Daily GK Update- 2nd Aug, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi to launch e-RUPI digital payment solution: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch e-RUPI, an e-voucher-based digital payment solution, via video conferencing. The e-RUPI initiative will be one of the programmes launched over the years to limit touchpoints between the government and the beneficiary and “ensure that the benefits reach its intended beneficiaries in a targeted and leak-proof manner”.About the e-RUPI:

(1) e-RUPI is a cashless and contactless instrument for digital payments. It acts as an e-voucher based on a QR code or SMS string, which is delivered to the mobile phones of the beneficiaries.

(2) e-RUPI connects the sponsors of the services with the beneficiaries and service providers in a digital manner without any physical interface. It also ensures that the payment to the service provider is made only after the transaction is completed.

(3) Being prepaid in nature, it assures timely payment to the service provider without the involvement of any intermediary.

(4) The one-time payment mechanism of e-RUPI will allow users to redeem the voucher without a card, digital payments app or internet banking access, at the service provider.

(5) The e-RUPI platform has been developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on its UPI platform, in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and National Health Authority.

 

2. Deepak Das takes charge as new Controller General of Accounts: Deepak Das has taken over as the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) on August 01, 2021. Prior to assuming charge of CGA, Mr Das served as the Principal Chief Controller of Accounts in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Deepak Das, a 1986-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer, is the 25th officer to hold the position of CGA.

About the CGA: CGA is the account keeper of the government and derives its mandate from Article 150 of the Constitution. It reconciles the cash balance of the centre with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) apart from consolidating monthly accounts; preparing trends of revenue realization and expenditures as well as annual accounts of the central government.

 

3. Vice Admiral SN Ghormade takes charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff: Vice Admiral SN Ghormade has assumed charge as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff at a formal ceremony in New Delhi. He succeeds Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar who retired on July 31, 2021, after more than 39 years of illustrious service. The Flag officer SN Ghormade was commissioned in the Indian Navy on January 01, 1984. He was awarded the AtiVishishtSeva Medal (AVSM) on January 26, 2017, and Nausena Medal (NM) in 2007 by the President of India, and a Commendation by the Chief of the Naval Staff in 2000.

 

4. Novelist KunalBasu’s ‘In An Ideal World’ to come out in 2022: Renowned novelist KunalBasu’s new work of fiction, In An Ideal World, will be released next year, Penguin Random House India (PRHI) announced. The book, scheduled to be released under the publishing house’s ‘Viking’ imprint, is touted to be a “powerful, gritty and fast-paced literary novel” exploring a variety of themes relevant to the current times — college, politics, family, crime investigation and fanaticism. According to the publishers, the story of his upcoming book revolves around the disappearance of a member of the Liberal Party of a college in Manhar. The prime suspect of this abduction is the leader of the Nationalist group of the same college.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India takes over UNSC presidency for August 2021: India took over from France to assume the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of August 2021. This is the first presidency for India during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the first Indian PM to preside over a meeting of the UNSC. As the president of the top UN Body, India will decide the agenda for the month, coordinate important meetings and other related issues. India will focus on three priority areas during its presidency. These include maritime security, peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism.

Note: United Nations Security Council Headquarters: New York, United States; United Nations Security Council Founded: 24 October 1945.

 

2. India Placed among Top 10 Agricultural Produce Exporters of 2019: WTO Report: India has find place among the top 10 list of the countries exporting agricultural produce in the year 2019, according to a World Trade Organisation (WTO) report on trends in world agricultural trade in recent 25 years. The last such report was released in 1995, in which India was not in top 10. In the 2019 report, India has outclassed New Zealand to be ranked at 9th spot. India’s share in the global agri exports was recorded to be 3.10%, with a sizable share in the export of rice, cotton, soya beans and meat. Top Three Nations in the List:

1. The European Union (EU) – 16.1% share (ranked 2nd in 1995)

2. The United States – 13.8% share (ranked first in 1995 with 22.2% share)

3. Brazil – 7.8% share (ranked third in 1995 with 4.8%)

 

3. World Lung Cancer Day: 1st August: Every year, World Lung Cancer Day is observed on August 1 to raise awareness about the causes and treatment of lung cancer and highlight the issues of lack of sufficient research funding for the ailment. The campaign was first organized in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) , in collaboration with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and also the American College of Chest Physicians. The IASLC is the largest organization in the world of its kind that only deals with lung cancer.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Esteban Ocon wins Hungarian GP 2021: Esteban Ocon, Alpine-Renault/ France, has won the Hungarian Grand Prix 2021, held on August 01, 2021, at the Hungaroring in Mogyoród, Hungary. This is the maiden F1 race win for Esteban Ocon. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin-Mercedes/Germany) came second. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) finished third. With this win, he took the Formula One championship lead from Max Verstappen. Hungarian Grand Prix was the eleventh round of the 2021 Formula One World Championship.

