Daily GK Update- 23rd July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Govt to set up Indian Institute of Heritage at Noida: The government has decided to set up the Indian Institute of Heritage at Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar. This will impact higher education and research in the field of rich Indian heritage and its conservation, leading to Masters and PhD courses in History of Arts, Conservation, Museology, Archival Studies, Archaeology, Preventive Conservation, Epigraphy and Numismatics, Manuscriptology as well as conservation training facilities to in-service employees and students of the institute.

This institute is being set up is deemed to be a university by integrating Institute of Archaeology (Pt DeendayalUpadhyaya Institute of Archaeology), School of Archival Studies under National Archives of India, New Delhi, the National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property (NRLC), Lucknow, National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology (NMICHM) and Academic Wing of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi.

 

2. Assam CM HimantaBiswa assures govt jobs for National Games Medalists: The Assam State Chief Minister DrHimantaBiswaSarma has assured jobs for all National Games medalists of Assam from now on. He also mentioned that all those who won medals in National Games so far for Assam would be given Sports Pension by the State Government. He hoped that this decision would help the sportspersons of the state.The Chief Minister also announced that the house would send a goodwill message to boxer LovlinaBorgohain who will be vying for a medal in Tokyo Olympics. The Chief Minister stated about the increase of sports pension on the sixth day of the Assam Assembly cabinet meeting. Further, the minister also said that the government is planning to increase the pension of sportsperson from Rs. 8000 to Rs. 10,000.

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

 

3. NMGC approves new projects for rejuvenation of 6 rivers in Uttarakhand: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in its 36th Executive Committee has approved new projects for the rejuvenation of six rivers in Uttarakhand. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), there are a total of nine polluted stretches in Uttarakhand and six of them are in the Udham Singh Nagar district on various tributaries or small rivers such as Bhela, Dhela, Kichha, Nandor, Pilankha and Kosi.The projects shall cover the six polluted river stretches in the Kumaon region. Out of the rest three polluted stretches, the project of Ganga at Jagjeetpur, Haridwar has already been commissioned and on the remaining two, NamamiGange projects are already under execution. It also approved Sewerage (I&D) scheme (Dhela River) Phase-1 of District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand under NamamiGangeProgramme at a sanctioned cost of Rs 199.36 crore.

Note: Governor of Uttarakhand: Baby Rani Maurya; The chief minister of Uttarakhand: Pushkar Singh Dhami.

 

4. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi appointed Deputy Leader of House in Rajya Sabha: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced the appointment of the Union minister for minority affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi as the deputy leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha. Naqvi takes over from Piyush Goyal who has been elevated as the leader of the house in the Upper House. Both Goyal and Naqvi have their job cut out for them. They will have to handle the opposition in the Upper House and ensure that the house proceedings are conducted smoothly to allow the passage of bills.

 

5. IIT Ropar develops first-of-its-kind Oxygen Rationing Device ‘AMLEX’: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar has developed a first-of-its-kind Oxygen Rationing Device called AMLEX, to save the oxygen which otherwise gets wasted unnecessarily, and in turn, increase the life of medical oxygen cylinders three folds. The device will supply a required volume of oxygen to the patient during inhalation and will trip when the patient exhales carbon dioxide.The demand for liquid medical oxygen increased four times to 2,800 TPD. Further, with the second wave, the demand has gone up more than seven times—5,000 tonnes per day against the pre-Covid 19 level of 700 TPD. So far, during exhalation, the oxygen in the oxygen cylinder/pipe is pushed out along with the exhaled CO2 by the user.

About the “AMLEX”: “AMLEX”, on the other hand, was a system developed specifically for oxygen cylinders synchronising the flow of oxygen with inhalation and exhalation of the patient, thus conserving a large amount of oxygen in the reservoir for a long-lasting operation. As “AMLEX” supplies a required volume of oxygen to the patient during inhalation and trips when the patient exhales CO2, it saves the flow of oxygen at that time.

 

6. National Broadcasting Day: 23rd July: National Broadcasting Day is observed on 23rd July every year, to celebrate the radio, which has been an important part of people’s life in India, both as an easy medium of entertainment along with the news. On this day in 1927, the first-ever radio broadcast in the country went on the air from the Bombay Station under the Indian Broadcasting Company.

History of National Broadcasting Day: The first radio broadcast was made on July 23, 1927, from Bombay Station. The station was then owned by a private company called the Indian Broadcasting Company. The Government took over the broadcasting on April 1, 1930, and renamed it as Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS). It was initially on an experimental basis. Later it permanently came under government control in 1932. On 8th of June, 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service became All India Radio. Currently, AIR is one of the largest public broadcasting organisations in the world.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. China unveils 600 kph maglev train makes public debut: China unveiled a maglev train capable of a top speed of 600 kph. The maximum speed would make the train, self-developed by China and manufactured in the coastal city of Qingdao, the fastest ground vehicle globally. Using electromagnetic force, the maglev train “levitates” above the track with no contact between body and rail. China has been using the technology for almost two decades on a very limited scale. About the train:

(1) Shanghai has a short maglev line running from one of its airports to town.

