Daily GK Update- 19th July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates ‘Rudraksh’ convention centre in Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the International Cooperation and Convention Centre “Rudraksh”, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The centre will become an attractive destination for conferences and pull in tourists and businesspersons to the city. The international cooperation and convention centre has been named “Rudraksh” and has as many as 108 Rudraksha at the centre. Its roof is shaped like a ‘Shiva Linga’.

The objective is to provide opportunities for social and cultural interactions between people at the international convention centre. The convention centre has been built with the assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency. An environment-friendly building, the centre is equipped with adequate security and safety systems. It features a regular entrance, a service entrance and a separate VIP entrance, making it an ideal destination for holding all types of international events.

Note: UP Capital: Lucknow; UP Governor: Anandiben Patel; UP Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath.

 

2. Ladakh signs MoU with Sikkim to turn UT organic by 2025: The union territory of Ladakh organic, the administration of Ladakh, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sikkim State Organic Certification Agency (SOCCA). A tripartite MOU has been signed between Ladakh and SSOCA regarding the implementation of PrampragatKrishiVikas Yojana and Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI) in the Ladakh region with the aim to convert Ladakh into organic by 2025. The main objective of this MOU is to get the organic certification after a tie-up with the Government of India. Key points:

(1) The aim is to make Ladakh a certified organic UT by 2025 which will be completed in three phases.

(2) In the first phase, 85 villages have been identified with an aim to convert 5000 hectares of land into organic and in the 2nd phase, 82 villages will be covered with an area of 10000 hectares and under the 3rd phase, the department has selected 79 villages which will cover the remaining areas.

(3) Sikkim is the first state that is 100 per cent organic with all of its farmland certified organic. The use and sale of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are banned in Sikkim.

Note: Governors & Administrators of Ladakh: Radha Krishna Mathur.

 

3. Cabinet approves continuation of National AYUSH Mission scheme: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘National AYUSH Mission (NAM)’ for another five years. The scheme will now be implemented from April 01, 2021, to March 31, 2026. The Centre has allocated Rs. 4607.30 crore (Rs 3,000 crore as Central Share and Rs. 1607.30 crore as State Share) for the scheme to be invested over five years. About the Scheme:

(1) The NAM Mission was first launched on 15 September 2014.

(2) The National AYUSH Mission is being implemented by the Ministry of AYUSH.

(3) The objective of the mission is to provide cost-effective AYUSH Services by focusing on core competency areas of AYUSH like Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Unani and also Homeopathy (ASU&H) which are a treasure house of knowledge for preventive, promotive and curative healthcare.

(4) The mission involves upgrading AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries, co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), District Hospitals (DHs) and Setting up of up to 50 bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospitals.

Note: Minister of AYUSH: SarbanandaSonowal.

 

4. IAHE inks pact with University of New South Wales to set up CATTS in Noida: The Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has inked an agreement with the University of New South Wales, Australia for setting up a Centre for Advanced Transportation Technology and Systems (CATTS) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The Agreement was signed in a virtual ceremony in the presence of Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. This CATTS will be a centre of excellence (CoE) to promote industries and startups from Australia and India in the transportation sector, and will also provide opportunities for innovation, research and development of advanced transport systems.

About the agreement: The Agreement is for a project for capacity building, technology transfer and creation of enabling environment for establishment of Centre for Advanced Transportation Technology and Systems in, IAHE. The University of New South Wales will also deliver a course on smart transport systems and modelling. The project will help improve the road safety scenario in the country.

 

5. Manduadih railway station renamed as Banaras: The Manduadih railway station has been finally renamed as Banaras by the Northeastern railways (NER). The NER replaced the old signboard with the new one which read ‘Banaras’ after the Railway Board gave its nod for the new name. The newly painted signboards were put up with Banaras written in Hindi, Sanskrit, English, and Urdu. The process to change the station’s name started in 2019 when the former railway minister and the present governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Singh, put forth the request. In the same year, the Uttar Pradesh government accepted the proposal and forwarded it to the ministry of home affairs.

 

6. A book titled “The Great Big Lion” written by child prodigy Knight: A book titled “The Great Big Lion” drawn and written by child prodigy Chryseis Knight.  This book is a story about a lion and two children. It talks about friendship, inclusivity, wildlife conservation and the world of imagination. The book was published by Penguin Random House India’s “Puffin” imprint. Knight, who is currently residing in Canada, learnt how to read at the age of one, started writing the story of “The Great Big Lion” in her notebook when she was three years old. She then shared it with her family and became determined to do the artwork with the motivation of getting the book published.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. UAE becomes 1st Gulf nation to open embassy in Israel: The United Arab Emirates has become the first Gulf nation to open an embassy in Israel, nearly a year after both countries signed an agreement to normalise diplomatic ties. The new mission is located in Tel Aviv Stock Exchange building. The ceremony was attended by new Israeli President Isaac Herzog. UAE Ambassador Mohammad Mahmoud Al Khajah officially presented his credentials at the beginning of March.

