Daily GK Update- 19th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. SWAMIH Fund for stalled housing projects to benefit 1.16 lakh home buyers: FM Sitharaman: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman handed over possession to 640 homebuyers of the first stalled project completed with funding by SWAMIH Fund managed by SBICap Ventures Ltd and said that the Fund will benefit 1.16 lakh buyers whose projects had been stalled due to last mile funding issues. Rivali Park Wintergreens is the first investment by the Fund and is also the first project to get completed. It is a large project spread over 7 acres consisting of 708 units of various configurations. The project is Rivali Park Wintergreen is developed by CCI Projects Pvt Ltd (CCIPPL), an associate company of Cable Corporation of India Ltd.

 

2. DRDO develops an Oxycare system to regulate oxygen in patients body: The Defence Research and Development Organisation, DRDO has developed an Oxycare system to regulate oxygen being administered to the patients based on the sensed values of oxygen saturation in the body. The intelligent configuration of this Oxycare system provides automatic regulation of oxygen through a Low Pressure Regulator and Electronic Control System. The Oxycare system developed by DRDO optimises consumption of oxygen based on oxygen saturation in the body. It reduces the workload of hospital staff eliminating the need of routine measurement and manual adjustment of oxygen flow. It is integrated with Non-Rebreather Masks saving oxygen by 30 to 40 per cent. The Oxycare system with audio warning for various failure scenarios can be used at homes, Quarantine Centres, COVID Care Centres and hospitals.

 

3. CovAid portal set up for real-time monitoring of relief: All Covid-19 related foreign aid received by the government can be tracked online end-to-end till distribution by the donors. The NITI Aayog has set up a dedicated portal – CovAid – for tracking all aid coming via missions or by individual organisations. CovAid will help individuals and organisations to do end-to-end tracking till the ultimate beneficiary.A detailed SOP has been laid out to ensure that the states with high active cases receive supplies on a priority basis.

 

4. Amazon India launches miniTV, a free video streaming service, within the Amazon App: Amazon India has launched miniTV, an ad-supported video streaming service that rests within its shopping app itself. miniTV boasts of created as well as curated content across genres like web series, comedy shows, tech news, food, beauty, fashion and more. The service is absolutely free, and as of now, is only available to Android users. The iOS and mobile web versions are expected to roll out in the coming months. Once you start streaming, you will never run out of content on miniTV! Amazon India has tied up with leading studios such as TVF and Pocket Aces.

miniTV is not to be confused with Prime Video. As mentioned earlier, miniTV is part of the Amazon app, free to view, and doesn’t require a separate app to be downloaded. Prime Video requires a Prime subscription and offers a collection of award-winning Amazon Originals, latest movies and TV shows, in English and 9 Indian languages. Viewers can access Prime Video on the app or stream it on their smart TV.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. ElisabettaBelloni named as first woman to head Italy secret service: A former ambassador has been named as the first woman to lead Italy’s secret services. Prime Minister Mario Draghi announced ElisabettaBelloni as head of the Department of Information Security (DIS). The department oversees the country’s foreign and domestic intelligence services and reports directly to the Italian government. After serving as a diplomat in Vienna and Bratislava, MsBelloni went on to lead the Italian foreign ministry’s crisis unit from 2004 to 2008, the first time a woman had held the role.

 

2. NASA and Axiom ink deal for 1st private astronaut mission to space station: NASA and Texas-based company Axiom Space have agreed on terms for the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, which will launch as soon as January 2022. The agreement, which was announced includes only a portion of the assorted exchanges required to make a flight like this a reality, but it will result in a net payment from NASA to Axiom of $1.69 million. The agreement will allow Axiom to send a retired NASA astronaut and three passengers to the orbiting laboratory aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for a journey of about a week in the first crewed space station mission for exclusively private interests.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Leicester beat Chelsea to clinch maiden FA Cup title: Leicester won the FA Cup for the first time in the club’s 137-year history last night as YouriTielemans’s sensational strike beat Chelsea 1-0 in front of 22,000 fans at Wembley. The largest crowd for a sports event in England since the coronavirus pandemic hit 14 months ago were treated to a goal worthy to win any trophy as the Belgian midfielder blasted into the top corner on 63 minutes.

 

2. 2021 Rugby World Cup: New Zealand to host postponed women’s tournament in October and November 2022: World Rugby has announced that New Zealand will now host the postponed 2021 Rugby World Cup (RWC) more than one year after it was initially scheduled, following confirmation of a new masterplan for the women’s tournament. In March, World Rugby announced it would postpone the 2021 RWC until next year due to ongoing concerns over the “uncertain and challenging” global COVID-19 situation. The rugby union showpiece was due to be held from September 18 to October 16, but has now been granted a fresh position in the calendar of October 8 to November 12, 2022.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Yono by SBI Joins Hands with Shivrai Technologies, to Launch Small Farm Accounting App, FarmizoKhata:  Shivrai Technologies, Indian AgTechCompany, recently announced the launch of their B2C Farm accounting mobile application, FarmizoKhata. Joining hands with Yono by SBI, they aim to help farmers across the country to manage their accounts efficiently, thus cutting down on losses. Shivrai also owns their own B2B brand, FarmERP.