(2) At 600 kph, it would only take 2.5 hours to travel from Beijing to Shanghai by train – a journey of more than 1,000 km.

(3) Launched in October 2016, the high-speed maglev train project saw the development of a magnetic-levitation train prototype with a designed top speed of 600 km per hour in 2019 and conducted a successful test run in June 2020.

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

 

2. Jeff Bezos launches to space aboard New Shepard rocket ship: Billionaire Jeff Bezos has made a short journey to space, in the first crewed flight of his rocket ship, New Shepard. He was accompanied by Mark Bezos, his brother, Wally Funk, an 82-year-old pioneer of the space race, and an 18-year-old student. They travelled in a capsule with the biggest windows flown in space, offering stunning views of the Earth. On this flight was the oldest person who has been to space, Wally Funk and the youngest, student Oliver Daemen. When the capsule touched back down after the 10-minute, 10-second flight, Jeff Bezos exclaimed: “Best day ever!”. New Shepard, built by Bezos’ company Blue Origin, is designed to serve the burgeoning market for space tourism.

Note: Amazon CEO: Andrew R. Jassy; Amazon Founded: 5 July 1994.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Australia’s Brisbane to Host 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has voted the Australian city of Brisbane as the host city for the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games. Brisbane is the third Australian city to host the Olympic Games after Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000. With this, Australia will also become the only second country in the world, after the United States, to stage the summer Olympic Games in three different cities.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI selects Paisalo as its National Corporate Business Correspondent: State Bank of India (SBI) has selected “Paisalo Digital” as the National Corporate Business Correspondent of the Bank for financial inclusion by providing banking services through kiosks. The signing of the Service Level Agreement and other formalities shall be done shortly. Paisalo is tapping into the Rs 8 lakh crore market opportunity of small-ticket loans for India’s 365 million unbanked population.

Ensuring superior financial inclusion and increasing the outreach, the financial solutions company shall extend its services and its reach to the general public including its existing customers and new customers. As a business correspondent for State Bank of India, they will focus and improve the synergy with the thrust of the already up and running fully digital small loan business under SBI-Paisalo Loan Co-origination.

About the Paisalo Digital Limited: Paisalo Digital Limited is a Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking NBFC registered with the Reserve Bank of India. The Company was incorporated in the year 1992 as a Private Limited Company, converted itself in a Public Limited Company in the year 1995 and got listed in the year 1996 through Initial Public Offer (IPO). Presently the company is listed on NSE & BSE.

Note: SBI Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara; SBI Headquarters: Mumbai; SBI Founded: 1 July 1955.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. ADB projected India’s economic growth forecast at 10% in FY22: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has downgraded India’s economic growth forecast for the financial year 2021-22 (FY22) to 10 per cent, in its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) Supplement for July. Earlier this was estimated at 11%. The multilateral funding agency has lowered the GDP growth forecast on account of the adverse impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Further, ADB has projected the GDP growth rate for FY2022 (2022-23) to 7.5 per cent from the earlier projection of 7 per cent.

 

2. Goldman Sachs open its global centre in Hyderabad: Banking and financial services major, Goldman Sachs has opened a new facility in Hyderabad as part of its commitment to expand its global centre for engineering and business innovation in India. Hyderabad is emerging as a key investment destination for banking & financial service. The new office is expected to have about 800 people by year-end and grow to over 2,500 people by 2023. The new office will host functions across engineering, finance, human capital management, and support for consumer banking, and specialise in digital banking, artificial intelligence and machine learning areas.

Note: Goldman Sachs CEO: David M. Solomon (Oct 2018–); Goldman Sachs Headquarters: New York, New York, United States; Goldman Sachs Founded: 1869.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. OFT hands delivery of 25 remote control guns to Navy: Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli hands over Fifteen 12.7 mm M2 NATO Stabilized Remote Control Gun to Indian Navy & 10 to Indian Coast Guard. It is manufactured with the transfer of technology agreement from Elbit Systems, Israel. This gun is equipped with an inbuilt CCD camera, thermal imager & a laser range finder for observation & tracking of targets through the day and night operations. The gun is meant for marine applications and can remotely engage targets.

 

Daily GK Update- 22nd July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Digital Platform “KisanSarathi” launched to facilitate farmers: In order to facilitate farmers to get ‘right information at right time’ in their desired language, a digital platform namely ‘KisanSarathi’ was launched jointly by Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This initiative of KisanSarathi empowers farmers with technological interventions to reach farmers in remote areas.

