Daily GK Updates – 26th Feb, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Rajnath Singh inaugurates 26th edition of ‘HunarHaat’:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated the 26th edition of ‘HunarHaat’ in New Delhi. The “HunarHaat” will be held from February 21 to March 01, 2021, with the theme of “Vocal for Local”. More than 600 artisans and craftsmen from more than 31 states and UTs are participating. Through HunarHaat, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs aims to provide employment and employment opportunities to 7,50,000 artisans by organising 75 HunarHaats by 2022, when India will celebrate its 75 years of Independence.

About the HunarHaat: The HunarHaat is also available online at hunarhaat.org and on the Government e-Marketplace portal. Indians living abroad can buy products online as well. HunarHaat is a beautiful exhibition of India’s traditional art and craft and brings together indigenous artisans and craftsmen from across the country for the display and sale of their exquisite indigenous handmade products.

Note: Minister of Minority Affairs: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

 

2. CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan Renames Hoshangabad as Narmadapuram: Hoshangabad city in the state of Madhya Pradesh will be renamed Narmadapuram. This was announced by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during the Narmada Jayanti programme held in Hoshangabad. Hoshangabad was earlier named after an attacker Hoshang Shah, the first ruler of Malwa. However, the city will now be called Narmadapuram, after the river Narmada, the lifeline of the state. The state government will now send a proposal to the Centre to change the name of Hoshangabad to Narmadapuram. The city is famous for its beautiful ghats along the banks of the Narmada River.

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

 

3. Prime Minister Modi inaugurates several railway projects in West Bengal: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated several railway projects in Hooghly, West Bengal, on February 22, 2021, that will ensure better operational fluidity, less journey time and enhanced safety of train operations, as well as boost the overall economic growth of the region. The several projects inaugurated are as follows:

(1) Metro Railway Extension: PM inaugurated the 4.1 km extension of Metro Railway from Noapara to Dakshineswar, and flagged off the first service on this stretch. The Rs. 464 crore project is fully funded by the Central Government.

(2) Inauguration of Railway Lines:  (a) Third line between Kalaikunda and Jhargram over a stretch of 30 km of the 132 km long Kharagpur-Adityapur Third Line Project of South Eastern Railway – Rs. 1312 crores.

(b) Fourth line between Dankuni and Baruipara (11.28 kms) of Howrah – Bardhaman Chord Line – Rs. 195 crores.

© Third line between Rasulpur and Magra (42.42 kms) of Howrah – Bardhaman Main Line – Rs. 759 crores.

(3) Doubling of Azimganj – Khargraghat Road: Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the doubling of Azimganj to Khargraghat Road section, which is a part of Howrah – Bandel – Azimganj section of Eastern Railway– Rs 240 crore.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Israel launches “green pass” for people with vaccination certificate: Israel has launched a coronavirus “green pass” system, which allows people who have been vaccinated to access public facilities that would otherwise be off-limits. As of Sunday COVID-19 inoculation is a sort of status symbol in Israel. Israelis who have gotten both Pfizer vaccine shots and those who have recovered from the virus get a “Green Pass” certificate in the form of a QR code or printout for people without smart phones. The pass allows entry to gyms, swimming pools, hotels, entertainment venues and sporting events. Green Pass privileges and restrictions are raising legal and moral questions.

Note: Prime Minister of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu; Israel Capital: Jerusalem; Israel Currency: Israeli Shekel.

 

2. Jasmine Harrison from UK becomes youngest woman to row Atlantic Ocean: A British woman, Jasmine Harrison of England has become the youngest woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The 21-year-old from Thirsk, North Yorkshire in the UK, achieved the feat by finishing top in the 2020 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, organized by Atlantic Campaigns. Harrison, who is a swim instructor and bartender by profession, travelled 3,000 miles (4,828km) across the Atlantic Ocean in 70 days, 3 hours and 48 minutes. Harrison began her journey in Spain’s Canary Islands on December 12, 2020, and arrived in Antigua on February 20, 2021.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Karnataka to Host 2nd Khelo India University Games 2021: The second edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2021, is scheduled to be held in Karnataka. This announcement was made by the Karnataka Chief Minister, Shri BS Yediyurappa and Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, KirenRijiju. The KIUG-2021 will be hosted by JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru, in partnership with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). In 2021, Yogasana and Mallakhamb have been added to the University Games, in an effort to preserve and promote the century-old sporting disciplines of the country.

About the Khelo India University Games: The games will be conducted in the U-25 age category in accordance with the World University Games norms. KIUG is the largest University Games in India and is aimed at tapping sporting talent who can represent India in international events, including the Olympics. The first edition of KIUG was held in Bhubaneswar in February 2020, and saw a total participation of 3182 athletes in the U-25 age group, across 158 universities and colleges from all states.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI ropes in Punjabi rapper for awareness campaign on cyber fraud: The RBI has roped in Punjabi singer-rapper Viruss in its public awareness campaign. The campaign also includes Viruss’ popular 2017 Indie hit ‘Bam Bhole’ that was recreated for Akshay Kumar-Kiara Advani starrer Laxmii. As cyber frauds continue to increase, the Reserve Bank of India has undertaken an unusual measure to spread awareness.

