Daily GK Update- 10th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. HimantaBiswaSarma chosen Assam’s new chief minister: HimantaBiswaSarma has been named as the 15th Chief Minister of Assam on May 08, 2021. He will replace incumbent SarbanandaSonowal. He will take the charge of the office with effect from May 10, 2021.The BJP party won a second straight term in the 2021 assembly polls in the state. The party won 60 seats in the 126-member Assam assembly. MrSarma joined the BJP six years ago in 2015, after quitting the Congress.

Note: Assam Governor: JagdishMukhi.

 

2. KalkiKoechlin Authors her Debut Book Titled ‘Elephant In The Womb’: Bollywood actress KalkiKoechlin is making her debut as an author, with her first book titled “Elephant In The Womb”. The book, which is yet to be released, is an illustrated non-fiction book on motherhood. It is illustrated by ValeriyaPolyanychko and published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI). The book narrates about pregnancy and parenting for mothers, expectant mothers, and “anyone even thinking about motherhood”.

 

3. Haryana govt launches Ayurvedic tele-medicine facility for Corona patients: Haryana Government has launched Ayurvedic telemedicine facility for Corona patients. Health Minister Anil Vij said that any patient can consult the Ayurvedic Doctors on phone by dialling 1075.The facility has been launched after verifying the response of Ayurvedic medicines used on Corona patients.He said, a call centre has been set up to run it and teams of senior Ayurvedic Doctors have been appointed for consultation, who will provide service from 8 am to 10 pm.

 

4. Andhra Pradesh govt ties up with Essar to develop steel plant in Kadapa:The Andhra Pradesh government decided to select Essar Steel Limited as the joint venture partner for setting up a three million tonne per annum capacity steel plant in Kadapa district.The project capex of the project is Rs 11,606 crore.The state Cabinet cancelled its previous resolution, made on February 23, selecting Liberty Steel India Limited as the JV partner for construction and development of the YSR Steel Plant.

 

5. Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur launches dedicated COVID-19 ‘MukhyamantriSewaSanklap Helpline 1100’ in Shimla:Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur launched dedicated COVID-19 Helpline ‘MukhyamantriSewaSanklap Helpline 1100’ for facilitating the people regarding COVID related issues in Shimla.The callers can call on toll free number 1100 from 7 am to 10 pm for seeking help regarding COVID related issues.The call executive would register the complaint and contact concerned authorities for providing necessary help to the person regarding various issues such as test, vaccination, home quarantine, medicines, ambulance and Oxygen.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. PESCO: EU approves US participation for the first time:The European Union recently approved the requests of Norway, Canada and the United States to participate in the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) defence initiative. This is the first time, the European bloc has allowed a third state to participate in the PESCO project. The countries will now participate in the Military Mobility Project in Europe.

Military Mobility Project: It is to aid the free movement of military units in the European Union through the improvement of infrastructure and removal of bureaucratic barriers. It mainly revolves around two areas namely bureaucratic barriers (like passport checks) and the requirement of advance notice. During a NATO emergency, the troops can move freely and fastly. However, during peacetime, advance notice is required.

About PESCO:It is a part of the European Union security and defence policy. It was introduced based on the Treaty of the European Union introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009.  Around four-fifths of the PESCO members are also NATO members. NATO is North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.In November 2020, the European Union allowed non-EU members to participate in PESCO. Following this, Canada, the US and Norway had requested to participate in PESCO.Four of the states in the European Union declare themselves as neutral. They are Austria, Ireland, Finland and Sweden.

 

2. PM Modi Participates in Virtual India-EU Leaders’ Meeting:Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the India-EU Leaders’ Meeting, held in a hybrid format. The India-European Union Leaders’ Meeting is hosted by Portugal. Portugal currently holds the chair of the grouping. PM Modi attended the event at the invitation of the President of the European Council Mr Charles Michel.The leaders of all the 27 EU Member States, as well as the President of the European Council and the European Commission, participated in the meeting. This is the first time that the EU hosted a meeting with India in the EU+27 format.

Key highlights of India in the meeting:It was proposed to further strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership based on a shared commitment to democracy, fundamental freedoms, rule of law and multilateralism.The leaders decided to resume negotiations for balanced and comprehensive free trade (FTA) and investment agreements.An ambitious and comprehensive ‘Connectivity Partnership’ was launched between India-EU with a focus on enhancing digital, energy, transport and people-to-people connectivity.A finance contract of Euro 150 million was also signed for the Pune Metro Rail Project by the Indian Ministry of Finance and European Investment Bank.