Farmers incur massive losses due to the lack of knowledge, disorganised book-keeping skills, and inability to manage their expenses in the most profitable manner. To aid this process, Shivrai Technologies partnered with leading digital banking platform, Yono SBI to help smallholder, marginal, and large-holder farmers by way of a free application. This will allow them to focus on their costs incurred, as well as the bookkeeping of total profits that are in line. This free-of-cost application will not only efficiently manage their accounts but will also give them a platform to analyse and calculate their profits, losses, and expenses, thus enabling them to make wiser purchase, harvest, and production decisions. It is curated in the simplest possible way for smallholder farmers to benefit from it.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Groww to acquire Indiabulls’ mutual fund business for Rs 175 crore: Online investment platform Groww, backed by funds such as Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global, has signed an agreement with Indiabulls Housing Finance to acquire its asset management company for Rs 175 crore, paving the way for the Bengaluru-based fintech startup to enter the mutual fund business. The sale of Indiabulls Mutual Fund will be limited to its mutual fund business while its other verticals—such as the Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) and Portfolio Management Services (PMS)—will be demerged and continue under Indiabulls Housing Finance.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nagaland conservationist NukluPhom gets prestigious Whitley Awards 2021: An environmentalist from Nagaland’s remote Longleng district, NukuPhom has won this year’s Whitley Awards 2021, also known as the Green Oscar. NukuPhom’s name, along with that of five others, was announced recently in a virtual award ceremony organized by the UK-based Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN). Nuku and his team want to offer alternatives that engage communities in conservation using the Amur falcon as a flagship.

The award recognisesPhom’s efforts at establishing a new biodiversity peace corridor changing the fate of Amur Falcons, which come to roost in Nagaland each year, from being hunted by locals. Worth £40,000, the award is for creating a new network of community-owned forests to protect Amur Falcons and increase biodiversity in Nagaland.

Note: Chief Minister of Nagaland: Neiphiu Rio; Governor of Nagaland: R. N. Ravi.

 

2. UN Chief honours Indian peacekeeper Yuvraj Singh, who died in line of duty in 2020: An Indian peacekeeper, who lost his life in the line of duty in 2020, was honoured at a solemn memorial service that paid tribute to over 300 United Nations personnel who died last year, the highest number of UN colleagues lost in a single year. Corporal Yuvraj Singh was among the 336 UN personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and due to the COVID-19 and related circumstances between January 1 and December 31, 2020. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres led the annual memorial service honouring the United Nations personnel.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Six-time MP from Amritsar Raghunandan Lal Bhatia Passes Away: Senior Congress leader and six-time MP from Amritsar, Raghunandan Lal Bhatia passed away after a brief illness. He was 100. Raghunandan Bhatia was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1972 from the Amritsar parliamentary constituency, and again re-elected from the same seat in the 1980, 1985, 1992, 1996 and 1999 elections as a member of the Indian National Congress. Bhatia had also served as the governor of Kerala from 2004 to 2008 and the governor of Bihar from 2008 to 2009. He had also served as the minister of state for external affairs in 1992.

 

2. Former Jathedar of Akal Takht, GianiJoginder Singh Vedanti passes away: Former Akal TakhtjathedarGianiJoginder Singh Vedanti died of a heart attack in Amritsar. He was 80. Vedanti, who served as jathedar of the highest temporal seat of Sikhs from 2000 to 2008, was well-versed in Gurbani grammar. He also served for a long time as the head granthi of the Golden Temple. During his tenure Vedanti had taken several landmark decisions. In 2003, the former jathedar had approved the Nanakshahi calendar, prepared by Canada-based Sikh scholar Pal Singh Purewal. He had also declared Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale a martyr 19 years after Operation Bluestar. He was also the first jathedar who declared to commemorate the death anniversaries of the Sikh militants. 

Daily GK Update- 18th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Himachal Government launches ‘AyushGhar-Dwar’ program: Himachal Government has launched the ‘AyushGhar-Dwar’ program to keep the home isolated Covid-19 positive patients healthy by practising Yoga. This program has been started by the Department of AYUSH in collaboration with the Art of Living organisation. Yoga Bharti’s instructors would provide their services in the program. During the launch, about 80 home isolated Covid positive patients from all over the state were also connected virtually. Under the program, approximately 1000 virtual groups on social media platforms like zoom, WhatsApp and Google meet will be formed to connect with COVID positive patients in home isolation. The initiative intends to provide a holistic healthcare approach through AYUSH to ensure not only physical but also mental, social and spiritual wellbeing.

