Daily GK Updates – 8th Jan, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurates National Metrology Conclave 2021: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has addressed the National Metrology Conclave, via video conferencing on January 04, 2021. National Metrology Conclave 2021 was organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, to mark its 75th year of inception. This year theme: ‘Metrology for the Inclusive Growth of the Nation’. As a part of this conclave, PM Modi also dedicated ‘National Atomic Timescale’ and ‘Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya’ to the nation, and laid the foundation stone of the ‘National Environmental Standards Laboratory’.

 

2. ADB approves $100 million loan to upgrade power distribution system in Bengaluru: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a USD 100 million (around Rs 730 crore) loan to modernise and upgrade the power distribution system in Bengaluru city.Besides the USD 100 million sovereign loans, ADB will provide a USD 90 million loan without sovereign guarantee for the project to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd (BESCOM), one of the five state-owned distribution utilities in Karnataka. About the Project:

(1) In parallel to underground distribution cables, over 2,800 km of fibre optical cables will be installed to strengthen communication network. Moving about 7,200 km of distribution lines underground will help reduce technical and commercial losses by about 30 per cent.

(2) The fibre optical cables will be used for smart metering systems, distribution automation system (DAS) in the distribution grid, and other communication networks.

(3) The project will install 1,700 automated ring main units adapted with a DAS to monitor and control the distribution line switch gears from the control centre

(4) The loan will strengthen the capacity of BESCOM in operation and maintenance of underground cabling, environment and social safeguards, financial management and commercial financing. Improved financial management capability will help BESCOM access domestic and international commercial financing market.

Note: Chief Minister of Karnataka: B.S. Yediyurappa; Governor: Vajubhai Vala.

President of ADB: Masatsugu Asakawa; Headquarters: Manila, Philippines; ADB Established: 9 December 1966.

 

3. Pankaj Mithal sworn in as CJ of J&K, Ladakh Court: Justice Pankaj Mithal has been appointed as the new Chief Justice (CJ) of the Common High Court for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh in Jammu on January 04, 2021. Chief justice Mithal has been appointed in view of the retirement of chief justice Gita Mittal recently. Chief Justice Mithal was administered the oath of office by Lieutenant Governor of J&k, Manoj Sinha.

 

4. GJC elects Ashish Pethe as New Chairman: The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), the national apex body of the gems and jewellery industry, has announced the appointment of Ashish Pethe as chairman and Saiyam Mehra as vice chairman for a period of two years. Pethe has been closely associated with GJC and was the Zonal Chairman West, which he will continue even after this new position. The entire e-Voting election process was conducted by an authorised independent person (Chief Election Authority), and the voting platform was created by a digital agency, both appointed by GJC.

About All India Gem And Jewellery Domestic Council: All India Gem And Jewellery Domestic Council is a national trade federation for the promotion and growth of trade in gems and jewellery across India. GJC represents over 6,00,000 players comprising manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors, laboratories, gemologists, designers, and allied services to the domestic gems and jewellery industry.

Note: All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council HQ: Mumbai, Maharashtra; All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council Founded: 2005.

 

5. Argentine filmmaker Pablo Cesar to head 51st IFFI”s International Jury: The International Jury for 51st edition of International Film Festival of India has been announced with eminent filmmakers from across the world. According to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the Jury will comprise Pablo Cesar of Argentina as Chairman, Prasanna Vithanage of Sri Lanka, Abu Bakr Shawky of Austria, Priyadarshan of India and Rubaiyat Hossain of Bangladesh. Pablo Cesar is an Argentine filmmaker. He has contributed to the African cinema by making the critically acclaimed films, Equinox, the Garden of the Roses, Los dioses de agua and Aphrodite, the Garden of the Perfumes.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. U.S. Congress passes ‘Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act’: The U.S. Congress has passed the ‘Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act’ to increase the number of scholarships for Pakistani women in higher education under merit and needs-based programme. The bill was passed by the United States Senate by a voice vote on January 1. The bill now heads to the White House for U.S. President Donald Trump to sign into law.