The ICAR Scientists to take-up research on new technological interventions in the area of transportation of farmer’s crop from their farm gate to warehouses, markets and the places where they want to sell with minimum damage. Union IT Minister assured that Ministry of Electronics and IT and Ministry of Communications will always be ready to provide all necessary support to Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying for Empowerment of Farmers. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Railways is making a plan to minimise the time taken for the transportation of crops.

 

2. Karnataka CM unveils bike taxi scheme for state: Karnataka Chief Minister, BS Yediyurappa has unveiled the Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi scheme-2021. This will serve as a bridge between public transport and daily commuters. The scheme aims to reduce travel time and inconvenience in reaching bus, railway and metro stations. It will allow people, partnership firms and companies to participate. The authority concerned will issue licences under this scheme. Vehicles registered under this scheme will be in the transport category for which the government has given several exemptions like permits, tax and financial benefits for electric vehicles manufacturers.About the scheme:

(1) The Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi Scheme-2021 will boost self-employment, promote an eco-friendly environment, fuel conservation, strengthen public transport and encourage establishing related industries.

(2) The distance between the origin and destination for a trip shall not be more than 10 km, and the authority concerned will decide, from time to time, the routes that shall be excluded from the operation of the bike taxis.

Note: Karnataka Capital: Bengaluru; Karnataka Chief Minister: B. S. Yediyurappa; Karnataka Governor: ThawarchandGehlot.

 

3. Rajnath Singh launches AI-based grievance analysis app “CPGRAMS”:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a mobile application, called CPGRAMS to lodge grievances using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools. The RakshaMantri was briefed that this AI-powered application will automatically handle and analyse the complaints of the people and would reduce human intervention, save time and bring more transparency to their disposal.

About the app:

(1) This is the first AI-based system developed to improve grievance redressal in the Government.

(2) The AI tool developed as part of the initiative has the capability to understand the content of the complaint based on the contents therein.

(3) As a result, it can identify repeat complaints or spam automatically. Based on the meaning of the complaint, it can categorise complaints of different categories even when keywords normally used for such search are not present in the complaint.

(4) It enables geographical analysis of complaints in a category including analysis of whether the complaint was adequately addressed or not by the concerned office.

(5) Easy user-friendly search enables user to formulate his own queries/categories depending on management requirements and seek performance results based on the query.

 

4. Covid vaccination campaign for pregnant women in Kerala, “Mathrukavacham”: The Kerala government’s campaign ‘Mathrukavacham’ to vaccinate all the pregnant women in the state against COVID-19 infection was inaugurated at the district level recently. Spot registrations for vaccination of pregnant women would be carried out at various government hospitals. Pregnant women can receive the COVID vaccine at any time during their pregnancy. The special vaccination drive comes as a strong defence to protect pregnant women.

About the campaign: Vaccination will be made available in all district hospitals as part of the model program. In the beginning, the covid vaccine will be given to 100 pregnant women through spot registration.

The State Health Ministry assured that in the coming days, covid vaccination for more pregnant women will be made accessible in all hospitals, depending on the availability of the vaccine.

Note: Kerala CM: PinarayiVijayan; Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan.

 

5. India’s first pod taxi to operate between Noida Airport and Film City: Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL) has prepared a Detailed Project Report or DPR for the pod taxi service between Noida Airport at Jewar and Film City. There are plans to run a driverless taxi between the two destinations. This will cost about Rs 862 crore, according to the detailed project report (DPR) submitted to the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida). This is a 14 km stretch. This will be India’s first pod taxi service.

Pod taxis can accommodate four to six passengers per car. This important project will provide smooth connectivity to residential and industrial areas falling between film city and the Noida International Airport. As per the DPR, the corridor will pass through various sectors such as 21, 28, 29, 30 and 32, among others, falling under the Yeida region.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. US, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan to form new quad grouping: The US, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed in principle to establish a new quadrilateral diplomatic platform focused on enhancing regional connectivity. The parties consider long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan critical to regional connectivity and agree that peace and regional connectivity are mutually reinforcing. Afghanistan’s strategic location has for a long time been touted as a competitive advantage for the country. Afghanistan is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the northeast.

The formation of the new quad group is important amid China’s desire to extend its Belt Road Initiative (BRI) to Afghanistan. The BRI, a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013, aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. By virtue of its location, Afghanistan can provide China with a strategic base to spread its influence across the world.

 

2. Science Exploration Day: 20th July: Science Exploration Day (also called Moon Day) is marked every year on 20 July. It was on this day in 1969 that Neil Armstrong and Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon’s surface. The origins of Space Exploration Day date back to man first walking on the moon, with the day itself first observed to commemorate this historic event during events held in the early 1970s.Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon’s surface. The Armstrong- Aldrin duo spent 21.5 hours on the surface of the moon out of which they spent 2.5 hours outside of their capsules. To commemorate their achievement, the day was declared a holiday in 1984 by the then President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.

