Daily GK Update- 7th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. BRO celebrates 61st raising day on 7th May: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was formed on 7 May 1960, with the primary goal of securing India’s borders and developing infrastructure in remote areas of India’s north and northeastern states. On 7 May 2021 BRO celebrated its 61st Raising Day (foundation day).

About BRO: It is a leading road construction agency under the Ministry of Defence. Its primary role is to provide road connectivity in India’s border areas. It also creates upgrades and maintains infrastructure along borders to meet India’s overall tactical and strategic goals. Apart from road construction it also executes maintenance works along Northern and Western frontiers mainly to meet strategic requirements of the Indian Army. It is responsible for over 53,000 Km roads. It contributes towards India’s strategic objectives in neighbouring regions by constructing roads in friendly foreign nations like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

Note: Director-General of BRO: Lt. Gen. Rajeev Chaudhary; BRO Headquarters: New Delhi; BRO Founded: 7 May 1960.

 

2. DMK chief Stalin appointed as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu governor BanwarilalPurohit has appointed DravidaMunnetraKazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. The 68-year-old is the son of the former five-term Tamil Nadu chief minister, the late M Karunanidhi. The DMK-led alliance won 159 seats, well ahead of the majority mark of 118 seats. The party alone won 133 seats in the election. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Stalin led the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), of which the DMK is a constituent, to victory in 38 out of 39 parliamentary seats in Tamil Nadu.

 

3. RM Sundaram appointed as Director of Indian Institute of Rice Research: Raman MeenakshiSundaram has been appointed as Director of the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), an arm of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Prior to this elevation, he was working as Principal Scientist (Biotechnology) at the institute crop Improvement Section. He is a scientist of global repute working in the area of rice biotechnology, molecular breeding, and genomics and has over 160 research papers in national and international journals of repute and has published several books, book chapters and popular articles. Sundaram’s research accomplishments include the development of one of the first biotechnology products in rice, Improved Samba Mahsuri, which is high yielding, is of fine-grain type, has a low glycaemic index and is highly resistant to bacterial blight, it said.

 

4. Vijay Goel takes over as CMD of THDCIL: THDC India Ltd has announced that Vijay Goel assumed as chairman and managing director. His appointment will come into effect from May 1, 2021. He joined the company in 1990 as a senior personnel officer (SPO) from NHPC Ltd. He has more than 35 years of varied experience in the field of human resource management.

During his tenure as general manager, he was also in charge of corporate communications, law and arbitration functions. His key areas of interventions are policy formation, manpower planning, establishment and estate functions, employee relations, compliance of labour laws and overall formulation and implementation of policies. He played a vital role in putting in place initial HR systems immediately after the establishment of the THDCIL.

 

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India, France, Australia hold first trilateral dialogue: The first-ever India-France-Australia Trilateral Foreign Ministerial Dialogue was held in London, UK, on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar from India, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian and Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Marise Payne. The France, India, Australia trilateral meet was launched in September 2020 at Foreign Secretaries’ levels but has been elevated to ministerial level within one year of its inception. It has three joint priorities which are maritime security, environment, and multilateralism.

G7 foreign ministers meeting: The G7 foreign ministers meeting is the first in-person meeting of foreign minister of the grouping amid pandemic, with the last such meeting taking place in 2019. Members of the G7 are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The host nation UK invited India, Australia, South Korea, South Africa and the secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to be part of this meet.

 

2. The World’s Longest Pedestrian Bridge Opens in Portugal: The world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge named “Arouca” was opened in Portugal, according to a press release by UNESCO’s Arouca World Geopark. The Arouca Bridge offers a half-kilometre (almost 1,700-foot) walk across its span, along a metal walkway suspended from cables. Some 175 meters (574 feet) below, the Paiva River flows through a waterfall. The bridge hangs on steel cables strung between V-shaped concrete towers and connects the banks of the Paiva River. The record-breaking bridge took several years to build and was designed by Portuguese studio Itecons. It was constructed by Conduril and cost about $2.8 million (2.3 million euros).

Note: Portugal President: Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa; Portugal Capital: Lisbon; Portugal Currency: Euro.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. AICF launches Checkmate Covid Initiative: The All India Chess Federation has launched the ‘Checkmate Covid Initiative’ to help the chess community affected by the pandemic. The initiative was launched at an online event in the presence of FIDE (World Chess Federation) president ArkadyDvorkovich, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, World Rapid Chess Champion Koneru Humpy, AICF president Sanjay Kapoor and secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan. The idea is to not just help the chess community affected by COVID through financial aid, but also have a team of doctors that works round-the-clock to provide the right assistance.

Note: All India Chess Federation President: Sanjay Kapoor; All India Chess Federation Headquarters location: Chennai; All India Chess Federation Founded: 1951.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Announces Term Liquidity Facility of Rs. 50,000 Crore for Healthcare: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has announced a Covid-19 healthcare package of Rs 50,000 crore, for lending to entities such as vaccine makers, medical equipment suppliers, hospitals and related sectors, besides the patients in need of funds for treatment.

