Daily GK Update- 15th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Delhi Police launched vehicle helpline ‘COVI Van’ for senior citizens: Delhi Police has launched a helpline number for senior citizens who are struggling with their essential needs amid Covid-19. South District Police of the national capital has launched a COVI Van Helpline (012- 26241077) for senior citizens in the neighbourhood amid the coronavirus situation here.

About the COVI Van:

(1) The information of commencement of COVI Van has been disseminated in the Greater Kailash -1 area through beat officers and Residents Welfare Association (RWA).

(2) All the precautions including – sanitisation, gloves, masks and social distancing – will be taken while and after every visit.

(3) After receiving any call from COVI Van, deployed police official on COVI Van with a beat officer will go to the house of senior citizens and help them in getting their needs, including any essential item, vaccination and medicines.

Note: Chief Minister of Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal; Lieutenant Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal.

 

2. PESB appoints Arun Kumar Singh as next CMD of BPCL: The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), the government’s head-hunter, has picked Arun Kumar Singh as the chairman and managing director of state-run oil refining and marketing firm Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). Arun Kumar Singh is currently director, marketing at BPCL and holding additional charge of Director, Refineries. His selection will have to be ratified by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Note: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd Headquarters: Mumbai; Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd Founded: 1952.

 

3. Rs 22,215 crore and Rs 12,384 crore transferred directly into farmers’ accounts in Punjab and Haryana respectively against sale of their Wheat crop: The Centre has said that nearly Rs 22,215 crore in Punjab and Rs 12,384 crore in Haryana have been transferred directly into farmers’ accounts so far against sale of their Wheat crop. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in a statement said, in the ongoing Rabi Marketing Season 2021-22, the Government of India is continuing to procure Rabi crops at MSP from farmers as per existing Price Support Scheme. It said, wheat procurement is going on smoothly in the procuring States and Union Territories of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other States. So far over 341.77 Lakh Metric Tonnes of wheat have been procured against 252.50 Lakh Metric Tonnes during the corresponding period of last year.

 

4. Union Cabinet approves Production-Linked Incentive Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage: The Union Cabinet has approved the Production-Linked Incentive Scheme for the Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage with an outlay of 18 thousand 100 crore rupees. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, the move aims to achieve a manufacturing capacity of 50 GigaWatt Hour of ACC and five Giga Watt Hour of Niche ACC with an outlay of 18 thousand 100 crore rupees. It will also give a big push to electric mobility, benefiting three-wheelers, four-wheelers and heavy vehicles.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India Chairs 1st BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting Virtually: The first BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting was held in 2021 in virtual format. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of India, which has assumed the BRICS Presidency in 2021. The meeting was chaired by Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Labour and Employment.

Key highlights of the meeting:

(1) The main issues discussed during the meeting were: Promoting Social Security Agreements amongst BRICS Nations, Formalization of labour markets, Participation of women in the labour force and Gig and platform workers – Role in the labour market.

(2) Apart from the BRICS nation, the representatives of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Social Security Agency (ISSA) also attended the meeting.

Note: Representatives of BRICS member nations include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

 

2. Martin Griffiths appointed new UN Humanitarian Chief: Veteran British diplomat Martin Griffiths has been appointed as the new Chief at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), for a period of five years. Griffiths will replace Mark Lowcock as the new Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (USG/ERC) of OCHA. He is currently serving as the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen.

About the OCHA: The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) aims to strengthen the international response to complex emergencies and natural disasters. The headquarters of OCHA is based in two locations which are New York and Geneva.

Note: OCHA Founded: 19 December 1991; OCHA Headquarters: New York, United States and İstanbul, Turkey.

 

3. International Day of Families: 15th May: The International Day of Families is observed every year on 15 May to reflect the importance that the international community attaches to families. This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families. The theme of 2021 is “Families and New Technologies”.

History of the day: In 1993, the UN General Assembly decided in a resolution that 15 May of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Manchester City crowned 2020-21 Premier League champions: Manchester City has crowned Premier League champions for the third time in four seasons after Manchester United crashed to a 2-1 defeat against Leicester. United started the century dominating English football, now City is the force with five titles in 10 seasons and the biggest spenders on transfers and salaries. City has now won three Premier League titles and eight major trophies under Guardiola, who last year signed a new two-year contract to remain at the club until 2023.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI grants PPI authorisation to Eroute Technologies: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted authorisation to Eroute Technologies to operate as a prepaid payment instruments (PPI) company. The RBI issued authorisation to Eroute Technologies Pvt Ltd with perpetual validity to commence issuance and operations of semi-closed pre-paid instruments in the country. The company aims to serve the underserved segments that comprise almost 680 million people, by creating user-friendly payment solutions addressing the specific needs of various consumer segments of our society.