 

3. International Chess Day: 20th July: The International Chess Day is celebrated annually on July 20, since 1966, to celebrate one of the most ancient and most popular games in history that promote fairness, equality, mutual respect and understanding among nations. It was on this day that the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded, in 1924. The idea to celebrate the day as the international chess day was proposed by UNESCO. This day has been celebrated in as many as 178 countries, and a resolution officially recognizing it was signed by the United Nations in 2019.

About the chess: Invented in India in the fifth century, this board game was originally named “Chaturanga”. Chess is likely one of the oldest games of this era. After the development of the game in India, it eventually spread to Persia. The first modern chess tournament was held in London in 1851 and won by German Adolf Anderssen. On July 20, 1924, at the eighth summer Olympic games in Paris, France, the FIDE (World Chess Federation) was founded.

Note: World Chess Federation Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; World Chess Federation Founded: 20 July 1924, Paris, France; World Chess Federation CEO: Geoffrey D. Borg.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. IOA names B K Sinha as Press Attache of India’s Olympic contingent: Indian Olympic Association has appointed retired IPS officer B K Sinha will perform the dual role of Security as well as Press Attache of the country’s contingent at the Tokyo Games, which begins on July 23. Sinha is a former Haryana DGP and also a recipient of the President’s Police Medal. India will be represented by a 228-strong contingent, including 119 athletes, at the Tokyo Olympics, being held under strict health protocols sans spectators in the wake of the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

Note: Indian Olympic Association President: Narayana Ramachandran; Indian Olympic Association Founded: 1927.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Centre releases Rs 75,000 crore to states as GST compensation: The government has borrowed and given to the states Rs 75,000 crore to make up for the shortfall in their revenues because of the GST implementation. The Finance Ministry in a statement said the amount released is about half of the Rs 1.59 lakh crore that was agreed to be borrowed in the current fiscal by the Centre and passed on to the states and Union Territories on a back-to-back basis to meet their resource gap.

 

2. BUSY Accounting Software integrates with ICICI Bank for Banking solutions within the Software: BUSY, one of India’s leading business accounting software, has partnered with ICICI Bank for banking solutions. The integration will help BUSY users gain better accessibility in managing their Banking, improving their business efficiencies from BUSY itself. Under this partnership, ICICI Bank’s current account holders can now securely connect their bank account to their BUSY Accounting Software.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Microsoft acquires cybersecurity firm RiskIQ for $500M: Microsoft has reached a deal to acquire RiskIQ, a San Francisco-based provider of cybersecurity services, including malware and spyware monitoring and mobile app security. RiskIQ’s services and solutions will join Microsoft’s suite of cloud-native security products, including Microsoft 365 Defender, Microsoft Azure Defender, and Microsoft Azure Sentinel. While Microsoft hasn’t valued the deal, Bloomberg reported that the company is said to be paying more than $500 million for RiskIQ.

RiskIQ uses machine learning applications to analyze threats. The cloud-based RiskIQ software detects security issues across networks and devices, and the company lists Box, the US Postal Service, BMW, Facebook, and American Express as customers. RiskIQ was originally founded in 2009 and has gradually become an important player in analyzing security threats.

Note: Microsoft CEO and Chairman: Satya Nadella; Microsoft Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Cannes Film Festival 2021 winners list announced: The Cannes Film Festival 2021 concluded on 17 July 2021. The jury, presided by Spike Lee, presented the awards at the Closing Ceremony. Julia Ducournau won the Cannes’ top prize, the Palme d’Or, for her film Titane, making her the second woman ever to win the award. The first was Jane Campion in 1993. This year’s Cannes had a wide range of films, from Wes Anderson The French Dispatch to Julia Ducournau’sTitane, and Leos Carax’ Annette. Jodie Foster and Marco Bellocchio won the Honorary Palme d’Or.

Here is the list of Cannes 2021 winners in key categories:

Palme d’Or: Julia Ducournau for Titane (France)

Grand Prix (TIE): AshgarFarhadi for A Hero (Iran) and JuhoKuosmanen for Compartment No.6 (Finland)

Best Director: Leos Carax Annette (France)

Best Actress: Renate Reinsve for Worst Person in the World (Norway)

Best Actor: Caleb Landry Jones for Nitram (US)

Best Screenplay: HamaguchiRyusuke and Takamasa Oe for Drive My Car (Japan)

Jury Prize (TIE): Shared by NadavLapid for Ahed’s Knee (Israel) and ApichatpongWeerasethakul for Memoria (Thailand)

Best First Film: AntonetaKusijanovic for Murina (Croatia)

Best Short Film: Hong Kong’s All The Crows In The World Tang Yi

Short Film Palme d’Or: Tian Xia Wu Ya by Tang Yi

Special Jury Mention for Short Film: Ceu de Agosto by Jasmin Tenucci

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Pakistan president Mamnoon Hussain passes away: Former president of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain passed away. Mamnoon Hussain, who was born in Agra in 1940 and migrated with his parents to Pakistan in 1947, served as the 12th President of Pakistan between September 2013 and September 2018. He was governor of Sindh from June to October 1999 when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government was overthrown by the then Pakistan Army chief, Gen Pervez Musharraf. 