About the Covid-19 healthcare package: The new on-tap special liquidity facility of Rs 50,000 crore will be made available to the banks at the repo rate, for access to emergency health security amid the economic stress due to the second wave of Covid-19 in India. Banks can give loans under this facility till March 31, 2022. This Covid loan will be provided for a tenure of up to 3 years and will be classified as a priority sector loan till repayment or maturity.

About the Covid loan book mechanism: Besides, a Covid loan book mechanism has also been announced for banks, where banks will have an option to place an equivalent amount as lend to borrowers, with RBI at the reverse repo rate plus 40 basis points. This means that if banks lend Rs 50,000 crore to the borrowers and the equivalent amount of Rs 50,000 crore of surplus funds of the system is put in the reverse repo with RBI, they can earn 3.75 per cent instead of 3.35 per cent.

About the long-term repo operation (LTRO): A special long-term repo operation (LTRO) has been announced for small finance banks (SFBs) worth Rs 10,000 crore, to provide further lending support to NBFC-microfinance institutions (MFIs) and other MFIs (Societies, Trusts etc.) which are members of RBI recognised ‘Self-Regulatory Organisation’. These MFIs must have an asset size of Rs 500 crore, as of 31 March 2021.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. S&P Revises India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 9.8% for FY22: The US-based S&P Global Ratings has lowered the GDP growth forecast of the Indian economy to 9.8 per cent for the financial year 2021-22 (FY22). The US-based rating agency in March had an 11 per cent GDP growth forecast for India for April 2021-March 2022 fiscal. on account of a fast economic reopening and fiscal stimulus.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Gita Mittal to be awarded Arline Pacht Global Vision Award: Former Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir High Court, Justice Gita Mittal, has been declared as one of the two recipients of the Arline Pacht Global Vision Award for 2021. The Award will be presented at IAWJ’s Biennial Conference during the virtual opening ceremony on May 7, 2021. She shares the honour with Margarita Luna Ramos from Mexico. International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) instituted this award in 2016. Justice Mittal would be the first Indian judge to receive the award. Award is presented to a sitting/retired woman judge to recognize her contribution to IAWJ.

At present, Justice Mittal is the Chairperson of Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC), an independent, self-regulatory body for general entertainment channels set up by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF). She is the first woman to hold this position.

Note: President of International Association of Women Judges: Vanessa Ruiz; International Association of Women Judges Founded: 1991; International Association of Women Judges  HQ: Washington DC, USA.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Union Minister and RLD Founder Ajit Singh Passes Away: Former Union Minister and RashtriyaLok Dal (RLD) founder and leader Ajit Singh has passed away battling COVID-19. He was the son of former Prime Minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh. Ajit Singh had served as Minister of Commerce & Industry under Prime Minister V. P. Singh; Minister of Food Processing Industries in P. V. Narasimha Rao’s cabinet; Minister of Agriculture in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government and Minister of Civil Aviation in Manmohan Singh’s cabinet.

 

2. Actress AbhilashaPatil passes away due to Covid-19: Actress AbhilashaPatil, who featured in films like ‘Good Newwz’, ‘Badrinath Ki Dulhania’ and ‘Chhichhore’, passed away due to Covid-19 complications. She was in her early 40s. Apart from Bollywood movies, Patil also appeared in Marathi films such as ‘TeAathDiwas’, BaykoDetaKaBayko’, ‘Prawaas’, ‘Pipsi’ and ‘TujhaMajha Arrange Marriage’. 

Daily GK Update- 6th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Odisha announces Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana: Odisha government has announced Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana for journalists. Odisha has declared the journalists as frontline Covid warriors. It will benefit more than 6500 journalists of the state. Under the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana, a health insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to each Journalist. Under the scheme, financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh will be provided to the families of journalists who died from COVID-19 while performing duty.

Note: Chief Minister of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik and Governor is Ganeshi Lal.

 

2. Nation’s first ‘Drive in Vaccination Center’ unveiled in Mumbai: The Nation’s first ‘Drive in Vaccination Center’ was inaugurated by MP Rahul Shewale in Mumbai. This center has been set up in the parking lot of Kohinoor Square Tower at Dadar. This first of its kind ‘Drive-in Vaccination Center’ facility has been made available to the citizens at a time when people with disabilities are facing difficulties in getting to the vaccination center. The center also provides transportation facilities to the citizens who do not have their own vehicles. The vaccination has been started and the facility is available for all sections of society. MP Rahul Shewale informed that this facility will be provided in other multi-parking lots in the city, after assessing the success of this first project.

Note: Maharashtra Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari; Maharashtra Capital: Mumbai; Maharashtra CM: Uddhav Thackeray.

 

3. Kerala CM PinarayiVijayan submits resignation to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan: PinarayiVijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala, has submitted his resignation letter to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on May 03, 2021. Vijayan will continue to serve as chief minister till the new government is sworn in. He was serving as the 12th CM of Kerala since 25 May 2016. He was the leader of the ruling CPI (M)-headed Left Democratic Front (LDF).

