Daily GK Updates - 10th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Narendra Singh Tomar launches Madhukranti portal: The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar launched a portal ‘Madhukranti’ and Honey Corners on April 07, 2021, with the aim to bring an increase in income of farmers, employment generation and increase in exports. Madhukranti portal is an initiative of the National Bee Board (NBB). The portal is being developed for online registration to achieve traceability source of Honey and other beehive products on a digital platform. The portal will also check the source of adulteration and contamination in honey. It will have an end-to-end record to track the source of honey. Honey Corner is a specially designed space in National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) stores dedicated to the sale of honey.

 

2. India contributes USD 500,000 to UN Trust Fund for counter-terrorism: India has contributed an additional $500,000 to the United Nations Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism, taking the country’s donation to the UN office set up to combat terrorism to over $1 million. With this amount, India’s total contribution to it so far is $1.05 million. The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, established in 2017, enhances coordination and coherence across the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In line with General Assembly resolution 71/291 that established UNOCT in June 2017, the UN Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism was transferred to UNOCT.

 

3. Labour Ministry forms panels to review standards under OSH&WC Code: The labour ministry has set up expert committees to review the standards under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH&WC) Code, 2020. The central government has constituted expert committees comprising industry and subject experts from both public and private sector across the country to review the existing rules and regulations on safety, health and working conditions standards, pertaining to factories, docks and construction work. Heads are:

(1) The expert committees for Factories and Dock Works will be chaired by Dr RK Elangovan, director general, DGFASLI, Mumbai.

(2) The expert committees for the Building & Other Construction Works will be headed by PLN Murthy, vice president and head (domestic operations), L&T Hydrocarbon, Chennai

(3) The Fire Safety committee under the chairmanship of DK Shami, fire advisor to the government of India, MHA.)

 

4. A book titled exam warriors updated version released by PM Modi: The updated version of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s book named ‘Exam Warriors’ was launched. The book gives out various suggestions to both students and parents to deal with the examination pressure and stress. The book raise the awareness on topics like mental health, the role of technology and time management. The book has new Mantras and a range of interesting activities. The book reaffirms the need to remain stress-free before an exam.

About the book: Exam Warriors, first published in 2018. It was written by PM Modi to help young students deal with the stress of exams. Published in 15 languages, its Braille version was launched on World Braille Day (January 4) in 2020.

 

5. PM Modi to release Hindi version of ‘Odisha Itihaas’ by DrHarekrushnaMahtab: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the Hindi translation of the book ‘Odisha Itihaas’, written by UtkalKeshariHarekrushnaMahtab, on 9th April at the Ambedkar International Center. The event marking the release of the Hindi version has been organised by the HarekrushnaMahtab Foundation.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India-Japan signed MoU for Academic and Research Cooperation: The Union Cabinet recently apprised an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) signed between India and Japan. The MoU was signed between the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) that operates under the Department of Space, GoI and the Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere called the RISH that operates under the Kyoto University of Japan.

The main objectives of the MoU are as follows:

(1) According to the MoU signed, the NARL and RISH will continue their cooperation in the areas of technology, atmospheric sciences, collaborative scientific experiments and other related modelling studies.

(2) They will exchange scientific materials, information, publications, students, faculty members and researchers.

(3) The MoU will allow the countries to utilize the facilities such as Middle and Upper atmosphere radar in Japan, Mesosphere-Stratosphere-Troposphere radar, Equatorial Atmosphere Radar in Indonesia.

Note: Japan Capital: Tokyo; Japan Currency: Japanese yen; Japan Prime minister: YoshihideSuga.

 

2. Nirmala Sitharaman attends 2nd Virtual G20 Finance Ministers: Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman has participated virtually in the Second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting. This meeting held under the Italian Presidency to discuss policy responses to global challenges to restore strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth. About the meeting:

(1) The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors discussed Updates of the G20 Action Plan in response to COVID-19.

(2) They also discussed supporting the financing needs of the most vulnerable economies, the progress on the international taxation agenda, promoting greener transitions and the pandemic related financial regulation issues.

(3) Smt. Sitharaman urged all G20 members to ensure equitable access and widespread distribution of vaccines.

(4) Smt. Sitharaman reflected on the global growth projections and underlined the need for continued coordination amidst the persistence of uncertainties associated with the virus.

(5) The Finance Minister said that the G20 Action Plan has served as a good guidance tool and shaping recovery is the mainstay of its current update.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. The Great Khali formally inducted in WWE Hall of Fame 2021: The Great Khali has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2021. The Great Khali went on to battle many of WWE’s most legendary Superstars, including John Cena, Batista, Shawn Michaels and fellow 2021 Inductee Kane, whom he defeated to pick up his first win on The Grandest Stage of Them All, WrestleMania. Standing 7-foot-1 and tipping the scales at 347 pounds, Khali made his titanic presence felt from the moment he first entered the WWE Universe in 2006, standing toe-to-toe with the legendary Undertaker and bulldozing over The Deadman, a rare sight between the ropes. The official name of “The Great Khali” is Dalip Singh Rana.

 

2. Vivo Ropes in ViratKohli as Brand Ambassador: Chinese smartphone major Vivo has appointed Indian cricketer ViratKohli as its brand ambassador. With this association, Vivo aims to reach the millennials and technologically driven consumers. Apart from this, associating with a sports figure will help the company reach a wider audience, ahead of the IPL 2021.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI raise G-SAP for orderly G-Sec market: The Reserve Bank of India has announced to conduct the open market purchase of government securities of Rs 1 lakh crore under the G-sec Acquisition Programme (G-SAP 1.0) in the first quarter of 2021-22. The objective of this is to have a stable and orderly evolution of the yield curve. Under this scheme the first purchase of government securities for an aggregate amount of Rs. 25,000 crore under G-SAP 1.0 will be conducted on April 15, 2021.

