Daily GK Update- 20th, May 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Manipur CM launches ‘MOMA Market’ for vegetable: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has launched a smartphone application “Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) Market” for home delivery of fresh vegetables to ensure that people get fresh vegetables at their doorsteps during the COVID-19 induced curfew. MOMA a unit of the state horticulture and soil conservation department launched the app under the CM’s supervision to make fresh vegetables available for day-to-day consumption and to reduce the distress sales of farm produce during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

MOMA has been assigned to work in the area and channel farm produces to consumers via home delivery in order to prevent vegetable losses and COVID-19 spread. Farmers Producer Companies (FPCs) working with MOMA will harvest vegetables from various farms. It will then be transported to cold storage and warehouses at the department’s complex in Sanjenthong and other locations. Finally, the consumer’s MOMA Market order will be shipped to their doorstep.

Note: Chief Minister of Manipur: N. Biren Singh; Governor: Najma Heptulla.

 

2. Haryana Declares Black Fungus A Notified Disease: Black Fungus has been categorised as a notified disease in Haryana, making it imperative that government authorities be informed about each case. This will allow in the tracking and management of an outbreak. The COVID-19 pandemic in India has catalysed the spread of black fungus or mucormycosis, which can disfigure people even when it is not fatal. Declaring a disease notifiable helps collate information and lets authorities monitor the disease and set off early warnings.

About the Black fungus: “Black fungus” mainly affects people on medication for other health problems that reduce their ability to fight environmental pathogens, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research. The COVID-19 pandemic in India has catalysed the fungal infection into a dangerous disease disfiguring scores and even killing some.

Note: Haryana Capital: Chandigarh; Haryana Governor: Satyadev Narayan Arya; Haryana Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar.

 

3. IIT Ropar developed portable eco-friendly mobile cremation system: IIT Ropar has developed a portable eco-friendly electric cremation system. It is one of its kind of technology that produces no smoke despite using wood for cremation. It is based on wick-stove technology. The cart has been developed in collaboration with the company Cheema Boilers Limited. The cart-shaped mobile cremation system has stainless steel insulation on both sides of the cart for reducing heat loss and wood consumption. It takes less time to dispose of the body entirely as compared to normal wood-based cremation. It uses half wood than normal wood-based cremation, so it is an eco-friendly technology.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India loses ONGC-discovered Farzad-B gas field in Iran: India lost the ONGC Videsh Ltd-discovered Farzad-B gas field in the Persian Gulf after Iran awarded a contract for developing the giant gas field to a local company. The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) has signed a contract worth USD 1.78 billion with Petropars Group for the development of Farzad B Gas Field in the Persian Gulf. The field holds 23 trillion cubic feet of in-place gas reserves, of which about 60 per cent is recoverable. It also holds gas condensates of about 5,000 barrels per billion cubic feet of gas. ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), the overseas investment arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), had in 2008 discovered a giant gas field in the Farsi offshore exploration block. OVL and its partners had offered to invest up to USD 11 billion for the development of the discovery, which was later named Farzad-B.

Note: Iran Capital: Tehran; Iran Currency: Iranian rial; Iran President: Hassan Rouhani.

 

2. Google Cloud partnered with SpaceX for providing satellite internet service: Google Cloud and SpaceX signed a deal for providing internet service through Starlink satellite. Google will provide the Cloud infrastructure for this connectivity Project, while Space X will install ground terminals in Google’s cloud data centres for connecting Starlink satellites. It will help in providing fast internet service to the rural areas. This service will be available to customers before the end of 2021. The first Starlink terminal will be established in a Google data centre in Ohio, United States. Earlier, Microsoft has also signed a similar agreement with SpaceX to connect its Azure cloud to Starlink. Starlink is a project under which SpaceX aims to send 12,000 satellites to provide space-based internet.

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

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

 

3. World Bee Day: 20th May: World Bee Day is observed globally on 20th May every year. On this date, 20 May, the pioneer of beekeeping Anton Janša was born in 1734 in Slovenia. The purpose of the bee day is to acknowledge the role of bees and other pollinators in the ecosystem. About 33% of the world’s food production depends on bees thus they are vital for the preservation of biodiversity, ecological balance in nature and helpful in reducing pollution. The theme of World Bee Day 2021 is “Bee engaged: Build Back Better for Bees”..