About the PPIs: PPIs are instruments that facilitate the purchase of goods and services, including financial services, remittances, and funds transfers, against the value stored in such instruments.

Note: Eroute Technologies MD & CEO: Sanjeev Pandey; Eroute Technologies Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

 

2. Asian Development Bank launches tax hub to enhance international tax cooperation: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a hub to create an open and inclusive platform to promote strategic policy dialogue, improve knowledge sharing and strengthen coordination on tax policy and administration among ADB members and development partners. The Asia Pacific Tax Hub will maximise regional and international resources to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation and international tax cooperation in ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs).

 

3. IIT Madras, MPFI collaborate to boost digital money transactions in India: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras researchers said that they will collaborate with members of the Mobile Payment Forum of India (MPFI) to develop voice-based solutions in multiple vernacular languages to enable larger adoption of digital money transactions in the country. At present, there are more than 100 million active Unified Payments Interface (UPI) users every month in India, as per the Indian government’s statistics. These initiatives are being taken up by MPFI towards bringing 500 million active users by 2025.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. United Nations: India Projected to Grow At 10.1% In 2022: The United Nations has projected that the Indian economy would grow at 10.1 per cent in the calendar year 2022, nearly double the 5.9 per cent growth forecast for the country in the January report. But cautioned that the growth outlook of 2021 was “highly fragile” as the country was the “new hotbed of the pandemic.” The mid-year update said that India will register a 7.5-per cent growth rate in the calendar year 2021, after an estimated contraction of 6.8 per cent in 2020.

Note: United Nations Headquarters: New York, USA; Secretary-General of the United Nations: Mr Antonio Guterres

 

2. HDFC Bank projects India’s GDP growth for FY22 at 10%: HDFC Bank has cut India’s growth projection to 10 per cent from 11.5 per cent for the current financial year, citing the adverse effect of the second Covid-19 wave. In a worst-case scenario of COVID-19, the bank has predicted the GDP rate to be at 8%.

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

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Shakuntala Hark Singh of Indian origin receives World Food Award 2021: Indian-origin global nutritionist, DrShakuntala Hark Singh Thilstad has received the “World Food Award” of the year 2021. She developed a holistic and nutritionally sensitive approach to seafood and food systems and has received an award for his research. The award is also known as the Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture. Every year, the committee selects a person who will be awarded the $ 250,000 title and prize money. The World Food Award stated on its website that research conducted by DrShakuntala on the small fish species of Bangladesh will prove helpful in developing a nutritionally sensitive approach to the seafood system at all levels. With this help, millions of poor people living in Asia and Africa will get a very nutritious diet.

Note: World Food Programme Headquarters: Rome, Italy; World Food Programme Founded: 1961.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Asian Games gold medallist footballer Fortunato Franco passes away: Former India international footballer Fortunato Franco breathed his last at the age of 84 in Goa. The midfielder was an integral part of the Indian football team which won the Gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games. He made 26 appearances for India, including the 1962 Asian Cup, where India finished runners-up, and silver and bronze-winning medal-winning sides of 1964 and 1965 Merdeka Cup.

 

2. SahityaAkademi Award Winning Journalist HomenBorgohain passes away: Noted Assamese litterateur and journalist, HomenBorgohain has passed away. He was associated with several newspapers and was most recently working as the editor in chief of Assamese daily NiyomiyaBarta until his death. He was also the President of Assam Sahitya Sabha. He was awarded SahityaAkademi Award in 1978 for the Assamese language for his novel ‘Pita Putra’. He has written several novels, short stories and poetry.

 

3. Arjuna-winning veteran paddler Chandrasekar passes away: Three-time National table tennis champion and former International paddler V. Chandrasekar passed away due to COVID-related complications. He was the current president of Tamizhaga Table Tennis Association (TTTA). The 63-year-old Chandrasekar, a 1982 Arjuna Award winner. Chandra’s autobiography with Seetha Srikanth, My fightback from Death’s Door published in 2006. 