Note: UAE Capital: Abu Dhabi; UAE Currency: United Arab Emirates dirham; UAE President: Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Israel Prime minister: Naftali Bennett; Capital: Jerusalem; Currency: New shekel

 

2. Singapore unveils one of the world’s biggest floating solar panel farms: Singapore has unveiled one of the world’s largest floating solar panel farms. The project is part of efforts by the country to meet a goal of quadrupling its solar energy production by 2025 to help tackle climate change. Located on a reservoir in western Singapore, the 60 megawatt-peak solar photovoltaic farm has been built by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries. Spanning an area equivalent to 45 football fields and producing enough electricity to power the island’s five water treatment plants. The electricity generated from the one lakh 22 thousand solar panels on the 45-hectare site should make Singapore one of the few countries in the world to have a water treatment system fully powered by sustainable energy. The solar farm could help to reduce carbon emissions by about 32 kilotonnes annually, comparable to taking 7,000 cars off the roads.

Note: Singapore Currency: Singapore dollar; Capital of Singapore: Singapore; PM of Singapore: Lee Hsien Loong.

 

3. Nelson Mandela International Day: 18th July: The United Nations observes 18 July every year as Nelson Mandela International Day. The day acknowledges Nelson Mandela’s contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world. Nelson Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change.

History of Nelson Mandela International Day: On 18 July 2009, the first Mandela Day was observed in New York. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 10 November 2009 declaring 18 July as “Nelson Mandela International Day”. This day marks his contribution to peace through his active involvement in resolving conflicts, promoting human rights, international democracy and reconciliation and addressing racial issues.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Babar Azam becomes fastest batsman to score 14 ODI centuries: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has altered the record books with the century he scored against England during the third ODI at Edgbaston. He became the fastest batsman to notch up 14 ODI centuries in terms of innings, surpassing the likes of HashimAmla, Indian captain ViratKohli and Australian batsman David Warner. The Pakistan captain reached his 14th ton in his 81st ODI innings. Former South Africa opening batsman Amla had previously held the record who took 84 innings to reach this feat. Warner had taken 98 innings to get his 14th ODI ton while Kohli took 103 innings.

 

2. Gokulam Kerala FC to represent India in AFC Women’s Club C’ship: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has nominated Gokulam Kerala FC to represent India in the AFC Club Championship 2020-21. The winners of the Women League compete in the tournament but since it will not be held, the national federation nominated the champions of the fourth edition. Gokulam Kerala FC became the first team from Kerala to win a national title when they defeated Kryphsa FC in the 2019-20 Indian Women’s League (IWL) finals in Bengaluru.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

. Federal Bank launches “FEDDY” AI-Powered virtual assistant for customers: The Federal Bank has launched “FEDDY”, an Artificial Intelligence-powered virtual assistant to help customers with banking-related queries anytime. The bank said while most of the similar AI-powered virtual assistants are available only on its website, FEDDY can be accessed via Alexa, Google Assistant and WhatsApp. It is integrated into Google Business Messaging, a first-of-its-kind by an Indian bank. The bank has recently come out with innovative and user-friendly facilities such as FedSelfie, under which individuals can open their accounts by merely taking a selfie, and Federal 24×7, which makes possible the opening of accounts through a video call to the bank.

Note: Federal Bank MD and CEO: Shyam Srinivasan; Federal Bank Headquarters: Aluva, Kerala; Federal Bank Founder: K.P Hormis; Federal Bank Founded: 23 April 1931.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Adani Group takes over Mumbai airport management: Adani Group led by Gautam Adani has completed the takeover of ‘Mumbai International Airport’ from the GVK group. With this takeover, Adani group has become the top company in terms of airport infrastructure companies in India. Mumbai International Airport will be operated by Adani Airport Holdings which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises. With the takeover, Adani group’s airports now account for a fourth of total footfalls at airports across India, and a third of total air cargo handled.

Airports operated by Adani Group

(1) Thus, the company now operate six airports. Three airports in Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Mangaluru are being operated by the Adani group already while the takeover of three airports in Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Jaipur is to be complete.

(2) Adani Group will also set up an airport in Navi Mumbai for which the company will achieve financial closure in the next 90 days.