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

 

2. Punjab to join global COVAX alliance to procure anti-Covid vaccines: Facing an anti-Covid vaccine “shortage”, the Punjab government decided to join the global COVAX alliance for sourcing the immunisation shots at the best price. By doing so, Punjab will become the first state in the country to take the initiative of addressing the vaccine shortage amid the deadly second wave of the pandemic. Abbreviated as COVAX, the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access is a worldwide initiative aimed at providing equitable access to anti-Covid vaccines. COVAX is co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi and the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside key delivery partner UNICEF.

 

3. Footwear Brand Bata India appoints Gunjan Shah as new CEO: Footwear Company Bata India has appointed Gunjan Shah as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will join Bata in his new role from 21 June 2021, for a period of five years. Shah replaces Sandeep Kataria, who has been elevated as the Global CEO of Bata Brands in November 2020. Prior to this, Shah was the Chief Commercial Officer (COO) at Britannia Industries.

Note: Bata Corporation is a multinational footwear and fashion accessory manufacturer and retailer, with it’s headquarter located in Lausanne, Switzerland and an Indian branch based in Gurugram, Haryana.

 

4. A book titled “Sikkim: A History of Intrigue and Alliance” released: The book “Sikkim: A History of Intrigue and Alliance”, published by HarperCollins India, released on May 16, which is celebrated as Sikkim Day. Former diplomat Preet Mohan Singh Malik combines insights into the unique history of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim with the intriguing story of how it became India”s 22nd state in his new book. The objective of the book, he says, is to clarify and establish the primacy of strategic issues that lay behind India”s decision to accept the demand that Sikkim is merged with India.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. China becomes the world’s first country to ban synthetic cannabinoids: China will become the world’s first country to ban all synthetic cannabinoid substances. The ban is likely to come into effect on July 1. The move comes as China tries to curb the manufacturing & trafficking of the drug. The synthetic cannabinoids are highly camouflaged, as some are found in e-cigarette oil, and some are found in cut tobacco made from various flower petals, or plant stems and leaves. In Xinjiang, it has a commonly known nickname of “Natasha.”

About the Synthetic cannabinoids: Synthetic cannabinoids are highly camouflaged, as some are found in e-cigarette oil & some are found in cut tobacco made from leaves, flower petals, etc. The synthetic cannabinoid has become one of the most-abused new psychoactive substances. Cannabinoid substances pose a severe threat to society, where the abuse of such substances gives rise to incidents such as intentional injuries and impaired driving.

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

 

2. Sir David Attenborough named COP26 People’s Advocate: Sir David Attenborough, world-renowned broadcaster & natural historian, has been named COP26 People’s Advocate for the U.K.’s Presidency of UN climate change summit in Glasgow this November. Attenborough has already inspired millions of people in the U.K. & around the world with his passion & knowledge to act on climate change and protect the planet for future generations.

Note: COP26:- 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties.

 

3. Indian-American NeeraTanden appointed as White House senior adviser: Indian-American NeeraTanden has been appointed senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden. She is currently the president and CEO of a progressive think-tank, Center for American Progress (CAP). She withdrew her nomination as Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget due to stiff opposition from Republican senators. MsTanden previously served as a senior adviser for health reforms at the US Department of Health and Human Services. She worked with Congress and stakeholders on particular provisions of former President Barack Obama’s signature legislative achievement, the Affordable Care Act.

 

4. World AIDS Vaccine Day: 18th May: World AIDS Vaccine Day, (also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day), is observed annually on May 18 to promote the continued urgent need for a vaccine to prevent HIV infection and AIDS.  The first World AIDS Vaccine Day was thus observed on May 18, 1998, to commemorate the anniversary of Clinton’s speech. The concept of World AIDS Vaccine Day was proposed on May 18, 1997, during a commencement speech at Morgan State University made by then-President Bill Clinton, which underlined the need for a vaccine to curb the spread of HIV.

 

5. International Museum Day: 18th May: The International Museum Day is celebrated on 18 May, since 1977, to raise awareness about the fact that “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples”. The theme of International Museum Day 2021: “The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine”. It is coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