About G SAP: The GreenSock Animation Platform (GSAP) is a popular set of JavaScript tools for building animations on the web. Anything you see in your web browser can be animated with GSAP. You simply write short snippets of JavaScript code that define how elements should animate and what the timing should be.

 

2. RBI decides to open up RTGS, NEFT facilities for payment system operators: In a major move in the online payments segments, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to allow payment system operators to take direct membership of Centralised Payment Systems (CPS), such as RTGS and NEFT. Membership in Centralised Payment Systems (CPS) RTGS and NEFT for entities other than banks are so far limited to banks, with a few exceptions, such as specialised entities like clearing corporations and select development financial institutions.

The RBI noted that over the last few years, the role of non-bank entities in payment space such as prepaid payment instrument (PPI) issuers, card networks, white label ATM (WLA) operators, Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platforms, has grown in importance and volume, as they have innovated by leveraging technology and offering customised solutions to users.

 

3. Govt Appoints S Ramann as SIDBI CMD: The government has appointed S Ramann as Chairman and Managing Director of Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). Ramann, a 1991-batch Indian Audit & Accounts Service officer, is currently the CEO of National E-Governance Services Ltd, India’s first Information Utility. The appointment is for a period of three years from the date of his assuming the charge or until further orders. Banks Board Bureau, the headhunter for state-owned banks and financial institutions, had recommended his name for the post.

Note: SIDBI set up on 2nd April 1990; SIDBI Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Mastercard to invest about Rs 733 cr in Airtel Africa’s mobile money business: Airtel Africa announced that Mastercard would invest USD 100 million (about ₹733 crore) in its wholly-owned subsidiary Airtel Mobile Commerce BV (AMC BV). Mastercard would hold a minority stake in AMC BV on completion of the deal, with Airtel Africa continuing to hold the majority stake. AMC BV is currently the holding company for several of Airtel Africa’s mobile money operations and is intended to own and operate the mobile money businesses across all of Airtel Africa’s 14 operating countries.

 

2. Govt Extends Current Foreign Trade Policy Till September Due to Covid-19: The government extended the existing foreign trade policy (FTP) for six more months up to September 30 this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. FTP provides guidelines for enhancing exports to push economic growth and create jobs. The commerce ministry said that in view of the unprecedented situation arising out of the pandemic, which is persisting, the government has decided to continue benefits under various export promotion schemes by extending the existing policy.

 

3. Power Finance Corporation pays interim dividend of Rs 1,182 crore to government for ’20-’21: Power Finance Corporation, a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under Ministry of Power and India’s leading NBFC for the Power Sector has paid an interim dividend of Rs 1182.63 crore to Government of India for the financial year 2020-21 on March 31st, 2021 on 1,47,82,91,778 number of equity shares (56%) held by the government. The interim dividend for FY2020-21at the rate of Rs 8/- per equity share of face value of Rs 10 each was declared by the Board of Directors of PFC in its meeting held on 12th March 2021.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. DevishankarAwasthi Award 2020 awarded to Ashutosh Bhardwaj: The famous DevishankarAwasthi Award has been awarded to the prolific Hindi prose, journalist, and critic Ashutosh Bhardwaj. This honour has been given to him for his work ‘Pitra-Vadh’. He was elected by the selection committee of Ashok Vajpayee, Nandkishore Acharya, and Rajendra Kumar. Ashutosh Bhardwaj has been a native English journalist and his experiences of Bastar have been well discussed in both Hindi and English. This book has been published in English under the name of ‘The Death Trap’. Apart from this, his work on important topics like modernism and nationalism has been well-known in Indian novels. He has also been a fellow of the Shimla Institute of Advanced Studies and is writing independently.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Renowned journalist, Padma awardee Fatima RafiqZakaria passes away: Fatima RafiqZakaria, a Padma Shri awardee, renowned journalist, academician and chairman of Maulana Azad Educational Trust and Khairul Islam Trust Mumbai, passed away. She was awarded the Padma Shri in recognition of her work in education in 2006. MsZakaria, who had played an eminent role in the field of education, was also honoured with the Sarojini Naidu Integration Award for Journalism in 1983. 

Daily GK Updates - 9th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Dr Harsh Vardhan and Arjun Munda launches Tribal Health Collaborative ‘Anamaya’: The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan and the Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda jointly launched ‘Anamaya’, the Tribal Health Collaborative on April 07, 2021, through video conference. The initiative is supported by Piramal Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

About the Anamaya: Anamaya is a multi-stakeholder initiative to enhance the health and nutrition status of the tribal communities of India by converging efforts of various Government agencies and organisations. As part of this Collaborative, the Ministry will undertake several activities such as setting up the National Council on Tribal Health to drive policy initiatives in tribal health, the establishment of a Health Cell to closely monitor healthcare delivery in the tribal areas and devising mechanisms to implement the Tribal Health Action Plan.

 

2. CJI launches top court’s AI-driven research portal ‘SUPACE’: The Supreme Court of India has launched it’s Artificial Intelligence portal “SUPACE” (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Courts Efficiency). Through this portal, the SC intends to leverage machine learning to deal with the vast amounts of data received at the time of filing of cases.