(3) Group has planned to operationaliseNavi Mumbai airport by 2024. Bids for operating these airports were won by Adani Group for a period of 50 years after participating in the tendering process of the Airports Authority of India.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India, Sri Lanka and Maldives hold virtual trilateral exercise TTX-2021: Top defence officials from India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives participated in a virtual trilateral tabletop exercise “TTX-2021”. The exercise focused on maritime crimes like curbing narcotics and assistance in maritime search and rescue in the region. The two-day exercise, TTX-2021 aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and exchange of best practices procedures for countering common transnational crime was coordinated by the Maritime Warfare Centre, Mumbai.

About the exercise:

(1) TTX-2021 exemplifies the deep trilateral engagement between India-Maldives-Sri Lanka which has strengthened immensely in the maritime domain over the past years.

(2) Interaction between the three neighbouring countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has also grown significantly in recent years, in consonance with India”s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First” and vision of ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR).

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Pulitzer Prize-winning Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui passes away: Pulitzer Prize-winning Indian photojournalist, Danish Siddiqui, has passed away, after he was killed in a clash while reporting a fight between Afghan troops and the Taliban in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province in Afghanistan on July 13, 2021. He was employed with the international news agency Reuters. He was a recipient of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize with six others working as a photographer with Reuters news agency in 2018

Daily GK Update- 18th July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Piyush Goyal appointed Leader of House in Rajya Sabha: Union Minister Piyush Goyal has been appointed as the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha. His appointment is effective from July 06, 2021. He will succeed Thawar Chand Gahlot, who has taken charge as the Governor of Karnataka. Mr. Goyal, a two-time Rajya Sabha MP, is currently the deputy leader of the NDA as well as the Union Minister in the Cabinet. He is serving as the Union Minister of Textiles, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The Leader of the House is responsible for organizing government meetings and business in the House.

 

2. India’s first ‘Grain ATM’ open in Gurugram: The country’s first ‘Grain ATM’ has been set up as a pilot project in Gurugram, Haryana. It is an automatic machine, which works just like a bank ATM. This machine has been installed under the ‘World Food Programme’ of the United Nations (UN), and is called the ‘Automated, Multi Commodity, Grain Dispensing Machine’.

About the Machine:

(1) This automatic machine is equipped with the biometric system with a touch screen, where the beneficiary will have to enter the Aadhaar or ration card unique number.

(2) On biometric authentication, the foodgrain prescribed by the government to the beneficiaries will be automatically filled in the bags installed under the machine.

(3) Three types of grains — wheat, rice and millet — can be distributed through this machine. At present, the distribution of wheat has been started from the ‘Grain ATM’ machine installed at Farrukhnagar.

Note: Haryana Capital: Chandigarh; Haryana Governor: BandaruDattatreya; Haryana Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar.

 

3. India’s first national dolphin research centre to come up in Patna: India’s and Asia’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) will come upon the bank of the Ganges in the premises of Patna University. Around 1,455 dolphins have been sighted during a survey conducted in 2018-19 in the river Ganga by the teams of experts. The Gangetic dolphin is India’s national aquatic animal but frequently falls prey to illegal poaching. The presence of dolphins in the Ganga gives a sign of a healthy ecosystem because dolphins live at least in 5 ft to 8 ft deep water.

About the Gangetic dolphin: The Gangetic dolphin has been declared an endangered aquatic animal and is one of the four freshwater dolphins species in the world as another three species are said to be found in the Yangtze River, the Indus River in Pakistan and the Amazon River globally.

 

4. ISRO successfully conducts 3rd test on Vikas Engine for Gaganyaan Program: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the third long-duration hot test of the liquid propellant Vikas Engine for the core L110 liquid stage of the human-rated GSLV Mk III vehicle, as part of the engine qualification requirements for the GaganyaanProgramme. The engine was fired for a duration of 240 seconds at the engine test facility of ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu. The performance of the engine met the test objectives and the engine parameters were closely matching with the predictions during the entire duration of the test.

 

5. M. Venkaih Naidu receives book entitled ‘Urdu Poets and Writers – Gems of Deccan’: Vice President M. Venkaih Naidu has received a book entitled ‘Urdu Poets and Writers – Gems of Deccan’ authored by senior journalist, J.S. Ifthekhar. Mr Naidu commended the author for the book which traces the rich literary and cultural traditions of the Deccan. The book is an anthology of prose and poetry that encapsulates the life and works of 51 outstanding poets and writers of the Deccan region. The book traces the rich literary and cultural traditions of Deccan, right from the time of Muhammad QuliQutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, to the present times.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. China begins construction of world’s 1st commercial small modular reactor: China has officially begun the construction of the world’s first commercial modular small reactor ‘Linglong One’ at the Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant in the country’s Hainan Province. The project is based on China National Nuclear Corporation’s (CNNC’s Linglong One (ACP100) technology.