About the bill: The bill requires the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to award at least 50% of scholarships under a Pakistan-based higher education scholarship programme to Pakistani women, from 2020 to 2022, across a range of academic disciplines and in accordance with existing eligibility criteria. The bill also requires USAID to consult with and leverage investments by the Pakistani private sector and Pakistani diaspora in the United States to improve and expand access to education programmes in Pakistan.

About Malala Yousafzai: In October 2012, Malala was shot in the head by Pakistani Taliban on her way home from school. In late 2008, she began making the case for access to education for women and girls despite objections from the Pakistani Taliban. On October 10, 2014, Malala shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Indian children’s rights activist Kailash Satyarthi for her “struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education”.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sanjay Kapoor elected All India Chess Federation president: Sanjay Kapoor was elected president of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) while Bharat Singh Chauhan retained the secretary’s post. Kapoor, representing Uttar Pradesh Chess Association, defeated incumbent PR Venketrama Raja in a close contest. Kapoor received 33 votes as against 31 of Raja. Chauhan beat Ravindra Dongre 35-29. Apart from the president, secretary and treasurer, six vice-presidents and six joint secretaries were also elected.

Note: All India Chess Federation Headquarters:  Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium; Chennai; All India Chess Federation Founded: 1951.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IDBI Bank launches video KYC facility for opening savings bank accounts: IDBI Bank announced the launch of video KYC account opening (VAO) facility for savings bank accounts. Through the facility, a customer can open a savings account with the lender from the convenience of his/her home or office as there are no physical forms to be filled or visits to be made to the branch.

Video KYC is a quick and easy way to open a savings account from the comforts of your home. It ensures that the online journey for opening savings account remains safe, simple, and fast eliminating the need to visit the branch for KYC.

Note: IDBI Bank CEO: Rakesh Sharma; IDBI Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Bajaj Auto becomes world’s most valuable two-wheeler company: Indian multinational two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing company, Bajaj Auto has become the most valuable two-wheeler company in the world, after it crossed a market capitalization of more than Rs. 1 lakh crore, on January 01, 2021. Bajaj’s share price on NSE closed at Rs. 3,479 per share on the first day of 2021, leading to a market capitalization of more than Rs 1,00,670.76 crore. Thus, Bajaj Auto is not only the most valued company in the two-wheeler segment but also the first-ever two-wheeler company in the world to have reached this market cap milestone.

Note: Headquarter of Bajaj Auto: Pune, Maharashtra; Managing Director of Bajaj Auto: Rajiv Bajaj.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army inks pact with Goa Shipyard to get 12 fast patrol boats: Indian Army has inked a contract with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) to procure 12 Fast Patrol Boats for surveillance and patrolling of large water bodies, including those in high altitude areas like Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh. Pangong Tso’s 134-km length is divided into eight ‘fingers’, military parlance for mountain spurs jutting into the water body that is contested by both sides. The lake is frozen with the onset of winters, and the Army plans to deploy around two dozen such boats by next summer.

About the deal: The indigenously-built boats will be delivered by May 2021 by Defence sector Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), GSL. The GSL will also carry out maintenance of these boats for four years. The need for these new high-speed boats to patrol the Pangong Tso lake was felt in the wake of the military tussle between the Indian and the Chinese troops, leading to the tense situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Note: Chief of Army Staff: General Manoj Mukund Naravane.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Maharashtra Minister Vilas Patil Undalkar passes away: Former Maharashtra cabinet minister and seven-time Congress MLA Vilas Patil Undalkar has passed away. The veteran Congressman, Undalkar, who was popularly known as ‘kaka’, was elected seven times from Karad-South Assembly constituency for a record 35 consecutive years, from 1980 to 2014. Undalkar held the Cooperation and Law and Justice portfolios in the State Cabinets during the previous Congress-led state governments.

Daily GK Updates – 7th Jan, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. GoI constitutes high-level group for South Asia energy security: The Central Government has set up a high-level group to build a South Asia-focused energy security architecture. The high-level group, named the South Asia Group for Energy (SAGE), will be headed by former Union Power Secretary Ram Vinay Shahi. SAGE has been set up under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)-run think tank Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). To achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure through mutual understanding and cooperation, by promoting, initiating and facilitating effective policy dialogue and capacity building on a bilateral, sub-regional and regional basis for energy and related issues, among South Asian countries.