About the awareness campaign: The apex bank that has been very active on social media since the lockdown urges tech-savvy netizens to stay alert or ‘satark’ against common fraudsters and cybersecurity threats, including in UPI. The RBI has been running the campaign ‘RBI Kehta Hai’ on social media accounts since 2016 but has never been accompanied by peppy music. Since 2016 when it created the tagline RBI Kehta Hai, the central bank’s communication has been centred on financial literacy and public awareness towards frauds, etc. The bank uses social media to talk about the facilities it offers for senior citizens, cybersecurity, digital banking, and setting limits on card transactions.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. HSBC Raises India’s GDP Forecast for FY22 to 11.2%: HSBC has raised its growth forecasts for India in the coming fiscal year 2021-22 (FY22), from 9 per cent to 11.2 per cent, following a pick up in business activity and a steady fall in COVID cases. The 2020-21 GDP forecast of India by HSBC remains -6.3 per cent, as projected earlier.

Note: HSBC CEO: Noel Quinn; HSBC Headquarters: London, United Kingdom; HSBC Founder: Thomas Sutherland; HSBC Founded: 3 March 1865, Hong Kong.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Union Bank of India wins World HRD Congress Awards: Union Bank of India was awarded “Best Service Provider” in Human Resources and also the best institution for “Excellence in Learning & Development” at the 29th Global HRD Congress awards. Kalyan Kumar, Chief General Manager, HR was named as “Chief Human Resources Officer of the Year”.

About the Global HRD Congress Awards: Global HRD Congress Awards are given to institutions annually for the best HR practices under different categories. The eminent jury which consists of the best in the industry will select the organizations taking into account their remarkable achievements in HR.

Note: Union Bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai; Union Bank of India CEO: Rajkiran Rai G; Union Bank of India Founded: 11 November 1919.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. ICGS C-453 Interceptor boat commissioned into services in Chennai: The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICG) named C-453 was commissioned into services in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This was the 17th interceptor boats out of the 18 which are being indigenously built by Larsen & Toubro Ltd.

About the C-453: It is a 27.80-m-long interceptor boat. The boat has a displacement of 105 tonnes. It can attain a maximum speed of 45 knots (85 kmph). It is capable to undertake multifarious tasks such as surveillance, close-coast patrol, interdiction, and search & rescue. It will also provide assistance to the boats and craft in case of distress at sea.

Functions of the interceptor boat: The ship will be deployed to do surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone and other duties in accordance with the Coast Guard Charter. This will help in safeguarding the maritime interests of India.

Note: Larsen & Toubro Ltd CEO: S. N. Subrahmanyan; Larsen & Toubro Ltd Founded: 7 February 1938, Mumbai; Larsen & Toubro Ltd Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

2. DRDO Conducts Two Successful Launches of VL-SRSAM Missile System: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted two successful launches of Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM). DRDO carried out the launch from a static vertical launcher from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. The launches were monitored by senior scientists from various DRDO labs involved in the design and development of the system. During the test launches, flight path and vehicle performance parameters were monitored using flight data, captured by various Range instruments.

About the VL-SRSAM: The VL-SRSAM is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO for the Indian Navy, VL-SRSAM aims to neutralize various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets. The missiles intercepted the simulated targets with pinpoint accuracy. The missiles were tested for minimum and maximum range. VL-SRSAM with Weapon Control System was deployed during the trials.

 

3. Rajnath Singh inaugurates DRDO skill centre for fire safety training: Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh has inaugurated Skill Development Centre (SDC) for Fire Safety Training of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through virtual mode at Pilkhuwa in Uttar Pradesh. The first of its kind in India facility has been created by Delhi based DRDO laboratory ‘Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES)’.

About SDC DRDO facility: The SDC DRDO facility will help in developing trained human resources, fire safety technology and products to save precious human lives and valued assets. The facility would be utilised for imparting fire prevention and fire-fighting training to the Fire Service personnel of Indian Armed Forces, DRDO, Ordnance Factories, Coast Guard and defence undertakings.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former TRAI Chairman Rahul Khullar passes away: Rahul Khullar, the former chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has passed away. He was a 1975-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who was appointed as TRAI chief in May 2012. He served at TRAI for three years. Prior to being appointed as TRAI chief, he was a secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Trade.

Daily GK Updates – 25th Feb, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Dr Harsh Vardhan launches Mission Indradhanush 3.0: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan has launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0, (IMI 3.0), to expand immunization coverage across the country. The focus of IMI 3.0 will be on children and pregnant women who missed their vaccine doses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0: The IMI 3.0 will have two rounds, of 15 days each.

The first round will begin on February 22, 2021, and the second round will begin on March 22, 2021. The vaccination drive will be conducted in pre-identified 250 districts and urban areas across 29 States and UTs in the country to reach out to every dropped out and left out the child and pregnant woman.