Daily GK Update- 14th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Puducherry becomes ‘HarGhar Jal’ UT: Puducherry has achieved the target of 100% piped water connection in rural areas under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Earlier, Goa, Telangana and Andaman & Nicobar Islands have provided tap water supply to every rural home under Jal Jeevan Mission. So, Puducherry is the fourth State/UT to provide assured tap water supply to every rural home under Jal Jeevan Mission. Jal Jeevan Mission is being implemented in partnership with States/ UTs to provide safe tap water to every rural home by 2024. The State of Punjab and the UTs of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu have covered over 75% of rural homes with assured tap water supply.

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): It is a flagship programme of the Union Government. It was announced in August 2019. It aims to provide a tap water connection to every rural household of the country by 2024.

Note:  Chief Minister of Puducherry: N Rangasamy.

 

2. Padmakumar Nair Appointed As CEO of National Asset Reconstruction Company:Padmakumar M Nair has been appointed as the CEO of the proposed National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd. Presently Padmakumar is the Chief General Manager of Stressed Assets Resolution Group at SBI.

About the National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd:

(1) National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd. is a proposed bad bank for taking over stressed assets of lenders and was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the budget for 2021-22 to consolidate and take over existing stressed assets of lenders and undertake their resolution.

(2) Bad bank refers to a financial institution that takes over the bad assets of lenders and undertakes resolution.

(3) National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) will pay up to 15 per cent of the agreed value for the loans in cash and the remaining 85 per cent would be government-guaranteed security receipts.

 

3. AstraZeneca Pledges $250,000 as Humanitarian Aid to Covid-Ravaged India: Drug major AstraZeneca said it has pledged $250,000 (over Rs 1.8 crore) in humanitarian aid to India to support relief activities amid the second wave of COVID-19 sweeping across the country. The aid to India is part of the USD 1 million which the British-Swedish multinational has earmarked for relief initiatives across communities which have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

 

4. Twitter Donates USD 15 Mn for Covid-19 Relief in India: Microblogging giant Twitter has donated USD 15 million to help address the Covid-19 crisis in India which is battling the unprecedented second wave of the deadly pandemic. The amount has been donated to three non-governmental organisations Care, Aid India and Sewa International USA. While CARE has been given USD 10 million, Aid India and Sewa International USA have received USD 2.5 million each. This grant will support the procurement of lifesaving equipment such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators, BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines as part of Sewa International’s Help India Defeat COVID-19′ campaign.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Hostilities between Israel and Hamas escalated after the air strikes: The Israeli military has bombarded rockets in different areas in Gaza. It is the most intense airstrikes in Gaza since 2014. Hamas had red hundreds of rockets towards Israel on Monday. After that, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Gaza. The Gaza-based Palestinian group, Hamas, had red rockets towards Israel in protest of the clash between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters in the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Al-Aqsa Mosque is located in Jerusalem. It is the third holiest place for Muslims.

About the Hamas: It was founded in 1987. It is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organization. It is active in the West Bank and Gaza Strip region of the Palestine. It opposes the secular approach of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Note: Israel Capital: Jerusalem; Currency: Israeli shekel; Prime Minister of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu

 

2. India participates in the 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial: India participated in the 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM3) – the global platform for discussing research and cooperation in the Arctic region. The theme for this year is ‘Knowledge for a Sustainable Arctic’. Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Science and Technology, Health and Family Welfare, and Earth Sciences, shared India’s vision and long-term plans for research, work, and cooperation in the Arctic region with the stakeholders.

The first two meetings—ASM1 and ASM2—were held in the USA in 2016 and Germany in 2018, respectively. ASM3, jointly organised by Iceland and Japan, is the first Ministerial meeting being held in Asia. The meeting is designed to provide opportunities to various stakeholders, including academia, indigenous communities, governments and policymakers, to enhance collective understanding of the Arctic region, emphasize and engage in constant monitoring, and strengthen observations.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling to retire after World Test Championship: New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling has announced he would be retiring from international cricket after the three Tests, including the World Test Championship final against India, on their upcoming England tour. Watling has played 73 Tests, 28 ODIs and 5 T20Is for the BlackCaps. Watling became just the 9th wicketkeeper to hit a double hundred and the first to hit a double against England when he did so in Bay Oval in 2019. Watling has been involved in two 350-plus stands, one with Brendon McCullum in 2014 against India and the other with Kane Williamson the following year.