 

2. Ramesh Pokhriyal launched Toycathon-2021 to promote manufacturing of toys: The Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and Union Minister WCD and Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani jointly launched Toycathon-2021 and the Toycathon Portal. Toycathon is being organized to develop India as the global Toy manufacturing hub. Toycathon will provide a platform to conceptualize innovative toys based on the Indian value system which will inculcate the positive behaviour and good value among the children.

 

3. MP Govt launches ‘Launch Pad Scheme’ to make youth self-reliant: The government of Madhya Pradesh has launched a ‘Launch Pad Scheme’ for the boys and girls coming out of child care institutions and having completed 18 years of age. This scheme has been launched by the Women and Child Development Department of the state with the objective to provide a platform to these youth, through which they will be able to become self-reliant by continuing their education and training. The District Administration will provide space to these youths for the opening of coffee shops, stationery, photocopying, computer typing and DTP work. All the 52 districts of the state have been divided into 5 clusters with headquarters at Indore, Sagar, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Bhopal. An amount of Rs 6 lakh will be provided by the Women and Child Development Department for the installation of each launch pad. These launch pads will be operated through non-governmental organizations.

Note: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Governor: Anandiben Patel.

 

4. World Bank approves $105 million loan to improve Waterways in West Bengal: The World Bank has signed a $105 million project with the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal to improve the inland water transport infrastructure in Kolkata, West Bengal. The $105 million loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a maturity of 17 years, including a grace period of 7 years. The West Bengal Inland Water Transport, Logistics and Spatial Development Project will improve passenger and freight movement across the Hooghly river as well as improve accessibility in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area, enhance the quality of life of its residents and contribute to the growth of the state’s logistics sector. The project will cover the five most populous districts of southern West Bengal, including its urban agglomeration — the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA) where around 30 million people or one-third of West Bengal’s population live.

Note: Chief Minister of West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee; Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar.

 

5. 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica flagged off: The 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica was flagged off on January 05, 2021, from Mormugao Port, Goa. The chartered ice-class vessel MV Vasiliy Golovnin has been chosen for the prestigious 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) mission journey and will reach Antarctica in 30 days. The expedition journey has 43 members onboard. India’s major fuel supplier, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) has supplied Jet A1 fuel, lubes and Marine Gas Oil (MGO) for the mission. Apart from its scientific mission, this expedition shall carry out the humanitarian responsibility of bringing back the 48-strong winter crew from their 15-month tenure, and resupply the bases with food, fuel, provisions and spares for operations and maintenance of life support systems.

Note: Goa Capital: Panaji; Governor of Goa: Bhagat Singh Koshyari; Chief Minister of Goa: Pramod Sawant.

 

6. FSSAI’s new policy limits trans fats to 2% in all oils & fats by Jan 2022: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has capped the amount of trans fatty acids (TFA) in oils and fats to 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022 from the current permissible limit of 5% through an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations. It was in 2011 that India first passed a regulation that set a TFA limit of 10% in oils and fats, which was further reduced to 5% in 2015.       The country’s food regulatory body notified the amendment on December 29, more than a year after it issued a draft on the subject for consultation with stakeholders. The revised regulation applies to edible refined oils, vanaspati (partially hydrogenated oils), margarine, bakery shortenings, and other mediums of cooking such as vegetable fat spreads and mixed fat spreads.

Note: FSSAI Chairperson: Rita Teaotia; FSSAI Chief Executive Officer: Arun Singhal; FSSAI Founded: August 2011; FSSAI Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