 

4. French firm Alstom delivers 100th electric locomotive to Indian Railways: Alstom has successfully manufactured and delivered the 100th electric locomotive to the Indian Railways, the French multinational rolling stock manufacturer said. Built in one of the country’s largest integrated Greenfield manufacturing facilities, these are the most powerful made-in-India electric locomotives. As part of the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) project of the railways, the Ministry of Railways and Alstom signed a contract worth 350 crore euros (Rs 25,000 crore) in 2015 and created a joint venture. The contract allowed for the manufacture of 800 double-section, 12,000-horsepower electric locomotives for freight service and associated maintenance for a period of 11 years.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India-UK Unveil 10-year Road Map for Stronger Bilateral Trade Partnership: The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson held a virtual Summit meeting on May 04, 2021. During the Summit meeting, both the leaders unveiled an ambitious 10-year road map to elevate the India-UK bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new India-UK trade investment worth £1 billion.

Apart from this, India and the UK inked nine pacts. These pacts were in areas such as migration and mobility, digital and technology, telecommunications, energy and medicines, counter-terrorism, besides agreeing to boost collaboration in dealing with climate change through a new partnership on renewables and power. They also launched Enhanced Trade Partnership, which included negotiation for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), including consideration of an interim trade agreement to deliver early gains. The two nations set an ambitious target of more than doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

 

2. World Athletics Day 2021: 5th May: The World Athletics Day 2021 was observed on 05 May 2021. The day aims to boost participation in athletics among youngsters and make people aware of the various health issues and create awareness about the importance of fitness. World Athletics Day was introduced in 1996 by then-president of International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) Primo Nebiolo. The date to celebrate this day is different every year and is decided by IAAF, but the month remains the same which is May.

 

3. International No Diet Day: 6th May: International No Diet Day is observed on May 6, and its symbol is a light blue ribbon. It is an annual celebration of body acceptance, including fat acceptance and body shape diversity. It means recognising that your body is beautiful exactly as it is and worry less about your weight, body shape and more about being healthy and active. The day is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle with a focus on health at any size and in raising awareness of the potential dangers of dieting and the unlikelihood of success.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. NuwanZoysa banned for 6 years for breaching ICC’s anti-corruption code: Former Sri Lanka player and coach, NuwanZoysa has been banned from all cricket for six years after an ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal found him guilty of breaching the ICC anti-corruption code. The ban for Zoysa is backdated to 31 October 2018, when he was provisionally suspended. Zoysa guilty of “being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or another aspect (s) of an International Match.” The other charge is about “directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach Code Article 2.1.”

Note: Chairman of ICC: Greg Barclay; CEO of ICC: Manu Sawhney; Headquarters of ICC: Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Yono by SBI Joins Hands with Shivrai Technologies:Shivrai Technologies partnered with leading digital banking platform, Yono SBI to help smallholder, marginal, and large-holder farmers by way of a free application. This will allow them to focus on their costs incurred, as well as the bookkeeping of total profits that are in line. The aim to help farmers across the country to manage their accounts efficiently, thus cutting down on losses. Shivrai also owns their own B2B brand, FarmERP.

Through this new venture with Yono by SBI, they aim to make their application increasingly accessible. This free-of-cost application will not only efficiently manage their accounts but will also give them a platform to analyse and calculate their profits, losses, and expenses, thus enabling them to make a wiser purchase, harvest, and production decisions. It is curated in the simplest possible way for smallholder farmers to benefit from it.

Note: SBI Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara; SBI Headquarters: Mumbai; SBI Founded: 1 July 1955.

 

2. Axis Bank board reclassifies NIACL as ''public investor'' from ''promoter'': The New India Assurance Co Ltd (NIACL) has been reclassified as a ''public shareholder'' of Axis Bank from being a ''promoter''. Last week, the country''s third-largest private sector lender had received a request from NIACL to reclassify it to public category from promoter category investor. The nod for the reclassification is subject to approval of the stock exchanges, statutory/regulatory authorities and shareholders of the bank. NIACL held 0.67 per cent of the total issued and paid-up equity share capital of the bank as on April 22, 2021, said the lender.

Note: Axis Bank Commenced operations: 1994; MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Tagline: BadhtikaNaamZindagi

New India Assurance Co Ltd (NIACO):  Establishment: 1919; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Chairman & MD: AtulSahai

 

3. Government infuses Rs 200 crore capital in IFCI: In line with Budget announcement, the government has infused Rs 200 crore capital in state-owned IFCI to improve its financial health. Following the capital infusion, the government holding in the financial institution has increased to 63.8 per cent from earlier 61.02 per cent. The infusion was done through preferential issue of equity shares. The government had committed Rs 200 crore to IFCI in the Budget 2020-21.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Amazon acquires Perpule to aid kirana-tech: Amazon Technologies Inc., part of Amazon.com Inc., has acquired retail tech startup Perpule in an all cash-deal of ₹107.6 crore to bolster its play in the kirana-tech space. Amazon is expected to pay additional remuneration to Bengaluru-based Perpule’s employees, which may bump up the overall deal value to about ₹150 crore. With this, the firm plans to up its game in the kirana-tech space as it would now leverage Perpule’s cloud-based point-of-sale (PoS) offering ‘UltraPoS’ and offer a new suite of technology products to kirana partners, while digitizing neighbourhood stores.