Daily GK Update- 21st July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Maharashtra govt launches new EV Policy 2021: The Maharashtra state government has launched the new Electric Vehicle Policy-2021. The policy announced by the State Environment Minister, Aaditya Thackeray aims to accelerate the adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles in the country. The new EV policy introduced in Maharashtra is a revision of the 2018 policy. It is introduced with an aim to make Maharashtra the “topmost producer of battery-powered electric vehicles in India.” The policy also aims for electric vehicles (EVs) to make up 10 per cent of all new vehicle registrations, by 2025. For this ambitious mission, the state government has rolled out anRs. 930 crore policy, valid up to 31st March 2025. To make this successful, EVs will be exempted from road tax and registration charges.

Note: Maharashtra Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari; Maharashtra Capital: Mumbai; Maharashtra CM: Uddhav Thackeray.

 

2. Andhra govt announces 10% reservation for EWS: The Andhra Pradesh government announced a 10% reservation for the Kapu community and other Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) for appointments in the initial posts and services in State government in accordance with the Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019. The 10% reservation in employment will benefit Kapus who are neither benefited under BC quota nor under EWS quota and other Open Competition (OC) sections who are deprived of the benefits of reservation thus far due to non-implementation of the EWS quota.

The following are the operational guidelines for implementation of the 10% reservation:

(1) Persons who are not covered under the existing scheme of reservations for SCs, STs and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes and whose gross annual family income is below Rs 8 lakh are to be identified as EWS for the benefit of reservation.

(2) The income includes income from all sources i.e. salary, agriculture, business, profession etc. for the financial year prior to the year of application.

(3) The term family for this purpose will include the person who seeks the benefit of reservation, his or her parents and siblings below the age of 18 years as also his or her spouse and children below the age of 18 years.

(4) The persons seeking the benefit of reservation under the EWS category have to obtain the necessary EWS certificates from the Tahsildars concerned.

Note: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy; Governor: BiswaBhusanHarichandan.

 

3. India’s first monk fruit cultivation exercise begins in HP’s Kullu: The ‘monk fruit’ from China, which is known for its properties as a non-caloric natural sweetener, was introduced for field trials in Himachal Pradesh by the Palampur-based Council of Scientific Research and Industrial Technology Institute of Himalayan Bio-resource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) in Kullu. The field trials have begun three years after the CSIR-IHBT imported its seeds from China and grew it in the house. Fifty seedlings were planted in the fields of progressive farmer ManavKhullar from Raison village for field trials and CSIR-IHBT signed a ‘Material Transfer Agreement’ with Manav. The economic benefits of the new crop are estimated to be between Rs 3 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh per hectare. The plant prefers mountainous area with an annual mean temperature of about 16–20 °C and humid conditions.

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

 

4. HC of J&K and Ladakh renamed as ‘High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh: The ‘Common High Court for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh’ has been officially renamed as the ‘High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.’ The order was notified by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, Department of Justice. President Ram NathKovind has signed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2021 to effect the change, in the exercise of the powers conferred Section 103 (1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

Note: Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of J&K: Manoj Sinha; Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh: Radha Krishna Mathur.

 

5. IIT-Madras develops AI algorithm called ‘NBDriver’: Indian Institute of Technology Madras Researchers has developed an Artificial Intelligence-based Mathematical Model called ‘NBDriver’ to identify cancer-causing alterations in cells. The algorithm uses a relatively unexplored technique of leveraging DNA composition to pinpoint genetic alterations responsible for cancer progression, which is difficult using present methodologies. Understanding the underlying mechanism of these alterations will help identify the most appropriate treatment strategy for a patient in an approach known as ‘precision oncology’.

 

6. A new book titled ‘The India Story’ by BimalJalan: Former RBI governor BimalJalan writes a new book titled ‘The India Story’. The book focuses on India’s economic history and aims to provide lessons for the future of India’s political economy. He traces India’s economic policies from 1991 to 2019 to offer insights on learning from the past, before moving ‘Beyond the Metrics of Economy’ to talk about the role of governance in implementing these policies. He also authored the books ‘India Then and Now’, ‘India Ahead’.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Saudi Arabia ends male guardian requirement for women attending hajj: According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia, women can now register for the annual Hajj pilgrimage without a male guardian (marham). In registration guidelines of Hajj for domestic pilgrims, the ministry highlights, women do not need to require a male guardian to register and could do registration along with other women. Women wishing to perform Hajj will have to register individually. India had announced the same rule in 2017 when the Modi government declared that women could go on Hajj without a male companion. Muslim women were exempted from mahram and also from the lottery system.