About the SC’s Artificial Intelligence Committee: Justice L Nageshwara Rao, who is also the chairman of the SC’s Artificial Intelligence Committee, delivered the opening address during the virtual launch of SUPACE. Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde was the first-ever chairman of the Artificial Intelligence Committee. CJI Bobde first spoke of the use of AI to assist the Supreme Court soon after he took oath as the Chief Justice in 2019.

 

3. ChintanVaishnav appointed as Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission: Noted socio-technologist, DrChintanVaishnav has been appointed the mission director of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), the government’s flagship initiative under NITI Aayog. Vaishnav will take over from RamanathanRamanan later this month. Ramanan has been leading AIM as its first mission director since June 2017. Vaishnav is currently at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US. He holds a PhD in technology, management, and policy from MIT.

About the Atal Innovation Mission: AIM’s mission is to create and promote a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. Over the past four years, since its inception, AIM’s various initiatives have achieved notable successes. So far, AIM has established 72,59 Atal Tinkering Labs in schools across 650 districts, providing over 3.5 million students access to emerging technologies.

 

4. Govt approves more than Rs 6,100 crore-worth highway projects: The government approved highway projects worth more than Rs 6,176 crore. These projects pertain to seven states and union territories, including Maharashtra, Assam and Ladakh. These include Rs 2,801.33 crore-worth projects in Maharashtra and RS 1,259 crore-worth projects in Assam. The projects worth Rs 779 crore have been approved for Ladakh while Rs 810 crore projects have been approved for Andhra Pradesh.

 

5. CRPF Valour Day: 09 April: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Valour Day (ShauryaDiwas) is observed on 9 April every year, as a tribute to the brave men of the Force. 2021 marks the 56th CRPF Valour Day. It was on this day in 1965, a small contingent of CRPF created history by defeating an invading Pakistani army, several time larger, at the Sardar Post located in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. The CRPF men eliminated 34 Pakistani soldiers and captured four alive. In the conflict, CRPF lost six personnel who had attained martyrdom.

Note: Central Reserve Police Force Headquarters: New Delhi, India; Central Reserve Police Force Formed: 27 July 1939; Central Reserve Police Force Motto: Service and Loyalty; CRPF director general: Kuldiep Singh.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Vietnam National Assembly selects PM & President: Vietnam’s legislature voted to make Pham Minh Chinh, a member of the Communist party with a history as a security official, the country’s next Prime Minister. Outgoing Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc was appointed the new President. The votes of the nearly 500 members of the National Assembly rubber-stamped the leadership picks the Communist party made during its national congress in January.

Note: Vietnam Capital: Hanoi; Vietnam Currency: Vietnamese dong.

 

2. Kosovo’s parliament elects VjosaOsmani as president: Kosovo’s parliament elected VjosaOsmani as the country’s new president. Osmani received 71 votes from the lawmakers at the third round of voting in the Assembly of Kosovo. While 82 deputies participated in the vote in the 120-member parliament, 11 votes were declared invalid. The 38-year-old politician studied law at the University of Pristina in Kosovo and earned a doctorate from Pittsburgh University in the US.

Note: Kosovo Capital: Pristina; Kosovo Currency: Euro.

 

3. MukeshAmbani Reclaims Top Spot in Forbes India’s 10 Richest Billionaires 2021: Reliance Industries Chairman MukeshAmbani has achieved the top spot in the Forbes list of India’s 10 richest billionaires for the year 2021. The total net worth of Ambani was calculated at USD 84.5 billion. MukeshAmbani added around $48 billion to his fortune since 2020, and in turn reclaimed the title of Asia’s richest person as well. Adani Group chief Gautam Adani ($50.5 bn) ranked second, followed by HCL founder Shiv Nadar ($23.5 bn) at third spot.

Other names in top 10 are:

4. RadhakishanDamani (Avenue Supermarts ) – $16.5 bn

5. Uday Kotak (Kotak Mahindra Bank) -$15.9 bn

6. Lakshmi Mittal (ArcelorMittal) – $14.9 bn

7.Kumar Birla  (Aditya Birla Group) – $12.8 bn

Cyrus Poonawalla (Serum Institute of India) – $12.7 bn

Dilip Shanghvi (Sun Pharmaceuticals) – $10.9 bn

Sunil Mittal & family (Bharti Airtel) – $10.5 bn

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. FIFA suspends Pakistan and Chad football federations: FIFA has suspended the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) and Chadian Football Association (FTFA) with immediate effect due to claims of outside interference. The suspension will be lifted once the relevant government decisions have been repealed.

What is the situation with Pakistan: A group of football officials led by Ashfaq Hussain, which was elected by the Supreme Court in 2018 to run the PFF but was not recognised by FIFA, took over the headquarters recently and seized control from the FIFA Normalisation Committee headed by Haroon Malik. The decision to suspend the PFF was prompted by the “hostile takeover” which constituted a serious violation of its statutes. Pakistan was also suspended by FIFA for third-party interference in 2017.

What is the situation with Chad: The Chadian Ministry of Youth and Sports had stripped the country’s FA of its powers on March 10 following concerns over the way it was being run and a breakdown in communication. Last month the country was disqualified from the Africa Cup of Nations by the Confederation of African Football due to interference.

Note: President of FIFA: Gianni Infantino; Founded: 21 May 1904; Headquarters: Zürich, Switzerland.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI to release Financial Inclusion Index (FI Index) annually: The Reserve Bank of India has announced that it will periodically publish a “Financial Inclusion Index” (FI Index) annually in July for the financial year ending previous March. The FI Index would be based on multiple parameters and shall reflect the broadening and deepening of financial inclusion in the country, a statement on regulatory and developmental policies of RBI.Financial Inclusion has been a thrust area for the government, the Reserve Bank and other regulators, with significant progress made over the years. To measure the extent of financial inclusion in the country, the Reserve Bank proposes to construct and publish a Financial Inclusion Index (FI Index) based on multiple parameters.