 

2. Tata Digital gets CCI nod to acquire 64.3% stake in Big Basket: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Tata Digital’s acquisition of 64.3 per cent of Big Basket’s B2B arm Supermarket Grocery Supplies. The commission said Supermarket Grocery Supplies may acquire sole control of Innovative Retail Concepts that operates Big Basket’s online retail unit.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Singer Pink bags Icon Award at Billboard Music Awards: Singer Pink will be honoured with the Icon Award at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs). The award aims to recognize artists who have achieved success on the Billboard charts and left an indelible impact on music. Pink joins previous honourees that include Neil Diamond, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Cher, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey and Garth Brooks.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. V Kalyanam, Mahatma Gandhi’s Former Personal Secretary, passes Away: Mahatma Gandhi’s former personal secretary V Kalyanam passed away. He was Gandhi’s personal secretary from 1943 to 1948, when the Mahatma was assassinated. Kalyanam was preserving letters written by Gandhiji, a cheque bearing his sign and other literature associated with him. He was proficient in Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Tamil and English. A staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi, he was also associated with Rajaji in the 1960s.

 

2. Former J&K Governor Jagmohan Passes Away: Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Jagmohan Malhotra has passed away. Jagmohan served two terms as Jammu and Kashmir Governor, once from 1984 to 1989, and then from January 1990 to May 1990. He had also served as Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Goa and Daman & Diu. Jagmohan was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1996 and served as the Union Minister for Urban Development and Tourism in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1998. Apart from this, he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1971, Padma Bhushan in 1977 and Padma Vibhushan in 2016. 

Daily GK Update- 5th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Army Launches First Solar Plant in North Sikkim: The Indian Army recently launched the first Green Solar Energy harnessing plant in Sikkim. It was launched to benefit the troops of the Indian army. The plant uses Vanadium based battery technology. It was built at an altitude of 16,000 feet. The capacity of the plant is 56 KVA. It was completed in collaboration with IIT Mumbai.

About the Vanadium: In January 2021, Vanadium was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh. This was the first discovery of Vanadium in India. India consumes 4% of global vanadium production in the world. It is found in sixty different minerals and ores that includes carnotite, vanadate, roscoelite, patronite. Vanadium is used in making steel alloys, space vehicles, nuclear reactors, etc. It is also used in making girders, piston rods. Vanadium redox batteries are used in superconducting magnets. They are also used to create reliable renewable sources of energy. The colour of Vanadium is silver. It is a transitional metal, that is, a good conductor of heat and electricity.

Note: Chief Minister of Sikkim: PS Golay; Governor of Sikkim: Ganga Prasad.

 

2. PepsiCo Foundation partners with SEEDS to set up COVID care centres: PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, said it has partnered with the not-for-profit organisation, Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) to launch a community COVID-19 vaccination drive and set up COVID care centres. To focus on Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana. As part of the partnership, SEEDS will drive Covid-19 vaccinations for the community at large, set up Covid care centres equipped with beds and medical facilities, including oxygen cylinders.

Under the partnership: Over 1 lakh vaccines doses will be provided to communities, to be administered through the local healthcare system, while five COVID care centres will be set up for three months that will be equipped with beds and medical facilities, including oxygen cylinders, PepsiCo India said in a statement. Moreover, over 100 oxygen concentrators will be provided to the Central government for distribution to various government hospitals across states, it added.

 

3. Government sets food grain output target at record 307.31 million tonnes: Amid scare of Covid-19 second wave which forced the States and Union Territories to impose lockdown like curbs, the Government set a record rice production target of 104.3 million tonne for the kharif season of 2021-22 crop year (July-June). However, the overall foodgrains production target for the full 2021-22 crop year is kept at 307.31 million tonne. This includes production of 151.43 million tonnes of food grains during kharif (summer) season and 155.88 million tonnes during rabi (winter) season. Meanwhile, the government has asked five non-traditional onion growing states-Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh to increase the area sown under the crop by 9,900 hectares in the forthcoming kharif season to avoid any price rise situation.

 

4. ADB gives $1.5 billion loan to India to support covid-19 response: The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $1.5 billion loan that will support the government’s response to the covid-19 pandemic, focusing on immediate priorities such as disease containment and prevention, as well as social protection for the poor and economically vulnerable sections of the society, especially women and disadvantaged groups. Earlier, the ADB’s Board of Directors approved the loan to provide budget support to the government to counter and mitigate the adverse health and socio-economic impact of the pandemic.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Scientists discover the smallest known black hole in the Milky Way Galaxy dubbed ‘The Unicorn’: Scientists have discovered what may be the smallest-known black hole in the Milky Way galaxy and the closest to our solar system — an object so curious that they nicknamed it ‘the Unicorn.’ The researchers said the black hole is roughly three times the mass of our sun, testing the lower limits of size for these extraordinarily dense objects that possess gravitational pulls so strong not even light can escape. A luminous star called a red giant orbits with the black hole in a so-called binary star system named V723 Mon. The black hole is located about 1,500 light years — the distance light travels in a year, 9.5 trillion km — from Earth

 

2. International Day of the Midwife: 5th May: International Day of the Midwife is observed globally on 5 May every year since 1992. This day is celebrated to recognise the work of midwives and raise awareness about the status of midwives for the essential care they provide to mothers and their newborns. The theme for 2021 International Day of the Midwife is “Follow the Data: Invest in Midwives.”