What is Mission Indradhanush: The scheme was launched in 2014 to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all citizens of the country. It aims to immunise all children under the age of 2 years, as well as all pregnant women, against eight vaccine-preventable diseases. These diseases are diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, measles, meningitis and Hepatitis B.

 

2. PM Modi inaugurates Oil & Gas projects in Assam: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated to the nation INDMAX Unit at Indian Oil’s Bongaigaon Refinery, Oil India Limited’s Secondary Tank Farm at Madhuban, Dibrugarh, and a Gas Compressor Station at Hebeda Village, Makum, Tinsukia remotely from Dhemaji in Assam. He also inaugurated the Dhemaji Engineering College and laid the foundation stone for Sualkuchi Engineering College in Assam. During the visit, PM dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of the following projects:

(1) INDMAX Unit at Indian Oil’s Bongaigaon Refinery

(2) Oil India Limited’s Secondary Tank Farm at Madhuban, Dibrugarh – Rs 490 crore

(3) Gas Compressor Station at Hebeda Village, Makum, Tinsukia – Rs 132 Crore

(4) Dhemaji Engineering College – Rs 45 Crore

(5) Laid the foundation stone for Sualkuchi Engineering College – Rs 55 crore.

Note: Assam CM: SarbanandaSonowal.; Assam Governor: JagdishMukhi.

 

3. 47th Khajuraho Dance Festival 2021 begins: The 47th Khajuraho Dance Festival began in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh which is based on the Indian classical dance tradition. Khajuraho Temples come alive with splendour, beams, and the hustle-bustle of art lovers at the Festival. The first-day event is dedicated to Bharatanatyam performance by GeetaChandran and her troupe and Kathak performance by Deepak Maharaj.

About the festival: The festival is being organized by the Culture Department through UstadAlauddin Khan Music and Arts Academy Bhopal.  This year festival will give the audience a chance to watch the performance of the dancers amid the aura of the temple as the event is being held once again in the temple complex of the Western Temple Group of Khajuraho after a gap of 44 years. The festival was hosted each year at the magnificent city of Khajuraho located in the district of Chhatarpur, the artists perform in the backdrop of historical monuments.

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

 

4. Home Minister released a book ‘RashtraPratham – 82 varshonkiSwarnim Gatha’: Home Minister Amit Shah has released a book ‘RashtraPratham – 82 varshonkiSwarnim Gatha’ in New Delhi. The book chronicles the glorious history of CRPF since its raising in 1939 and it has detailed and thoroughly researched accounts of CRPF’s journey, challenges, successes, and sacrifices and said it will become a source of inspiration for personnel joining the force. CRPF jawans have always remained at the forefront be it in Left Wing Extremism affected areas, borders or providing security ring to the Indian Parliament.

 

5. Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy Resigns: The Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Puducherry, V Narayanasamy has submitted the letter of his resignation and his council of ministers on February 22, 2021, to Lieutenant Governor TamilisaiSoundararajan. The decision was taken as the Congress-led Government in the UT lost its majority in the House, which is 14. Following a series of resignations, the ruling government was reduced to a strength of 12. Two MLA resigned in January 2021 while 2 resigned in February 2021.

 

6. CEAT signs Rana Daggubati as brand ambassador: Tyre maker CEAT has roped in actor Rana Daggubati as its brand ambassador for promoting the ‘Puncture Safe’ range of bike tyres. As part of an integrated marketing campaign across all five southern states, Daggubati will feature in the new commercial for these tyres to be aired across TV and digital platforms.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India & Ethiopia Sign Agreements on Visa Facilitation and Leather Technology: India and Ethiopia signed two agreements related to visa facilitation and leather technology. The Ethiopia Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, DemekeMekonnenHassen is on a 4-day visit to India to hold useful and productive discussions on a range of bilateral and regional issues.During the course of meetings, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Ethiopian minister Hassen agreed to expand India and Ethiopia bilateral agenda especially defence, economic, S&T, digital and cultural cooperation.

Note: Ethiopia Capital: Addis Ababa; Ethiopia Currency: Ethiopian Birr; Ethiopia President: Sahle-Work Zewde; Ethiopia Prime minister: Abiy Ahmed.

 

2. India & Maldives sign 5 deals to boost infrastructure: External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar was on a two-day official visit to the archipelago nation the Maldives to review bilateral ties and development cooperation. During this visit, Mr S Jaishankar handed over 1 lakh additional doses of the made-in-India COVID-19 vaccine to the Maldives. With this, the total Covid vaccine doses gifted by India for the Maldives reaches two lakh. Jaishankar also offered a $40-million line of credit (LoC) to support the development of sports infrastructure in the Maldives. Apart from this, five pacts were signed between India and Maldives to boost infrastructure in the island nation. They included:

(1) Amendatory Agreement to repurpose an older EXIM Bank of India Line of Credit of USD 25 million for Road Devt.

(2) Letter of Intent between EXIM Bank and local authorities for financing a housing project of 2000 units in Hulhumale.

