Daily GK Updates - 27th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Army signs MoU with HPCL & NIEDO for Ladakh Ignited Minds project:Ladakhi youth Army under the aegis of Fire and Fury Corps signed MoU for Ladakh Ignited Minds project with corporate partner Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and executing agency National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) HQ 14 Corps Leh.

About the project:

(1) The project Ladakh Ignited Minds: A Centre of Excellence and Wellness has been conceptualized to secure a better future for the youth of UT of Ladakh.

(2) The programme under the aegis of Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army would be executed by National Integrity & Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) a Kanpur-based NGO.

(3) The Army would oversee the overall operations to include administration and logistics with requisite funding support through Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).

(4) The dignitaries stated that Army is doing all-out efforts not only for skill development but also for providing employment opportunities to the underprivileged and disadvantaged sections of Ladakh.

Note: Governor & Administrators of Ladakh: Radha Krishna Mathur.

 

2. PESB selects Amit Banerjee as CMD of BEML: Public Enterprise Selection Board selected Amit Banerjee as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Earth Movers Limited, (BEML) an Indian Public Sector Undertaking. The PESB announced on meeting held on April 26, 2021. Currently, he is serving as Director (Rail & Metro), BEML Limited. In his professional career spanning over three decades in BEML, Shri Banerjee has worked in R&D and manufacturing functions. His experience involves the design & development of various products like SSEMU, Metro cars, Catenary Maintenance Vehicle, etc.

Note: Bharat Earth Movers Limited Headquarters: Bengaluru; Bharat Earth Movers Limited Founded: May 1964.

 

3. IIT Kharagpur Signs MoU with Ministry of housing & Urban Affairs to set up an Accelerator Centre: IIT Kharagpur and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) have signed a MoU to set up an Accelerator Centre for Research & Development at the Institute. This MoU will provide the opportunity of innovation & incubation assistance to carry out activities like technology and product development. The Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators-India (ASHA-India) initiative under the Global Housing Technology Challenge-India (GHTC-India) is one of its kind innovations.

 

4. JhumpaLahiri comes out with New Novel ‘Whereabouts’: Renowned American author JhumpaLahiri has launched her new novel titled “Whereabouts”. The book is an English translation of the Italian novel ‘Ias Dove MiTrovo’ which was written by the author JhumpaLahiri itself and published in 2018. The novel has been translated into English by the author herself. The book is about an unnamed female protagonist over 45 years as she looks at her life, glancing, sideways, back and forth, chronicling life, relationships and burden of relationships, in short, succinct chapters.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Saudi Arabia to join ‘Net Zero Producers Forum’ on climate change: Saudi Arabia will join the United States, Canada, Norway, and Qatar in forming ‘Net Zero Producers Forum’ for oil and gas producers to discuss how they can support the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The state news agency Saudi Press Agency, SPA, yesterday reported that Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude exporter, will be part of the new platform, which will discuss ways to achieve net zero carbon emission targets to limit global warming.

In the past, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said the kingdom aims to reduce its carbon emissions by generating 50% of the country's energy from renewables by 2030. US President Joe Biden unveiled plans to cut emissions by 50%-52% from 2005 levels at the start of a two-day climate summit kicked off on Earth Day and attended virtually by leaders of 40 countries.

 

2. India builds infrastructures for three educational institutions in Nepal: India has built infrastructures three educational institutions in Nepal’s Palpa district and handed it over in the last two days, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu announced. Newly constructed buildings of Shree Rambha Higher Secondary School, Shree Laxmi Higher Secondary School and Shree Nava Adarsha Multiple Campus respectively, built with Government of India’s financial assistance of NRs. 98.37 Million, were virtually inaugurated by Shri Karun Bansal, First Secretary (DP&R) of the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, District Coordination Committee, Palpa and School Management Committee and local representatives.

 

3. World Immunization Week 2021: 24th- 30th April: World Immunization Week is celebrated every year in the last week of April (24th- 30th April). It aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Immunization saves millions of lives every year and is widely recognized as one of the world’s most successful health interventions. Using the theme ‘Vaccines bring us closer’, World Immunization Week 2021 will urge greater engagement around immunization globally to promote the importance of vaccination in bringing people together, and improving the health and wellbeing of everyone, everywhere throughout life.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Manchester City won League Cup football tournament: Manchester City won the League Cup for a record-equalling fourth time in succession with a deserved victory over a disappointing Tottenham Hotspur side at Wembley. City’s victory equalled Liverpool’s achievement in the early 1980s of winning the competition four years in a row.