 

2. RBI increases WMA limits for the State Governments/UTs: The Reserve Bank of India has increased the limit for Way and Means Advances (WMA) for the State Governments/UTs from Rs. 32,225 crore (fixed in February 2016) to Rs. 47,010 crore based on the recommendation of a committee headed by Shri SudhirShrivastava. This represents an increase of about 46%.RBI has extended the enhanced interim WMA limit of ₹ 51,560 crores (a 60 per cent increase in the current limits allowed by the Reserve Bank during the last fiscal to help states/UTs to tide over the difficulties faced by them during the pandemic) for a further period of six months i.e., from April 1, 2021, up to September 30, 2021.

 

3. RBI enhances maximum balance limit per account in Payments Banks: The Reserve Bank of India has enhanced the limit of maximum balance at end of the day maintained in Payments Bank from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per individual customer. The step has been taken to encourage the efforts of Payments Bank for financial inclusion and to expand their ability to cater to the needs of their customers, including MSMEs, small traders and merchants.The extant “Guidelines for Licensing of Payments Banks” issued on November 27, 2014, allow payments banks to hold a maximum balance of ₹ 1 lakh per individual customer.  Based on a review of the performance of payments banks and with a view to encouraging their efforts for financial inclusion and to expand their ability to cater to the needs of their customers, including MSMEs, small traders and merchants.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Bharti Airtel sells 800 MHz spectrum in three circles to Reliance Jio: Bharti Airtel has entered into an agreement with Reliance JioInfocomm to transfer ‘Right to Use’ for some of its 800 MHz spectrum in three circles to the MukeshAmbani-led firm. Following this agreement, Bharti Airtel will receive a consideration of ₹1,037.6 crores from Reliance Jio for the proposed transfer. In addition, Reliance Jio will assume future liabilities of ₹459 crores relating to the spectrum.As per the agreement, which is subject to statutory approvals, Reliance Jio will acquire the right to use spectrum in the 800MHz band in Andhra Pradesh (3.75 MHz), Delhi (1.25 MHz) and Mumbai (2.50 MHz) circles through spectrum trading.

Note: Bharti Airtel CEO: Gopal Vittal; Bharti Airtel Founder: Sunil Bharti Mittal; Bharti Airtel Founded: 7 July 1995.

Reliance Industries Ltd Founder: DhirubhaiHirachandAmbani; Reliance Industries Ltd Chief Executive Officer(CEO): MukeshDhirubhaiAmbani; Reliance Industries Ltd Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. India’s first female cricket commentator Chandra Naidu passes away: India’s first female cricket commentator Chandra Naidu passed away. She was the daughter of the country’s first Test captain CK Naidu. She had done her first commentary during a match between national champions Bombay (now Mumbai) and MCC in Indore in 1977. She had also penned a book titled ‘CK Nayudu: A Daughter Remembers’ on her late father, who was a distinguished cricketer. 

Daily GK Updates - 8th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Bank approves USD 32 million project to Mizoram: The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved a USD 32 million projects to improve management capacity and quality of health services in Mizoram. The project titled “Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project” will strengthen the governance and the management structure of the Mizoram Health department and its subsidiaries. This project will support the state government’s efforts to deliver quality healthcare for the poor and vulnerable and those located in remote areas.

About the project: The key focus will be to strengthen the effectiveness of the state health insurance programme, build synergies with the Government of India’s Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojna (PMJAY), and thereby reduce financial barriers in accessing hospital services, prevent catastrophic out of pocket expenditure for health by poor families and expand coverage. The Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project will benefit the people across the state. It will also benefit healthcare personnel by strengthening their planning and management capabilities along with building their clinical skills and competencies.

Note: Chief Minister of Mizoram: Pu Zoramthanga; Governor: P.S. Sreedharan Pillai.

World Bank Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States; World Bank Formation: July 1944; World Bank President: David Malpass.

 

2. India completes arch of world’s highest railway bridge in J&K: The construction of the arch of the world’s highest railway bridge that soars 359 metres above the bed of the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir was completed. The 1.3-kilometre-long bridge aims to boost connectivity to the Kashmir Valley and it is being constructed at a cost of ₹ 1,486 crores as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project.

Features of the Arch of the iconic Chenab Bridge:

(1) The construction of the Chenab Bridge was declared as a national project in 2002.

(2) Indian Railways is constructing the iconic Arch Bridge on River Chenab as a part of the USBRL project to connect the Kashmir valley to the rest of the nation.

(3) This bridge is 1315m long.

(4) This is the highest Railway Bridge in the world being 359m above the river bed level.

(5) It will be 35 meters higher than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris (France).

(6) The overall weight of Arch is 10,619 MT.

(7) The most sophisticated ‘Tekla’ software used for structural detailing.

(8) Structural steel was suitable for -10°C to 40°C temperature.

(9) Bridge designed to bear earthquake forces of highest intensity zone-V in India.

(10) Bridge designed to withstand high wind speed up to 266 Km/Hour.

 

3. TRIFED launches “Sankalp se Siddhi”- Village and Digital Connect Drive: Tribal Co-operative Marketing Federation of India (TRIFED) has launched Sankalp Se Siddhi – Village & Digital Connect Drive. It is a 100-day drive which was started on the 1st of April. The drive entails 150 teams visiting 10 villages each of which 10 in each region from TRIFED & State Implementation Agencies, visiting 10 villages each. About the Drive:

(1) The main aim of this drive is to activate the Van DhanVikasKendras. Ministry of Tribal Affairs in a statement said that 100 villages in each region and 1500 villages in the country will be covered in the next 100 days.