Note: President of International Council Of Museums: SuayAksoy; International Council Of Museums Headquarters: Paris, France; International Council Of Museums Founder: Chauncey J. Hamlin; International Council Of Museums Founded: 1946.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rafael Nadal wins 10th Italian Open title: Rafael Nadal beat world number one Novak Djokovic to win a 10th Italian Open title. Second seed Nadal won through 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 in 2hr 49min against the defending champion in the 57th career showdown between the pair. The victory also earned Nadal a 36th ATP Masters 1000 crown, equalling Djokovic’s record since the series was established in 1990.In the women’s category, Polish teenager IgaSwiatek crushed Czech ninth seed Karolina Pliskova 6-0, 6-0 to win the Italian Open title. Swiatek, ranked 15, claimed her third WTA title.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IOB gets shareholders’ nod for Rs 4,100 cr infusion by Centre: The state-owned Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has received shareholders’ approval for issuance of 246,54,23,932 equity shares to the government of India (GoI) on preferential basis for a capital infusion of Rs 4,100 crore. The issue price of the equity share was Rs 16.63 per share (including share premium of Rs 6.63 per share). Of the Rs 4,100 crore, an amount of Rs 2,465.42 crore will be credited to the share capital account and Rs 1,634.58 crore will be credited to the share premium account. Accordingly, the shareholding of the GoI will increase to 96.38 percent from 95.84 percent.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Airline Company GoAirrebrands itself as ‘Go First’: Wadia Group-owned, GoAir has rebranded itself as ‘Go First’, with the new motto “You Come First”. The decision to rebrand after 15 years is part of the company’s attempt to operate the carrier in an ULCC (ultra-low-cost carrier) airline model, to tide over the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Go First will operate narrow-body aircraft across its fleet, comprising Airbus A320 and A320 Neos (new engine option) planes under ULCC plans. This will not only ensure the safety, comfort and time-saving for the passengers but also help them to experience the benefits of the next-gen fleet, at ultra-low-cost fares, so that their travel plans are never hampered.

Note: GoAir Founder: JehangirWadia; GoAir Founded: 2005; GoAir Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Andrea Meza crowned 69th Miss Universe 2020: Miss Mexico Andrea Meza has been crowned as the 69th Miss Universe 2020. On the other hand, Miss India’s AdlineQuadrosCastelino made it to the Top 4.  Brazil’s Julia Gama is the first runner-up, Peru’s JanickMaceta is the second runner-up while India’s AdlineCastelino and Dominican Republic’s Kimberly Perez are third runner-up and fourth runner-up, respectively. This year, the pageant is being held in Miami, Florida’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood. ZozibiniTunzi of South Africa crowns her successor in the event.

 

2. NBA creates social justice award, named for Abdul-Jabbar: The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced the creation of a new award — the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award, to recognise players who are making strides in the fight for social justice. Each NBA team will nominate one player for consideration; from there, five finalists will be selected and ultimately one winner. The winning player will receive $100,000 for the charity of his choice.

About the Abdul-Jabbar: Abdul-Jabbar won three consecutive NCAA championships (1967 to 1969) while at UCLA. In between them, he, alongside famed sociologist Harry Edwards, helped organize a boycott of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City due to the then-recent assassinations of civil rights leaders Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., and the continued mistreatment of Black people in America.

Note: NBA Founded: 6 June 1946, New York, United States; NBA Commissioner: Adam Silver; NBA Headquarters: New York, United States.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Famous Mathematician MS Narasimhan Passes Away: Noted Indian mathematician, Professor MS Narasimhan has passed away. Professor Narasimhan, along with C. S. Seshadri, were known for their proof of the Narasimhan–Seshadri theorem. He is the only Indian to receive the King Faisal International Prize in the field of science. He was graduated from Loyola College, Chennai, and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bombay Narasimhan had also obtained PhD from Mumbai University. 

Daily GK Update- 17th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Uttarakhand Police Launches ‘Mission Hausla’: The Uttarakhand Police has launched a drive called “Mission Hausla” to help people get oxygen, beds, ventilators, and plasma for Covid-19 patients. Besides these, police will also help the public to get medicines meant for Covid-19 management as part of the mission and rations. Delivering medicines, oxygen and ration at the doorsteps of families battling the coronavirus and coordinating between plasma donors and those in need of it will also be some of the activities to be taken up by the police as part of the mission. Police stations will serve as nodal centres for managing crowds in market areas and ensuring COVID- appropriate behaviour by people like wearing masks and social distancing in public places, he said. Stern action will be taken against those who violate the norms.

Note: Chief Minister of Uttarakhand: Tirath Singh Rawat; Governor of Uttarakhand: Baby Rani Maurya.

 

2. Cyclone Taukate hits many states: Cyclone Taukate has obtained its maximum intensity in the wee hours of Sunday and has now become a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (wind speed of 118 to 166 km/hr). The latest cyclone alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that this storm would reach close to Gujarat coast, Maharashtra, Goa. Light to moderate intensity rainfall is expected to continue over coastal Karnataka and Kerala till Monday.

Note: India Meteorological Department Headquarters: MausamBhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi; India Meteorological Department Founded: 1875.

 

3. Chhattisgarh Govt to Fund Education of Children Orphaned Due to Covid-19: The Chhattisgarh government said it will bear education expenses of the children who have lost parents to COVID-19. The state government has decided to launch the ‘Chhattisgarh MahtariDularYojna’ for such children. Under the scheme, a stipend of Rs 500 per month will be paid to such children from Classes 1 to 8 and Rs 1,000 per month from Classes 9 to 12. Children studying in both government and private schools will be entitled to this stipend. The state government will also fund the education of the children who have lost breadwinner of the family to COVID-19.