Note: European Council Founded: 9 December 1974;European Union Headquarters location: Brussels, Belgium;European Union Founded: 1 November 1993.

 

3. International Day of Argania: 10th May:In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 10 May the International Day of Argania. The resolution, submitted by Morocco, was co-sponsored by 113 member states of the United Nations and adopted by consensus. The argan tree (ArganiaSpinosa) is a native species of the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, in the southwest of the country, which grows in arid and semiarid areas.

History of the day:The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated in 1988 the endemic production area as the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve.Also, all know-how concerning the argan tree was inscribed in 2014 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.Moreover, in December 2018, FAO recognized the Argan-based agro-sylvo-pastoral system within the area of AitSouab – Ait Mansour in Morocco as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.And lastly, in 2021, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 10 May the International Day of Argania.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ArynaSabalenka wins her Maiden Madrid Open Women’s singles title:In tennis, the world number seven, ArynaSabalenka of Belarus, defeated world number one Ashleigh Barty of Australia to win the 2021 Madrid Open women’s singles title. This Sabalenka’s 10th career WTA singles title, second WTA title of the season and first on clay court. Madrid Open is a professional WTA tennis tournament played on outdoor clay courts. Sabalenka beat Australian player Barty with 6-0, 3-6, 6-4.In the women’s doubles final, BarboraKrejcikova and Katerina Siniakova, from the Czech Republic, defeated Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada and Demi Schuurs of France 6-4,6-3.

 

2. Alexander Zverev beats Matteo Berrettini to win his 2nd Madrid title: German Alexander Zverev earned his second Mutua Madrid Open title 2021 when he defeated Matteo Berrettini 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-3 to lift his fourth ATP Masters 1000 trophy. He won his first Madrid title in 2018 in a final against Thiem. The win gave him his fourth Masters 1000 title, and first in three years. He will be trying to improve from his fourth-round exit last year at the French Open.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Citi Announces Additional Rs 200 Cr Aid for COVID Relief Efforts in India, Wells Fargo to donate $3 Mn: American banking major Citibank committed an additional Rs 200 crore to support COVID-19 relief measures in India.The Rs 200 crore amount will be spent over the next three financial years, and a sum of Rs 75 crore will be allocated towards immediate medical and humanitarian needs.Citi said the immediate support of Rs 75 crore will focus on procurement of oxygen supplies, adding beds to hospitals, diagnostic testing systems, personal protection kits and other supplies for India’s frontline healthcare workers.The funds will also be utilized towards food and hygiene supplies for low-income families.

Meanwhile, its peer Wells Fargo, which runs an offshore unit in the country to support the global operations, also announced to donate USD 3 million (over Rs 22 crore) to civil society bodies in the country to help the COVID-19 relief efforts.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. AnupamKher wins best actor award at New York City International Film Festival: AnupamKher won the Best Actor award for his performance in the short film Happy Birthday at the New York City International Film Festival. The film has been directed by Prasad Kadam and produced by FNP Media. Besides Anupam, Happy Birthday stars AahanaKumra. The film also won the Best Short Film award at the festival.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army sets up Covid Management Cell for real time response:The Indian Army has set up a Covid Management Cell to bring greater efficiency in coordinating real-time responses to address the exponential rise in Covid cases across the country. It helps in assistance to civil administration in the form of testing, admissions in military hospitals, and transportation of critical medical equipment.About the Covid Management Cell:

(1) The Army has deployed additional doctors, including specialists, super specialists and paramedics, at various hospitals.

(2) The Defence Ministry has granted an extension to Short Service Commissioned doctors of the Armed Forces Medical Services till December 31, 2021, which has augmented the strength of AFMS by 238 more doctors.

(3) The army has also mobilised its resources to assist the civil administration to tide over the current Covid-19 situation in the country.

(4) Army has provided 100 beds each at Lucknow and Prayagrajto cater to the surge in cases.

(5) A total of 200 drivers have been kept on standby for driving oxygen transporters to various parts of the country and 10 TATRA and 15 ALS vehicles are on standby to tranship medical supplies arriving at Palam airport.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Renowned Sculptor and Rajya Sabha MP Raghunath Mohapatra Passes Away:Eminent sculptor, architect, and Rajya Sabha member, Raghunath Mohapatra has passed away while undergoing treatment for COVID-19. Hailing from Odisha, Mohapatra was awarded Padma Shri in 1975, Padma Bhushan in 2001 and Padma Vibhushan in 2013 for his pioneering contributions to the world of art, architecture and culture. 