 

2. Archery Couple DeepikaKumari and Atanu Das Shoots Triple Gold as India Finish with Four Medals: Newly-wed archery couple DeepikaKumari and Atanu Das led the show with two individual gold medals as India capped their best ever show in a World Cup, claiming three golds and one bronze in the tournament’s first stage. Also, this was India’s best ever individual recurve men’s result since JayantaTalukdar triumphed in Croatia way back in 2009. The two are now automatically qualified for this season’s most-coveted Archery World Cup Final.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Caps Tenure of Private Banks MD & CEO at 15 Years: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has capped the tenure of Managing Director and Chief Executive of commercial banks to 15 years. The same limit will also be applicable to whole-time directors (WTD). This means that the same incumbent cannot hold the post for more than 15 years. The revised instructions will be applicable to all the Private Sector Banks including Small Finance Banks (SFBs) and wholly owned subsidiaries of Foreign Banks. However, it will not be applicable to foreign banks operating as branches in India. According to the new rules:

(1) The MD & CEO or WTD who is also a promoter/ major shareholder, cannot hold these posts for more than 12 years.

(2) The upper age limit for MD & CEO and WTDs in private banks has been retained at 70 years.

(3) The instructions shall come into effect from the date of issue of this circular, that is April 26, 2021, however, in order to enable a smooth transition to the revised requirements, banks are permitted to comply with these instructions latest by October 01, 2021.

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

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. 93rd Academy Awards (Oscars Awards 2021) announced: The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, also known as the Oscars Award, took place in Los Angeles on April 25, 2021. The award is presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). 2021 Oscars honoured the best films of 2020 and early 2021. American drama ‘Nomadland’ won most honours with three awards. Chloe Zhao, who directed “Nomadland”, was crowned best director, and with this, she became the only second woman to claim the title and the first woman of colour to win that award. Indian film personalities Irrfan Khan and BhanuAthaiya were honoured in the “In Memoriam” montage showcased at the event. Complete List of Winners:

Best Picture: Nomadland

Best Director: Chloe Zhao, Nomadland

Best Actress: Frances McDormand, Nomadland

Best Actor: Anthony Hopkins, The Father

Best Supporting Actress: YounYuh-jung, Minari

Best Supporting Actor: Daniel Kaluuya, Judas And The Black Messiah

Best Original Screenplay: Promising Young Woman

Best Adapted Screenplay: The Father

Best Animated Feature Film: Soul

Best International Feature Film: Another Round

Best Original Score: Soul

Best Original Song: Fight For You, Judas And The Black Messiah

Best Documentary Feature: My Octopus Teacher

Best Documentary Short: Colette

Best Live Action Short: Two Distant Strangers

Best Animated Short: If Anything Happens I Love You

Best Sound: Sound Of Metal

Best Production Design: Mank

Best Cinematography: Mank

Best Makeup And Hair: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Best Costume Design: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Best Film Editing: Sound Of Metal

Best Visual Effects: Tenet

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Tyler Perry

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India Joins Rescue Ops for Missing Indonesian Submarine “KRI Nanggala-402”: The Indian Navy has joined the rescue operation for an Indonesian submarine and its 53-person crew that went missing more than 4 days ago. Indonesia had sought assistance from India after its 44-year-old submarine, KRI Nanggala-402, went missing while conducting a torpedo drill north of the island of Bali. The Navy’s Deep-Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSVR) left from Visakhapatnam.

Note: Indonesia President: Joko Widodo; Indonesia Capital: Jakarta; Indonesia Currency: Indonesian rupiah.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Indian Nuclear Scientist Krishnamurthy Santhanam Passes away: Indian nuclear scientist Krishnamurthy Santhanam, who played a noteworthy role in the 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran, has passed away. He was deeply associated with Defence Research and Development Organization(DRDO), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). Santhanam was the field director of Defence Research and Development Organization during the tests of Pokhran-II. He was awarded with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, in 1999 by the Government of India.