(3) MoU on grant funding USD 0.5 million for a fish processing plant in Kendhikulhudhoo in the northern Maldives.

(4) MoU on capacity building and exchange of content and expertise between PrasarBharati and Public State Media, Maldives.

(5) MoU on sustainable urban development between MoHUA and Ministry of national planning, housing and infrastructure, Maldives.

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

 

3. Indian Oil signs pact with Greenstat Norway for hydrogen fuel: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has signed a Statement of Intent with Greenstat Hydrogen India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Greenstat Norway, to set up a Centre of Excellence on Hydrogen. Under this association, a Center of Excellence on Hydrogen (CoE-H) including CCUS and Fuel Cells, would be developed for clean energy by IndianOil and M/s Greenstat in cooperation with Indo-Norwegian Hydrogen Cluster companies/organizations.

Benefits: Facilitate transfer and sharing of technology, know-how and experience through the green Hydrogen value chain and other relevant technologies including hydrogen storage and fuel cells. CoE-H will be a vehicle for promoting R&D projects in Green and Blue Hydrogen between Norwegian and Indian R&D institutions/universities.

Note: Indian Oil Corporation Limited Headquarters: New Delhi, India; Indian Oil Corporation Limited Chairman: ShrikantMadhav Vaidya.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. World’s biggest cricket stadium set for first match: President Ram NathKovind has inaugurated the newly revamped Motera cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, which has been renamed the Narendra Modi Stadium. The biggest cricket stadium in the world will hold its first international match, with the newly renovated Sardar Patel Stadium to host the third Test between India and England. Both India and England had a forgettable outing in their last pink-ball outings.

About the stadium: The stadium was first opened in the early 1980s but has recently been rebuilt and now has a seating capacity of 110,000. Motera currently is the biggest cricket stadium in the world in terms of capacity. The last time when India played a cricket match at Motera was way back in 2014.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI brings State Bank of Sikkim under its regulatory purview: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has brought the State Bank of Sikkim under its regulation. Till now, RBI had the right and obligation to function as a banker to all the state government except for the state government of Sikkim. Now the bank will be regulated by the RBI on a par with other banks, however, the bank’s ownership structure will not change. About State Bank of Sikkim:

(1) The State Bank of Sikkim was established as an autonomous body wholly owned by the Government of Sikkim, in the year 1968, five years before Sikkim became part of India in 1973.

(2) It was established under the State Bank of Sikkim Proclamation, 1968.

(3) The bank provides treasury operations for the state government and operates only within the jurisdiction of Sikkim.

(4) The bank currently has 42 branch offices and operates three revenue counters for government works.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. S&P Global Ratings: India to be among fastest growing emerging economies in FY22: The S&P Global Ratings has projected that India will be one of the fastest-growing emerging market economies in the fiscal year 2021-22, with a GDP growth rate of 10 per cent. The continuous good performance by the agriculture sector, flattening of COVID-19 infection curve, pickup in government spending and the recently released budget are some of the factors for the positive growth prospect of the country.

Note: S&P Global Ratings Headquarters: New York, United States; President of S&P Global Ratings: John Berisford.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. L&T delivers 100th K9 Vajra howitzer to Indian Army: Army Chief Gen ManojNaravane has flagged off the 100th K9 Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzer built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its armoured system complex at Hazira in Gujarat. L&T had completed the delivery of all the howitzers under the contract awarded in May 2017 ahead of schedule.

About the K9 Vajra programme: The K9 Vajra programme involved the delivery of 100 howitzers with associated engineering support package covering spares, system documentation and training. It also involves the maintenance transfer of technology to an army base workshop to support the howitzers throughout their operational life cycle.

Note: L&T CEO: S. N. Subrahmanyan; L&T Founded: 7 February 1938; L&T Headquarters: Mumbai; L&T Chairman: Anil ManibhaiNaik.

 

2. Indian and Indonesian Navies Conduct PASSEX Exercise: The Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy conducted the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) on February 18, 2021, in the Arabian Sea. The military exercise between the navies of both countries aims to enhance operational interoperability and overall cooperation among them. Indian naval ship INS Talwar and the Indonesian Navy’s multirole corvette KRI Bung Tomo participated in the exercise.

Daily GK Updates – 24th Feb, 2021

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Cabinet approves production-linked incentive scheme for telecom sector: The Union Cabinet approved a production-linked incentive scheme for the telecom sector. The Electronic and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, the production-linked incentive worth Rs 12,195 Crore has been cleared for the telecom sector. He said, this will create 40 thousand direct and indirect employment. Production Linked Incentive Scheme intends to promote manufacture of Telecom and Networking Products in India and proposes a financial incentive to boost domestic manufacturing and attract investments in the target segments of telecom and networking products in order to encourage make in India. The scheme will also encourage exports of telecom and networking products ‘Made in India’.