Daily GK Update- 9th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. N Rangasamy Sworn in as Chief Minister of Puducherry: The All India NR Congress (AINRC) founder leader N Rangasamy has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Puducherry, for a record fourth time, on May 07, 2021. N Rangasamy was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Lieutenant governor (additional charge) TamilisaiSoundararajan. Prior to this, the 71-year-old served as Chief Minister of Puducherry from 2001 to 2008 as a member of the Indian National Congress and then from 2011 to 2016 as a member of AINRC. It will be the first time that Rangasamy will be heading a coalition cabinet, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the UT, which has members from BJP and AINRC.

 

2. COVID-19 Relief: Samsung Pledges $5mn to India, Paytm to Set Up Oxygen Plants in 13 Cities: Tech giant Samsung said it has pledged $5 million (Rs 37 crore), while Paytm Foundation intends to set up oxygen plants in 12-13 cities as part of efforts to support India’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Samsung will donate $3 million to the Centre and states of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and provide $2 million worth of medical supplies, including 100 Oxygen Concentrators, 3,000 Oxygen Cylinders, and one million LDS syringes (to Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu).

 

3. I&B Ministry announces year-long celebrations to mark birth centenary of Satyajit Ray: In a homage to Satyajit Ray, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced that it will organise year-long celebrations across India and abroad to mark the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary filmmaker. As part of the celebrations, the media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting — Directorate of Film Festivals, Films Division, NFDC, NFAI, and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata — are planning a series of activities. In recognition of his legacy, ‘Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Cinema’ has been instituted from this year to be given at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) every year starting from this year.

 

4. Govt set target of road construction of worth Rs 15 lakh cr in next 2 years: Nitin Gadkari: Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said government has set a target of road construction of worth 15 lakh crore rupees in next two years. He said the government is giving utmost priority to the development of infrastructure. Addressing the Indo-U.S. Partnership Vision Summit through video conferencing, MrGadkari exuded confidence that the Ministry will achieve target of 40 kilometres per day of highways construction in current fiscal. He said that Government is permitting 100 percent FDI in road sector.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Prahlad Singh Patel Virtually Participates in G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting: Union Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (I/c), Prahlad Singh Patel participated in G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting held in Italy on 4th May 2021. This dialogue aimed to collaborate in protecting tourism businesses, jobs and taking initiatives to frame policy guidelines to support the sustainable and resilient recovery of travel and tourism. He also conveyed India’s support for the Principles for the transition to a green travel and tourism economy submitted by UNWTO as a further contribution to the policy area “Green Transformation” to embrace sustainability in tourism.

About the summit: Patel also highlighted the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Tourism to promote community-based tourism and rural tourism by involving the local population in employment opportunities and income-generating activities through sustainable and responsible tourism. The Minister concluded with thanks to the Italian G20 Presidency for its leadership and India will continue its support and cooperation to ensure further progress under Indonesia’s G20 Presidency in 2022.

 

2. Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the 2nd World War: 8th-9th May: Every year during May 8-9, the United Nations marks the Time of Remembrance and reconciliation for those who lost their lives during the Second World War. The day pays tribute to all the victims of the Second World War. This year is the 76th Anniversary of World War II.

History of the day: The day was declared in 2004 as was commemorated by the United Nations since then. However, the UN urged the NGOs, its member countries and other organizations to join the commemoration of the day through a resolution that was passed in 2010. The date, however, is not the official end of the Second World War. This is because, Japan did not surrender till August 15, 1945.

Note: Secretary-General of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres.

 

3. Mother’s day 2020: 9th May:  Mother’s day is celebrated on every second Sunday of month of May. In 2021, it was celebrated on 9th May. The day is widely known to salute the motherhood, to extend the influence of mothers within the society, to extend the maternal bonds to children, etc. Mother, being a protector throughout her life loves her children unconditionally and plays a special role of a teacher, best friend and one’s who besides us under all circumstances.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lewis Hamilton clinches his fifth successive Spanish Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) won the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix, held on 09 May 2021. This win is the fifth successive Spanish Grand Prix title of Lewis Hamilton and the third win of this season. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing-Netherlands) came second followed by ValtteriBottas (Mercedes-Finland) at third position. The race was the fourth round of the 2021 Formula One World Championship.