 

2. Doyen of Indian Classical Music PanditRajan Mishra Passes Away: Renowned Hindustani classical singer, from ‘Banaras Gharana’ of India, PanditRajan Mishra, has passed away. He was a vocalist in the khyal style of Indian classical singing. Mishra was awarded Padma Bhushan in the field of art in 2007. PanditRajan Mishra was also a recipient of the SangeetNatakAkademi Award, the Gandharwa National Award and the National TansenSamman. 

Daily GK Updates - 26th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. COVIRAP Technology IIT Kharagpur: The IIT Kharagpur has efficiently commercialised the healthcare product COVIRAP. COVIRAP is a diagnostic technological know-how to become aware of COVID-19 virus. The technology is also successful in trying out influenza, dengue, and malaria. Tuberculosis and Japanese Encephalitis. Also, science can be used to take a look at different vector-borne diseases. About COVIRAP:

(1) The trying out fee of the COVIRAP based totally system is Rs 500. COVIRAP is a cuboid formed portable testing device.

(2) The gadget will minimise the want for real time PCR machines and also for thermal cyclers.

(3) It is successful in delivering the outcomes in an hour. This will assist to scale up the screening of COVID-19 in rural and peripheral areas.

(4) The COVIRAP based totally machines can be developed at a cost of much less than Rs 10,000.

(5) COVIRAP conducts COVID-19 test the usage of a swab sample. It does not require a separate facility for RNA extraction.

 

2. Appointment of Retired Judges as Ad-Hoc Judges in HC: The Supreme Court cleared the way for the appointment of retired judges as ad-hoc judges in High Courts (HCs) below Article 224A of the Constitution to deal with the mounting backlog of cases. Around fifty-seven lakh cases in HCs are pending. This will be relevant for two to three years to clear the backlog.

Article 224A: The Chief Justice of an HC for any State might also at any time, with the preceding consent of the President, request any person who has held the workplace of a Judge of that Court or of any different High Court to sit down and act as a Judge of the High Court for that State.

 

3. Special Task Force to Monitor J&K Government Employees: The government of J&K constituted a Special Task Force (STF) for identifying and scrutinising the authorities personnel who are involved in any cases associated with posing a chance to the security or anti-national activities.The Special Task Force will have the ADGP, (CID), J&K, as its chairman and the IGP, representatives of the Home Department; Law Department, Justice Member and Parliamentary Affairs and the concerned department as its members. The STF will scrutinise instances of personnel suspected of activities requiring action under Article 311(2)(C) of the Indian Constitution. The STF has been tasked to collect documents of such personnel and engage with other contributors of the Terror Monitoring Group (TMG) for identifying such different employees.

 

4. A new book title “Living Mountain” by Amitav Ghosh: “The Living Mountain” is a new story by Jnanpith winner and internationally renowned author Amitav Ghosh, written during the course of the pandemic. It is a fable for the current times: a cautionary tale of how humans have systematically exploited nature, leading to an environmental collapse. HarperCollins Publishers India will publish The Living Mountain as a special standalone edition in January 2022 under its prestigious Fourth Estate imprint. The book will also be published simultaneously in Hindi, and as an ebook and an audiobook.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. China names its first-ever Mars rover “Zhurong”: China has named its first-ever Mars rover “Zhurong” after an ancient fire god ahead of a landing attempt on the Red Planet in May. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) revealed the name at the sixth China Space Day held in Nanjing. The Chinese name for Mars, “Huoxing,” literally means “fire star.” Zhurong was the most popular of 10 shortlisted names for a public vote that opened in January, and that choice was backed by an expert panel and the CNSA itself. The rover carries panoramic and multispectral cameras and instruments to analyze the composition of rocks. Zhurong will also investigate subsurface characteristics with ground-penetrating radar if all goes according to plan.

Note: China Capital: Beijing; China Currency: Renminbi; China President: Xi Jinping.

 

2. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham leads global vaccination drive: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham, is fronting a global initiative to inspire confidence in vaccines and encourage parents around the world to vaccinate their children against deadly diseases. In a powerful video released ahead of World Immunization Week, Beckham talks about the loss of everyday activities due to COVID-19, such as hugs with family, spending time with friends, and being with the people we love, and encourages parents to vaccinate themselves so that they can be safe.

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

 

3. World Intellectual Property Day: 26th April: World Intellectual Property Day is observed globally on April 26 every year. It was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life” and “to celebrate creativity and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the world”. Theme 2021: ‘Intellectual property and small businesses: Taking big ideas to market’.

