Daily GK Update- 12th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Paytm unveiled COVID-19 vaccine finder tool: Fintech major Paytm launched ‘COVID-19 Vaccine Finder’, a platform to help citizens check the availability of vaccination slots on its Mini App store. The platform will help citizens to check the availability of vaccination slots for a specific date by individually entering different pin codes or district details along with age group (18+ or 45+). In case the slots are saturated for the near future, users can select the option for real-time alerts from Paytm once any slot is free. The automated process reduces the hassle and ordeal of refreshing the platform for new slots repeatedly. The data is sourced on a real-time basis from the CoWIN API where a slot can be booked to take the vaccination. The new feature will help users find COVID vaccine slots in their locality and set for alerts when new slots open up.

Note: Paytm HQ: Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Paytm Founder & CEO: Vijay Shekhar Sharma; Paytm Founded: 2009.

 

2. Indian-origin expert Sankar Ghosh elected to National Academy of Sciences: Sankar Ghosh, an award-winning Indian-origin immunologist, has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his “distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. He was among the 120 newly elected members announced by the Academy.

About the National Academy of Sciences: The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution that was established under a Congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It recognises achievement in science by election to membership and – with the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine – provides science, engineering and health policy advice to the federal government and other organisations.

 

3. UjjwalaSinghania takes over as 38th National President FICCI FLO: UjjwalaSinghania has been appointed as the National President of FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO), the oldest women-led & women-centric business chamber of Southeast Asia. As the 38th National President of FLO Singhania will focus on empowering women by facilitating an enabling environment that promotes entrepreneurship, industry participation and economic development of women. Under her leadership, FLO will carry out many interventions towards fostering larger contributions of women in India’s Industrial and economic growth story.

FICCI FLO: FLO was established in 1983. As a division of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Aims: Women’s economic participation along with their increased ownership and control of productive assets will speed up the development of India and Women-led development will pave the way for self-reliant India in true sense”.

 

4. Centre releases advance amount of over Rs 8,923 crore to 25 States for grants to Rural Local Bodies in view of COVID-19 pandemic: The Centre has released over 8,923 crore rupees to 25 States for providing grants to the Rural Local Bodies in advance, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants are meant for all the three tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions – village, block and district. Panchayati Raj Institutions can utilise the fund among other things for various prevention and mitigation measures needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

5. A book titled ‘Life in the Clock Tower Valley’ author by Shakoor Rather: “Life in the Clock Tower Valley” is the debut book of Press Trust of India (PTI) journalist Shakoor Rather. The book is published by Speaking Tiger, it talks about Kashmir’s pristine past, its grievous present and always-uncertain future. It also includes historical and political information about Kashmir as well as environmental issues that are seldom talked about. Besides talking about various aspect of life in the Valley, the author also describes in detail how different characters pop up in its streets during different seasons: “life-size scarecrows during summers to frighten the unrelenting birds hovering over the paddy fields, and the ceremonial snowmen that delight the neighbourhood children celebrating the much-awaited snowfall”.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Former Senator Bill Nelson Sworn in as the 14th NASA Administrator: Former Senator Bill Nelson was sworn in as the 14th NASA administrator tasked with carrying out the Biden-Harris administration’s vision for the agency. Nelson served in the U.S. Senate for 18 years from Florida and as a payload specialist on space shuttle mission 61-C in 1986.

About the Bill Nelson: Nelson has served in public office over four decades, first in the state legislature and U.S. Congress, then as State Treasurer. He was elected three times to the United States Senate, representing Florida for 18 years. His committees included the breadth of government policy from defence, intelligence and foreign policy to finance commerce, and health care.

Note: Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States; NASA Founded: 1 October 1958.

 

2. SpaceX to launch ‘DOGE-1 Mission to the Moon’: Elon Musk-owned SpaceX is set to launch the “DOGE-1 Mission to the Moon”, the first-ever commercial lunar payload, paid entirely in the cryptocurrency Dogecoin. The satellite is scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2022 onboard the Falcon 9 rocket. The dogecoin-funded mission is led by the Canadian company Geometric Energy Corporation (GEC).

Under the mission: SpaceX will carry a 40-kilogram cube satellite dubbed as DOGE-1, as rideshare on a Falcon 9 rocket. The payload will obtain lunar-spatial intelligence from sensors and cameras on board with integrated communications and computational systems. This launch will make DOGE the first crypto in space as well as the first meme in space.

Note: SpaceX founder & CEO: Elon Musk; SpaceX Founded: 2002; SpaceX Headquarters: California, United States of America.

 

3. International Nurses Day: 12 May: International Nurse Day is observed globally on 12 May every year. This day is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. She was also known as Lady with the Lamp. She was the founder of modern nursing and was a British social reformer and statistician. The theme of 2021 International Nurses Day is ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead – A vision for future healthcare’.