 

2. Govt approves proposals worth over Rs 363 cr to increase level of processing & value addition of horticultural & agricultural produce: Food Processing Industries Ministry has approved proposals worth over 363 crore rupees to increase the level of processing and value addition of horticultural and agricultural produce. This will result in increase in income of the farmers and create employment at the local level. The approval was given in the two Inter-Ministerial Approval Committee meetings, which were chaired by Minister of Food Processing industries Narendra Singh Tomar. The proposals were received under the Scheme for Creation for Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Cluster and the scheme for Creation and Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation.

 

3. 3 crore 53 lakh rural household provided tap water connections under Jal Jeevan Mission: The Jal Jeevan Mission has reached a new milestone by providing three crore 53 lakh rural household tap water connections. The mission was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 with the aim to provide tap water connection to every rural household by 2024. Jal Shakti Ministry said, as on 15th August 2019, out of 18.93 crore rural households, only 17 per cent had tap water connections. The Ministry said, the untiring efforts of States and Union Territories have helped Jal Jeevan Mission to reach this milestone.

 

4. Actor Darshan roped in as Agriculture Ambassador by Karnataka Govt: Actor DarshanToogudeepa has been appointed as the ambassador of Agriculture Department to populariseprogrammes meant for farmers’ welfare. His work would involve creating awareness among farmers about the programmes taken up by the department and also to inspire farmers. Incidentally, Mr. Darshan is also the ambassador for the Forest Department.

 

5. Vice President releases ‘Maverick Messiah’, a political biography on NTR: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has released “Maveric Messiah”, a political biography on former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao authored by senior journalist Ramesh Kandula. NTR was ranked among the top pioneers of ‘alternative politics’. His entry into politics and ‘dramatic’ success within about nine months of floating a regional party gave a new direction to national politics.

 

6. Central Excise Day: 24th February: Central Excise Day is celebrated every year on February 24 across India. The day is being celebrated to honour the service of the Central Board of Excise and Custom (CBEC) to the country. The day is celebrated to commemorate the legislation of the Central Excise and Salt act on 24 February 1944.

About Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs is formerly known as the Central Board of Excise and Customs. The Customs and Central Excise/ Central GST department was established to administer customs laws. Now the department is under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance which deals with the policy formulation concerning levy and collection of Customs, Central Excise duties, Central Goods & Services Tax and IGST, prevention of smuggling and administration of matters relating to Customs, Central Excise, Central Goods & Services Tax, IGST and Narcotics to the extent under CBIC’s purview.

Note: Chairman of Central Board of Excise and Custom: M. Ajit Kumar; Headquarters of Central Board of Excise and Custom: New Delhi; Central Board of Excise and Custom Founded: 1 January 1964.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Jean-Michel Sama appointed new PM of Congo: Congo’s president has appointed a new prime minister, further strengthening his control of the government over which his predecessor used to hold considerable influence. President Felix Tshisekedi appointed the 43-year-old Jean-Michel SamaLukondeKyenge to be the new prime minister ay. Lukonde had been head of the state mining company. Lukonde succeeds SylvestreIlungaIlunkamba, who resigned on Jan. 28 after a no-confidence vote in the parliament. Ilunkamba was a close ally of former president Joseph Kabila, the strongman who governed the impoverished Central African nation for 18 years.

 

2. Gallantry Award Recipient Siddharth Chatterjee Takes Over as Top UN Diplomat in China: Senior UN official Siddharth Chatterjee of India has formally taken over as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, a key posting of overseeing the work of 27 agencies, funds and programmes of the global organisation in the world’s most populous country. He will be UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s senior-most UN Representative in China as the UN Resident Coordinator. Chatterjee, whose early career was in the Indian Army, was decorated for gallantry by the President of India in 1995.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka wins Australian Open 2021: In tennis, Japan’s Naomi Osaka won her fourth Grand Slam title, after she beat American Jennifer Brady in the women’s singles game of the Australian Open final 2021. The four Grand Slam title for Osaka comes two Australian Open titles (2021 and 2019) and two US Open title (2018 and 2020). In Men’s singles final, Novak Djokovic claimed his ninth Australian Open crown and the 18th Major Grand Slam overall, as he defeated Daniil Medvedev.

Winners of Australian Open 2021:

Men’s Singles: Novak Djokovic (Serbia) defeated Daniil Medvedev (Russia)

Women’s Singles: Naomi Osaka (Japan) defeated Jennifer Brady (US)

Men’s Doubles: Ivan Dodig of Croatia and Filip Polášek (Slovakia) defeated Rajeev Ram (US) and Joe Salisbury (UK)

Women’s Doubles: Elise Mertens (Belgium) and ArynaSabalenka (Belarus) defeated BarboraKrejčíková (Czech Republic) and KateřinaSiniaková (Czech Republic)

Mixed Doubles: BarboraKrejcikova (Czech Republic) and Rajeev Ram of the US defeated the Australian pair of Samantha Stosur and Matthew Ebden.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Mastercard and Razorpay partner to make digital payments more accessible for MSMEs and startups: Mastercard and Razorpay have launched a strategic partnership to drive digital payments acceptance by small businesses and startups in India. This combines Razorpay’s payment processing capabilities with Mastercard’s digital banking solutions and card services. The partnership will enable Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in digitising their operations, maintaining business continuity in the challenging environment and preparing for the future beyond cash.