About the reactor:

(1) The multi-purpose, 125 MWe SMR is a pressurised water reactor designed for electricity generation, urban heating, urban cooling, industrial steam production, or seawater desalination.

(2) CNNC began the development of the Linglong One in 2010, and it was the first SMR project to pass an independent safety assessment by International Atomic Energy Agency experts in 2016.

(3) Its integrated pressurised water reactor (PWR) design was completed in 2014 and it was identified as a ‘key project’ in China’s 12th Five-Year Plan.

(4) The design, which has 57 fuel assemblies and integral steam generators, was developed from the larger ACP1000 PWR. It incorporates passive safety features and could be installed underground.

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

 

2. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021 Report: The annual UN-FAO report titled “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021” states that between 720 and 811 million people in the world faced hunger in 2020, which is around 161 million more than in 2019. The report was jointly produced by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Key facts and figures:

(1) Number of hungry people in 2020 in the World: between 720 and 811 million

(2) Asia: 418 million (More than half of world hunger population)

(3) Africa: 282 million (One-third)

(4) Latin America and the Caribbean: 60 million

(5) Nearly 2.37 billion people did not have access to adequate food in 2020, an increase of 320 million people over 2019.

(6) Children under 5 affected by stunting (low height-for-age): 22.0 percent (149.2 million)

(7) Children under 5 affected by wasting (low weight-for-height): 6.7 per cent (45.4 million)

(8) Children under 5 who are overweight (high weight-for-height): 5.7 per cent (38.9 million)

(9) Percentage of women of reproductive age affected by anaemia: 29.9%

(10) Percentage of infants aged below 6 months who were exclusively breastfed: 44%

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. AR Rahman launch Tokyo Olympics cheer song “Hindustani Way”: Singer Ananya Birla has teamed up with music maestro AR Rahman to launch a cheer song for Indian sports personalities as they gear up for Tokyo Olympics. Titled “Hindustani Way”, the song has been sung by Ananya and composed by Rahman. Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur also present in the launch of the song.

The video of the song follows a family from 1996 to the present day as they cheer for Indian sports personalities across different Olympic seasons. The video features archival footage from Atlanta (1996), Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), London (2012), Rio (2016) and some exclusive training footage of this year’s contingent. The archival footage features winning moments of Leander Peas, Vijender Singh, AbhinavBindra, Mary Kom, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, PV Sindhu and Sakshi Malik, among others.

 

2. Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah announces surprise retirement from Test Cricket: Bangladesh all-rounder Mohammad Mahmudullah Riyad has announced his retirement from Test cricket, while he was playing at the ongoing one-off game against Zimbabwe. The decision of Mahmudullah to leave the Test game mid-way, has been criticized by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan. He decided to stop playing Test cricket, after the end of the third day’s play of the ongoing one-off Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI cancels licence of DrShivajiraoPatilNilangekar Urban Co-operative Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of DrShivajiraoPatilNilangekar Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd, Nilanga, Latur, as it does not have adequate capital and earning prospects. The Maharashtra-based bank with its current financial position would be unable to pay its depositors in full, the central bank said while announcing the cancellation of its licence. The bank ceases to carry on banking business, with effect from the close of business. With the cancellation of its licence, the bank has been prohibited from conducting the business of ”banking” that includes acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits with immediate effect.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. NTPC to construct India’s largest solar power park in Kutch: NTPC Ltd., India’s largest power generator is set to construct the country’s single-largest solar photovoltaic project at Rann of Kutch region in Khavada, Gujarat. The solar power park will have a capacity of 4.75 Gigawatt (Gw)/4750 MW. The project will be constructed through NTPC’s renewable energy arm, NTPC Renewable Energy (NTPC-REL).

About the project:

(1) NTPC REL, a 100% subsidiary of NTPC, received approval from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on 12 July 2021 under Mode 8 (Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park) of the Solar Park Scheme.

(2) The project is a part of NTPC’s plan to transform itself into a green energy major. It aims to build 60 GW Renewable Energy Capacity by 2032.

(3) NTPC REL also plans to generate green hydrogen on a commercial scale from this park. Hydrogen produced from renewable sources is called green hydrogen.