History of World Intellectual Property Day: WIPO proclaimed, 26 April was chosen as the date for World Intellectual Property Day because it coincides with the date on which the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization entered into force in 1970.

Note: Headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization: Geneva, Switzerland; CEO of World Intellectual Property Organization: Daren Tang.

 

4. International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day: 26th April: The International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed every year on April 26 to raise awareness of the consequences of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the risks of nuclear energy in general. The United Nations (UN) proclaimed the day on April 26, 2016, that marked the 30th anniversary of the 1986 nuclear disaster. On this day in 1986, a reactor exploded at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine with devastating consequences.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rafael Nadal clinches 12th Barcelona Open title: Rafael Nadal beat StefanosTsitsipas 6-4, 6-7, 7-5 to win his 12th Barcelona Open title. It was Nadal’s 87th career title, and his 61st title on clay. This is the second tournament where Nadal has captured 12 or more titles. The 13-time Roland Garros champion will return to No. 2 in the FedEx ATP Rankings.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI cancels licence of Bhagyodaya Friends Urban Co-operative Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Maharashtra-based Bhagyodaya Friends Urban Co-operative Bank Limited due to inadequate capital. On liquidation, every depositor is entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of Rs 5 lakhs from the DICGC subject to the provisions of the DICGC Act, 1961.

According to the regulator, the bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in the full and public interest would be adversely affected if the bank is allowed to carry on its banking business any further. The bank has failed to comply with the requirements and the continuance of the bank is prejudicial to the interests of its depositors.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Goldman Sachs Downgrade India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 10.5% for FY22: Wall Street brokerage, Goldman Sachs revised downward the GDP growth forecast of India for the fiscal year 2021-22 (FY22) to 10.5 per cent from the earlier estimate of 10.9 per cent. The downward revision is due to the increasing number of pandemic cases and a host of key states announcing stricter lockdowns, thus affecting economic activities.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 19th India-Franch Naval Exercise “VARUNA” begins: The 19th edition of the Indian and French Navy bilateral exercise ‘VARUNA-2021’ conducted in the Arabian Sea from 25 to 27 April 2021. During the three day exercise, the units of both the navies will undertake high tempo-naval operations at sea, which will include advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, intense fixed and rotary wing flying operations, tactical manoeuvres, surface and anti-air weapon firings, underway replenishment and other maritime security operations.

Indian Navy: The Indian Navy will participate with its guided-missile stealth destroyer INS Kolkata, guided-missile frigates INS Tarkash and INS Talwar, Fleet Support Ship INS Deepak, with Seaking 42B and Chetak integral helicopters, a Kalvari class submarine and P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

French Navy: The French Navy will be represented by the Aircraft Carrier Charles-de-Gaulle with Rafale-M fighter, E2C Hawkeye aircraft and helicopters Caïman M and Dauphin embarked, Horizon-class Air defence destroyer Chevalier Paul, Aquitaine-class multi-mission frigate FNS Provence with a Caïman M helicopter embarked and Command and supply ship war.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Supreme Court judge MM Shantanagoudar passes away: Supreme Court judge Justice Mohan M Shantanagoudar passed away. Justice Shantanagoudar was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court on February 17, 2017. He would have remained in office till May 5, 2023.

About the Mohan M Shantanagoudar: Shantanagoudar was born on May 5, 1958, in Karnataka and got himself enrolled as an advocate on September 5, 1980. He was appointed as an additional judge of the Karnataka High Court on May 12, 2003, and became a permanent judge in the court in September 2004. Later, Justice Shantanagoudar was transferred to the Kerala High Court, where he assumed charge as the acting chief justice on August 1, 2016. He became the chief justice of the Kerala High Court on September 22, 2016, before being elevated as an apex court judge.

 

2. Former Maruti Suzuki MD JagdishKhattar Passes Away:JagdishKhattar, the former Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki, has passed away. He had served at Maruti Suzuki India Limited from 1993 to 2007. He is credited for establishing Maruti as India’s largest car company.

Khattar joined Maruti in July 1993 as Director, and was eventually elevated as Managing Director in 1999, first as government nominee, and then in May 2002, as Suzuki Motor Corporation nominee. After his retirement from Maruti in October 2007, Khattar launched an entrepreneurial venture named Carnation Auto.