 

2. ADB, Medanta sign debt financing to support Covid-19 response: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed aRs 100 crore debt financing agreement with Global Health Private Ltd (Medanta) to provide essential health care services and medical equipment to help combat the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. The project will support the purchase of personal protective equipment, basic hygiene products and patient care equipment like ventilators and beds. It will also support staff training programmes on infection prevention and control.

 

3. Bank credit growth at 90% of FY20 level: RBI: Bank credit growth in FY21 so far (up to January 29) has reached about 90 per cent of the year-ago level, going by the Reserve Bank of India’s data on Scheduled Banks’ Statement of Position in India. This is probably an indication that credit demand is limping back to normalcy after the economy was ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic in the first six months of FY21. Year-to-date (YTD) credit growth of all scheduled banks at ₹3,39,147 crore was about 90 per cent of the year-ago YTD credit growth of ₹3,74,938 crore.On a year-on-year basis, credit growth has slowed to 5.92 per cent as of January-end 2021 against 7.41 per cent as of January-end 2020.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India’s GDP to grow 13.5% in FY22: Nomura: Japanese brokerage Nomura said that economic activity is on the ‘verge of normality’ after being severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic. The firm said that India GDP will grow at 13.5 per cent in FY22. Nomura’s estimates are higher than the growth rate pegged by the Reserve Bank of India. The apex bank expects GDP to jump by 10.5 per cent in FY22, after contracting by 7.7 per cent in FY21. The brokerage said that it expects real GDP to contract by 6.7 per cent in FY21 and grow by 13.5 per cent in FY22.

 

2. Tata Communications announces partnership with Google Cloud to ‘Transform’ Indian Businesses: Tata Communications announced partnership with Google Cloud to drive cloud adoption and transform Indian businesses. The partnership will enable organisations to deploy and access Google Cloud services through Tata Communications’ IZO managed cloud. As a Google Cloud India Partner, Tata Communications will support organisations with services across infrastructure modernisation, data centre transformation, application modernisation, smart analytics, multi-cloud deployments and more.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. ‘Meesha’ Wins Best Novel at Kerala SahityaAkademi Awards: The Kerala SahityaAkademi awards for the year 2019 were announced, and author S. Hareesh’sMeesha (Moustache) has won the best novel prize. The awards carry prize money of Rs 25,000, a citation and a certificate.Other awards:

(1) RathriPandrandaraykoruTharattu (A Lullaby at 12:30 in the Night), written by P. Raman, won the award for the best poetry.

(2) Ramachi by Vinoy Thomas has bagged the award for the best short story.

(3) Noted actress SajithaMadathil bagged the Akademi award for her contribution in the drama ArangileMatsyagandhikal.

(4) The Akademi announced that fellowships have been awarded to writers P. Valsala and N.V.P. Unnithiri. The fellowships carry a cash award of Rs 50,000, a two sovereign gold locket, a citation and a certificate.

 

2. Ministry of Tribal Affairs bags Award of Appreciation in the 18th CSI SIG E-Governance Awards 2020: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs bags the prestigious Award of Appreciation in the Project Category-Central Government Entity – in the 18th CSI SIG eGov Awards 2020 for their ‘Performance Dashboard Empowering Tribals Transforming India through various ICT initiatives.

The award was received by the joint secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Dr. Navaljit Kapoor from the honorable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath Ji in Lucknow. These awards have been conducted by CSI-SIGegov. The awards are given for recognizing the efforts made in the e-Governance area at the State, Department, District and Project level.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy gets third Scorpene submarine, to be commissioned as INS Karanj: The Indian Navy has got its third Scorpene-class submarine, which will be commissioned as INS Karanj. The submarine, which is docked in Mumbai’s Mazagaon, was launched in 2018 for sea trials. The fourth such submarine – Vela – is currently undergoing sea trials, while Vagir – the fifth – has just started harbour sea trial. The sixth one is still being worked upon. All  six submarines are being constructed under Project P-75. With these, India will be further strengthening its position as a submarine-building nation.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Music Director Issac Thomas Kottukapally passes away: Music director Issac Thomas Kottukapally passed away in Chennai. He was 72. Kottukapally had received the National Award for Best Background Music for Malayalam film ‘AdaminteMakan Abu’ in 2010.He had also received the State Film Awards for Best Background Music for four films — ‘Bhavam’ (2002), ‘Margam’ (2003), ‘Sancharam’ and ‘Oridam’ (2004). He composed music for many films including ‘Sancharam’, ‘KuttySrank’, ‘Swaham’, ‘Bhavam’ and ‘KunjananthanteKada’, among others.

Daily GK Updates – 23rd Feb, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CSIR inks MoU with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to promote health research: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support the development, conduct and promotion of health research in India. Gates Foundation and CSIR will work together to identify opportunities to initiate scientific and technological collaborations. These will focus on developing and testing new preventions, therapies and interventions that can help to solve major health concerns that affect India and other developing countries.