7. PM Modi inaugurates Kochi-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 450-km Kochi-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline built at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore via video conferencing. The event marks an important milestone towards the creation of One Nation One Gas Grid. Natural gas pipeline network will be doubled in 5-6 years and CNG stations will be raised to 10,000 from current 1,500. The pipeline will carry natural gas from Kochi in Kerala through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod districts to Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. It has been built by GAIL (India) Limited. It will carry natural gas from the LNG Regasification Terminal at Kochi. The pipeline will supply environment-friendly PNG. The pipeline grid will help improve clean energy access as well as also aid in the development of city gas projects.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Japan to launch the first wood-based satellite by 2023: Japan’s Sumitomo Forestry company and Kyoto University aims to launch the world’s first wood-based space satellite by 2023 to combat the problem of space junk. Currently, the initiative is in the nascent stage as several wooden materials are being tested by the research team to find a suitable one for space missions. It is also reported that the team is also working towards developing wooden materials extremely resistant to temperature changes and sunlight. According to the European Space Agency (ESA) statistical model, there are more than 130 million pieces of anthropogenic space debris—waste residue due to human activities—smaller than a millimetre around our planet. The debris can travel at a speed of more than 22,300 mph and can impact other satellites.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Tata Power partners with SIDBI to offer easy & affordable financing scheme for MSME: Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power company, announced its partnership with SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) to offer easy and affordable financing scheme for MSME customers in the rooftop solar segment. This scheme will empower MSMEs to adopt sustainable energy for their businesses and promote greener. Easy and affordable financing has been one of the barriers for penetration of Solar in the MSME sector in the country. In order to address this challenge, Tata Power and SIDBI have joined hands to design a unique Solar financing solution for the MSME customers helping them switch to rooftop solar without any collateral at an interest rate less than 10%. This will also be complemented with a quick sanction and disbursement process (within 7 days with disbursement in 4 days). This financing scheme is exclusively for MSME customers of Tata Power for both off-grid and on-grid connections.

Note: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) set up on 2nd April 1990; SIDBI Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh; SIDBI Chairman & MD: Devendra Kumar Singh.

Tata Power CEO: Praveer Sinha; Tata Power Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Lt Gen Shantanu Dayal to take charge as Deputy Chief of Army Staff: Lt Gen Shantanu Dayal has been named the new Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCOAS). Lt Gen Dayal is the Corps Commander of the Tejpur based 4 Corps. He will take the place of Lt Gen SS Hasabnis who superannuated on December 31 as soon as his replacement arrives. Indian Army has undergone a major reshuffle at the top within the Army Headquarters and at the various other formations including the Corps Commanders, administrative and training institutions witnessing the change of guard. The other significant change is in the newly-created Department of Military Affairs (DMA) with Chief of Defence Staff as its first Secretary. Lt Gen Taranjit Singh, the first Army officer to join as the Additional Secretary in the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) under the Ministry of Defence.

Note: Chief of the Army Staff: General Manoj Mukund Naravane

 

2. BEL and Indian Navy inks pact for initial supply of Laser Dazzlers: The Indian Navy has signed a contract with the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), to procure Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation Dazzlers (Laser Dazzlers). Initially, agreement has been signed for 20 Laser Dazlers. The Laser dazzler technology has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and would be manufactured by BEL, Pune plant. It is the first time that this unique product is indigenously designed and developed for the Armed Forces.

About Laser Dazzler: They are used as a non-lethal method for warning and stopping suspicious vehicles/boats/aircraft/UAVs/pirates etc. from approaching secured areas during both day and night. It is capable of dazzle and thereby suppress the person’s/optical sensor’s action with disability glare in case of non-compliance to orders. While this technology can disorient/ confuse/blind a person temporarily, it can also dazzle and distract aircraft/UAVs.

Note: Bharat Electronics Limited Chairman & Managing Director: M V Gowtama; Bharat Electronics Limited Headquarters: Bengaluru; Bharat Electronics Limited Founded: 1954.

Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh; Indian Navy Founded: 26 January 1950.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. World Cup winning hockey player Michael Kindo passes away: Olympic bronze and World Cup-winning hockey player Michael Kindo passed away. He played 3 Men’s Hockey World Cup in 1971, 1973 & 1975 where India bagged bronze, silver & gold medals. He also represented in 1972 Olympic Games where India secured a bronze medal. Kindo received the Arjuna Award in 1972.