History of the day: The idea of having a day to recognize and honour midwives came out of the 1987 International Confederation of Midwives conference in the Netherlands. International Midwives’ Day was first celebrated May 5, 1991, and has been observed in more than 50 nations around the world.

Note: International Confederation of Midwives President: FrankaCadee; International Confederation of Midwives Headquarters: Hague, Netherlands.

 

3. World Hand Hygiene Day: 5th May: Every year, the World Hand Hygiene Day is observed on May 5. The day is organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness among people across the globe about the importance of hand hygiene in warding off many serious infections. The theme for 2021 is ‘Seconds Save Lives: Clean Your Hands’. The day recognizes hand washing as one of the most effective actions that can be taken to avoid a huge range of infections including the COVID-19 virus.

Note: Director-General of the World Health Organization: TedrosAdhanom; Headquarters of WHO: Geneva, Switzerland.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Asian Boxing Championship moved from India to UAE due to Covid-19 crisis: The Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) has moved the Asian boxing championships from New Delhi to Dubai due to the worsening pandemic situation in the country. The continental event, which was earlier postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, will be co-hosted by the UAE Boxing Association and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) from May 21 to June 1, which is one day more than the original schedule.

 

2. Mark Selby becomes World Snooker Champion: In Snooker, English professional player Mark Selby has become the World Snooker Champion for the fourth time. He won the Championship title after defeating fellow mate Shaun Murphy by 18-15 victory at a professional snooker tournament that took place from 17 April to 3 May 2021 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. Prior to this, Selby won the Championship title in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2021.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI allocates Rs 71 cr for fight against coronavirus: The country’s largest lender SBI announced allocating Rs 71 crore towards the fight against COVID-19, a part of which will be used to set up a makeshift 1,000-bed hospital for the treatment of patients in some of the worst-affected states. The state-owned lender has allocated Rs 30 crore for a makeshift hospital while Rs 21 crore will be used to support initiatives such as procurement of life-saving healthcare equipment, oxygen supply to hospitals, Covid-care centres, ambulances, PPE kits, masks as well as food relief efforts.

Besides, Rs 10 crore will be used to supplement government’s effort in genome sequencing, and Rs 10 crore will be earmarked to collaborate with on-ground NGOs to address the community needs.

 

2. Labour Min hikes maximum sum assured payable under EDLI scheme to Rs 7 lakh: The labour ministry has implemented a decision of retirement fund body EPFO’s trustees to hike the maximum sum assured payable under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1976 to Rs 7 lakh from the existing Rs 6 lakh. The CBT had also decided to continue payment of minimum sum assured of Rs 2.5 lakh under the scheme beyond February 14, 2020. This amendment was aimed at providing additional succour to families and dependents of members of the scheme in case of their unfortunate death while in service.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Goldman Sachs lowers GDP growth forecast for India in FY22 to 11.1%: Wall Street brokerage, Goldman Sachs has cut the GDP growth rate estimate for the Indian economy to 11.1 per cent in fiscal year FY22 (April 01, 2021, to March 31, 2022), due to increasing intensities of lockdowns by states to check the spread of coronavirus infections. Goldman Sachs has also revised the 2021 Calendar Year growth forecast to 9.7 per cent, from the previous estimate of 10.5 per cent.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Armed Forces Launches Op “CO-JEET” for Mental Health Of COVID Patients: The armed forces have launched operation “CO-JEET” to aid anti-COVID-19 efforts, like strengthening the medical system in India and oxygen supply chains. Along with these, CO-JEET also take measures to ensure the mental wellbeing of people. Apart from medical therapy, patients necessitate the assurance that “they will be fine” and at times that is all they need to gain back self-confidence and courage.

Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Medical) Kanitkar is the third woman to become a three-star general in the armed forces. Vice Admiral Dr. Punita Arora & Air Marshal PadmavathyBandopadhyay are the 1st & 2nd.

Under the CO-JEET plan, personnel of the three wings of the armed forces have been pressed into service to help restore oxygen supply chains, set up COVID beds and provide help to the civilian administration in its fight to control the outspread of the virus. The operation also attempts to provide additional beds across the country for mixed COVID-19 management.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Director and Cinematographer KV Anand passes away: Tamil director-cinematographer KV Anand passed away in Chennai due to Covid-19 related complications. He was 54. Starting his career as a photojournalist, Anand later moved to the movie world as a cinematographer and then as a movie director. Anand made his movie debut as a cinematographer in the Malayalam movie ThenmaavinKombath for which he had won a national award.

 

2. Aeronautical Scientist Manas Bihari Verma Passes Away: The Indian aeronautical scientist, Manas Bihari Verma, who played an instrumental role in the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) – Tejas, has passed away. He worked as a scientist at the Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) for 35 years in the aeronautical stream. He was given the responsibility for the design of the Tejas aircraft mechanical system, where he led the team responsible for the full-scale engineering development of the Tejas aircraft in the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The noted scientist has conferred the Padma Sri civilian honour in 2018. 