Note: NTPC Chairman and Managing Director: Shri Gurdeep Singh; NTPC Founded: 1975; NTPC Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Journalist N N Pillai honoured with BKS Literary Award: Journalist and playwright Omchery N N Pillai has been selected for the Bahrain KeraleeyaSamajam (BKS)’s Literary Award for 2021. BKS president P V Radhakrishna Pillai, general secretary Varghese Karackal and literary wing secretary FirozThiruvathra announced the award. The Jury was headed by the novelist M Mukundan. Literary critic Dr K S Ravikumar, writer and Kerala Chief Secretary Dr V P Joy, and Radhakrishna Pillai were part of the jury. The award constitutes a cash prize of `50,000 and a citation acknowledging the achievement. The award ceremony will be held later in Delhi. “His enormous contributions as a whole to Malayalam language and literature are remarkable, which ultimately led to this award.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. National Award-winning actress SurekhaSikri passes away: Three-time national award-winning actress SurekhaSikri has passed away. The three-time National Award winner is best known for her performances in ‘Tamas’, ‘Mammo’, ‘Salim LangdePe Mat Ro’, ‘Zubeidaa’, ‘Badhaai Ho’ and daily soap ‘BalikaVadhu’. She was last seen in Netflix’s anthology ‘Ghost Stories’ (2020), in the story directed by Zoya Akhtar. 

Daily GK Update- 17th July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 6th anniversary of Skill India Mission addressed by PM Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the nation on July 15, 2021, on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day 2021 and the 6th anniversary of the Skill India Mission. In his address, Prime Minister highlighted “Skill development of the youth of new generation is a national need and a huge foundation for self-reliant India”. According to PM, under Skill India Mission, 1.25 crore youth have been trained till date.

About Skill India Mission: Skill India Mission initiative was launched by Government to train over 40 crore Indians in different jobs related to the industry. Under this mission, the government seeks to create an empowered workforce by 2022 with the help of several schemes and training courses.

 

2. Amit Shah inaugurates centre of excellence at National Forensic Science University: Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated a research-based centre of excellence at National Forensic Science University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The research-based centre of excellence at the National Forensic Science University in Gandhinagar will help our youths to become free from the addiction of drugs and narcotics. This centre will help in research and analysis of drugs and narcotics seized in the different parts of the country and its routes. Home Minister Amit Shah also inaugurated the virtual training model on Investigation of Crime against women for Indian Police.

 

3. ISRO plans to launch geo imaging satellite on August: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is getting back into launch activity fully at Sriharikota spaceport with the planned orbiting of geo imaging satellite GISAT-1 onboard GSLV-F10 rocket on August 12. GISAT-1 will be placed in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit by GSLV-F10 and, subsequently, it will be positioned in the final geostationary orbit, about 36,000 km above earth’s equator, using its onboard propulsion system. About the satellite:

(1) The 2,268-kg GISAT-1 was originally slated to be launched from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district, about 100 kms north of Chennai, on March 5 last year but was postponed a day before the blast-off due to technical reasons.

(2) According to ISRO, GISAT-1 will facilitate near real-time observation of the Indian sub-continent, under cloud-free conditions, at frequent intervals.

(3) The earth observation satellite will provide the country near real-time images of its borders and also enable quick monitoring of natural disasters.

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

 

4. SAMVEDAN 2021: IIT Madras and Sony India team up to host: IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation (IITM-PTF) and Sony India Software Centre Pvt Ltd have joined hands to organise a national-level hackathon named ‘SAMVEDAN 2021 – Sensing Solutions for Bharat’. With this hackathon, the foundation aims to inspire citizens to use IoT Sensor Board in order to solve India-specific problems of societal interest. It is based on the Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation’s SPRESENSE™ Board, which participants can use for this challenge. A team with a maximum of three members can register for the grand challenge, which will be held in three stages.

 

5. ‘Bonalu’ festivities to begin in Telangana: ‘Bonalu’ is a traditional folk festival celebrated every year in the Telugu month of Ashadham (falling in June/July), in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, and some other parts of Telangana state. The Bonalu festival was declared a ‘state festival’ by the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led government after the state’s formation back in 2014.

About the festival: The Bonalu festival involves scores of devotees offering the traditional ‘bonam’ (derived from Bhojanam, meaning meals) to the goddess Mahankali at 25 temples across the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Note: Telangana Capital: Hyderabad; Telangana Governor: TamilisaiSoundararajan; Telangana Chief Minister: K. Chandrashekar Rao.