 

 

 

 

 

Daily GK Updates - 25th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Launches Extension of ‘SVAMITVA scheme’ Across India: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the distribution of e-property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme on National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24, 2021, through video conferencing. SVAMITVA stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas. The launch marked the rollout of the implementation of the SVAMITVA scheme across the entire country. About 4.09 lakh property owners were given their e-property cards during the event, in more than 5 thousand villages. Swamitva Scheme:

(1) The Svamitva Scheme was launched by Prime Minister on 24 April 2020 as a Central Sector Scheme to promote a socio-economically empowered and self-reliant rural India.

(2) It was launched on pilot basis in the 6 states, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh.

(3) The Scheme will ensure the demarcation of inhabited land in rural areas.

(4) It will use drones in surveying and mapping of properties in villages.

(5) This will help in reducing disputes over property.

(6) The Scheme will cover around 6.62 Lakh villages of the entire country during 2021-2025.

 

2. Justice NuthalapatiVenkataRamana takes oath as 48th CJI: Justice NuthalapatiVenkataRamana was sworn in as the 48th Chief Justice of India (CJI) on April 24, 2021. Justice Ramana was administered the oath of office by President Ram NathKovind at a brief ceremony held at the RashtrapatiBhavan. He succeeds Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde who demitted office on April 23, 2021. Justice Ramana will serve as the Chief Justice till 26 August 2022.

 

3. Government Extends ‘Vivad se Vishwas’ scheme Deadline till 30 June 2021: The government has once again extended the deadline for making payment under the direct tax dispute settlement scheme ‘Vivad Se Vishwas’ by two months till June 30, 2021 to provide relief to the taxpayers facing hardships amid the pandemic. This is the fourth time that the deadline is being extended by the Ministry of Finance, since the launch of the scheme. The deadline was extended for the first time from March 31, 2020, to June 30, 2020, followed by December 31, 2020, and then again till March 31, 2021.

What is Vivad Se Vishwas scheme?

(1) The ‘Vivad Se Vishwas’ scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2020, as per which a taxpayer would be required to pay only the amount of the disputed taxes and will get a complete waiver of interest and penalty provided he pays by 31st March 2020.

(2) Those who avail of this scheme after 31st March 2020 will have to pay a 10% additional penalty and interest amount.

(3) The scheme provides for settlement of disputed tax, interest, penalty or fees in relation to an assessment or reassessment order on payment of 100 per cent of the disputed tax and 25 per cent of the disputed penalty or interest or fee.

(4) The taxpayer is granted immunity from levy of interest, penalty and institution of any proceeding for prosecution for any offence under the Income-tax Act in respect of matters covered in the declaration.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India Ranks 87th in WEF Global Energy Transition Index 2021: India is placed at the 87th position among 115 countries in the 2021 Energy Transition Index (ETI). The report is published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), prepared in collaboration with Accenture to track nations on the current performance of their energy systems across various aspects.

Index: (1) Sweden; (2) Norway; (3) Denmark; (4) Switzerland; (5) Austria;

Zimbabwe (115) is the last ranked country in the index.

About the index: The index benchmarks 115 countries on the current performance of their energy systems across three dimensions — economic development and growth, environmental sustainability, and energy security and access indicators — and their readiness to transition to secure, sustainable, affordable, and inclusive energy systems.

 

2. USCIRF Recommends India, Russia for ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ Tag: A US Congress-constituted quasi-judicial body asked the Biden Administration to designate four nations, including India, as “countries of particular concern”, alleging that religious freedom conditions there in 2020 continued their negative trajectory.

The annual report of the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) also recommended the State Department to redesignate 10 nations as “countries of particular concern” (CPC). These are Burma (Myanmar), China, Eritrea, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. In addition to India, USCIRF in its non-binding report recommended the State Department to add three more countries to the list: Russia, Syria and Vietnam

 

3. International Delegate’s Day: 25th April: International Delegate’s Day observed globally on 25 April every year. This day is observed to raise awareness of the role of the representatives and delegates of the Member States to the United Nations. International Delegate’s Day marks the anniversary of the first day of the San Francisco Conference which is also known as the United Nations Conference on International Organization.

History of International Delegate’s Day: On 25 April 1945, delegates from 50 countries came together for the first time in San Francisco. The conference happened after the devastation of the second world war. The delegates aimed to set up an organization that would restore world peace and imposes rules on the post-war world order. On 2 April 2019, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 25 April as International Delegate’s Day.