Daily GK Update- 4th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mamata Banerjee takes oath as West Bengal CM for the 3rd consecutive time:Mamata Banerjee was sworn as West Bengal Chief Minister for the third time in the shadow of Covid and post-poll violence in parts of the state. The oath ceremony took place with Covid protocols in place at the “Throne Room” at the Raj Bhavan. The rest of the cabinet and the council of ministers will be sworn in on May 9, the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. Mamata Banerjee won a landslide victory in the Bengal election to secure a third straight term. The Trinamool won 213 of 292 seats while its strongest rival, BJP, finished second with 77 seats. Mamata Banerjee will head to her office Nabanna, where she will be given a guard of honour by the Kolkata Police.

Note: West Bengal Governor: JagdeepDhankhar.

 

2. Justice Pant appointed NHRC acting chairperson: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Justice (retired) Prafulla Chandra Pant had been appointed as the acting chairperson of the Commission with effect from April 25. A former Supreme Court judge, Justice Pant was appointed member of the NHRC on April 22, 2019.  The post of a chairperson has been vacant since Justice H.L. Dattu, a former Chief Justice of India, completed his tenure on December 2, 2020. Previously, he was appointed the first Chief Justice of the newly established Meghalaya High Court at Shillong on 20th September 2013 and continued till 12th August 2014.

Note: National Human Rights Commission Formed: 12 October 1993; National Human Rights Commission Jurisdiction: Government of India; National Human Rights Commission Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

3. Facebook to introduce vaccine finder tool on mobile app in India: Facebook has partnered with the Indian government to roll out a vaccine finder tool on its mobile app in India, which will help people identify places nearby to get inoculated. The social media giant had, earlier this week, announced a USD 10 million grant for emergency response efforts for the COVID-19 situation in the country. About the partnership:

(1) Partnering with the Government of India, Facebook will begin rolling out its Vaccine Finder tool on the Facebook mobile app in India available in 17 languages to help people identify places nearby to get the vaccine,”.

(2) In this tool, vaccine centre locations and their hours of operation have been provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

(3) The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 15.22 crore.

(4) Also, more than 2.45 crore people have registered themselves on the Co-WIN digital platform ahead of Phase-3 of the COVID-19 vaccination for those above 18 years that is set to start from May 1.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg; Facebook Headquarters: California, US.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. World’s largest aeroplane by Stratolaunch completes test flight: The world’s largest aeroplane, designed to transport hypersonic vehicles and facilitate easy access to space, soared into clear skies over California’s Mojave Desert. The company Stratolaunch designed it to transport hypersonic vehicles and facilitate easy access to space. The aircraft named ‘Roc’ features a twin-fuselage design and the longest wingspan ever flown, at 385 feet (117 m), surpassing the Hughes H-4 Hercules flying boat of 321 feet (98 m). The Stratolaunch is intended to carry a 550,000-pound payload and will be able to launch rockets from high altitude.

Note: Stratolaunch Headquarters: Mojave, California, USA; StratolaunchCEO & President: Jean Floyd.

 

2. International Firefighters’ Day: 4th May: The International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is observed on May 4 every year since 1999. The day is celebrated to recognise and honour the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible. The day was instituted, after the deaths of five firefighters in tragic circumstances in a bushfire in Australia on 2 December 1998.

 

3. Coal Miners’ Day: 4th May: Coal Miners’ Day is celebrated on May 4 to recognize the hard work of some of the great unsung heroes of the Industrial Revolution. The day is celebrated to show appreciation for the coal miners and honour their accomplishments. Coal miners spend most of the days digging, tunnelling and extracting coal from the mines. They dig deep into the Earth to bring out the riches that help to sustain our life. Coal mining is one of the toughest professions.

History of the day: The coal miners have been working for centuries, however, they became significantly important during the Industrial revolution between 1760 and 1840 when coal was used on a large scale to fuel stationary and locomotive engines and heat buildings. Coal is a natural resource that accelerate both economic and social development.

 

4. World Asthma Day 2021: 4th May: World Asthma Day is observed every year on the 1st Tuesday of May. This year, World Asthma Day is observed on May 4, 2021. The day spread awareness about asthma disease and care around the world. Whilst the primary focus is supporting the person with asthma, support may also extend to family, friends and caregivers. The theme for 2021 World Asthma Day is “Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions“.

History of World Asthma Day: World Asthma Day is annually organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). In 1998, the first World Asthma Day was celebrated in more than 35 countries in conjunction with the first World Asthma Meeting in Barcelona, Spain.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sindhu, Michelle Li appointed ambassadors for IOC’s ‘Believe in Sport’ campaign: The Badminton World Federation announced that India shuttler PV Sindhu and Canada’s Michelle Li have been nominated as athlete ambassadors for the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) ‘Believe in Sport’ campaign aimed at preventing competition manipulation. Sindhu and Li will be working alongside other athlete ambassadors from around the world to raise awareness on the topic of competition manipulation amongst athletes and encourage. The pair have been global ambassadors for BWF’s ‘i am badminton’ campaign since April 2020. The IOC’s ‘Believe in Sport’ campaign was launched in 2018 to raise awareness among athletes, coaches and officials of the threat of competition manipulation.