 

6. A book titled “The Art of Conjuring Alternate Realities”: A new book titled ‘The Art of Conjuring Alternate Realities: How Information Warfare Shapes Your World’, authored by Shivam Shankar Singh and AnandVenkatanarayanan. The Book is published by HarperCollins. The Book deals with human history, societal control was determined by various hierarchies like military, colonialism, mega-corporations and now by information. This book widely talks about how information warfare is shaping your life and world. Parallelly it deals with the operations of political parties, cybercriminals, godmen, national states in manipulating the thoughts.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India launches BHIM-UPI services in Bhutan: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched BHIM-UPI QR-based payments in Bhutan will further strengthen the cooperation between the two neighbouring nations. With the launch in Bhutan, the payment infrastructures of the two countries are seamlessly connected and will benefit tourists and businessmen from India who travel to Bhutan. This will enhance the ease of living and travelling through cashless transactions. The services have started in Bhutan under India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. She described BHIM UPI as one of the brightest in facilitating digital transactions in India during the pandemic.

Note: Bhutan Capital: Thimphu; Bhutan Prime minister: LotayTshering; Bhutan Currency: Bhutanese ngultrum.

 

2. Nepal Inks USD 1.3 billion mega-deal with India to develop Hydropower project: Nepal has signed a USD 1.3 billion deal with India, to develop a 679-megawatt Lower Arun Hydropower project, located between Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur districts in eastern Nepal. As per the deal, India’s state-owned Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), will develop the 679-megawatt hydropower project in the neighbouring Himalayan nation.

About the project: This will be the second mega project undertaken by India in Nepal, after the USD 1.04 billion 900-MW Arun-3 hydroelectric projects. The project will be developed under the build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) model. This 679 MW Hydropower project is the single largest foreign investment project in the country, based on the 2017 cost estimates.

 

3. World Day for International Justice: 17th July: The World Day for International Justice, (also known as Day of International Criminal Justice or International Justice Day), is celebrated globally on July 17 to support and recognize the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute on July 17, 1998, the treaty that created the International Criminal Court. It came about when 120 states adopted a statute in Rome. It was known as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, All the countries that agreed to adopt the statute were accepting the jurisdiction of the ICC.

 

4. World Emoji Day: 17th July: The World Emoji Day is celebrated on 17 July annually since 2014 to promote the use of emojis and spread the enjoyment that they bring to all of those around us. The Day was created by London-based founder of Emojipedia, Jeremy Burge. Emoji, a Japanese expression, roughly means “picture word” and was created by Shigetaka Kurita in 1990.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India to host 2026 World Badminton Championships: The Badminton World Federation has allotted the BWF World Championships to India for 2026. This will be the second time that India will host the premier tournament, which is held every year except for the Olympic year. India had hosted the BWF World Championships in Hyderabad in 2009. Since then, India has played host to various major badminton tournaments including the 2014 Thomas and Uber Cup Finals, the Asian Championships apart from the annual BWF Super 500 event, the Yonex-Sunrise India Open.

Note: Badminton World Federation President: Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen; Badminton World Federation Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Badminton World Federation Founded: 5 July 1934.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes restrictions on Mastercard Asia from adding new customers: The Reserve Bank of India has imposed restrictions on Mastercard Asia/Pacific Private Limited for adding new domestic customers from 22nd July 2021. MasterCard will not be allowed to add customers, be it for debit, credit or pre-paid cards onto its network as the entity has failed to comply with the directions on Storage of Payment System Data. This order will not impact existing Mastercard customers, RBI asked the company to inform all card-issuing banks and non-banks to conform to these directions. It may be recalled that RBI had issued a circular in April 2018, directing all system providers to ensure that all information related to payments systems operated by them are stored in India. All the firms were given a period of six months to comply and report compliance to RBI.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Cabinet approves increase in DA and Dearness Relief from 17% to 28%: The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved an increase in the Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners to 28 per cent. This hike represents an increase of 11 per cent over the existing rate of 17 per cent of the basic pay/pension.Highlights:

(1) The increased DA and DR rates will be effective from July 1, 2021.

(2) It must be noted that both Dearness allowance and dearness relief was put on hold from January 2020, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

(3) As a result, the DA and DR instalments are due for four periods including January 1, 2020, July 1, 2020, January 1, 2021, and July 1, 2021.

(4) However, the rate of DA/DR for the period between January 2020 to June 2021 shall remain at 17%.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy receives 10th Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft ‘P-8I’: Indian Navy received the 10th anti-submarine warfare aircraft P-8I from the US-based aerospace company Boeing. The Defence Ministry had signed a contract for eight P-8I aircraft in 2009. However, later in 2016, it signed a contract for four additional P-8I aircraft. The remaining two aircrafts are expected to be delivered in the last quarter of 2021.