(2) They will also identify tribal artisans and other groups and empanel them as suppliers so that they can have access to larger markets through the Tribes India network – both physical outlets and TribesIndia.com.

(3) It is expected that Sankalp Se Siddhi will aid in effecting a complete transformation of the tribal ecosystem across the country.

Note: Minister of Tribal Affairs: Arjun Munda.

 

4. Justice N V Ramana to assume charge as next CJI: The senior-most Supreme Court judge Justice NuthalapatiVenkataRamana has been appointed as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI). Justice Ramana would succeed incumbent CJI Sharad Arvind Bobde to take over as the 48th CJI. He would assume charge of the office from April 24, 2021, till August 26, 2022.

Note: Supreme Court of India Established: 26 January 1950.

 

5. Cabinet Appoints Tarun Bajaj as new Revenue Secretary: The Central Government has approved the appointment of Tarun Bajaj as the new Revenue Secretary under the Ministry of Finance. Prior to this, Bajaj, a 1988 batch Haryana-cadre IAS officer, was serving as the Economic Affairs Secretary since April 30, 2020. The cabinet has also approved the appointment of Ajay Seth, a 1987 batch Karnataka-cadre IAS officer, as new Economic Affairs Secretary in place of Bajaj.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Carl Bildt appointed WHO special envoy for ACT-Accelerator: TedrosAdhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), appointed Carl Bildt as WHO Special Envoy for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-Accelerator). Bildt succeeds NgoziOkonjo-Iweala and Andrew Witty in the special envoy role. He will help lead the collective advocacy for the ACT-Accelerator in his new role, mobilising support and resources so it can deliver against its strategy for 2021.

About the ACT-Accelerator: The ACT-Accelerator is a groundbreaking global collaboration to accelerate development, production, and equitable access to novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) tests, treatments and vaccines, according to the WHO website. It brings together governments, scientists, businesses, civil society, and philanthropists and global health organizations. These include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CEPI, FIND, Gavi, The Global Fund, Unitaid, Wellcome, the WHO and the World Bank.

Who is Carl Bildt:Bildt has served as both prime minister and foreign minister of Sweden and is a renowned international diplomat, having been the European Union Special Envoy to erstwhile Yugoslavia; High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina; UN Special Envoy to the Balkans and Co-Chair of the Dayton Peace Conference, according to a press statement by the WHO.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Monetary Policy: Policy Rate unchanged: The six-member monetary policy committee of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) headed by Governor Shaktikanta Das, has decided to keep key lending rates unchanged for the fifth consecutive time, in its April 2021 policy review meeting held between April 5 to 7, 2021. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to keep policy rates unchanged amid the uncertainty created by a fresh surge in coronavirus infections.

The key decisions taken in the Monetary Policy Committee meeting are:

Policy Repo Rate: 4.00%

Reverse Repo Rate: 3.35%

Marginal Standing Facility Rate: 4.25%

Bank Rate: 4.25%

CRR: 3%

SLR: 18.00%

RBI Monetary Policy Highlights & Key Decisions:

(1) The Consumer Price Index of 2022 is predicted to be at 5.1%.

(2) RBI has also kept the accommodative monetary stance unchanged.

(3) Meanwhile, the GDP growth of India is projected at 10.5% in the financial year 2021-22.

(4) RBI is to buy Rs 1 lakh crores of G-Sec under the G-Sec Acquisition Programme.

(5) The Apex Bank has increased the centre’s Ways and Means Advances by 46%. The current limit is Rs 32,225 crores. It has now been increased to Rs 47,010 crores.

(6) Maximum End of Pay balance for payment banks has been doubled to Rs 2 lakhs.

(7) Additional liquidity facility of Rs 50,000 crores announced for NABARD, SIDBI and NHB in 2021-22.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. IMF revises GDP growth forecast of India to 12.5% for FY22: International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its growth forecast for the Indian economy by 100 basis points to 12.5 per cent for the fiscal year 2021-22. GDP growth for FY23 is pegged at 6.9 per cent. The revised forecast was published in the IMF’s World Economic Outlook. India is the only country among major world economies that is projected to grow at a double-digit rate during FY22.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO develops Advanced Chaff Technology to safeguard naval ships: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an Advanced Chaff Technology to safeguard naval ships against missile attack. The development of Advanced Chaff Technology by the DRDO lab is another step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.

About the Advanced Chaff Technology: Chaff is a passive expendable electronic countermeasure technology used worldwide to protect naval ships from enemy’s radar and Radio Frequency (RF) missile seekers. The importance of this development lies in the fact that a very less quantity of chaff material deployed in the air acts as a decoy to deflect the enemy’s missiles for the safety of the ships.

Defence Laboratory Jodhpur, a DRDO laboratory, has indigenously developed three variants of this critical technology: (1) Short Range Chaff Rocket; (2) Medium-Range Chaff Rocket and (3) Long Range Chaff Rocket.

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

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Union Minister and Gujarat MLA DigvijaysinhZala passes away: Former Union Environment Minister and an MLA from Wankaner in Gujarat, DigvijaysinhZala has passed away. The veteran Congress leader became the first Environment Minister of India under the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1982 to 1984.