Areas of research collaboration: (1) Genetic diseases that impact infant and neonatal mortality;

(2) New diagnostics and devices for infectious disease and environmental surveillance; (3) Development of cost-effective processes for drug, vaccines, biologics, and diagnostics manufacturing; (4) Novel microbiome-directed foods; (5) Socio-economic impact of science and technological tools; (6) Other areas of health and development.

Note: CSIR Head: Shekhar C. Mande; CSIR Founded: 26 September 1942; CSIR HQ: New Delhi.

 

2. Prakash Javadekar inaugurates Atal ParyavaranBhavan in Lakshadweep: The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar, inaugurated the Atal ParyavaranBhavan at Lakshadweep. Prakash Javadekar is on a four-day official visit to Lakshadweep from February 19 to 22, 2021. During the visit, the minister attended high-level meetings with the Secretaries of various departments in the Lakshadweep administration, participated in various official programmes at Suheli, Kadmat and Bangaram islands. The minister will also evaluate the major innovative initiatives of the Union Territory’s Forest and Environment Department, so that Lakshadweep undergoes comprehensive development, without compromising it’s commitment to nature.

Note: Lakshadweep Capital: Kavaratti; Lakshadweep Administrator: Praful Patel.

 

3. Kerala Government sanctions Rs. 9 crore to build 48 ‘Smart’ Anganwadis: The state government of Kerala has sanctioned Rs. 9 crores to build ‘smart anganwadis’, by converting the conventional anganwadis into “smart” structures with better amenities. The state Department of Women and Child Development has given permission for 48 anganwadis in the state to construct new buildings under the Smart Anganwadi scheme.

About the smart anganwadis: These smart anganwadis are being designed and constructed as part of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS). These ‘smart anganwadis’ will provide early childhood care by making the facility more child-friendly to nurture the mental and physical development of children. It is expected to have various amenities, ranging from study hall, kitchen, dining area, storeroom, creative zone, garden to swimming pool and outdoor play area as per the availability of land.

Note: Kerala CM: PinarayiVijayan; Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan.

 

4. Family pensions upper ceiling raised from Rs 45,000 to Rs 1,25,000 per month: In a bid to bring ‘ease of living’ to the family members of deceased government employees, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has decided to raise the upper ceiling of family pensions from ₹45,000 to ₹1.25 lakh per month. The amount of both the family pensions will now be restricted to ₹1,25,000 per month, which is over two and half times higher than the earlier limit. In accordance with sub-rule (11) of rule 54 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules 1972, in case both wife and husband are government servants and are governed by the provisions of that rule, on their death, the surviving child is eligible for two family pensions in respect of the deceased parents.

 

5. Assam CM lays foundation of first skill university of eastern India: The Chief Minister of Assam, SarbanandaSonowal has laid the foundation of the first Skill University of Eastern India in Darrang district in Assam. The state-of-the-art skill university would be built with a financial outlay of Rs 1,000 crore. It will impart training to over 10,000 students in 12 disciplines. The university is expected to be completed by 2026. It will have “understandings” with countries like Germany, Taiwan, South Korea, Israel, Japan, and England.

Note: Assam CM: SarbanandaSonowal; Assam Governor: JagdishMukhi.

 

6. UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath launches Abhyudaya scheme: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Abhyudaya scheme via video conferencing. Under the Abhyudaya scheme, free of cost coaching centres for the preparation of competitive government exams will be provided by the UP government. The coaching institutions are especially aimed at providing assistance to those candidates who are not able to take coaching for the exams due to their financial problems.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. United States officially re-joins Paris Climate Agreement: The United States has officially rejoined the Paris Agreement, under the Presidency of US President Joe Biden. Earlier, in November 2020, the US had officially exited the agreement on the order of then-President Donald Trump. The landmark Paris climate agreement was signed in 2015, as per which countries are expected to enhance their commitments to curb greenhouse gas emissions every five years. The goals of the global pact are to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.

 

2. India signs trade deal, $100 million defence agreement with Mauritius: The Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar was on an official visit to two key Indian Ocean region countries- Maldives and Mauritius. The External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar visited the Island nation Mauritius to review the comprehensive and important bilateral relationship between the two nations. India signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Partnership Agreement-(CECPA)) with Mauritius. About the agreement:

(1) The FTA or CECPA is the first such pact with any African country, and will help Mauritius to emerge as a “hub of Africa”.

(2) India has also offered a USD 100 million Line of Credit (LoC) to Mauritius to facilitate the procurement of defence assets.

(3) Apart from this, an agreement has also been signed between the two countries to provide a Dornier aircraft and an Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv on lease to Mauritius on a gratis basis for 2 years, so that the country can carry out patrolling activities and monitor its vast maritime domain more effectively.

(4) India delivered 100,000 doses of Made in India COVID-19 vaccines to the country. It had supplied 100,000 doses earlier. Both the countries also signed MoU on Consumer Protection and a Contract for an 8 MW solar plant.