 

4. World Malaria Day: 25th April: The World Malaria Day (WMD) is observed globally on 25 April each year to recognize the efforts of the people worldwide to control malaria. The Day was established in May 2007 at the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, WHO’s the decision-making body. The theme of World Malaria Day 2021 is ‘Reaching the zero malaria target’.

World Malaria Day History: World Malaria Day was developed from Africa Malaria Day which was first held in 2008. It is basically an occasion that had been observed since 2001 by African governments. They worked towards the progress goal which aimed toward controlling malaria and reduces its mortality in African countries.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI approves Atanu Chakraborty as HDFC Bank’s part-time chairman: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of former Economic Affairs Secretary, Atanu Chakraborty, as the part-time chairman and additional independent director of the private sector lender HDFC Bank. He retired as Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs in April 2020. Prior to that, he served as Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). Chakraborty, a 1985 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre, has been appointed for a period of three years with effect from May 5, 2021 or the date of his taking charge, whichever is later.

Note: Headquarters of HDFC Bank: Mumbai, Maharashtra; MD and CEO of HDFC Bank: SashidharJagdishan (Succeeds Aditya Puri); The tagline of HDFC Bank: We understand your world.

 

2. HSBC India partners with Google Pay for tokenisation on its credit card portfolio: HSBC India announced that it has collaborated with Google Pay (GPay) and VISA to enable secured tokenisation on its credit cards. This new feature will enable HSBC Credit Card customers to link their card to GPay and use it as a payment option to securely and digitally transact using their mobile phones – online and at merchant stores. The move is in line with the bank’s ongoing endeavour towards enhanced security and convenience for its card holders.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. SBI Research Projects India’s GDP Growth Rate at 10.4% for FY22: The State Bank of India (SBI) Research has revised India’s GDP growth rate for FY22 (2021-22) to 10.4%. Earlier it estimated this at 11%. The downward projection has been taken in view of the increasing COVID-19 related curbs across states.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. National Panchayat Awards 2021: The National Panchayat Awards 2021 was conferred by PM Modi. Prime Minister will transfer the award money (as Grants-in-Aid) through the click of a button, ranging from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.50 lakh. The amount will be directly transferred to the bank account of the Panchayats concerned in real-time. This is being done for the first time.

The National Panchayat Awards 2021 are being conferred under the following categories:

(1) DeenDayalUpadhyay Panchayat SashaktikaranPuraskar to 224 panchayats,

(2) NanajiDeshmukhRashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar to 30-gram panchayats, Gram

(3) Panchayat Development Plan Award to 29-gram panchayats, Child-friendly Gram

(4) Panchayat Award to 30 Gram Panchayats and e-Panchayat Puraskar to 12 states.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Gujarati and Hindi Film Actor Amit Mistry Passes Away: Popular Gujarati and Hindi film actor Amit Mistry, who was last seen in the Amazon Prime Video series “Bandish Bandits”, has passed away. The actor was a prominent face in the Gujarati theatre circuit. He was also known for his memorable performances in Bollywood films like Kya Kehna, EkChalis Ki Last Local, 99, Shor In The City, YamlaPaglaDeewana and A Gentleman as well as TV-like Tenali Rama, Ssshhh…Koi Hai, Maddam Sir and ShubhMangalSavadhan, besides OTT shows.

 

2. M Narasimham “The Father of Banking Reforms” Passes Away: The former Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), M Narasimham, who was considered as the “father of banking reforms in India” has passed away due to Covid-19 related illness. He was 94. He served as the 13th Governor of RBI for a short period of seven months between May and November 1977. He was the first and only governor to be appointed from the Reserve Bank cadre.' 

Daily GK Updates - 24th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Cabinet clears Silk Board-Airport metro line, to complete in 54 months: The Union Cabinet cleared Bangalore Metro Rail’s ambitious Silk Board to international airport line project, which is estimated to cost about Rs 14,788 crore. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) is implementing the project in two phases. While phase 2A covers Central Silk Board Junction to K.R. Puram, the phase 2B runs from K.R. Puram to Airport via Hebbal Junction. The two phases cover a length of 58.19 km. Once completed in the estimated 54 months, this project will play a key role in decongesting the city which contributes 40% to India’s IT exports & is home to a large number of IT parks, hubs and industries.