Note: Saudi Arabia Capital: Riyadh; Saudi Arabia Currency: Saudi riyal.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lewis Hamilton wins British Grand Prix 2021: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain), won the British Grand Prix 2021, for a record-extending eighth time. The event was held on July 18, 2021, at the Silverstone Circuit in the United Kingdom. This is the 99th career win of seven times world champion Hamilton and the fourth win of the current season after 10 races. Monaco based Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) stood second. Hamilton’s teammate ValtteriBottas from Finland, finished third.

 

2. Bangladesh Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to get Olympic Laurel: Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus will receive the Olympic Laurel at the Tokyo Games, the second time the trophy will be awarded. Yunus, whose pioneering micro-lender has been hailed for cutting poverty across the globe, will be honoured for “his extensive work in sport for development. The 81-year-old economist-turned-globe-trotting celebrity speaker won the Nobel in 2006. He will be given the award at the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony on July 23.

About the Olympic Laurel: The Olympic Laurel was created five years ago to recogniseendeavours in culture, education, peace and development through sport. It was given for the first time at the 2016 Rio Games to Kenyan former Olympian Kip Keino, who opened a children’s home, a school and an athletes’ training centre in his home country.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Maharashtra signs MoU with NABARD: Bank of Maharashtra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) to boost ongoing developmental initiatives linked to priority sector lending in Maharashtra. It is on a collaborative approach to enhance rural prosperity through the convergence of institutional lending & ongoing development initiative. The MoU envisages joint initiatives for the benefit of farmers, farmer producer organisations, joint liability groups, self-help groups, rural artisans, weavers, Agri-preneurs, Agri start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises in the State.

Note: Maharashtra Headquarters: Pune; Maharashtra CEO: A. S. Rajeev; Maharashtra Founded: 16 September 1935;

Chairman of NABARD: G R Chintala; NABARD Founded: 12 July 1982; NABARD Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Google Cloud launches second ‘Cloud Region’ in India: Google Cloud has announced the launch of its new Cloud Region in Delhi NCR, for customers and the public sector in India and across the Asia Pacific. With the new region, the customers operating in the country will benefit from lower latency and higher performance of their cloud-based workloads and data. This new Google Cloud region is the second such in India after Mumbai and the 10th in Asia-Pacific. As the second cloud region, customers are expected to benefit from improved business continuity planning, while maintaining data sovereignty. Totally, 26 Google Cloud regions are present across the world.

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

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India’s Payal Kapadia wins best documentary award in Cannes 2021: Director Payal Kapadia’s, “A Night of Knowing Nothing” won the Oeild’or (Golden Eye) award for best documentary at the 74th Cannes Film Festival. The Mumbai-based filmmaker’s first feature bagged the prestigious prize in a formidable field made up of 28 documentaries presented across various sections of the festival. A Night of Knowing Nothing screened as part of the Directors’ Fortnight, a section that runs parallel to the festival.

About the award: The award was instituted in 2015 by LaScam (the French-Speaking Writers’ Society) and Bertuccelli in collaboration with the Cannes Film Festival and its general delegate Thierry Fremaux.

About the Payal Kapadia: Kapadia, an alumna of the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), also has films such as the documentary And What is the Summer Saying (2018) and Last Mango Before the Monsoon, 2015 short, to her credit.

 

2. 2-Indian organisations win UNDP Equator Prize 2021: AadhimalaiPazhangudiyinar Producer Company Limited and Snehakunja Trust are among the 10 awardees of the prestigious Equator Prize 2021 for their work in the field of conservation and biodiversity. The UNDP gives a biennial award to recognize community efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

About the AadhimalaiPazhangudiyinar Producer Company Limited: AadhimalaiPazhangudiyinar Producer Company Limited is a 1,700-member cooperative, managed and run entirely by indigenous people from the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu and its work in the past eight years has improved livelihood across 147 villages by processing and marketing a diverse range of forest produce and crops.

About the Snehakunja Trust: Snehakunja Trust has protected sensitive wetland and coastal ecosystems in the Western Ghats and the Karnataka coast for 45 years with a focus on community-based restoration and conservation.

 

Daily GK Update- 20th July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Digital Platform “KisanSarathi” launched to facilitate farmers: In order to facilitate farmers to get ‘right information at right time’ in their desired language, a digital platform namely ‘KisanSarathi’ was launched jointly by Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This initiative of KisanSarathi empowers farmers with technological interventions to reach farmers in remote areas.

The ICAR Scientists to take-up research on new technological interventions in the area of transportation of farmer’s crop from their farm gate to warehouses, markets and the places where they want to sell with minimum damage. Union IT Minister assured that Ministry of Electronics and IT and Ministry of Communications will always be ready to provide all necessary support to Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying for Empowerment of Farmers. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Railways is making a plan to minimise the time taken for the transportation of crops.