Note: International Olympic Committee Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; International Olympic Committee President: Thomas Bach; International Olympic Committee Founded: 23 June 1894, Paris, France.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes ₹3 crore penalty on ICICI Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹3 crores on ICICI Bank for non-compliance with its directions in the matter of shifting of securities from one category to another. The monetary penalty has been imposed on the Bank for contravention of certain directions contained in its Master Circular on ‘Prudential Norms for Classification, Valuation and Operation of Investment Portfolio by Banks.’

This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (the Act). RBI observed that an examination of correspondence in the matter of shifting of securities from one category to another revealed, inter alia, contravention of the aforesaid directions issued by it. This action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Barclays Projects India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 10% in FY22: UK-based global brokerage firm Barclays has cut India’s GDP growth estimate for 2021-22 (FY22) to 10 per cent from its earlier estimate of 11 per cent. Apart from this, Barclays has estimated the economy to contract by 7.6 per cent in FY21.

 

2. Kotak Mahindra Life appoints Mahesh Balasubramanian as MD: Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited (KLI) on 1st May announced it has appointed Mahesh Balasubramanian as managing director of the company. He has been appointed following the retirement of G Murlidhar. The company is in receipt of approval from the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India for the appointment of Balasubramanian. The appointment is for a period of three years. Suresh Agarwal has been elevated to MD & CEO of Kotak General Insurance.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Maria Ressa conferred UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize 2021: Maria Ressa has been named as the 2021 laureate of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. The $25,000 prize “recognizes outstanding contributions to the defence or promotion of press freedom especially in the face of danger,” according to UNESCO. The prize was named after Guillermo Cano Isaza, the Colombian journalist.

UNESCO cited Ressa’s more than a 3-decade career as a journalist, including her work as CNN’s lead investigative reporter for Asia and as news chief of Philippine broadcast giant ABS-CBN. Recently, her citation added, Ressa “has been the target of online attacks and judicial processes” for her investigative work and her position as CEO of Rappler.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Assam’s first female IAS officer Parul Debi Das passes away: Parul Debi Das, the first female IAS officer from Assam, passed away. She was an Assam-Meghalaya cadre IAS officer. She was the daughter of the former cabinet minister of undivided Assam – Ramnath Das. She was the sister of former Assam Chief Secretary Naba Kumar Das.

 

2. ‘Shooter Dadi’ ChandroTomar passed away: Shooter ChandroTomar, nicknamed ‘Shooter Dadi’, passed away at the age of 89 due to Covid-19. She was hailing from the Baghpat village in Uttar Pradesh, Tomar was 60-plus when she picked up the gun for the first time but went on to win many national competitions for veterans, her feats ultimately inspiring the award-winning Bollywood movie ‘SaandkiAankh’. 

Daily GK Update- 3rd May, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Govt targets 17 million tonnes mustard production by 2025-26: The Government plans to bring around nine million hectares of land under mustard cultivation and raise the production to around 17 million tonnes (mt) by 2025-26, according to Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary (Oilseeds), Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. In the Rabi of 2021, the area covered under mustard was around 7.3 million hectares and an increase of around 4 lakh hectares over the Rabi of 2020. To achieve the target for 2025-26, it is being planned to provide high quality seeds to the farmers, and the Government has embarked upon a proper seed planning.

 

2. Haryana allots 140 acre land to Flipkart for setting up its largest fulfilment centre in Asia: The Haryana government has approved allotment of 140 acres of land to e-commerce major Flipkart for setting up its largest fulfilment centre in Asia, having a covered area of 3 million square feet in PatliHajipur in Gurugram district’s Manesar. The land, belonging to Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (HSIIDC), has been allotted at a price of Rs 3.22 crore per acre.

 

3. Anand Mahindra launches Project ‘Oxygen on Wheels’: The Mahindra Group Chairman, Anand Mahindra has rolled out a project titled ‘Oxygen on Wheels’ to ease the transportation of oxygen from producing plants to hospitals and homes, following acute oxygen shortage amid a severe second wave of coronavirus. The ‘Oxygen on Wheels’ initiative will bridge the gap between oxygen production and its transportation in India, especially in Maharashtra.

Under the initiative:

(1) Mahindra has lined up around 70 Bolero pickup trucks to connect oxygen producers with hospitals and homes, to deliver oxygen cylinders.

(2) The project is being implemented through Mahindra Logistics.

(3) Apart from this, an operations control centre has been established and the storage location is replenished from the local refilling plant. A direct-to-consumer model is also being conceived.

Note: Mahindra Group CEO: Pawan Kumar Goenka; Mahindra Group Founded: 2 October 1945, Ludhiana.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India, Russia to establish a ‘2+2 ministerial dialogue’: India and Russia have agreed to establish a ‘2+2 Ministerial Dialogue’ at the Foreign &Defence Minister level between the two countries. Russia is the 4th country and 1st Non-Quad member country with which India has established the ‘2+2 Ministerial dialogue’ mechanism. India has such a mechanism with the US, Japan and Australia. It is expected to boost the bilateral strategic partnership between India & Russia. INDIA-RUSSIA RELATIONS:

(1) Relations between India and Russia are rooted in history, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. This is a strategic partnership that has withstood the test of time, and which enjoys the support of the people of both countries.