Daily GK Updates – 6th Jan, 2021

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. DCGI gives final approval for Covid-19 vaccines of SII, Bharat Biotech: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has formally announced the final approval for Oxford-AstraZeneca “Covishield” and Bharat Biotech “Covaxin” vaccines against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) for emergency use. CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) accepts the subject expert committee reform rations on Serum and Bharat Biotech Covid vaccines.

About Covishield: The subject expert committee (SEC) under CDSCO had recommended Oxford-AstraZeneca’s vaccine, which is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) as Covishield, for emergency use and Covaxin for restricted use.

About Covaxin: Covaxin is the indigenous vaccine being developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Note: Serum Institute of India CEO: Adar Poonawalla; Serum Institute of India Founder: Cyrus S. Poonawalla; Serum Institute of IndiaFounded: 1966; Serum Institute of India Headquarters location: Pune.

 

2. Delhi government sets up Tamil Academy: Delhi government Department of Art, Culture, and Language has set-up a Tamil academy to promote the language and culture of the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Delhi has a large population of people from Tamil Nadu and we want to present a platform to the people of Delhi to get a taste of the art and culture of Tamil Nadu.

About Tamil Academy: The Delhi government has appointed a former councillor and member of Delhi Tamil Sangam N Raja as the Vice-Chairman of the academy. The Department of Art, Culture, and Language of the Delhi govt has decided that the new academy will introduce various awards to promote and reward the good works of people in Tamil language and culture. The government will also provide language courses through this academy. The Delhi government will also celebrate and organise cultural festivals for the people of Tamil Nadu.

Note: Chief Minister of Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal; Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal; Delhi Minister of Art, Culture, and Language: Manish Sisodia.

 

3. Oscar nominee ‘Another Round’ to be opening movie at 51st IFFI: The 51st International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open on 16th January, with the Indian premiere of the movie ‘Another Round’ by Thomas Vinterberg. The movie starring Cannes Best Actor Award winner Mads Mikkelsen is among a star-studded line up of movies being showcased at IFFI. The movie is also Denmark’s official entry to the Oscars. The festival will also witness the World Premiere of ‘Mehrunisa’. The film by Sandeep Kumar will premier mid-fest.

About 51st International Film Festival of India: The festival will close on 24th January with the India Premiere of the historical drama ‘Wife of a Spy’ by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. 51st IFFI is being organised from 16th to 24th January in Goa. This edition is being organised in a hybrid mode for the first time and will comprise of both online and in-person experience. The festival will be loaded with a line-up of famous movies with a total of 224 films from across the globe. This includes 21 non-feature films and 26 feature films under the Indian Panorama section. Media registration for the festival has opened recently and is available till 10th January.

 

4. Amit Shah released inaugural issue of “National Police K-9 Journal”: Home Minister Amit Shah has released the inaugural issue of the National Police K-9 Journal in New Delhi. It is the first such publication in the country on the subject of Police Service K9s, Police Dogs. This is a unique initiative that will further enrich the subjects related to Police Service Dog, K-9, PSK teams in the country.

About Police K9 Cell: A special Police K9 Cell was established in November 2019, under the Police Modernization Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs with the mandate of Mainstreaming and Augmentation of Police Service K9s in the country. The publication of the Police K9 Journal is another step in creating an ecosystem in the country to train and learn on augmenting this vital resource. The journal comprises different sections in Hindi and English. It is a biannual journal which will be released in April and October every year.

 

5. Journalist Day Observed in Maharashtra on 6 January: The Journalist Day is observed by Maharashtra state government on 6th January every year in the memory of late journalist Balshastri Jambhekar. The first newspaper in the Marathi language named ‘Darpan’, was published on January 6, 1832, the date which also marks the birth anniversary of Balshastri Jambhekar.

About Balshastri Jambhekar: Balshastri Jambhekar is also known as ‘The Father of Marathi Journalism’, for his efforts in starting journalism in Marathi language, in the form of first Marathi newspaper and first Marathi monthly.

Note: Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray; Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mukesh Ambani ranked 12th in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index 2021: India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) dropped down to 12th spot in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index 2021 (as on 2nd January 2021). The net worth of Ambani dropped from 90 billion USD (around Rs. 6.62 lakh crore) (in early 2020) to 76.7 billion USD (around Rs. 5.6 lakh crore). The drop in the net worth of Mukesh Ambani was due to the correction in the shares of RIL which has fallen to Rs.1995.50 on 30th December 2020, which is 16% from its all-time high of Rs 2369.35.