History of World Bee Day: The UN Member States approved Slovenia’s proposal to proclaim 20 May as World Bee Day in December 2017. The resolution called for the adoption of specific conservation measures and highlighted the importance of the preservation of bees and their significance for humanity. The first World Bee Day was observed in 2018.

Note: Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General: QU Dongyu; Food and Agriculture Organization Headquarters: Rome, Italy; Food and Agriculture Organization Founded: 16 October 1945.

 

4. World Metrology Day: 20th May: World Metrology Day is observed globally on 20th May every year. Many nations on this day, internationally collaborate to create awareness about metrology and its advancement in the respective field. The theme for World Metrology Day 2021 is Measurement for Health. This theme was chosen to create awareness of the important role measurement plays in health, and thus in the wellbeing of every one of us.

History of the World Metrology Day: World Metrology Day is an annual celebration of the signature of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875 in Paris, France by representatives of seventeen nations. The World Metrology Day project is realized jointly by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) and Bureau International des PoidsetMesures (BIPM).

Note: International Organization of Legal Metrology Headquarters: Paris, France; International Organization of Legal Metrology Founded: 1955.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India’s Tejaswini Shankar Wins Consecutive High Jump Titles In USA: Representing Kansas State University, India’s Tejaswini Shankar won back-to-back men’s high jump titles in the Big 12 Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Manhattan, USA. He is the third Indian to compete in the highly competitive USA circuit, the breeding ground for many US track and field Olympians. Shankar had also won the men’s high jump title in the 2019 edition of the Big 12 Outdoor Track and Field Championships while the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IDRBT building National Digital Financial Infrastructure (NADI): The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) is building a next-generation Digital Financial Infrastructure named National Digital Financial Infrastructure (NADI). NADI would provide a roadmap and framework for future digital financial services growth in India.

About the NADI: NADI will consist of modern network infrastructure which includes 5G/Edge Cloud with SDNs (software-defined networking) for connecting to the critical data centre infrastructure at the back-end. IDRBT is an arm of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It will also have the middleware infrastructure for supporting both digital identity verification, digital identity assessment and digital asset management with the support of efficient digital ledger technologies and AI/ML technologies.”

Note: IDRBT Headquarters location: Hyderabad; IDRBT Founded: 1996.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Satoshi Uchida appointed as Suzuki Motorcycle India’s new Company Head: Suzuki Motorcycle India has appointed Satoshi Uchida as the new Company Head. He has replaced KoichiroHirao as part of Suzuki Motor Corporation’s global revamp. Suzuki Motorcycle India registered its highest-ever monthly sales in April 2021, dispatching as many as 77,849 units during the month. Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation based in Minami-Ku.

Note: Suzuki Motor Corporation Founder: Michio Suzuki; Suzuki Motor Corporation Founded: October 1909; Suzuki Motor Corporation CEO: Osamu Suzuki.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ramesh PokhriyalNishank receives ‘International Invincible Gold Medal’: International Invincible Gold Medal of this year has been conferred on Union Education Minister Dr Ramesh PokhriyalNishank. He has been recognised for his extraordinary commitment and outstanding service to humanity through his writings, social and illustrious public life. The decision was made after due deliberations by a high-powered committee duly constituted under the leadership of Dr Tony Nader who is the global head of the Maharshiorganisation. This honour will be given by the worldwide Maharishi Organization & its universities.

 

2. Kobe Bryant Inducted Posthumously Into Basketball Hall Of Fame: Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant has been posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was presented at the ceremony in Connecticut by NBA great Michael Jordan and his widow, Vanessa, accepted his induction on his behalf. Los Angeles Lakers great Bryant retired in 2016; he was the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2008. The five-time NBA champion died, aged 41, in a helicopter crash in January 2020.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. BCCI referee RajendrasinhJadeja passes away: Former Saurashtra pacer and BCCI referee, RajendrasinhJadeja has died due to COVID-19. He was one of the finest right-arm medium pacers and a remarkable all-rounder. He played 50 first-class matches and 11 List A games, taking 134 and 14 wickets respectively. He had scored 1,536 runs in first-class matches and 104 runs in List A cricket.

 

2. Congress MP Rajeev Satav Passes Away: The senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Rajeev Satav has passed away, days after recovering from a coronavirus infection. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra and the in-charge of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) affairs in Gujarat. Formerly, he was the Member of Parliament in the 16th Lok Sabha from Hingoli in Maharashtra. 

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).