Note: Prime Minister of Mauritius: PravindJugnauth; President: PrithvirajsingRoopun; Mauritius Currency: Mauritian rupee; Mauritius Capital: Port Louis.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Ravichandran Ashwin becomes first bowler to dismiss left-handers 200 times in Tests: In Cricket, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has become the first player in the 143-year history of Test cricket to take 200 wickets against left-handed batsmen. He achieved the feat during the second day of India’s second Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, his home ground. Fast bowler Stuart Broad was the 200th left-hander to be dismissed by Ashwin. Ashwin has picked 391 wickets in his career so far and 51.2 per cent of his scalps have come against left-handers.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Kotak Mahindra Bank launches Kotak Remit on mobile to send money abroad directly from phone: Kotak Mahindra Bank launched its outward forex remittance service, Kotak Remit, hence allowing its users to directly send money abroad from their phones. The feature is already live on the Kotak Mobile Banking App. For the first time, Kotak customers can conveniently transfer money internationally to their beneficiaries straight from their mobile. It is an industry-first move, and customers will not have to furnish any physical documents for transactions up to $25,000 or equivalent seamlessly to permissible geographies across the world.

 

2. Mastercard Launches Priceless India to Showcase Rich Heritage to Domestic, Global Travellers: Mastercard announced the launch of its flagship Priceless program in India. The program – known as Priceless India – will enable domestic and global travellers who are Mastercard cardholders to attain unique insights and exclusive access to several unparalleled experiences in the country. The program will roll out in two phases. In the first phase, Mastercard will launch 16 short films that will introduce several unique aspects of India’s most iconic cities and destinations for tourists. In the second phase Mastercard cardholders will get a chance to partake in these experiences in real-time through curated packages that can be purchased online. The multi-phase campaign aims to rekindle Indian consumers’ desire for the most unique travel and entertainment experiences

 

3. ESIC join hands with the National Health Authority: In a big leap taken by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) to ensure better accessibility of medical facilities for its beneficiaries, the corporation has joined hands with the National Health Authority (NHA) to leverage the medical infrastructure available under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (AB PM-JAY) in the state of Maharashtra. The tie-up with PM-JAY was initially implemented on a pilot basis in Maharashtra in the district of Ahmednagar and now has been extended to the entire state sans the south Mumbai region, Pune and Kolhapur districts. With hassle-free procedures, this convergence is expected to provide doorstep access of medical facilities to the beneficiaries.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Amazon to start device manufacturing line in India: Amazon is setting up its first device manufacturing line in India to make Fire TV sticks locally and has partnered with Cloud Network Technology, a subsidiary of Foxconn, to begin producing the device at its Chennai plant later this year. The e-commerce giant claimed that the production line will have an annual capacity of “hundreds of thousands” of units, and will also continuously evaluate manufacturing capacity based on domestic demand for its devices. It reiterated its commitment to invest $1 billion into the country to digitise 10 million small and medium businesses by 2025 and create 1 million additional jobs by then.

 

AWARDS

 

1. Bhim Army’s Chandra Shekhar Azad named in TIME’s list:Bhim Army Chief Chandra ShekharAazad and five Indian-origin personalities have been featured in the 2021 TIME100 Next. TIME100 Next 2021 is the second edition of the annual list of Time magazine’s 100 ‘emerging leaders who are shaping the future.’

About Bhim Army: Bhim Army is a Dalit rights organisation based in Uttar Pradesh to help Dalits escape poverty through education. It was founded by Satish Kumar, Vijay Ratan Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad in 2015.

The five Indian-origin persons in Time100 Next list are:

(1) Twitter lawyer: VijayaGadde

(2) UK’s Finance Minister: Rishi Sunak

(3) Instacart founder and CEO: Apoorva Mehta

(4) Get Us PPE executive director and doctor: Shikha Gupta

(5) Founder of nonprofit Upsolve’s: Rohan Pavuluri

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India successfully test fires Helina, Dhruvastra anti-tank guided missiles:Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully carried out joint user trials of indigenously developed Helina and Dhruvastra Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) from the Advanced Light Helicopter at the Pokhran deserts in Rajasthan. Helena is the Army version and Dhruvastra is the Air Force version of the ALH. The missile systems have been designed and developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Key Features: The Helina and Dhruvastra are the third generation, “Lock-on-Before-Launch (LOBL)” fire and forget ATGMs that can engage targets both indirect hit mode as well as top attack mode. The missile systems have all-weather day-and-night capability. They can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as with explosive reactive armour.

It is one of the most advanced anti-tank weapons in the world.

Note: Defence Research and Development & Chairman DRDO: Dr G Satheesh Reddy; DRDO Headquarters: New Delhi; DRDO Established: 1958.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Carlos Menem, former President of Argentina, passed away: Argentina’s former President Carlos Menem has died at age 90 in Buenos Aires. Menem, who served two terms as president from 1989 to 1999 during which he pursued an aggressive privatisation policy. He served as governor of La Rioja from 1973 to 1976 before being arrested following a 1976 military coup and imprisoned for five years.