 

4. Union Agriculture Ministry has allocated Rs 2250 Crore for realizing the huge potential of horticulture sector in 2021-22: To further promote and for holistic growth of the horticulture sector in the country, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has provided an enhanced allocation of Rs. 2250 Crore for the year 2021-22 for ‘Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture’ (MIDH), a centrally sponsored scheme. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing MIDH with effect from 2014-15.MIDH is implemented under Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana. Under MIDH, Government of India (GoI) contributes 60% of total outlay for developmental programmes in all the states except states in North East and Himalayas, 40% share is contributed by State Governments.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. WHO classified Indian coronavirus variant as a “global variant of concern”: The World Health Organization has classified a coronavirus variant found in India as a global “variant of concern”. This variant has been named B.1.617. According to World Health Organization, this variant is already spread to more than 30 countries. It is more transmissible than other variants. This variant is also called the “double mutant variant”. It was 1st identified by the United Kingdom health authorities.

About the B.1.617 variant: The B.1.617 variant is the fourth variant of coronavirus classified by the WHO. It has two mutations referred to as E484Q and L452R. Viruses create one or more variants by mutating themselves. Viruses mutate themselves so that they can cohabitate with humans. Scientists across the world are still studying the Vaccine effectiveness against the B.1.617 variant.

Note: WHO was established on 7 April 1948; WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health; WHO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland; WHO current President is DrTedrosAdhanom Ghebreyesus.

 

2. New Zealand PM JacindaArdern Tops Fortune’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders 2021: New Zealand Prime Minister, JacindaArdern has topped the ‘World’s 50 Greatest Leaders’ list for 2021, released by Fortune Magazine. The ‘World’s 50 Greatest Leaders’ list for 2021 is the eighth edition of the annual list which celebrates leaders, some well-known and others who aren’t so familiar, who made a difference amid the “truly unprecedented times” of the Covid-19 pandemic.From India, Adar Poonawalla, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Serum Institute of India (SII) is the only Indian among the top 10 names. He is placed in the 10th spot.

List of Top 10 Fortune’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders 2021:

1.      JacindaArdern, Prime Minister of New Zealand

2.      mRNA Pioneers

3.      Dan Schulman, CEO of PayPal

4.      Dr John Nkengasong, director of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

5.      Adam Silver; Michele Roberts; Chris Paul, NBA Rescuers

6.      Jessica Tan, founder of Ping An Group

7.      Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury for the Church of England/Anglican Church

8.      Stacey Abrams, founder of Fair Fight

9.      Reshorna Fitzpatrick, pastor for Proceeding Word Church, Chicago

10.  Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India

 

3. Harley-Davidson launches all-electric motorcycle brand ‘LiveWire’: Harley-Davidson Inc. has launched an all-electric motorcycle brand “LiveWire,” the latest effort by the company to ramp up bets on the rapidly growing electric vehicle market. The company would create a separate electric vehicle-focused division, as it aims to attract the next generation of younger and more environmentally conscious riders. Named after Harley’s first electric motorbike, which was unveiled in 2019, the “LiveWire” division is slated to launch its first branded motorcycle in July.

Note: Harley-Davidson Inc. CEO: JochenZeitz (Mar 2020–); Harley-Davidson Inc.  Founded: 1903.

 

4. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day: 17th May: The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is observed every year on 17 May since 1969, to commemorate the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The theme of 2021 is “Accelerating Digital Transformation in challenging times​”​.

History of the day: The ITU was founded on 17 May 1865, when the first International Telegraph Convention was signed in Paris. The main objective of the day is to raise global awareness of the changes brought about by the Internet and new technologies in societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.

Note: International Telecommunication Union Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; International Telecommunication Union Founded: 17 May 1865; International Telecommunication Union  Secretary-General: Houlin Zhao.

 

5. World Hypertension Day: 17th May: World Hypertension Day (WHD) is celebrated on 17 May worldwide to promote public awareness of increasing high blood pressure (BP) and to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer. The day was held for the first time in May 2005. World Hypertension Day (WHD) is an initiative of the World Hypertension League (WHL), an affiliated section of the International Society of Hypertension. The theme for World Hypertension Day 2021 is Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.

 

6. 6th UN Global Road Safety Week: 17th-23rd May 2021: The 6th UN Global Traffic Safety Week, which this year is celebrated between 17 and 23 May, call for 30 km/h (20 mph) speed limits to be the norm for cities, towns and villages worldwide. UN Global Road Safety Week (UNGRSW) is a biennial global road safety campaign hosted by WHO. Each UNGRSW has an advocacy theme.  The theme for the 6th UNGRSW is Streets for Life, under the tagline #Love30. It brings together individuals, governments, NGOs, corporations, and other organizations from around the world to raise awareness of road safety and make changes that will reduce the number of road deaths.