 

2. Centre extends insurance scheme for health workers under Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Package for one year: Central government has extended the insurance scheme under the Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Package for health workers for a period of one year. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harshvardhan said that Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Package has provided a safety net to the dependents of corona warriors who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic

 

3. ISRO to support eight joint research projects of IIT-D: Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi said that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it will support eight joint research projects mooted by the Space Technology Cell (STC), IIT-Delhi. The ISRO will support the projects under its RESPOND programme with varying duration of 1-3 years, it added. Some of the projects include developing a system for drought and flood forecasting and understanding land-atmosphere interactions, a project that aims to understand the plasma dynamics in electrode-less thrusters, which are used for electric propulsion and have a longer lifespan than their electrode-based counterparts, an indigenous sensor based real time flood warning smart system and other projects.

 

4. AakashRanison launches his E-Book “Climate Change Explained – For One And All”: The climate activist-author, AakashRanison has come out with a new e-book titled “Climate Change Explained – for one and all”, on the occasion of Earth Day. Through the e-book, the author explains the impact of climate change and aims to motivate readers to reduce its outcome with the help of simple sustainable solutions. The book is a mix of facts, data, and information about climate change, having topics like “Greenhouse effect, global warming, Carbon footprint” and their effects on earth in the near future.

 

5. National Panchayati Raj Day: 24th April: Nation celebrates National Panchayati Raj Day on 24 April every year. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj organizes the National Panchayati Raj day or the National Local Self Government Day. India celebrates the first National Panchayati Raj Day or the National Local Government Day on April 2010.

History of Panchayat Raj: 24th April 1993 marks a defining moment in the history of decentralization of power to the grassroots, with the institutionalization of Panchayati Raj, through the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 which came into force with effect from that day. Rajasthan was the first state that carried the Panchayati Raj System in 1959 during the times of late Prime Minister Jawarharlal Nehru.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Participates in Leaders’ Summit on Climate: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the “Leaders’ Summit on Climate”, hosted by the President of the U.S.A. Joe Biden. The two-day conference has been organised virtually on 22-23 April 2021, which coincides with the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Paris Agreement on climate change for signature.

About the summit: The theme of the summit: Our Collective Sprint to 2030. A total of 40 national leaders have been invited by Biden to attend this two-day virtual climate summit. The Summit is being held in the run-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) that will take place in November 2021 in Glasglow.

 

2. Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021 held: The opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021 was held in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province. The theme of the conference – “A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation”. The forum, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, has not only played a unique role in pooling consensus and putting forward valuable “Boao proposals,” but also engaged countries in addressing global issues and promoting world development and prosperity.

 

3. World Veterinary Day 2021: 24th April: The World Veterinary Day is observed on the Fourth Saturday of April every year. In 2021, the day falls on April 24, 2021. The theme of the 2021 World Veterinary Day is ‘Veterinarian response to the COVID-19 crisis.’ The day was created by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000 to celebrate the contributions of veterinarians to the health of animals and society.

 

4. International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace: 24th April: The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace observed globally on 24 April. ‘International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace’ was first observed by the United Nations (UN) on April 24, 2019. The day aims to spread knowledge about the advantages of multilateralism and diplomacy for peace, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities. The Assembly proclaimed the day while considering that preserving the values of multilateralism and international cooperation is fundamental to promote and support the three pillars of the UN – Peace and Security, Development and Human Rights.

 

5. World Day for Laboratory Animals: 24th April: The World Day For Animals In Laboratories (WDAIL); also known as World Lab Animal Day or World Day for Laboratory Animals, is observed every year on 24 April. The day was instituted in 1979 by the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS), as an “international day of commemoration” for animals in laboratories. WDAIL aims to end the suffering of animals in laboratories around the world and promote their replacement with advanced scientific non-animal techniques. Apart from this, the “World Week for Animals In Laboratories” (Lab Animal Week) is celebrated from April 20 to 26.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India Claims Historic Win with 11 Medals at 2021 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships: The 2021 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships was held in Kielce, Poland, from 13 to 23 April 2021. A 10-day biennial event witnessed 414 boxers from 52 countries. From India, eight boxers competed in the finals, including 7 female players and one male. Eight out of the eight boxers created history by claiming top spot in their respective category. With this, India ended the tournament with 11 medals (8 gold & 3 bronze) to finish top in the medal table.