Top 3 in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index:

Rank	Personality	Net worth
1	Jeff Bezos	190 Billion USD
2	Elon R Musk	170 Billion USD
3	Bill Gates	132 Billion USD

 

Asia’s Richest person: Zhong Shanshan, referred to as “Lone Wolf”, has replaced Ambani as Asia’s richest person, he is one of the fastest in the history to achieve the feat. Zhong Shanshan is Chinese billionaire whose net worth is 78.2 billion USD, which is attributed to the listing of Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprises Co and Nongu Spring Co, a bottled water firm.

About Hurun Global Rich List 2020: As Per Hurun Global Rich List 2020, India’s Mukesh Ambani dropped to the eighth position in the Hurun global rich list 2020. However, he retained as Asia’s Richest Person. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos topped the charts with a net worth of $201 billion. Tesla CEO and founder Elon Musk ($145 billion) moved into the second position. French multinational luxury goods conglomerate Louis Vuitton SE group head Bernard Arnault ($120 billion) came in third, followed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates ($111 billion) and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg ($109 billion) in the fifth slot.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Leon Mendonca becomes India’s 67th Grandmaster: Goa’s 14-year-old Leon Mendonca has become India’s 67th chess Grandmaster by winning the third and final norm at a tournament in Italy. Mendonca, who achieved the feat at 14 years, 9 months and 17 days, is the second GM from the coastal State. Chennai player G. Akash, had in July, become the country’s 66th Grandmaster. He became the 29th Youngest GM in the world. The 1st GM from Goa is Ivana Maria Furtado, she achieved it in 2011. The player achieved his first GM norm at the Rigo Chess GM Round Robin, while the second came at the event in Budapest in November and the final one at the Vergani Cup in Italy.

Global Scenario: Sergey Karjakin of Russia holds the record for the World’s Youngest ever GM having qualified for the title at the age of 12 years and 7 months (achieved the title in 2003). GM is a title awarded by FIDE (International Chess Federation). It is the highest title a chess player can obtain apart from World Champion.

Note: International Chess Federation President: Arkady Dvorkovich; International Chess Federation Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; International Chess Federation Founded: 20 July 1924.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI introduces the RBI-Digital Payments Index: Reserve Bank of India has launched a Digital Payments Index (DPI) to capture the extent of digitization of digital/electronic payments across the country. This RBI-Digital Payments Index (DPI) has 5 broad parameters that will be used for the measurement of deepening and penetration of digital payments. These parameters and their weightage are as under:

(1) Payment Enablers (weight 25%),

(2) Payment Infrastructure – Demand-side factors (10%),

(3) Payment Infrastructure – Supply-side factors (15%),

(4) Payment Performance (45%)

(5) Consumer Centricity (5%).

The base period for RBI-DPI is March 2018. This means that the DPI score for March 2018 is set at 100. RBI has calculated the DPI for March 2019 and March 2020 at 153.47 and 207.84 respectively, indicating appreciable growth. RBI-DPI shall be published on a semi-annual basis from March 2021 onwards with a lag of 4 months.

Note: RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikant Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. GRSE delivers 8th landing craft utility ship to Indian Navy: Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has delivered the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) MK IV class vessel ‘IN LCU L-58’ (Yard 2099) to the Indian Navy. The amphibious ships, to be based in the strategic location of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is close to various routes leading to the South China Sea. LCU L-58 is the final ship in the series of 8 LCUs being manufactured by GRSE for the Indian Navy.

About LCU Ship: The LCU ships, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, were developed in-house with 90 per cent of its parts indigenously manufactured. These ships are very unique in their design and class in the world. A very specific kind of requirement was given by the Indian Navy — the speed of 15 knots, a displacement of 900- odd tonnes and a low draught for beaching in the shallowest of waters. The ships are designed to accommodate 216 personnel and have two indigenous CRN 91 guns to provide artillery fire support during landing operations.