About the P-8I: P-8I is a long-range maritime reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft, and a variant of the P-8A Poseidon used by the US Navy. India was the first international customer of Boeing for this aircraft. The Indian Navy inducted the first P-8I aircraft in 2013, while the ninth P-8I aircraft was received in November 2020.

Note: Headquarters of Boeing: Chicago, United States; Boeing Founded: 15 July 1916; President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing: David L. Calhoun.

 

Daily GK Update- 16th July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UP population draft bill proposes two-child policy: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has launched a population policy that aims to incentivise couples who do not have more than two babies. Stating that population control is related to awareness among masses and poverty, Adityanath said every community has been taken care of in Population Policy 2021-2030. The health minister Jai Pratap Singh said Uttar Pradesh is aiming for stability by 2050 and the government is trying to reduce the population growth rate to 2.1 per cent.

Two-child policy: The UP law commission that has formulated a population control bill said the policy would be voluntary and nobody would be forced to follow any rule. However, if any person decides to on his or her own to not have more than two babies, they will be eligible for government schemes, while those who do not follow the policy will face restrictions in government jobs, availing ration, and other benefits.

Note: UP Capital: Lucknow; UP Governor: Anandiben Patel; UP Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath.

 

2. Assam to create new department for indigenous faith and culture: The Assam Cabinet has announced the creation of an independent department to protect and preserve the “faith, culture and traditions of tribes and indigenous communities” of the state. The new department would ensure that the state’s indigenous population gets to preserve their faith and traditions, while also providing requisite support to them.

Indigenous tribes such as the Bodos, Rabhas, Mishings, along with others have their own religious beliefs and unique traditions, which so far have not received the support necessary for their preservation. The cabinet, during the meeting, agreed that financial and administrative reforms were necessary to ensure speedy implementation of various schemes floated by the government. It decided that departmental committees, headed by commissioners, will be entitled to give its nod for projects worth ₹ 2 crores and below.

Note: Assam Governor: JagdishMukhi; Assam Chief Minister: HimantaBiswaSarma.

 

3. Himalayan yaks to be insured: National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY) in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh has tied up with the National Insurance Company Ltd. for insuring Himalayan Yak. The insurance policy would shield the yak owners against the risks posed by weather calamities, diseases, in-transit mishaps, surgical operations and strikes or riots. The owners of the Yaks would have to get their yaks ear-tagged and provide a proper description in order to get their animals insured.

About the Himalayan Yak: Himalayan Yak is a long-haired domesticated cattle found throughout the Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent, Tibetan Plateau, Myanmar and as far north as Mongolia and Siberia. They are accustomed to very cold temperatures and can survive up to -40 degrees but find it difficult when the temperature crosses 13 degrees. The total yak population in India is about 58,000. The Highest Yak Population is in the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. It is followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal and Uttarakhand.

 

4. ICCR will set up the ‘Bangabandhu Chair’ at the Delhi University: Delhi University will have a ‘Bangabandhu Chair’ to foster a better understanding of developments in Bangladesh. An MoU was signed between the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Delhi University in Dhaka to set up this Chair at Delhi University. The initiative is the outcome of one of the understandings reached during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March this year.

About the chair: The Chair will focus on the common heritage of the two countries and subjects like Anthropology, Buddhist Studies, Geography, History, Modern Indian languages including Bangla, Music, Fine Arts, Political Science, International relations and Sociology. The chair will set up to honour Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the country’s Liberation War as well as India’s diplomatic ties with Dhaka.

Note: Prime Minister of Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina; Capital: Dhaka; Currency: Taka; President of Bangladesh: Abdul Hamid.

 

5. The Struggle Within: A Memoir of the Emergency authored by Ashok Chakravarti: A book titled “The Struggle Within: A Memoir of the Emergency” authored by Ashok Chakravarti. He is an economist who has been providing policy advice to countries, mainly in the African region, for the past forty years. He is currently Senior Economic Advisor to the Government of Zimbabwe, based in Harare. The Book is Published ByHarpercollins India. The Struggle Within: A Memoir of the Emergency book deals with one of independent India’s darkest hours during the emergency period. The Emergency (1975-1977) was one of independent India’s darkest hours. In that period, Over 150,000 people were imprisoned without trial; as many as eleven million forcibly sterilized, and countless killed in police firings or otherwise eliminated.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Sher Bahadur Deuba becomes Nepal’s Prime Minister for 5th time: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba on 13th July became the country’s Prime Minister for the fifth time. His appointment is in line with the ruling issued by the Supreme Court on 12th July to make way for his claim to the premiership, replacing incumbent K P Sharma Oli. Previously, Deuba served as Nepal’s Prime Minister four times from June 2017 to February 2018, June 2004 to February 2005, July 2001 to October 2002 and September 1995 to March 1997.