 

2. Gita Press president RadheshyamKhemka passes away: The president of Gita Press, RadheshyamKhemka, passed away. He is credited for taking the Sanatan literature to the masses. Khemka for 38 years was the editor of the prominent ‘Kalyan’ magazine printed at the press. He last edited the magazine’s April 2021 issue. Gita Press is the world’s largest publisher of Hindu religious texts. 

Daily GK Update - 7th April, 2021

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World Bank, AIIB approve loan for USD 300 million projects to Punjab: The World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have approved the loan for USD 300 million (about Rs 2,190 crore) canal-based drinking water projects in Punjab. The project is aimed at ensuring quality drinking water and minimise water losses for Amritsar and Ludhiana. The entire project will be co-financed by IBRD (World Bank) – USD 105 million, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank – USD 105 million and the Punjab government – USD 90 million. About the projects:

(1) The Infrastructure has been designed to meet the water demand for 30 years. It would benefit the residents of Amritsar with an estimated population of 14.51 lakh for 2025 and 22.11 lakh for 2055.

(2) At present, the Canal Based Water Supply Project for Amritsar has been awarded to M/s Larsen & Toubro Limited at a contract amount of Rs.784.33 Crore.

(3) The total estimated Design-Build Cost of the Ludhiana Project is Rs.1093.92 Crore and the period for completion of the same is 36 months.

(4) The estimated Operation & Maintenance cost is Rs.270.73 Crore for 10 years. The total amount for the project comes out to Rs.1364.65 Crore.

Note: Punjab CM: Captain Amarinder Singh; Punjab Governor: V.P.Singh Badnore

President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: Jin Liqun; Headquarters of AIIB: Beijing, China; AIIB established: 16 January 2016.

2. India’s biggest floating solar power plant to be set up in Telangana: The biggest floating solar power plant in India is to be set up at Ramagundam in Telangana. It is expected to be opened in May 2021. The cost of the project has been estimated as Rs 423 crores. The power plant will have 4.5 lakh photovoltaic panels.

About the Power Plant: The solar power plant is being set up at the Ramagundam Thermal Power Plant reservoir. The solar power plant is to be set up in 450 acres of the reservoir. The project is commissioned by NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation). NTPC aims to reduce its carbon footprints and increase its green energy production to 30% of its capacity through this solar power plant. The capacity of the solar power plant is 100 MW.

Note: Telangana Capital: Hyderabad; Telangana Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan; Telangana Chief minister: K. Chandrashekar Rao.

3. IIT Kanpur develops touch-sensitive watch for the visually impaired: A professor and a research associate at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, (IIT-K) have developed a novel touch-sensitive watch for the use of visually impaired people to sense time accurately. The watch was developed by prof Siddhartha Panda and Vishwaraj Srivastava of IIT Kanpur.

About the watch: The watch we have developed is a haptic watch with a tactile interface that makes it easy for visually impaired people to read the time easily. The watch has tactile hour indicators of different shapes that make it easy for visually impaired people to recognise them. The user has to touch and scan the touch-sensitive watch’s hour indicators and with the help of different vibration patterns, the watch communicates back the time information that is easily perceived by the user. This way, the person is able to read the time.

4. Finance Ministry releases Rs 45,000 crore as additional devolution to States in FY 2020-21: Finance Ministry has released 45 thousand crore rupees as additional devolution to States in Financial Year 2020-21. This is an increase of 8.2 per cent over Revised Estimates 2020-21. As per the Revised Estimates 2020-21, 5 lakh 49 thousand 959 crore rupees being 41 per cent of the shareable pool of taxes and duties were estimated to be released to the States. However, Ministry of Finance has devolved an amount of 5 lakh 94 thousand 996 crore rupees, based on the initial estimates of shareable pool that would be collected in 2020-21.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World Health Day: 7th April: The World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated on 7 April every year. On April 7th every year, governmental as well as non-governmental health organizations organize events that focus on promoting healthier habits of living. From exciting activities to pledges and support plans, these events aim to create awareness about what can increase the life expectancy of people around the world. The Theme of World Health Day 2021: “Building a fairer, healthier world for everyone”.

History of World Health Day: In 1948, the WHO held the First World Health Assembly. The Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year, with effect from 1950, as World Health Day. The World Health Day is held to mark WHO’s founding and is seen as an opportunity by the organization to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year.

Note: President of the World Health Organisation: Tedros Adhanom; Headquarters of WHO: Geneva, Switzerland; WHO founded: 7 April 1948.

2. International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Rwanda Genocide: 7th April: International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda observed globally on 7 April every year. The International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was announced by the United General Assembly in 2003. On April 7th, the date where the genocide against members of the Tutsi began. For approximately 100 days, over 800,000 Tutsi were assassinated. UNESCO aims to educate the world population regarding genocides and the consequences of the crime. UNESCO is committed to promoting education about genocides as a means to sensitize learners for the causes, dynamics and consequences of such crimes and to strengthen their resilience against all forms of discrimination.

Note: UNESCO formation: 4 November 1946; UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France; UNESCO Director-General: Audrey Azoulay.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 SPORTS

1. Shabir Khandwawala appointed new BCCI ACU chief: Shabir Hussein Shekhadam Khandwawala, who has served as the Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) before, is the new BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit chief. The 70-year-old, a 1973 batch IPS officer, takes over from Ajit Singh whose tenure ended on March 31. After retiring as Gujarat DGP in late 2010, Khandwawala worked with the Essar Group as an advisor and was also part of the central government’s Lokpal Search Committee.