Note: Prime minister of New Zealand: JacindaArdern; Capital of New Zealand: Wellington; Currency of New Zealand: New Zealand dollar.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Jana Small Finance Bank launches ‘I choose my number’ feature: Jana Small Finance Bank has announced the launch of the “I choose my number” feature for all its customers across India. This new feature gives the bank’s existing and new customers the option to select their favourite numbers as their savings or current account number.

About this new feature: The bank will allow its customers to choose their favourite numbers as the last 10 digits of their bank account, savings or current. The allocation of the account number chosen by the customer will be subject to the availability of the requested number. This added feature will help customers relate and connect to the bank more closely as they choose auspicious or lucky numbers.

Note: The tagline of Jana Small Finance Bank: ‘Paise Ki Kadar’; MD and CEO of Jana Small Finance Bank: Ajay Kanwal; Jana Small Finance Bank Founded: 24 July 2006; Jana Small Finance Bank Headquarters Location: Bengaluru.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Moody’s Projects India’s GDP Forecast for FY22 to 9.3%: The rating agency Moody’s has cut the gross domestic product (GDP) forecast of India for FY22 (01 April 2021-31 March 2022) to 9.3 per cent. Earlier this rate was projected at 13.7 per cent.  The downward revision in GDP estimates is due to the second wave of Covid infections across the country, which have triggered localised lockdowns and mobility curbs.

 

2. Nomura Revises GDP Growth Estimate of India in FY22 to 10.8%: Nomura has cut the GDP growth estimate of India for the current 2021-22 fiscal (FY22) to 10.8 per cent from the earlier projection of 12.6 per cent. The cut in the GDP rate is due to the impact of the second wave-induced lockdowns.

Note: Nomura is a Japanese brokerage having its headquarter in Tokyo.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. IREDA conferred with Green Urja Award: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) has been conferred with the “Green Urja Award” for being the Leading Public Institution in the Financing Institution for Renewable Energy this year by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). IREDA gets the award for the pivotal and developmental role it plays in Green Energy Financing. Despite the pandemic time, IREDA has ended the year 2020-21 ended on a strong note and disbursed the second-highest (from the date of inception) amount of loan amounting to Rs. 8827 crore, which indicates that IREDA has the ability to translate this problem into an opportunity.

About the award: The award recognises our immense contribution to the development of the Renewable Energy Sector in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat.

Note: IREDA Headquarters location: New Delhi; IREDA Founded: 11 March 1987.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian and Indonesian navies conduct exercise in Arabian Sea: The Indian and Indonesian Navies conducted Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the southern Arabian Sea with a focus on further improving their interoperability. The exercise was aimed at improving interoperability and understanding between both the friendly navies. From the Indian Navy, INS Sharda, an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) with a Chetak helicopter participated in the exercise. From the Indonesian Navy, KRI Sultan Hasanudin, a 90m Corvette took part in the exercise.

About the PASSEX:PASSEXes are regularly conducted by IN with units of Friendly Foreign Countries. The last PASSEX between IN and the Indonesian Navy was conducted on 13 Mar 21 between INS Kalpeni, IN Dornier and KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda.

Note: Indonesia President: Joko Widodo; Indonesia Capital: Jakarta; Indonesia Currency: Indonesian Rupiah;

Chief of Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral Karambir Singh; Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Navy): New Delhi.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Freedom fighter Anup Bhattacharya passes away: Freedom fighter and Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra musician, Anup Bhattacharya passed away. During the liberation war of Bangladesh, he worked as the composer and music director at Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. He is also a founder member of the RabindraSangeetShilpiSangstha. His ever-present liberation songs including “Teer Hara EiDheu-erSagor,” “RoktoDiyeNaamLikhhechhi,” “PurboDigonteSurjoUtheche,” and “NongorToloTolo” inspired the liberation war fighters during 1971. Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra was the medium for radio broadcasting in 1971. 