(2) Diplomatic relations between India and Russia began even before India achieved independence, on 13 April 1947.

(3) In the period immediately following independence, the goal for India was attaining economic self-sufficiency through investment in heavy industry. The Soviet Union invested in several new enterprises in the areas of heavy machine-building, mining, energy production and steel plants.

(4) During India’s second Five Year Plan, of the sixteen heavy industry projects set up, eight were initiated with the help of the Soviet Union. This included the establishment of the world-famous IIT Bombay.

Note: Russia President: Vladimir Putin; Russia Capital: Moscow; Russia Currency: Russian Ruble.

 

2. World Press Freedom Day: 3rd May: World Press Freedom Day is observed globally on 3 May every year. It is also known as World Press Day. The day also pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives. They risk their lives at times or may even have to face tough situations in order to bring the news from different corners of the world in front of the public. This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme “Information as a Public Good”. The theme is of urgent relevance to all countries across the world. It recognizes the changing communications system that is impacting our health, our human rights, democracies and sustainable development.

History of World Freedom Day: The General Assembly in the United Nations established World Freedom Day in 1993 to promote the independence of the Africa Press. This was followed by the Windhoek Declaration that was established to maintain the free press. As the declaration was made on the 3rd of May, hence the special day is observed each year on 3rd May.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sri Lankan all-rounder ThisaraPerera Announces Retirement: Sri Lankan all-rounder and former captain, ThisaraPerera has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending his international career which spanned nearly 12 years. Perera played six Tests, 166 ODIs (2338 runs, 175 wickets), and 84 T20Is (1204 runs, 51 wickets) for Sri Lanka, after making his debut in December 2009. The 32-year-old would continue to play domestic and franchise cricket.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SIDBI launches SHWAS and AROG Loan Schemes for MSMEs: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), has launched two loan products for MSMEs to help them with the required financial support in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. These two new quick credit delivery schemes will facilitate funding for production and services related to the supply of oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, oximeters and essential drugs by MSMEs. The two new loan products are:

(1) SHWAS – SIDBI assistance to Healthcare sector in War Against Second wave of COVID19.

(2) AROG – SIDBI Assistance to MSMEs for Recovery & Organic Growth during COVID19 pandemic.

The schemes are devised under the guidance of the Government of India (GoI) which facilitates funding for production and services related to the supply of oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, oximeters and essential drugs.

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

 

2. T Rabi Sankar named RBI deputy governor: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) executive director T Rabi Sankar has been named as the fourth Deputy Governor of the central bank. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment. He is in charge of the payments system, fintech, information technology and risk management at the RBI. He succeeds BP Kanungo as the deputy governor, who retired on April 2 after getting a one-year extension in his position.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. GST revenues touch all-time high of ₹1.41 lakh crore in April: Gross revenues from the Goods and Services Tax hit a record high of ₹1.41 lakh crore in April 2021 in India, suggesting economic activity may not yet be as badly affected amidst the ongoing second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, as last year. April’s GST collections surpassed the previous highest collections of ₹1.24 lakh crore in March 2021 by 14%, and mark the seventh month in a row since October that GST revenues have crossed ₹1 lakh crore. List of GST Collection previous months:

March 2021: Rs. 1.24lacs cr.

Feb 2021: Rs 1,13,143 crore

January 2021: ₹ 1,19,847 crore

 

2. Wipro overtakes HCL Tech to become third most-valued Indian IT firm: Wipro regained its position as the 3rd largest Indian IT services company by market capitalization of ₹ 2.65 trillion by suppressing HCL Technologies’ ₹ 2.62 trillion market cap. TCS remains at the top of the list with a market cap of ₹ 11.51 trillion followed by Infosys. Wipro has also announced its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040, in line with the objective of the Paris Agreement to cap temperature rise to 1.5 degree Celsius. The country’s third-largest largest software services company has set an intermediate target of 55 per cent reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 in absolute emission levels compared to its base year of 2016-17 (April-March).

Note: Chairman of Wipro Limited: RishadPremji; Wipro Headquarters: Bengaluru; Wipro MD and CEO: Thierry Delaporte.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy launches Operation SamudraSetu-II: The Indian Navy has launched Operation SamudraSetu-II to help in faster transportation of medical oxygen and other requirements from other countries to India, amid its worsening COVID-19 pandemic. As a part of operation ‘SamudraSetu II’, seven Indian Naval ships have been deployed for shipment of liquid medical oxygen-filled cryogenic containers and associated medical equipment from various countries. These warships are Kolkata, Kochi, Talwar, Tabar, Trikand, Jalashwa and Airavat. In 2020, the Indian Navy launched Operation SamudraSetu, as part of the Vande Bharat Mission, to repatriate approximately 4,000 stranded and distressed Indian citizens from the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Iran.

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

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Sitar maestro PanditDevabrata Chaudhuri Passes Away: Sitar maestro PanditDebu Chaudhuri has passed away following COVID-19 related complications. The Legend of Sitar belonged to the Senia or Gharana style of music. He had been awarded the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Shri. He was also a teacher and writer and had penned six books and composed many new ragas.