Note: GRSE Chairman & Managing Director: Rear Admiral V K Saxena; GRSE Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Union Minister Buta Singh passes away: Former Union Minister and senior Rajasthan Congress leader Buta Singh passed away. The veteran politician Buta Singh served as Home Minister of India in the Rajiv Gandhi government from 1986 to 1989. Buta Singh had also served as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. He was a four-time MP from Jalore-Sirohi Lok Sabha constituency. He served as the Chairperson of the National Commission For Scheduled Cast from 2007 to 2010.

 

2. Former Union Minister Buta Singh passes away: Former Union Minister and senior Rajasthan Congress leader Buta Singh passed away. The veteran politician Buta Singh served as Home Minister of India in the Rajiv Gandhi government from 1986 to 1989. Buta Singh had also served as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. He was a four-time MP from Jalore-Sirohi Lok Sabha constituency. He served as the Chairperson of the National Commission For Scheduled Cast from 2007 to 2010.

Daily GK Updates – 5th Jan, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. INCOIS launches “Digital Ocean” app for information sharing: The Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Science & Technology, Dr Harsh Vardhan virtually inaugurated the web-based application “Digital Ocean”. It has been developed by Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) an autonomous organization under M/o Earth sciences. Digital Ocean is a first of its kind digital platform for Ocean Data Management.

About “Digital Ocean App”: Digital Ocean is a step towards Prime Minister’s vision of Digital India, to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Digital Ocean will serve as a one-stop-solution for all the data related to the ocean. It will help to share this knowledge about the ocean with a wide range of users including research institutions, operational agencies, strategic users, the academic community, maritime industry and policymakers, as well as general public and the common man that too free of cost.

Note: Director of INCOIS: T. Srinivasa Kumar; INCOIS Founded: 1998; Headquarters of INCOIS: Pragathi Nagar, Hyderabad.

 

2. Nitin Gadkari announces Multi-Model Logistics Park in Assam’s Silchar: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has announced that a multi-modal logistics park in Assam. It will be constructed in Silchar and the Balacherra-Harengajao section of the Silchar-Saurashtra Highway will be completed in March 2022. Mr Gadkari made this announcement at a public meeting at Zero Point on the East-West Corridor at Madhurmukh at Rangpur.

About the Project: The Union Minister for Road Transport laid the foundation stone of 20 projects and inaugurated seven projects worth Rs 2,366 crores for Assam with a total length of 439 km. The logistics park will be constructed in Silchar and construction works of East-West Corridor would be expedited and two new bridges would come up over the Barak river. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to send a proposal for ₹ 250 crore project in the Corporate Social Responsibility Fund for the Barak Valley. The water transport system of Brahmaputra would be strengthened, the Union Minister said that dredging work on Barak river has also been completed.

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

 

3. Centre Extends Deadline for mandatory FASTag till February 15, 2021: The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has extended the deadline for mandatory usage of FASTag for all four-wheel on the National Highway till February 1, 2021. Earlier the ministry had announced to make FASTag mandatory for all four-wheel vehicles with effect from January 1, 2021. It has also been mandated that a valid FASTag is mandatory while getting new third party insurance. This shall be applicable w.e.f. 1 April 2021. The compulsory use of FASTags will help vehicles pass through the toll plazas swiftly, preventing long queues.

 

4. Cabinet Approves Multi Modal Logistics Hub & Multi Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) at Greater Noida: The Union Cabinet has approved proposals of Department of Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT) for construction of of various trunk infrastructure components, which includes:

(1) Krishnapatnam Industrial Area in Andhra Pradesh (estimated cost of the project of Rs. 2,139.44 crore);

(2) Tumakuru Industrial Area in Karnataka (estimated cost of Rs. 1,701.81 crore)

(3) Multi Modal Logistics Hub (MMLH) and Multi Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh (estimated cost of Rs. 3,883.80 crore).

 

5. Late Justice Rajindar Sachar’s Autobiography: ‘In Pursuit of Justice’: The family of Late Justice Rajindar Sachar in association with The Indian Society of International Law and The Indian Law Institute is organizing the book launch “In Pursuit Of Justice: An Autobiography” written by Late Justice Rajindar Sachar. The book has been posthumously published.

