei; (3) Japan’s Dr Ryuichi Morishita; (4) Singapore’s Professor Ooi Eng Eong; (5) South Korean businessman Seo Jung-jin.

The Straits Times has collectively referred these 6 winners as “the virus busters”, because they are heroes of a kind, having devoted themselves to the pressing cause of resolving the coronavirus pandemic, each in their own capacity.

Note: The SII was founded by Cyrus Poonawalla (Adar Poonawalla’s father) in 1966.

Adar Poonawalla joined the Serum Institute of India in 2001 and became the CEO of the company in 2011.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Father of Fibre Optics Narinder Singh Kapany passes away: Narinder Singh Kapany, also known as the father of fibre optics, passed away. The India-born American physicist was named as one of the seven “Unsung Heroes” by Fortune in their ‘Businessmen of the Century’ issue of November 1999. Kapany was the first to transmit images through fibre optics back in 1954 and laid the foundation for high-speed internet technology. He not only founded fibre optics but also used his own invention for the business. He founded the Optics Technology Incorporation and Kaptron Incorporation in 1960 and 1973 respectively. He studied at Agra University and then moved to Imperial College in London. He received his PhD from the University of London in 1955.

Awards: He received ‘The Excellence 2000 Award’ from the USA Pan-Asian American Chamber of Commerce in 1998, a fellow of numerous scientific societies including the British Royal Academy of Engineering, the Optical Society of America, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

 

2. Veteran Bengali actor Manu Mukherjee passes away: Veteran Bengali actor Manu Mukherjee passed away. He started his film career with Mrinal Sen’s Nil Akasher Niche (1958). The actor is best remembered for his roles in Satyajit Ray’s Joy Baba Felunath and Ganashatru. He had also been part of children’s fantasy film Patalghar’.

 

3. Veteran Marathi actor Ravi Patwardhan passes away: Ravi Patwardhan, a popular face in Marathi entertainment industry, has passed away. The veteran actor became a household name for his role in Marathi TV series Agabai Sasubai. Apart from this, Patwardhan has also starred in a few Hindi movies namely Tezab, Jhanjaar, Bond and Yeshwant.

 

4. Pizza Hut co-founder Frank Carney passes away: American entrepreneur Frank Carney, who along with his brother Dan, started the Pizza Hut empire in the US city of Wichita, has passed away from pneumonia. He was 82. Carney had recently recovered from Covid-19, but had Alzheimer’s disease for more than a decade and pneumonia is common in Alzheimer’s patients.