Note: Secretary of BCCI: Jay Shah; President of BCCI: Sourav Ganguly; Headquarters of BCCI: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Founded: December 1928.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI deputy governor BP Kanungo retires: BP Kanungo has stepped down from the post of the deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India after his term ended on 2 April, cutting short all expectations of an extension of his tenure. He was appointed deputy governor in 2017 for three years. His term was extended by one more year in 2020. The other deputy governors of the RBI are Rajeshwar Rao, M.K. Jain and Michael Patra.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. NPCI transfers Bharat Bill Payments business to its new subsidiary NBBL: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has transferred all its Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) transaction business to NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NPCI. All licensed bill processors on the Bharat Bill Payment Operating Units (BBPOU), i.e. the banks and payment aggregators, have been directed to start accounting their billing transactions under NBBL from April 1 2021.

The decision to set up a separate subsidiary for bill payment business aims to scale growth of the interoperable bill platform by giving it increased autonomy in operations and onboarding of new billers. BBPS is an interoperable bill payments platform set up in 2013, for use by banks, fintech companies and biller merchants to automate bill collection and request solutions.

Note: National Payments Corporation of India MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe; National Payments Corporation of India Headquarters: Mumbai; National Payments Corporation of India Founded: 2008.

2. Digit Insurance roped Virat Kohli as brand ambassador: Digit Insurance has roped in cricketer Virat Kohli as its brand ambassador. Kohli has also invested in Digit Insurance in the past. Digit Insurance, a general insurance company that became the first unicorn of 2021 with a valuation of $1.9B. With this association, the company aims to carry the message of ‘making insurance simple’ through the cricketer. Digit was able to get the Indian Men’s Cricket Team Captain to invest in the company before he planned to become the face for the brand.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Suman Chakraborty to get 30th GD Birla Award for Scientific Research: Professor Suman Chakraborty has been selected for the 30th GD Birla Award for Scientific Research for his outstanding contribution to engineering science and its applications in developing technologies for affordable healthcare. He is a faculty member at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur’s department of mechanical engineering. He is credited with establishing the first microfluidics laboratory in the framework of an academic institution in India to facilitate the study of how tiny volumes of fluids flow through small channels. Apart from being a reputable academic, Chakraborty has invented technologies that have not only been patented but also licensed to industrial houses for commercialisation.

About the award: Instituted in 1991, the award recognises eminent Indian scientists below the age of 50 for their original and outstanding contributions to any branch of science or technology. It carries a cash prize of ₹5 lakh. The recipient is chosen by a selection board, whose present head is professor Chandrima Shaha, the president of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA).

 OBITUARIES

1. Malayalam screenwriter P. Balachandran passes away: Malayalam screenwriter, filmmaker, dramatist and actor, P. Balachandran has passed away. He is best known for the play Paavam Usman for which he won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and Kerala Professional Nataka Award in the year 1989. Balachandran has scripted many films including Ulladakkam (1991), Pavithram (1994), Agnidevan (1995), Punaradhivasam (2000), and Kammatti Paadam (2016). His directorial debut is Ivan Megharoopan (2012). He has also acted in a few films, the most notable being Trivandrum Lodge (2012).

Daily GK Update - 6th April, 2021

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Rajasthan becomes the 1st state to provide free health insurance to all: Rajasthan becomes the first state in the country where the state government is providing free health insurance facility to all the citizens of the state. This plan was announced by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in the state budget of 2021-22.  The State began the registration for its cashless ‘mediclaim’ scheme Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme. Under this scheme:

(1) Each family will get annual health insurance up to 5 lakhs.

(2) Registrations have started for the Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme from 1 April, while the scheme will start benefiting the residents after its implementation on May 1.

(3) In this health insurance cover, 1576 packages and procedures for the treatment of various diseases have been included.

(4) The cost of treatment related to OPD, examination, medicines and related package of 15 days after discharge will also be included in the free treatment before the patient is admitted to the hospital.

Note: Chief Minister of Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot; Governor: Kalraj Mishra.

2. Dr. Harsh Vardhan approves National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021: Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has approved National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021. The policy aims to lower the high cost of treatment for rare diseases, with an increased focus on indigenous research & local production of medicines. The Policy also focuses on early screening and prevention through primary and secondary health care infrastructure such as Health and Wellness Centres and District Early Intervention Centres.

A provision for financial support up to Rs.20 lakh under the Umbrella Scheme of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi is proposed for treatment of those rare diseases that require a one-time treatment (diseases listed under Group 1 in the policy). Benefits to be extended to about 40% of the population eligible under PM Jan Arogya Yojana.

3. Govt sets up three committees on occupational safety: Central Government has constituted three expert committees to review the existing rules and regulations on safety, health and working conditions standards, pertaining to factories, docks and construction work. One committee will look into the safety parameters of industries, docks and ports while the other two committees have been asked to study and suggest rules for the building and other construction works and the fire safety. The committees include experts from industry as well as subject matter, from both public and private sector across the country. Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar has said a separate committee on fire safety standards has been formed to have a comprehensive and holistic approach for fire safety provisions, in view of recent spurt in fire accidents at workplaces. He said this process will pave the way for establishing uniform and updated standards of safety and health of workers throughout the country.