About Justice Rajindar Sachar: Justice Rajindar Sachar was a socialist, an egalitarian, a defender of civil liberties, a deeply engaged citizen of India, and, above all, a humanist. He joined the Delhi High Court in 1970 but was transferred out of Delhi for voicing his opposition to the Emergency. During those dark days, he shared a close bond with justice H.R. Khanna, the lone voice of dissent in a Supreme Court that chose to side with Indira Gandhi. Brought back to Delhi after the Emergency, he rose to become the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Harsh Vardhan nominated to the Board of ‘GAVI’, The Vaccine Alliance: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has been nominated as the board member of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI). The seat is currently held by Myint Htwe of Myanmar. Dr Vardhan will represent the South East Area Regional Office (SEARO)/ Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) constituency on the GAVI Board.  Dr Vardhan will assume the charge with effect from January 1, 2021, and serve till December 31, 2023.

About GAVI: The vaccine alliance GAVI is an international organisation, that provides a forum for balanced strategic decision-making, innovation and partner collaboration. It was created to improve access to new and underused vaccines for numerous vaccine-preventable diseases for children who live in the world’s poorest countries. The GAVI board is responsible for the strategic direction and policy-making oversees the operations of the Vaccine Alliance and monitors programme implementation.

Note: GAVI Headquarters location: Geneva, Switzerland; GAVI Founded: January 2000.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. YES Bank appoints Niranjan Banodkar as new CFO: The private sector lender Yes Bank has appointed Niranjan Banodkar as its new Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He will take over from Anurag Adlakha, who has been designated as the new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Both of them will assume the new role with effect from January 1, 2021. Banodkar, who started working with Yes Bank in April 2006, is currently Group President & Head of Strategy, Sustainability & Investor Relations.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. ICICI Bank to acquire 9.09% stake in ed-tech platform Myclassboard Educational Solutions: Private sector lender ICICI Bank has announced to acquire 9.09 percent stake in educational technology platform Myclassboard Educational Solutions Pvt Ltd (MESPL) for cash value of Rs 4.5 crore. The acquisition is expected to be completed by end of February 2021. MESPL is an educational technology company set up in December 2009, which offers an online school management platform. It reported turnover of Rs 12 crore in FY 2020.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. K. Veeramani honoured with Dr. Narendra Dabholkar Memorial Award: The Dr Narendra Dabholkar Memorial Award for this year has been conferred upon Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani. The award was instituted in the memory of the Maharashtra-based rationalist Dabholkar. The U.S.-based Maharashtra Foundation had instituted the award in his memory, a release issued by the Dravidar Kazhagam. The award includes ₹1 lakh and a citation. Mr Veeramani has dedicated his whole life to propagate rationalism and served for the cause of social justice in society.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Navy, DRDO conduct maiden trial of air dropped container ‘SAHAYAK-NG’: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) along with the Indian Navy conducted the successful maiden test trial of ‘SAHAYAK-NG’ India’s first indigenously designed and developed Air Dropped Container from IL 38SD aircraft (Indian Navy) off the coast of Goa. The trial was conducted by the Indian Navy to enhance its operational logistics capabilities and provide critical engineering stores to ships that are deployed more than 2000 kilometres from the coast.

About “SAHAYAK-NG”: SAHAYAK-NG is an advanced version of SAHAYAK Mk I. The newly developed GPS aided air dropped container is having the capability to carry a payload that weighs up to 50 kilograms and can be dropped from heavy aircraft. Two DRDO laboratories, Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam and Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra were involved in the development of the SAHAYAK-NG container along with the industry partner M/s Avantel for GPS integration.

Note: DRDO Chairman: Dr G. Satheesh Reddy; DRDO Headquarters: New Delhi; DRDO Established: 1958.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran broadcaster Indira Joseph Venniyoor passes away: Veteran broadcaster, Indira Joseph Venniyoor passed away. She was a renowned broadcaster, All India Radio veteran & first English news announcer of Travancore Radio when its English service began in 1949. She was the wife of well-known literary scholar & art critic the late E.M.J. Venniyoor.