Florence Nightingale: Florence Nightingale was put in charge of nursing British and allied soldiers in Turkey during the Crimean War. She is renowned for setting up the Nightingale School of Nursing, at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London (opened 1860) in order to formalize nursing education. She was the first woman awarded the Order of Merit (1907).

Note: International Council of Nurse’s headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; International Council of Nurses founded: 1899; International Council of Nurses President: Annette Kennedy.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Pakistan’s Babar Azam Wins ICC Players of the Month for April 2021: Pakistani skipper Babar Azam has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2021 for his consistent and stellar performances across all formats in the recently concluded series against South Africa. The ICC Player of the Month Awards recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.

Along with Babar, Australian women’s team wicketkeeper-batsman Alyssa Healy also bagged the ICC Women’s Player of The Month accolade for her incredible performances during the month of April. Healy’s consistency with the bat has played a significant role in Australia’s dominance. Healy has shown her class in all conditions and against all types of bowling in the recent series against New Zealand.

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

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI appoints Jose J Kattoor as Executive Director: The Reserve Bank of India has appointed Jose J Kattoor as Executive Director (ED). Prior to being promoted as ED, MrKattoor was heading Bengaluru Regional Office of the Reserve Bank as Regional Director for Karnataka. He will look after Human Resource Management Department, Corporate Strategy and Budget Department and Rajbhasha Department.

 

2. IRDAI introduces guidelines on standard domestic travel insurance policy: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued guidelines on Bharat Yatra Suraksha, the standard domestic travel insurance product, that will provide coverage for hospitalization expenses, death, permanent complete or partial disablement due to an accident, for travel through taxi, bus, train, ship, and airplane in the country. The base cover will provide coverage for hospitalization expenses ranging from Rs1 lakh to Rs10 lakh and an accidental death benefit ranging from Rs1 lakh to Rs1 crore. Optional covers include coverage for missed flight connections, loss of checked-in baggage, trip delays beyond three hours, and cancellations. As the proposed product will be issued as per journey and trip, policyholders won’t be able to renew the policy, however, extension on payment of premium has been permitted.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. NITI Aayog, Mastercard release report on Connected Commerce: The NITI Aayog has released a report titled ‘Connected Commerce: Creating a Roadmap for a Digitally Inclusive Bharat’. NITI Aayog has released the report in collaboration with Mastercard. The report identifies the various challenges faced in accelerating digital financial inclusion in India and also provides recommendations for making digital services accessible to its 1.3 billion citizens.

Key recommendations in the report:

(1) The report includes strengthening the payment infrastructure to promote a level playing field for NBFCs and banks;

(2) Digitizing registration and compliance processes and diversifying credit sources to enable growth opportunities for MSMEs;

(3) Building information-sharing systems, including a ‘fraud repository’, and ensuring that online digital commerce platforms carry warnings to alert consumers to the risk of frauds;

(4) Enabling agricultural NBFCs to access low-cost capital and deploy a ‘physical (physical + digital) model for achieving better long-term digital outcomes.

(5) Digitising land records will also provide a major boost to the sector and to make city transit seamlessly accessible to all with minimal crowding and queues, leveraging existing smartphones and contactless cards, and aim for an inclusive, interoperable, and fully open system such as that of the London ‘Tube’.

Note: NITI Aayog Formed: 1 January 2015; NITI Aayog Headquarters: New Delhi; NITI Aayog Chairperson: Narendra Modi.

Mastercard Headquarters: New York, United States; Mastercard President: Michael Miebach.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. DrTaheraQutbuddin 1st Indian to Win Arab World Nobel Prize: Mumbai born, DrTaheraQutbuddin, a professor of Arabic Literature at the University of Chicago, recently became the first person of Indian-origin to win the 15th Sheikh Zayed Book Award. The award is considered to be the Nobel Prize of the Arab world. She won the award for her latest book, “Arabic Oration – Art and Function” published by Brill Academic Publishers of Leiden in 2019. In the book, she puts forth a comprehensive theory of Arabic literature in its foundational oral period dating the seventh and eighth centuries AD. She discusses its influence on modern-day sermons and lectures as well.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Renowned Sitar Player Prateek Chaudhuri passes away: Renowned sitar player Prateek Chaudhuri has died due to COVID-related complications, almost a week after his father, music maestro PanditDevbrata Chaudhuri, succumbed to the virus. He was 49. Prateek Chaudhuri, who belonged to the SeniaGharana of music, was also a professor at the Department of Music, Faculty of Music and Fine Arts, University of Delhi.