Daily GK Update- 13th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ISRO develops 3 cost-effective ventilators, oxygen concentrator: The Indian Space Research Organisation’sVikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), has developed three different types of ventilators and an oxygen concentrator at a time when a shortage of this critical medical equipment resulted in the deaths of many Covid-19 patients across the country. Based on designs, features and specifications, we have named them, Prana, VaU and Svasta. All three are user-friendly, fully automated and with touch-screen specifications, meeting all safety standards.Technology transfer will be done for the commercial production of these three ventilators and the one oxygen concentrator by this month itself. Likely to be priced around ₹1 lakh, the ventilators developed by the ISRO were cost-effective and easy to handle compared to the mini conventional ventilators that are currently priced around ₹5 lakh.

About the Prana, VaU, Svasta and Shwaas:

(1) Prana is meant to deliver respiratory gas to the patient by automated compression of an Ambu bag, Svasta is designed to work without electric power, and the VaU is a low-cost ventilator equivalent to commercially available high-end ventilators.

(2) The VSSC has also developed a portable medical oxygen concentrator called Shwaas.  It is capable of supplying 10 litres of enriched oxygen per minute, adequate for two patients at a time.

(3) It enhances the oxygen gas content by selectively separating the nitrogen gas from ambient air through Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) which is commonly used for the production of oxygen from the air.

Note: ISRO Chairman: K.Sivan; ISRO Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka; ISRO established: 15 August 1969.

 

2. Haryana Police comes up with “COVID-19 Hospital Transport Service” for free transportation of needy infected patients: The Haryana Police has come up with “COVID-19 Hospital Transport Service” (COV-HOTS) for free transportation of needy infected patients from their homes to hospitals or nursing homes and back. The service is free and exclusively meant for COVID patients. A total of 440 vehicles are being provided for this service and every police district would get 20 SUVs for this purpose. These vehicles are being provided after the instances of either shortage of ambulances or overcharging by private ambulance service providers came to the notice of the police.

 

3. Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan flags off 1st supply of UCO based Biodiesel blended Diesel: Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remotely flagged off the first supply of UCO, Used Cooking Oil based Biodiesel blended Diesel from Indian Oil’s Tikrikalan Terminal, Delhi. Centre had initiated Expressions of Interest for “Procurement of Bio-diesel produced from Used Cooking Oil” on the occasion of World Biofuel Day on 10th August 2019.Such “Expressions of Interest” are being periodically released by Oil Marketing Companies. This initiative will garner substantial economic benefits for the nation by shoring up indigenous Biodiesel supply, reducing import dependence, and generating rural employment.

 

4. India, EIB sign finance contract for second tranche of 150 mn Euro for Pune Metro Rail: The Government of India and European Investment Bank (EIB) signed the finance contract for second tranche of 150 million Euro for Pune Metro Rail project through a virtual signing ceremony. The project aims to provide efficient, safe, economic and pollution-free Mass Rapid Transit System in densely populated area in the city of Pune served with heterogeneous traffic options.The financing from EIB will help to fund construction and operation of Corridor 1: PimpriChinchwad Municipal Corporation to Swargate and Corridor 2: Vanaz to Ramvadi, totaling about 31.25 kilometer and purchase of a related fleet of metro cars. Further, the project will serve large population which consisting working class in providing urban mobility for their livelihood. The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd is the implementing agency for this project.

 

5. MP govt launches new COVID-19 treatment scheme to help people: The Madhya Pradesh government announced the launch of the ‘Mukhyamantri COVID Upchar Yojana’ amid a rise in cases in the state. The scheme has been divided into three sections. ‘Under the first section, hospitals run by state medical colleges, district and civil hospitals and community health centres will give free treatment to COVID-19 patients. In the second section, 20 per cent ICU/HDU and isolation beds will be reserved in hospitals run by private medical colleges to give free treatment,’. In the third section of the scheme, 20 per cent beds will be reserved for free treatment in hospitals accredited under Ayushman scheme for economically weaker sections of the society holding Ayushman cards.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. K P Sharma Oli loses vote of confidence in House of Representatives: Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has lost the vote of confidence in the House of Representatives. K P Sharma Oli got 93 votes in his favour while 124 voted against him. In the 275-member House of Representatives, he required at least 136 Votes to win the trust vote in the lower of the House of Representatives. After the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) withdrew its support from the government, PM Oli faced a vote of confidence. In January, K P Sharma Oli was expelled from the primary membership of the Nepal Communist Party for his decision to dissolve the Parliament.