List of Winners:

Gold Medal Winners:

(1) Gitika – 48kg Light flyweight

(2) NaoremBabyrojisanaChanu – 51kg Flyweight

(3) Poonam Pinia – 57kg Featherweight

(4) Vinka – 60kg Lightweight

(5) Arundhati Choudhary – 69kg Welterweight

(6) ThokchomSanamachaChanu – 75kg Middleweight

(7) AlfiyaPathan – +81kg Heavyweight

(8) Sachin – 56kg Bantamweight

 

Bronze Medal Winners:

(1) BishwamitraChongtham – 49kg

(2) Ankit Narwal – 64kg

(3) Vishal Gupta – 91kg

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI allows commercial banks to pay up to 50% of pre-Covid dividends: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed commercial banks to pay dividends on equity shares for FY21, from the profits for the fiscal ended March 31, 2021, subject to certain conditions and limits. The new notification of RBI allows commercial banks to pay dividends not more than 50 per cent of the amount determined as per the dividend payout ratio prescribed. This means that banks may pay dividends up to 50% of what they paid before the Covid scenario.

Earlier, RBI had asked all banks not to make any dividend payment on equity shares for FY20 from the profits due to the ongoing stress and heightened uncertainty on account of Covid-19. For co-operative banks, all the restrictions on dividends have been removed and they have been permitted to pay the dividend on equity shares from the profits of the financial year ended March 31, 2021. However, RBI has also instructed all banks to continue to meet the applicable minimum regulatory capital requirements after dividend payment.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Fitch Ratings Affirms India’s Sovereign Rating at ‘BBB-‘: Rating agency Fitch Ratings has kept the sovereign rating of India unchanged at ‘BBB-‘ with a negative outlook. Earlier, Fitch had estimated GDP contraction of 7.5 per cent in 2020-21 and growth of 12.8 per cent in the fiscal year FY22, followed by 5.8 per cent in FY23.

 

2. Ind-Ra Projects India’s GDP Growth Rate at 10.1% in FY22: India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has revised downwards the GDP growth forecast of India in FY22 (2021-22) to 10.1 per cent. Earlier Ind-Ra estimated this at 10.4 per cent. The downward revision is due to the second wave of COVID-19 infections and the slower pace of vaccination. For FY21 (2020-21), the economy is estimated to have contracted by 7.6 per cent. Ind-Ra is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fitch Group.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Rumana Sinha Sehgal won the Nelson Mandela World Humanitarian Award 2021:Rumana Sinha Sehgal, Software engineer turned entrepreneur from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, won the Nelson Mandela World Humanitarian Award 2021 by the Diplomatic Mission Global Peace. She was virtually awarded for her contribution to the field of developing innovative and functional green products by recycling varied materials and non-biodegradable materials. Other Awards:

-Nationwide Award -under 50- Business Leader 2021 of Social entrepreneurship.

-International Influencer of the year 2021’ at the Influencer Summit in January 2021.

-ReXKarmaveer Chakra (silver) and Global Fellowship award 2019 for her work in the zone of women and child empowerment.

-She was crowned as the ‘Mrs Universe Successful 2018’.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Padma awardee winning Indian Islamic Scholar MaulanaWahiduddin passes away: Noted Indian Islamic scholar, spiritual leader and author MaulanaWahiduddin Khan has passed away due to Covid-19 complications. He has written over 200 books on several aspects of Islam and is best known for having written a commentary on the Quran and its translation in English, Hindi and Urdu. He was the recipient of several notable honours like Padma Vibhushan (2021), Padma Bhushan (2000) and the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavna Award (2009).

 

2. Music Composer Shravan Rathod of “Nadeem-Shravan” Fame Passes Away: Veteran music composer Shravan Rathod of Nadeem-Shravan fame has passed away due to coronavirus complications. The iconic composer duo Nadeem-Shravan (Nadeem Saifi and Shravan Rathod), were among the most sought-after composers of the 90s. Together they composed some of the iconic hits for movies such as Aashiqui (1990), Saajan (1991), Hum Hain RahiPyarKe (1993), Pardes (1997) and Raja Hindustani (1996), among others. The Nadeem-Shravan duo parted ways in the 2000s, however, they again reunited to compose for David Dhawan-directed Do Knot Disturb in 2009.