Note: WHO was established on 7 April 1948; WHO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland; WHO current President is DrTedrosAdhanom Ghebreyesus.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI cancels licence of United Co-operative Bank: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of United Co-operative Bank Ltd over inadequate capital, regulatory non-compliance, based in Bagnan, West Bengal. Through an order dated May 10, 2021, the central bank has prohibited the co-operative lender from carrying on banking business, with effect from the close of business on May 13, 2021. RBI said it cancelled the licence as United Co-operative Bank did not have adequate capital and earning prospects. “As such, it does not comply with the provisions of section 11(1) and section 22(3)(d) read with section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

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

 

2. Airtel Payments Bank launches Digigold: Airtel Payments Bank has launched “DigiGold”, a digital platform for customers to make investments in gold. This has been rolled out in partnership with SafeGold, a provider of digital gold. With DigiGold, Airtel Payments Bank’s saving account customers can invest in 24K gold using the Airtel Thanks app. Customers can also gift DigiGold to their family and friends, who have a savings account with Airtel Payments Bank.The gold purchased by customers is stored securely by SafeGold at no additional cost and can be sold through the Airtel Thanks app at any time in a matter of few clicks. There is no minimum investment value requirement and customers can start with as low as one rupee. Airtel Payments Bank recently increased its savings deposit limit to ₹2 lakh in line with RBI guidelines. It now offers an increased interest rate of 6% on deposits between ₹1-2 lakh.

Note: Airtel Payments Bank’s MD and CEO: Nubrata Biswas; Airtel Payments Bank Headquarters: New Delhi; Airtel Payments Bank Founded: January 2017.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Care Ratings Projects India’s GDP Forecast to 9.2% for FY22: The domestic rating agency, Care Ratings, has revised the GDP growth forecast of India for the current fiscal year 2021-2022 (FY22) to 9.2 per cent. This is lower than 10.2 per cent estimated earlier in April 2021.

Note: CARE Ratings Founded: 1993; CARE Ratings: Mumbai, Maharashtra; CARE Ratings Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer: Ajay Mahajan.

 

2. World Bank report: India was largest recipient of remittances in 2020: India was the largest recipient of remittances in 2020, as per the report, “Migration and Development Brief “ released by the World Bank. India has been the largest recipient of remittances since 2008. However, the remittance received by India in 2020 was over USD 83 billion, which is a drop of 0.2 per cent from 2019 (USD 83.3 billion). Globally, the remittance flow was USD 540 billion in 2020, which is 1.9% lower as compared to that of 2019, when it was USD 548 billion.

Top Five Countries: (1) The top five remittance recipient countries in 2020, in current US dollar terms, were India, China, Mexico, the Philippines, and Egypt.

(2) The top five recipients in 2020, as a share of gross domestic product (GDP), were, by contrast, smaller economies: Tonga, Lebanon, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and El Salvador.

Top Source Country For Remittance: (1) The largest remittance-sending country in 2020 was United States (USD68 billion).

(2) It was followed by the UAE (USD43 billion), Saudi Arabia (USD34.5 billion), Switzerland (USD27.9 billion), Germany (USD22 billion), and China (USD18 billion).

(3) From India, the Remittances outflow in 2020 was USD 7 billion, against USD 7.5 billion in 2019.

Note: World Bank Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States; World Bank Formation: July 1944; World Bank President: David Malpass.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Arjuna Award Winning Former Table Tennis National Champion V Chandrasekar passes away: Three-time National table tennis champion and former International paddler VenugopalChandrasekar has passed away following COVID-related complications. He was 63. Chandra, as he was popularly called, was a pioneer both as a player and a coach. He was one of the most popular paddlers of his time, winning three national championships. Chandra had reached the semifinals of the Commonwealth Games in 1982. He won the Arjuna Award in 1982. Apart from this, he helped India to progress to category I from II in the 1983 Tokyo World Championships.

 

2. Times Group Chairperson Indu Jain Passes Away: Pioneering philanthropist and Times Group Chairperson, Indu Jain has passed away due to Covid-related complications. The prominent Indian media personality, Indu Jain was the chairperson of India’s largest media group, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., which is popularly known as the Times Group, which owns the Times of India and other large newspapers. Being a spiritualist, Jain had a deep knowledge of ancient scriptures and was the follower of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and SadhguruJaggiVasudev. Besides this, Jain was also passionate about women’s rights and was the founder president of Ficci Ladies Organisation (FLO). 

Daily GK Update- 16th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM KisanSamman Nidhi: Eighth Instalment released: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently released the eighth instalment of Prime Minister KisanSamman Nidhi. The Government of India transfers Rs 6,000 to the account of small and marginal farmers. These funds are transferred in three instalments. The first instalment of Rs 2,000 is made between April and June. The second Instalment is made between August and November. The third instalment is made between December and March.