 

2. Veteran Urdu Critic, Professor ShamimHanfi passes away: Veteran Urdu Critic, writer and poet, Professor ShamimHanfi passed away in New Delhi after battling coronavirus-related complications. He was 82. Professor Hanafi was associated with JamiaMilliaIslamia as Professor Emeritus. A proponent of the modernist movement in Urdu literature, Professor Hanafi authored several books on literary criticism, plays and books for children. He also translated AbulKalam Azad’s book ‘India Wins Freedom’. 

Daily GK Update- 11th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CBSE launches ‘Dost for Life’ mobile app: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched a new mobile app for students and parents. The new app ‘Dost for Life’ is an exclusive psychological counselling app for students and parents of CBSE-affiliated schools. The new App will simultaneously cater to students and parents from CBSE-affiliated schools in different geographies across the world.About the app:

(1) The app will also provide students with other resource material such as suggestive course guides for after senior secondary education, tips on mental health and well being, and a ‘corona guide’ with information on daily safety protocol, learning from home and self-care.

(2) The counselling sessions shall be provided to students of classes 9-12 by 83 volunteer counsellors and school principals.

(3) The sessions will be free of cost and provided on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

(4) Students and parents will be able to choose the time slot for the sessions, either between 9:30 am and 1:30 pm or between 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm.

Note: CBSE Chairman: Manoj Ahuja; CBSE Head Office: Delhi; CBSE Founded: 3 November 1962.

 

2. Tripura Launches Auro Scholarship Programme of Sri Aurobindo Society: Education Minister of Tripura, Ratan Lal Nath launched the ‘Auro Scholarship Programme’ of Sri Aurobindo Society for all the students of the state. Auro Scholarship Programme provides the monthly micro-scholarship to the students in order to motivate them towards achieving better learning outcomes once students achieve benchmark performance in 10-min curriculum-aligned Quizzes.With the launch of the Auro Scholarship programme:

(1) 1000’s scholars of Tripura will develop into direct beneficiaries and the standard of training within the State will attain new heights.

(2) The month-to-month micro-scholarship programme will profit the scholars in the long term.

(3) They are going to develop into intrinsically motivated to be taught and develop. It’s an honour for the Sri Aurobindo Society to companion with the federal government of Tripura and making the scholarship accessible to all the scholars of the state.

Note: Chief Minister of Tripura: Biplab Kumar Deb; Governor: Ramesh Bais.

 

3. Gujarat Unit of Ayurveda Vyaspeeth launches “Ayurvedic Doctors on Call” service to serve Covid patients: Gujarat Unit of Ayurveda Vyaspeeth has launched an “Ayurvedic Doctors on Call” service to serve the Covid patients in the state. Under this service, 170 Ayurvedic doctors will give free Ayurvedic consultations to the Covid patients on phone calls. The aim of this service is to provide proper guidance to the patients, so that the burden on the hospitals can be eased. Similar services will be launched in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad very soon.

 

4. LG Manoj Sinha approves further release of Rs 250 crore as Interest Subvention in J&K: In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha approved the further release of Rs 250 crore as Interest Subvention, part of economic package for revival of business and industry in J&K. The LG handed over a cheque of the said amount to J&K Bank as third instalment of the 5 per cent Interest Subvention. The UT Govt. had already released Rs 500 crore so far, and another instalment of Rs 250 crore rupees as 5 per cent Interest Subvention was released as part of the overall package of Rs 1353 crore. The Interest Subvention has so far provided immense relief to 3.44 lakh borrowers in the current COVID-19 crisis.

 

5. National Technology Day: 11th May: National Technology Day is celebrated on 11 May across India. This day will be focusing on rebooting the economy through Science and Technology. It also highlights the achievements of our scientists and engineers in the field of science and technology and encourages students to embrace Science as a career option.

History of National Technology Day: Every year, National Technology Day is celebrated across India on 11 May to memorize the anniversary of Shakti, the Pokhran nuclear test held on 11 May 1998. Shakti also knows as the Pokhran Nuclear Test was the first nuclear test code-named ‘Smiling Buddha’ was carried out in May 1974. The second test was then conducted as Pokhran II which was a series of five tests of nuclear bomb explosions carried out by India at the Pokhran Test Range of the Indian Army in May 1998. This operation administered by late president and aerospace engineer Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. All these nuclear tests evolved various sanctions against India by many major countries, including the United States and Japan. After the test, India becomes a nuclear state thus making it the sixth country in the world that has joined the nations “nuclear club”.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. New Delhi ranks 32nd in Global Prime Residential Index by Knight Frank: London-based property consultant Knight Frank has ranked New Delhi and Mumbai in 32nd and 36th positions respectively in the Global Prime Residential Index. While Bengaluru moved down by four places in Q1 2021 and is ranked 40; Delhi and Mumbai dipped one place each in the same period.