 

2. Karnataka CM unveils bike taxi scheme for state: Karnataka Chief Minister, BS Yediyurappa has unveiled the Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi scheme-2021. This will serve as a bridge between public transport and daily commuters. The scheme aims to reduce travel time and inconvenience in reaching bus, railway and metro stations. It will allow people, partnership firms and companies to participate. The authority concerned will issue licences under this scheme. Vehicles registered under this scheme will be in the transport category for which the government has given several exemptions like permits, tax and financial benefits for electric vehicles manufacturers.About the scheme:

(1) The Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi Scheme-2021 will boost self-employment, promote an eco-friendly environment, fuel conservation, strengthen public transport and encourage establishing related industries.

(2) The distance between the origin and destination for a trip shall not be more than 10 km, and the authority concerned will decide, from time to time, the routes that shall be excluded from the operation of the bike taxis.

Note: Karnataka Capital: Bengaluru; Karnataka Chief Minister: B. S. Yediyurappa; Karnataka Governor: ThawarchandGehlot.

 

3. Rajnath Singh launches AI-based grievance analysis app “CPGRAMS”:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a mobile application, called CPGRAMS to lodge grievances using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools. The RakshaMantri was briefed that this AI-powered application will automatically handle and analyse the complaints of the people and would reduce human intervention, save time and bring more transparency to their disposal.

About the app:

(1) This is the first AI-based system developed to improve grievance redressal in the Government.

(2) The AI tool developed as part of the initiative has the capability to understand the content of the complaint based on the contents therein.

(3) As a result, it can identify repeat complaints or spam automatically. Based on the meaning of the complaint, it can categorise complaints of different categories even when keywords normally used for such search are not present in the complaint.

(4) It enables geographical analysis of complaints in a category including analysis of whether the complaint was adequately addressed or not by the concerned office.

(5) Easy user-friendly search enables user to formulate his own queries/categories depending on management requirements and seek performance results based on the query.

 

4. Covid vaccination campaign for pregnant women in Kerala, “Mathrukavacham”: The Kerala government’s campaign ‘Mathrukavacham’ to vaccinate all the pregnant women in the state against COVID-19 infection was inaugurated at the district level recently. Spot registrations for vaccination of pregnant women would be carried out at various government hospitals. Pregnant women can receive the COVID vaccine at any time during their pregnancy. The special vaccination drive comes as a strong defence to protect pregnant women.

About the campaign: Vaccination will be made available in all district hospitals as part of the model program. In the beginning, the covid vaccine will be given to 100 pregnant women through spot registration.

The State Health Ministry assured that in the coming days, covid vaccination for more pregnant women will be made accessible in all hospitals, depending on the availability of the vaccine.

Note: Kerala CM: PinarayiVijayan; Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan.

 

5. India’s first pod taxi to operate between Noida Airport and Film City: Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL) has prepared a Detailed Project Report or DPR for the pod taxi service between Noida Airport at Jewar and Film City. There are plans to run a driverless taxi between the two destinations. This will cost about Rs 862 crore, according to the detailed project report (DPR) submitted to the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida). This is a 14 km stretch. This will be India’s first pod taxi service.

Pod taxis can accommodate four to six passengers per car. This important project will provide smooth connectivity to residential and industrial areas falling between film city and the Noida International Airport. As per the DPR, the corridor will pass through various sectors such as 21, 28, 29, 30 and 32, among others, falling under the Yeida region.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. US, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan to form new quad grouping: The US, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed in principle to establish a new quadrilateral diplomatic platform focused on enhancing regional connectivity. The parties consider long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan critical to regional connectivity and agree that peace and regional connectivity are mutually reinforcing. Afghanistan’s strategic location has for a long time been touted as a competitive advantage for the country. Afghanistan is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the northeast.

The formation of the new quad group is important amid China’s desire to extend its Belt Road Initiative (BRI) to Afghanistan. The BRI, a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013, aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. By virtue of its location, Afghanistan can provide China with a strategic base to spread its influence across the world.

 

2. Science Exploration Day: 20th July: Science Exploration Day (also called Moon Day) is marked every year on 20 July. It was on this day in 1969 that Neil Armstrong and Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon’s surface. The origins of Space Exploration Day date back to man first walking on the moon, with the day itself first observed to commemorate this historic event during events held in the early 1970s.Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon’s surface. The Armstrong- Aldrin duo spent 21.5 hours on the surface of the moon out of which they spent 2.5 hours outside of their capsules. To commemorate their achievement, the day was declared a holiday in 1984 by the then President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.

 

3. International Chess Day: 20th July: The International Chess Day is celebrated annually on July 20, since 1966, to celebrate one of the most ancient and most popular games in history that promote fairness, equality, mutual respect and understanding among nations. It was on this day that the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded, in 1924. The idea to celebrate the day as the international chess day was proposed by UNESCO. This day has been celebrated in as many as 178 countries, and a resolution officially recognizing it was signed by the United Nations in 2019.