About PMKSN: The scheme was begun in 2018. The scheme provides financial support to farmers who hold land ownership up to two hectares. Since its inception, the GoI has provided Rs 75,000 crores. It aims to cover 125 million farmers irrespective of their land size.

 

2. Manisha Kapoor joins executive committee of ICAS: Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) announced that its general secretary Manisha Kapoor has been appointed to the executive committee of the International Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (ICAS). Until April, ASCI served on the executive committee as a member for a two-year term. Now, Kapoor will play a leadership role on the committee till 2023. She will be one of the four global vice-presidents on the executive committee.

In her role as part of the ICAS leadership team, she will promote advertising self-regulation as an optimal mechanism for consumer protection, strengthen ICAS as a global alliance and facilitate knowledge sharing among SROs to establish best practices and monitor global trends in advertising ecosystem that impact self-regulation. She will also work closely with established and emerging digital platforms to make the online space more transparent and fair for consumers.

Note: President of ICAS: Guy Parker; ICAS Headquarters: Brussels Capital, Belgium;

Advertising Standards Council of India Founded: 1985; Advertising Standards Council of India Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

3. Punjab CM Amarinder Singh Declares Malerkotla as 23rd District: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has declared Malerkotla as the 23rd district of the state on May 14, 2021, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Malerkotla is a Muslim-dominated area and has been carved out of the Sangrur district of the state. The government had promised that Malerkotla will be declared a district soon in 2017.

Note: Punjab CM: Captain Amarinder Singh; Punjab Governor: V.P.SinghBadnore.

 

4. Chhattisgarh develops CGTeeka web portal for systematic vaccination of people: Making Covid vaccination registration quick, convenient and hassle-free, the Chhattisgarh government has developed a web portal ‘CGTeeka’ for systematic vaccination of people in the age group 18-44 years. This web portal, developed by CHiPS, was launched by Chief Minister BhupeshBaghel. CGTeeka web portal has been developed on the basis of social and geographical conditions in the state. This initiative of the government would save the people from waiting in long queues.

 

5. National Dengue Day: 16th May: In India, the National Dengue Day is observed every year on 16 May. The day is an initiative by the Ministry of Healthy and Family Welfare, to raise awareness about dengue and its preventive measures, and preparedness for control of the vector-borne disease before the transmission season begins.

About the Dengue: Dengue is spread through the bite of the female mosquito (Aedesaegypti). Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that is caused by the dengue virus of four distinct serotypes — DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4. Dengue, which is spread by the Aedesalbopictus species of mosquitos, can lead to flu-like illness such as severe muscle pain and nausea and can lead to death if not cured properly.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. KP Sharma Oli Re-appointed as Prime Minister of Nepal: In Nepal, KP Sharma Oli was re-appointed as the Prime Minister of the country by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari. Oli was administered the oath of office by the President on May 14, 2021. Now, he must prove that he has majority support in the House within 30 days. This will be his third stint as Prime Minister. He was first appointed as PM from 12 October 2015 to 4 August 2016, and then again from 15 February 2018 to 13 May 2021. Key highlights:

(1) The decision to re-appoint Oli was taken after none of the opposition party could secure majority seats in the House to form a new government or apply for it in the provided time frame (by 9 pm on 13 May 2021).

(2) As a result, Oli, who is the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-UML), the largest party in the House of Representatives, was appointed for Prime Minister, as per the provision of 76(3) of the Constitution of Nepal.

(3) It must be noted that, on 10 May 2021, Oli failed to obtain a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives, gaining only 93 of the total 232 votes cast, which was 43 votes short of reaching the 136-vote majority required to win the confidence vote. As a result, Oli was automatically relieved from his post.

 

2. China’s First Mars Rover ‘ZhuRong’ Successfully Lands on Mars: China successfully achieved the feat of landing its first Mars Rover ‘Zhu Rong’ on the red planet, on May 15, 2021, becoming the only second nation to do so. Till date, only the United States has successfully landed its rover on Mars. All other countries that have tried have either crashed or lost contact soon after reaching the surface.

The vehicle used a combination of a protective capsule, a parachute & a rocket platform to make the descent. Zhurong, which means God of Fire, was carried to Mars on the Tianwen-1 orbiter. China’s Mars rover, called Zhurong after an ancient fire god in Chinese mythology, will part ways with the lander by driving down a foldable ramp. Once it has deployed, the rover is expected to spend at least 90 Mars days.

Note: China National Space Administration Founded: 22 April 1993; China National Space Administration Administrator: Zhang Kejian; China National Space Administration Headquarters: Haidian District, Beijing, China.