 

2. India’s JhilliDalabehera wins her maiden gold medal at Asian Weightlifting Championship: India’s JhilliDalabehera clinched the gold medal in the 45kg category at the Asian Weightlifting Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It was only a two-lifter field as Dalabehera made the most of the opportunity to better her record at the continental level.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI sets up an advisory group to assist RRA 2.0: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted an advisory group to assist the second Regulatory Review Authority (RRA 2.0), which was set by the central bank on May 01, 2021 to streamline regulations and reduce the compliance burden of regulated entities. The Advisory Group will be headed by SBI Managing Director S Janakiraman.

Other members of the 6-member advisory group are: (1) T TSrinivasaraghavan (Former Managing Director and Non-Executive Director, Sundaram Finance),

(2) Gautam Thakur (Chairman, Saraswat Co-operative Bank),

(3) SubirSaha (Group Chief Compliance Officer, ICICI Bank),

(4) Ravi Duvvuru (President and CCO, Jana Small Finance Bank),

(5) AbadaanViccaji (Chief Compliance Officer, HSBC India)

About the RRA 2.0: The second Regulatory Review Authority (RRA 2.0), has been set up for a period of one year from May 01, 2021, to review the regulations, circulars, reporting systems and compliance procedures for streamlining them and making them more effective. The group will assist the RRA 2.0 by identifying regulations, guidelines, and returns that can be rationalised, and submit reports periodically to RRA containing the recommendations/suggestions.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. RBI excludes Lakshmi Vilas Bank from second schedule of RBI Act: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has excluded Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) from the Second Schedule of the RBI Act after it was merged with DBS Bank India Ltd (DBIL) last year. A bank mentioned in the Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act is known as ‘Scheduled Commercial Bank’.

Why did this happen?

(1) Last year in November, the government had approved the merger of crisis-ridden Lakshmi Vilas Bank with DBS Bank India. The RBI had also superseded the board of the LVB and appointed T N Manoharan, former non-executive chairman of Canara Bank, as the administrator of the bank for 30 days. LVB is the second private sector bank after Yes Bank which has run into rough weather during this year.

(2) In March, capital-starved Yes Bank was placed under a moratorium. The government rescued Yes Bank by asking the state-run State Bank of India to infuse Rs 7,250 crore and take a 45 per cent stake in the bank.

Note: Lakshmi Vilas Bank Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Lakshmi Vilas Bank Founded: 1926.

 

2. MotilalOswal PE buys minority stake in Fincare Small Finance Bank for about ₹185 crore: MotilalOswal Private Equity (MOPE) has picked up a minority stake in Fincare Small Finance Bank for $25 million (about ₹185 crore) through a secondary acquisition. The deal provides partial exit to True North Fund V LLP, one of the key investors in the firm. The deal was done by India Business Excellence Fund–III, a fund managed and advised by MOPE.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Naomi Osaka wins top title at 2021 Laureus World Sports Awards: World number two tennis player Naomi Osaka of Japan has been named “Sportswoman of the Year” at the 2021 Laureus World Sports Awards. This is Osaka’s second Laureus Sports Awards. In 2019, she won the “Breakthrough of the Year” award. In the men’s category, World number two Rafael Nadal of Spain won the 2021 “Laureus Sportsman of the Year” title. This is the second title for Nadal, who also claimed the prestigious award in 2011. Here is the complete list of Winners:

Sportsman of the Year Award: Rafael Nadal

Sportswoman of the Year Award: Naomi Osaka

Team of the Year Award: Bayern Munich

Breakthrough of the Year Award: Patrick Mahomes

The comeback of the Year Award: Max Parrot

Sport for Good Award: KICKFORMORE by KICKFAIR

Lifetime Achievement Award: Billie Jean King

Athlete Advocate of the Year Award: Lewis Hamilton

Sporting Inspiration Award: Mohamed Salah

Sporting Moment of the Year Award: Chris Nikic

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Music Composer Vanraj Bhatia Passes Away: The veteran Music Composer Vanraj Bhatia, who was the best-known composer of Western classical music in India, has passed away after a brief illness. His work ranged from composing music for advertisement films, feature films, mainstream films, television shows, documentaries etc. Bhatia won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for the television film Tamas (1988), the SangeetNatakAkademi Award for Creative and Experimental Music (1989) and India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri (2012).

 

2. Former Cricket Statistician Dinar Gupte passes away: One of India’s well-known cricket statistician, Dinar Gupte died after battling COVID-19. He was 76. He was official statistician of BCCI for more than 15 years and also had rendered his valued services as official scorer since 1970 to BCCI, Saurashtra Cricket Association, All India Ratio and various other cricket associations. Gupte was with Team India as official scorer during the World Cup in 1999. 