About the chess: Invented in India in the fifth century, this board game was originally named “Chaturanga”. Chess is likely one of the oldest games of this era. After the development of the game in India, it eventually spread to Persia. The first modern chess tournament was held in London in 1851 and won by German Adolf Anderssen. On July 20, 1924, at the eighth summer Olympic games in Paris, France, the FIDE (World Chess Federation) was founded.

Note: World Chess Federation Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; World Chess Federation Founded: 20 July 1924, Paris, France; World Chess Federation CEO: Geoffrey D. Borg.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. IOA names B K Sinha as Press Attache of India’s Olympic contingent: Indian Olympic Association has appointed retired IPS officer B K Sinha will perform the dual role of Security as well as Press Attache of the country’s contingent at the Tokyo Games, which begins on July 23. Sinha is a former Haryana DGP and also a recipient of the President’s Police Medal. India will be represented by a 228-strong contingent, including 119 athletes, at the Tokyo Olympics, being held under strict health protocols sans spectators in the wake of the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

Note: Indian Olympic Association President: Narayana Ramachandran; Indian Olympic Association Founded: 1927.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Centre releases Rs 75,000 crore to states as GST compensation: The government has borrowed and given to the states Rs 75,000 crore to make up for the shortfall in their revenues because of the GST implementation. The Finance Ministry in a statement said the amount released is about half of the Rs 1.59 lakh crore that was agreed to be borrowed in the current fiscal by the Centre and passed on to the states and Union Territories on a back-to-back basis to meet their resource gap.

 

2. BUSY Accounting Software integrates with ICICI Bank for Banking solutions within the Software: BUSY, one of India’s leading business accounting software, has partnered with ICICI Bank for banking solutions. The integration will help BUSY users gain better accessibility in managing their Banking, improving their business efficiencies from BUSY itself. Under this partnership, ICICI Bank’s current account holders can now securely connect their bank account to their BUSY Accounting Software.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Microsoft acquires cybersecurity firm RiskIQ for $500M: Microsoft has reached a deal to acquire RiskIQ, a San Francisco-based provider of cybersecurity services, including malware and spyware monitoring and mobile app security. RiskIQ’s services and solutions will join Microsoft’s suite of cloud-native security products, including Microsoft 365 Defender, Microsoft Azure Defender, and Microsoft Azure Sentinel. While Microsoft hasn’t valued the deal, Bloomberg reported that the company is said to be paying more than $500 million for RiskIQ.

RiskIQ uses machine learning applications to analyze threats. The cloud-based RiskIQ software detects security issues across networks and devices, and the company lists Box, the US Postal Service, BMW, Facebook, and American Express as customers. RiskIQ was originally founded in 2009 and has gradually become an important player in analyzing security threats.

Note: Microsoft CEO and Chairman: Satya Nadella; Microsoft Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Cannes Film Festival 2021 winners list announced: The Cannes Film Festival 2021 concluded on 17 July 2021. The jury, presided by Spike Lee, presented the awards at the Closing Ceremony. Julia Ducournau won the Cannes’ top prize, the Palme d’Or, for her film Titane, making her the second woman ever to win the award. The first was Jane Campion in 1993. This year’s Cannes had a wide range of films, from Wes Anderson The French Dispatch to Julia Ducournau’sTitane, and Leos Carax’ Annette. Jodie Foster and Marco Bellocchio won the Honorary Palme d’Or.

Here is the list of Cannes 2021 winners in key categories:

Palme d’Or: Julia Ducournau for Titane (France)

Grand Prix (TIE): AshgarFarhadi for A Hero (Iran) and JuhoKuosmanen for Compartment No.6 (Finland)

Best Director: Leos Carax Annette (France)

Best Actress: Renate Reinsve for Worst Person in the World (Norway)

Best Actor: Caleb Landry Jones for Nitram (US)

Best Screenplay: HamaguchiRyusuke and Takamasa Oe for Drive My Car (Japan)

Jury Prize (TIE): Shared by NadavLapid for Ahed’s Knee (Israel) and ApichatpongWeerasethakul for Memoria (Thailand)

Best First Film: AntonetaKusijanovic for Murina (Croatia)

Best Short Film: Hong Kong’s All The Crows In The World Tang Yi

Short Film Palme d’Or: Tian Xia Wu Ya by Tang Yi

Special Jury Mention for Short Film: Ceu de Agosto by Jasmin Tenucci

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Pakistan president Mamnoon Hussain passes away: Former president of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain passed away. Mamnoon Hussain, who was born in Agra in 1940 and migrated with his parents to Pakistan in 1947, served as the 12th President of Pakistan between September 2013 and September 2018. He was governor of Sindh from June to October 1999 when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government was overthrown by the then Pakistan Army chief, Gen Pervez Musharraf.