4. Rs 11,830 crore released to States under the scheme “Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure”: Finance Ministry has released an amount of 11 thousand 830 crore rupees to States under the scheme – Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure. The scheme was announced on 12th October last year as part of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat package. The capital expenditure projects have been approved in diverse sectors of economy like, Health, Rural Development, Water Supply, Irrigation, Power, Transport, Education and Urban Development. It is aimed at boosting capital expenditure by the State Governments who were facing difficult financial environment due to a shortfall in tax revenue arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. A book titled ‘Manohar Parrikar: Brilliant Mind, Simple Life’ by Nitin Gokhale: A new book titled ‘Manohar Parrikar: Brilliant Mind, Simple Life’ authored by Nitin Gokhale was released. The book is published by Bloomsbury. It is an attempt to capture Parrikar’s persona — the man, the politician and the patriot. Gokhale is a renowned author, media trainer and founder of a specialised defence related website BharatShakti.in. and StratNewsGlobal.com.

Through this book, the author presents the journey of the contribution of Parrikar to nation-building and his service to the Goan society, from being an IIT student to a social worker and to India’s defence minister. The book is a tribute to Parrikar, India’s former defence minister and four-time chief minister of Goa, the first IIT-ian to become a chief minister.

 INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Jeff Bezos tops Forbes’ Annual Billionaire list fourth year in a row, Mukesh Ambani ranks 10th: The Amazon.com Inc founder Jeff Bezos has topped the Forbes’ annual world’s billionaires list for the fourth consecutive year. India’s richest billionaire Mukesh Ambani ranked at 10th position with total net worth of USD 84.5 billion.

Top five billionaires in the list:

 

Rank	Name	Company	Net Worth in USD ($)
1	Jeff Bezos	Amazon	177 billion
2	Elon Musk	Tesla, SpaceX	151 billion
3	Bernard Arnault	LVMH	150 billion
4	Bill Gates	Microsoft	124 billion
5	Mark Zuckerberg	Facebook	97 billion
10	Mukesh Ambani	Reliance Industries	84.5 billion

 

The 35th edition Forbes World’s Billionaires list was released on April 06, 2021, comprising a record-breaking 2,755 billionaires. The list is prepared based on the wealth using stock prices and exchange rates from March 5, 2021.

2. International Day of Sport for Development and Peace: 6th April: The United Nations celebrates the 6th of April every year as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. Sport has historically played an important role in all societies, be it in the form of competitive sport, physical activity or play. Sports also presents a natural partnership for the United Nations (UN) system. Sport can help promote fairness, team building, equality, inclusion and perseverance. Sport and physical activity can also help us get through times of crisis, like COVID-19, by reducing anxieties and improving physical and mental health. The professional sport also provides employment and income to many people around the world and an integral sector to the economic success of many communities and regions.

 OTHER UPDATES:

 SPORTS

1. Hurkacz beats Sinner to win Miami Open: Hubert Hurkacz of Poland won the biggest title of his career by beating 19-year-old Jannik Sinner of Italy 7-6 (4), 6-4 in the Miami Open final. Hurkacz became his country’s first Masters 1000 champion. The world number 37 is the lowest-ranked player to win a Masters event since Tomas Berdych in Paris in 2005.

 BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI lowers base rate by 15 basis points at 7.81 %: Various loans offered by Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC) and Micro Finance institutes (MFI) are expected to be cheaper.  Reserve bank of India communicated today that the applicable base rate to be charged as 7.81 per cent. It is lower by 15 basis points (0.15 %) as compared to the current quarter. Last year it was 8.76 during the same period. On the last working day of every quarter, RBI advises interest rates to be charged by NBFC-MFIs to their borrowers in the ensuing quarter. It is based on the average of the base rates of the five largest commercial banks.

2. Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes for Q1 of FY 2021-22 (April-June): The rate of interest on Small Savings Schemes for the first quarter (April-June) of 2021-22 will remain unchanged as the last quarter (January-March) of 2020-2021. Earlier on March 31, 2021, the Government had announced a cut in interest rates on various small savings schemes sharply by 40-110 basis points. However, the orders issued were withdrawn by the government on April 01, 2021. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter that the government has maintained the rates on such schemes that is effective from April 1 and remain in effect till June 30, 2021.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. PhonePe becomes 1st player to cross billion-transaction mark on UPI: Bengaluru-based digital payments and financial services company, PhonePe has become the first company to cross one billion transactions on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure. The company achieved the feat in March 2021, when the total transactions clocked around 1.3 billion on its platform, across the payment instruments offering of wallet, cards as well as UPI. PhonePe, which first achieved market leadership on UPI in December, last year, has seen its transaction count grow steadily, on the back of rising merchant payments. Overall UPI transactions processed by PhonePe grew from 902.03 million in December 2020 to 975.53 million in February 2021.

Note: CEO of Phonepe: Sameer Nigam; Headquarters location of Phonepe: Bengaluru, Karnataka.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Alfred Aho wins the 2020 ACM Turing Award: Lawrence Gussman Professor Emeritus of Computer Science, Alfred V. Aho has won the 2020 Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) A.M. Turing Award, known informally as the “Nobel Prize of computing.” Aho shares the award with his long-time collaborator Jeffrey David Ullman. Aho and Ullman began working together at Bell Labs in 1967 and their early efforts included developing efficient algorithms for analyzing and translating programming languages. Even when Ullman began a career in academia in 1969 while Aho remained at Bell Labs, they continued their collaboration for several decades and shaped the foundations of programming language theory and implementation, as well as algorithm design and analysis.

About the Turing Award: The Turing Award carries a $1 million prize, with financial support provided by Google, Inc. It is named for Alan M. Turing, the British mathematician who articulated the mathematical foundation and limits of computing.

OBITUARIES

1. Samajwadi Party founder member Bhagwati Singh passes away: Founder member of the Samajwadi Party and former UP minister Bhagwati Singh passed away. He was 89-year-old. The last rites of Singh will not be done as he had pledged to donate his body to the King George Medical University.