Note: Nepal capital: Kathmandu; Currency: Nepalese Rupees; President of Nepal: Bidya Devi Bhandari.

 

2. Mayflower 400: World’s First Unmanned Vessel to Navigate across Atlantic: World’s First Unmanned Vessel named “Mayflower 400” is set to Navigate Across the Atlantic. It has been built by the marine research organization ProMare in collaboration with IBM. It will begin its transatlantic voyage on May 15, 2021, to track aquatic mammals, analyze plastic in the water, and study marine pollution.

About the Mayflower 400:

(1) Mayflower 400 is a completely autonomous ship. It is a 15-m-long trimaran that weighs 9 tons. It is powered by Artificial Intelligence and the Sun’s energy via solar panels.

(2) ProMare invested $1 million along with global contributions in the form of technology from India, the United States, and Switzerland to build the ship.

(3) The ship, equipped with a smart captain, six high-tech cameras and radars, has been trained with audio data to avoid collisions, correct its course, detect marine animals, and gather information of the population of the aquatic animals.

(4) The ship can also listen to whales with a self-activating hydrophone.

(5) Currently, the ship is trained to handle 50 meters high waves.

(6) Mayflower 400 autonomous ship provides an edge to the scientists in exploring the rough seas as the ship will be unmanned.

Note: IBM Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Arvind Krishna; IBM Headquarters: Armonk, USA.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India 2nd in ICC T20 rankings, drop to 3rd in ODI chart after annual update: India retained the second place in the ICC Twenty20 team rankings but dropped a rung to third in the ODI chart following the annual update carried out. India are trailing top-ranked England (277) by five rating points in the T20 team rankings. New Zealand have also gained in the annual T20I update, moving up from fifth to third after series wins over the West Indies, Pakistan, Australia and Bangladesh. Australia have moved the other way, down from third to fifth. In the annual update of the ODI Team rankings, India dropped a place to third behind Australia and new table toppers New Zealand. The Kiwis have replaced reigning world champions England as the number one ranked side in the ODI rankings.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bajaj Finserv launches ‘SavdhanRahein, Safe Rahein’, a public awareness campaign on financial fraud risks: Bajaj Finserv launches ‘SavdhanRahein, Safe Rahein’, across digital and social media platforms, to educate customers and public at large on financial fraud risks and how to stay protected. Through this awareness initiative, Bajaj Finserv aims to convey a very important message to its customers and prospects to strictly avoid making any refundable advance payments in the name of loan processing fee, bank charges, GST, verifications etc., and verifying all loan offers at the Bajaj Finance’s official website, only.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. With Rs 55,500 crore m-cap, SAIL enters 100 most-valued Indian firms’ club: Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) regained market capitalisation (m-cap) of Rs 50,000 crore, after its stock climbed over 80 per cent in the past one and half month, on expectations of strong earnings in March quarter (Q4FY21) and a healthy outlook going forward. The state-owned steel major also entered into the league of top 100 most valued companies in terms of market capitalisation. SAIL stood at 78th position in the overall m-cap ranking with a market cap of Rs 55,529 crore, BSE data shows.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. KVG Bank bags PFRDA awards: Karnataka VikasGrameen Bank (KVGB), a regional rural bank headquartered in Dharwad, has bagged five awards (Lead to Leap, APY Makers of Excellence, Game Changers, Leadership Capital and Amazing Achievers) under various campaigns held for enrolment of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). The bank is playing a pivotal role in implementation of social security schemes such as Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Prime Minister Jeevan Jyothi Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), and Prime Minister Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Kerala’s Oldest Serving MLA KR GouriAmma Passes Away at 102: The senior-most communist leader of Kerala, KR GouriAmma, who was the first Revenue Minister in the first communist ministry of the state in 1957, has passed away due to age-related ailments. She was 102. She was the second longest-serving MLA in Kerala Legislative Assembly and also the last surviving member of the first Kerala government. After the split of the Communist Party in 1964, K. R. Gouri joined the newly formed Communist Party of India (Marxist). She formed and headed the political party JanathipathiyaSamrakshanaSamithy (JSS) in 1994 after her ouster from CPI (M). She was the driving force behind the historic Land Reforms Bill in Kerala. She had won 13 assembly elections, out of the total 17 contested. 

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.