Daily GK Update- 8th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Himachal Pradesh is Building ‘Forest Ponds’ to Harvest Rainwater: Under the ParvatDhara scheme, the Himachal Pradesh government has initiated rejuvenation of water sources and recharging aquifers through the forest department with an outlay of Rs 20 crore. The work was started in 10 forest divisions that include Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Jogindernagar, Nachan, Parvati, Nurpur, Rajgarh, Nalagarh, Theog and Dalhousie. Under the scheme, the cleaning and maintenance of existing ponds have been done. Also, the construction of new ponds, contour trenches, dams, check dams and retaining wall to control the soil erosion has been done. The scheme aims to enhance the water level by retaining water for the maximum period. Efforts are also being made to improve the green cover by planting fruit-bearing plants.

Note: Himachal Pradesh Governor: BandaruDattatreya; Himachal Pradesh CM: Jai Ram Thakur.

 

2. Govt to extend payment of provisional pension up to a period of 1 year from date of retirement in view of pandemic situation: Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions DrJitendra Singh said that the Government has decided to extend the payment of provisional pension up to a period of one year from the date of retirement in view of the pandemic situation. Similarly orders have been issued to extend the benefit of lump sum compensation to the NPS employees also, if they suffer a disability in the performance of duty and are retained in Government service in spite of such disablement.

 

3. Oil and Gas PSUs inks MoU for Shri BadrinathDham: The top Oil and Gas PSUs of India, including IndianOil, BPCL, HPCL, ONGC and GAIL, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with the Shri BadrinathUtthan Charitable Trust, for Construction and Redevelopment of Shri BadrinathDham in Uttarakhand as a Spiritual Smart hill Town. Under the MoUs:

(1) These PSUs will contribute Rs. 99.60 crore in the first phase of the project.

(2) Phase I will include developmental activities such as river embankment work, building all-terrain vehicular path, building bridges, beautifying existing bridges, establishing gurukul facilities with accommodation, creating toilet and drinking water facilities, installing streetlights, mural paintings etc.

(3) The initiative is part of the Government’s effort to boost tourism by attracting more tourists, which in turn would strengthen the economy of the state. The rejuvenation work of Shri BadrinathDham is expected to be completed within a span of three-year time.

 

4. Rs, 379 crore transferred into accounts of 16,844 beneficiaries under Sambal scheme in Madhya Pradesh: In Madhya Pradesh, 379 crore rupees have been transferred into the accounts of 16 thousand 844 beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Jan-Kalyan Sambal scheme. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said state government accords high priority to benefit the poor families of unorganised sector workers. Meanwhile, Free SwasthaAahar Yojana (Healthy Food Scheme) for the corona patients of Bhopal is also being launched. The patient will get nutritious food on time free of cost in the hospital where he is admitted.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Serum Institute to invest £240 million to expand its vaccine business in UK: Serum Institute of India (SII) is expanding its vaccine business in the United Kingdom with an investment of £240 million. The serum has already started phase one trials in the UK of a one-dose nasal vaccine for coronavirus, in partnership with Codagenix INC. This was a part of the £533 million of new Indian investment in the UK in growing sectors such as health and technology. Serum’s investment will support clinical trials, research & development and possibly manufacturing of vaccines. This will help the UK and the world to defeat the coronavirus pandemic and other deadly diseases.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: The SII was founded by Cyrus Poonawalla (Adar Poonawalla’s father) in 1966. Adar Poonawalla joined the Serum Institute of India in 2001 and became the CEO of the company in 2011.

 

2. Meghan Markle set to release Children’s Book ‘The Bench’: Meghan Markle will be releasing her new book, titled The Bench, on June 8, which was inspired by a poem she wrote to her husband, Prince Harry, on his first Father’s Day as a dad to son Archie. The book, with watercolour illustrations by Christian Robinson, began as a poem that Markle says she wrote for Harry on the first Father’s Day after Archie was born.

 

3. World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: 8th May: The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed every year on 8 May. The day aims to celebrate the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, to reduce the suffering of people and enabling them to lead a dignified life with independence, humanity, impartiality, universality, unity and neutrality. Theme 2021 World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: ‘Unstoppable’

History of the day: The day also marks the anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant (8 May 1828), who was the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). He was the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.

Note: President of the ICRC: Peter Maurer; Headquarters of ICRC: Geneva, Switzerland.

 

4. World Thalassemia Day: 8th May: World Thalassemia Day is celebrated on May 8 every year to commemorate Thalassemia victims and to encourage those who struggle to live with the disease. The theme for 2021 World Thalassemia Day is “Addressing Health Inequalities Across the Global Thalassaemia Community”.