Note: Nepal Capital: Kathmandu; Nepal Currency: Nepalese rupee; Nepal President: Bidhya Devi Bhandari.

 

2. EAM Jaishankar unveils statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Georgia: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Georgia at a prominent Tbilisi park. During his two-day visit to Georgia, a strategically important country situated at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Jaishankar held talks with the country’s top leadership & also handed over the relics of 17th century St. Queen Keteva. St. Queen Ketevan was a 17th century Georgian Queen who attained martyrdom. Her relics were found in 2005 at the St. Augustine Convent in Old Goa, India, on the basis of medieval Portuguese records.

Note: Prime Minister of Georgia: IrakliGaribashvili; Georgia Capital: Tbilisi; Georgia Currency: Georgian lari.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. 2022 Khelo India Youth Games to be held in Haryana: The state government of Haryana will organise the Khelo India Youth Games 2021 in February 2022. Earlier the sports show was scheduled to be held from November 21 to December 5, 2021, but has been shifted due to the possible third wave of Covid-19 pandemic and keeping in mind that Khelo India Youth Games 2021 are to be held in the Under-18 category. Around 8,500 players will participate in the event of which 5,072 will be athletes, including 2,400 females and 2,672 males.

 

2. Deepak Kabra becomes first Indian gymnastics judge at Olympics: Deepak Kabra has become the first Indian to be selected for judging the gymnastics competition of the Olympic Games, a life goal achieved for the man who knew he wouldn’t have made it there as an active gymnast because of his not-so-strong fundamentals. He will be seen officiating the men’s artistic gymnasts at the Tokyo Games, which gets underway on July 23.

 

3. Sophie Ecclestone, Devon Conway win ICC Player of the Month Award: England Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone has been named as ICC Women Player of the Month for June. She is the second English female to win the title after Tammy Beaumont, who was awarded the title in February 2021. In Men’s category, New Zealand opener Devon Conway has bagged ICC Player of the Month for June. He became the first New Zealand player to win the award after an astounding first month in Test cricket.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Launches ‘Retail Direct Scheme’: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched ‘the RBI Retail Direct’ scheme for retail investors, through which they can directly buy and sell government securities (G-Secs), both primary and secondary.  The bond-buying window was opened to increase retail participation in G-Secs and democratize ownership of G-Secs beyond the managers of pooled resources such as banks and mutual funds. The date of commencement of the scheme will be announced later.

Highlights of the ‘RBI Retail Direct’ scheme:

(1) The RBI Retail Direct scheme is a one-stop solution to facilitate investment in Government Securities (G-Secs) by individual investors.

(2) This dedicated bond-buying window is a part of RBI’s effort to increase retail participation in government securities.

(3) The scheme also provides the facility to Retail investors (individuals) to open and maintain the ‘Retail Direct Gilt Account’ (RDG Account) with RBI.

(4) Under this scheme, retail investors are able to open and maintain their gilt securities account named ‘Retail Direct Gilt Account’ (RDG Account) through a ‘With RBI’online portal‘.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. WPI inflation eases to 12.07 per cent in June: The wholesale price-based inflation eased marginally to 12.07 per cent in June as crude oil and food items witnessed some softening in prices. However, WPI inflation remained double-digit for the third consecutive month in June, mainly due to a low base of last year. WPI inflation was (-) 1.81 per cent, in June 2020. Retail inflation remained above the RBI’s comfort level of 6 per cent for the second straight month at 6.26 per cent in June. Highlights:

(1) Inflation in fuel and power basket eased to 32.83 per cent during June, against 37.61 per cent in May.

(2) Inflation in food articles too eased to 3.09 per cent in June, from 4.31 per cent in May, even as onion prices spiked.

(3) In manufactured products, inflation stood at 10.88 per cent in June, against 10.83 per cent in the previous month.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Syed Osman AzharMaqsusi won Commonwealth Points of Light award: Hyderabad’s hunger activist Syed Osman AzharMaqsusi, who has been feeding thousands of people every day as part of his food drive ‘Hunger Has No Religion’ was awarded a top UK award recently. In order to honourMaqsusi’s efforts, he was conferred with the Commonwealth Points of Light award for his drive that helps to feed 1,500 people on a daily basis. The award is for those ‘outstanding individuals who are making a change in their community.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former WWE Wrestler ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff passes away: The renowned American professional wrestler, Paul Orndorff, who is best known with his nickname Mr. Wonderful, has passed away. He was one of professional wrestling’s biggest stars of the 1980s and was famous for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He retired in 2000. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.