 

3. 4th India-Swiss Financial Dialogue held virtually: The fourth India-Swiss Financial Dialogue was held here virtually through video conferencing. Ajay Seth, Secretary Economic Affairs led the Indian delegation. The delegation from the Swiss side was led by Daniela Stoffel, State Secretary, and State Secretariat for International Finance, Switzerland.About the Dialogue:

(1) The dialogue, inter-alia, covered sharing of experiences by both countries for collaboration on various aspects including investments, International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA), National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), FinTech, sustainable finance and cross border financial services.

(2) Further, matters relating to G20, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and tax challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy were discussed along with infrastructure financing, read the release.

Note: Switzerland Currency: Swiss franc; Switzerland Capital: Bern; President of Switzerland: Guy Parmelin

 

4. International Day of Light: 16th May: The International Day of Light (IDL) is celebrated on 16 May each year to mark the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. The day celebrates the role that light plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy to help achieve the goals of UNESCO – ‘education, equality, and peace. The message of 2021 International Day of Light is “Trust Science”. The celebration of the International Day of Light will enable various sectors of society worldwide to get indulge in activities that display how science, technology, art and culture can help in achieving the goals of UNESCO i.e. building the foundation for peaceful societies.

Note: UNESCO headquarters: Paris, France; UNESCO Head: Audrey Azoulay; UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945.

 

5. International Day of Living Together in Peace: 16th May: The International Day of Living Together in Peace is held on 16th May every year since 2018. The UN General Assembly, declared 16 May the International Day of Living Together in Peace, as a means of regularly mobilizing the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity. The Day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.

History of the day: The United Nations General Assembly decided to celebrate 16th May as the International Day of Living Together in Peace on 8th December 2017.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Ramesh Powar appointed Head Coach of Indian Women’s Cricket team: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the appointment of Ramesh Powar as the Head Coach of Team India (Senior Women). The three-member Cricket Advisory Committee comprising SulakshanaNaik, Madan Lal and RudraPratap Singh interviewed the applicants and unanimously agreed on Powar’s candidature. A former international, Powar played 2 Tests and 31 ODIs for India.

Note: Secretary of BCCI: Jay Shah; President of BCCI: SouravGanguly; Headquarters of BCCI: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Founded: December 1928.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Geojit sign an ink pact with PNB to offer three-in-one account: Geojit Financial Services has entered into an agreement with Punjab National Bank to provide a three-in-one account to the latter’s customers. The new service gives customers who have a savings account with PNB, a PNB Demat account and a Geojit trading account. Saving and Demat accounts can be opened online in PNB with a hassle-free approach.About the 3-in-1 account:

(1) The 3-in-1 account makes it easier for PNB customers to transfer funds in real-time via the payment gateway facility from their savings accounts to meet their investment needs.

(2) The trading account, which can be opened online in 15 minutes, provides a seamless interface to invest online in the avenues offered by Geojit.

(3) PNB clients can now open a Geojit Trading account online and start investing online in equity as well as Geojit’sSmartfolios product. This will help clients diversify their investments and manage them all through one account.

Note: Punjab National Bank Headquarters: New Delhi; Punjab National Bank MD and CEO: S. S. Mallikarjuna Rao; Punjab National Bank Founded: 19 May 1894, Lahore, Pakistan.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Google Pay users in US can now transfer money to India, Singapore: Alphabet Inc’s Google has launched international money transfer partnerships with remittances firms Wise and Western Union Co for users of its U.S. payments app. Google Pay users in the United States can now transfer money to app customers in India and Singapore, with plans to expand to the 80 countries available via Wise, and 200 via Western Union by the end of the year.

About the partnership:

(1) The company has partnered with Western Union and Wise, both of which have integrated their services into Google Play.

(2) When Google Pay users in the U.S. attempt to send money to someone in India or Singapore, they will be informed about the exact amount that the recipient will receive.

(3) From within the Google Pay app, users also get to choose which payments provider Wise or Western Union, they wish to use and how long it would take for the recipient to receive the money.

Note: Google CEO: SundarPichai; Google Founded: 4 September 1998, California, United States; Google Founders: Larry Page, Sergey Brin.

 

2. Retail inflation eases to 4.29% in April: The country’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), eased to 4.29 per cent in the month of April. Separately, India’s factory output, measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), witnessed a growth of 22.4 per cent in March, two separate data released by the Ministry of Statistics &Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The retail inflation during the month of March was at 5.52 per cent. This is the fifth consecutive month that the CPI data has come within the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) upper margin of 6 per cent. The government has asked the central bank to maintain retail inflation at 4 per cent with a margin of 2 per cent on either side for a five-year period ending March 2026.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former CBI officer K Ragothaman passes away: Former CBI officer K Ragothaman has passed away. He was the chief investigation officer of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. He was awarded the Police Medal in 1988 and President Medal in 1994. Ragothaman has authored many books including Conspiracy to Kill Rajiv Gandhi, Third Degree Crime Investigation Management and Crime and the Criminal. He joined the CBI in 1968 as a sub-inspector of police.