About the Thalassemia: Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that is characterised by less haemoglobin and lesser than normal blood cells. A person suffering from thalassemia has at least one of the parents as a carrier of the disease.

 

5. World Migratory Bird Day: 8th May: World Migratory Bird Day 2021 is observed globally on 8 May. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of migratory birds and the importance of international cooperation to conserve them. “Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird!” is the theme of this year’s World Migratory Bird Day. The 2021 World Migratory Bird Day theme is an invitation to people everywhere to connect and re-connect with nature by actively listening to – and watching birds – wherever they are. At the same time, the theme appeals to people around the world to use their own voices and creativity to express their shared appreciation of birds and nature.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Swimming: Srihari Nataraj creates third national record in two days, wins gold at Uzbekistan Open: Indian swimmer Srihari Nataraj created a national record in 50m backstroke while winning his second gold of the Uzbekistan Open Championship in Tashkent. The 20-year-old clocked 25.11 seconds to bag the top prize at the FINA-accredited Olympic qualifying event. It was Srihari’s third national record in two days as the Bengaluru swimmer had rewritten the national marks twice in 100m backstroke, his pet event.

 

2. Tokyo Olympics 2020: Indian gymnast PranatiNayak gets Asian quota, to compete at Games: India gymnast PranatiNayak, who had claimed a bronze in vault at the Asian Artistic Gymnastic Championships in 2019, is set to compete at the Tokyo Olympics after qualifying through the continental quota. The 26-year-old from West Bengal is the second reserve behind Sri Lanka’s ElpitiyaBadalge Dona MilkaGeh for the Asian quota and became eligible to compete from the zone following the cancellation of the 9th Senior Asian Championships, which was scheduled to be held from May 29-June 1 in Hangzhou, China, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Kotak Mahindra Bank to Extend Online Payments to Farmers & Traders: Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMBL) announced it has been selected as a digital payments partner by the National Agriculture Market (eNAM), a pan-India electronic trading portal for farm produce. KMBL will enable and facilitate online transactions for all stakeholders on the eNAM platform, including farmers, traders and farmer producer organisations (FPOs).

Under this initiative, Kotak will provide payment, clearing and settlement services on the eNAM platform to facilitate trade between a buyer and seller of Agri produce. Kotak has integrated its payment system and portal directly with the payment interface of eNAM, to enable quick and safe transactions for Agri participants who have joined the platform.

About the eNAM:eNAM was formed on April 14, 2016, as a unified national market for agricultural commodities by networking Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across the country. eNAM currently covers 1,000 mandis across 18 states and three union territories. There are around 1.68 crore farmers registered on the platform.

Note: Kotak Mahindra Bank CEO: Uday Kotak; Kotak Mahindra Bank Establishment: 2003; Kotak Mahindra Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Kotak Mahindra Bank Tagline: let’s make money simple.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Rolls-Royce and HAL Sign MoU for Supporting MT30 Marine Engine Business: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Rolls-Royce have signed an MoU to establish packaging, installation, marketing, and services support for Rolls-Royce MT30 marine engines in India. Through this MoU, Rolls-Royce and HAL will expand their long-standing partnership in India and work together in the area of marine applications for the first time. This partnership will leverage the rich experience of HAL’s IMGT (Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine) Division that works on marine gas turbines with Indian shipyards.

About the MT30 marine engines: The MT30 is billed as the world’s most power-dense, best-in-class naval gas turbine currently in service with naval programmes worldwide in various propulsion arrangements across seven ship types. The MT30 has the potential to provide next-generation capabilities to the Indian Navy’s future fleet. The MT30 can deliver its full power of up to 40 MW in ambient temperatures up to 38 degrees Celsius, without any power degradation throughout the life of the ship.

Note: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited: CMD: R Madhavan; Hindustan Aeronautics Limited HQ: Bengaluru;

Rolls-Royce CEO: Torsten Muller-Otvos; Rolls-Royce Founder: BayerischeMotorenWerke AG; Rolls-Royce Founded: 1904; Rolls-Royce Headquarters: Westhampnett, United Kingdom.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Senior Journalist Shesh Narayan Singh Passes Away of Covid-19: Veteran senior journalist Shesh Narayan Singh has passed away while undergoing treatment for COVID-19. He was 70. A columnist, political commentator and an expert on foreign policy, SheshNarain Singh had a career spanning over two decades. 

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.