Three Chinese cities – Shenzhen, Shanghai and Guangzhou lead the index this quarter. Shenzhen recorded the strongest performing world region with a growth of 18.9%, while New York was the weakest performing market with negative 5.8% growth. Some of the world’s top metropolises, New York, Dubai, London, Paris and Hong Kong are seeing prices soften. New York was the weakest-performing global city during the period.

About the Prime Global Cities Index: The Prime Global Cities Index is a valuation-based index-tracking movement in prime residential prices in local currency across 45-plus cities worldwide using Knight Frank’s global research network.The report said 26 cities witnessed a rise in prime residential prices in Q1 2021. Eleven cities registered double-digit priced growth up from just one a year ago. About 67 per cent of global cities registered flat or positive yearly price growth.

Note: Chairman and Managing Director at Knight Frank India: ShishirBaijal; Knight Frank Headquarters: London, United Kingdom; Knight Frank Founded: 1896; Knight Frank Founders: Howard Frank, John Knight, and William Rutley.

 

2. Nepal’s Kami Rita scales Everest for record 25th time: Nepalese climber, Kami Rita has scaled Mount Everest for the 25th time, breaking his own record for the most ascents of the world’s highest peak. Rita, 51, first scaled Everest in 1994 and has been making the trip nearly every year since then. He is one of many Sherpa guides whose expertise and skills are vital to the safety and success of the hundreds of climbers.

Note: Nepali name of Mt. Everest: Sagarmatha; Tibetan name: Chomolungma.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ArzanNagwaswalla: 1st Parsi on Indian cricket team since 1975:ArzanNagwaswalla, a 23-year-old left-arm seamer from Gujarat, has been picked as a reserve player in the Indian Test squad named for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton. ArzanRohintonNagwaswalla, hailing from a Parsi community in a village near the Maharashtra border, is the first Parsi cricketer to break into the national team since 1975 and the only active Parsi cricketer.  Farokh Engineer played his final Test for India in 1975, while Diana Edulji’s last game in the women’s team came in July 1993. The youngest member of a Parsi community from the village of Nargol, Nagwaswalla is the first Parsi cricketer to break into the Indian men’s team since 1975.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. CSC, HDFC Bank launches chatbot ‘Eva’: HDFC Bank and Common Services Centres (CSCs) launched chatbot ‘Eva’ on CSCs Digital Seva Portal to support the Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) in providing banking services for the last mile rural consumers. This initiative will bridge the gap between India and Bharat. Urban India has been quick to learn and adapt to the digital world. Rural India has faced challenges as it has lower Internet penetration. Through Eva:

(1) VLEs will learn about the products and services offered by the HDFC Bank, which will improve services to the last mile customers and enhance banking services for the last mile.

(2) The 24×7 service will allow VLEs to access accurate information about various products, processes and resolve queries about HDFC Bank’s services.

(3) VLEs would improve their business by learning about account opening, loan lead generation and product details.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Bajaj Finance gets RBI approval for prepaid payment business: Bajaj Finance is all set to join the likes of Paytm and Amazon in the prepaid payment segment with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approving the non-bank lender’s foray with perpetual validity. The move is part of Bajaj Finance’s broader strategy to expand its digital offerings. RBI has granted authorization to the Company for issuance and operation of semi-closed Prepaid Payment Instruments with perpetual validity. About the Prepaid payment instrument:

(1) A semi-closed PPI is effectively a digital wallet but one through which transactions can flow to merchants and establishments other than the one offering the wallet services.

(2) The wallet will become a part of Bajaj Pay, which is the company’s bid to provide an integrated platform for all payments solutions.

(3) Semi-closed System PPIs allow you to make payments to multiple merchants through the platform.

(4) Cash withdrawal services, however, still remain prohibited.

Note: Bajaj Finance Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra; Bajaj Finance CEO: Sanjiv Bajaj.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO’s anti-Covid drug 2-DG receives DCGI approval for emergency use: An anti-COVID-19 therapeutic drug developed by DRDO called drug2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) has been given emergency approval by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for Coronavirus patients in the country. The Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has developed the drug, in collaboration with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Hyderabad. In 2-DG arm, significantly higher proportion of patients improved symptomatically and became free from supplemental oxygen dependence (42% vs 31%) by day-3 in comparison to SOC, indicating an early relief from oxygen therapy/dependence. The drug comes in the form of a powder in a sachet & is supposed to be dissolved in water.

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

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Indian Hockey Players Maharaj Krishan Kaushik &Ravinder Pal Singh Passes Away Due to COVID-19: Two of the most revered hockey stars of India, Maharaj Krishan Kaushik and Ravinder Pal Singh, have passed away, after battling Covid-19. Maharaj Krishan Kaushik was 66 and Ravinder Pal Singh was 60. Both the players were the members of the Indian hockey team that won the gold medal in 1980 Summer Olympics at Moscow. 

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.