 

2. Sri Lanka bowling all-rounder IsuruUdana retires from international cricket: Sri Lanka left-arm seam bowling all-rounder, IsuruUdana has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. Udana had a very modest international career with sporadic appearances over 12 years in which he played only 21 ODIS and 35 T20 Internationals with just 45 wickets to show for his efforts. The left-arm medium-pacer had made his T20I debut in 2009 against Australia at the T20 World Cup in which Sri Lanka lost the final to Pakistan. His maiden ODI game came against India in 2012.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. LIC Cards Services, IDBI Bank launch RuPay credit cards Lumine, Eclat: LIC Cards Services Limited (LIC-CSL) has partnered with IDBI Bank to launch ‘Lumine’ Platinum Credit Card and ‘Eclat’ Select Credit Card on the RuPay platform. The cards will initially be available to LIC policyholders, agents, as well as employees of the corporation and its subsidiaries. The cards will offer a wide range of benefits to users. About the cards:

(1) Lumine and Eclat cardholders will have a credit limit that suits their lifestyles. The cardholders will earn 3 ‘delight’ points on every spend of Rs 100 via the Lumine card and 4 points on the Eclat card.

(2) The cards also offer a special benefits of 2x reward points while paying the renewal insurance premiums of LIC. The cards also have a ‘Welcome Aboard’ offer for initial customers.

(3) Lumine and Eclat cardholders will earn ‘Welcome Bonus Delight Points’ of 1,000 and 1,500, respectively, on spending Rs 10,000 within 60 days of card issuance.

(4) Both cards offer users the facility to convert their transactions of over Rs 3,000 to EMI with zero processing and foreclosure fee, along with a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions of Rs 400 onwards.

(5) Cardholders can also choose their EMI tenure options of 3, 6, 9 or 12 months as per their requirements. Moreover, Eclat cardholders will get complimentary lounge access at all domestic and international airports.

(6) The cards also come with insurance coverage viz air accident insurance cover, personal accident or permanent disability cover, credit shield cover and zero lost card liability. They have a validity of 4 years and an interest-free credit period of up to 48 days.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. GST Collections Touched ₹ 1.16 Lakh Crore In July 2021: Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for July 2021 were ₹ 1.16 lakh crore, 33 per cent more than the corresponding period of last year. GST collections in July 2020 had stood at ₹ 87,422 crore, while sequentially they had stood at ₹ 92,849 crores in June this year. According to figures released by Finance Ministry, gross GST revenue collected in July 2021 are ₹ 1,16,393 crore, out of which Central GST is ₹ 22,197 crores, State GST is ₹ 28,541 crore and Integrated GST is ₹ 57,864 crore (including ₹ 27,900 crores collected on import of goods) and cess of Rs 7,790 crore (including ₹ 815 crores collected on import of goods).

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Asha Bhosle to get prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan award 2021: The Maharashtra Bhushan Selection Committee chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has unanimously selected legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle for the prestigious award. Asha Bhosle is best known for her playback singing in Hindi cinema, although she has a wider repertoire. Bhosle’s career started in 1943 and has spanned over seven decades. She has done playback singing for over a thousand movies. Asha Bhosle was officially acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most recorded artist in music history. The Government of India honoured her with the DadasahebPhalke Award in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. Bhosle is the sister of playback singer LataMangeshkar and belongs to the prominent Mangeshkar family.

 

2. Cyrus Poonawalla wins LokmanyaTilak National Award: Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, Chairman of the Pune-based vaccine maker Serum Institute of India (SII), has been selected for the prestigious LokmanyaTilak National Award for 2021. He has been named for his work during the COVID-19 pandemic, by manufacturing the Covishield vaccine. He will receive the award on August 13. The award comprises a cash prize of Rs one lakh and a memento.

About the award: The LokmanyaTilak national award is given annually since 1983 on August 1, the death anniversary of LokmanyaTilak, by the LokmanyaTilak Trust. However this year the date has been changed due to the coronavirus situation.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. World Masters gold medal winner Man Kaur passes away: Multiple World Masters Championship gold medallist and multiple Asian Masters Championship medallist athlete 105-year-old, Man Kaur passed away. She started running and won her first medal in Chandigarh Masters Athletics meet in 2007 before she won the gold in 100 m as well 200 m race in the National Masters Athletics meet in 2011. Kaur would become the 100 m and 200 m champion in the World Masters Athletics Championships in the USA and was also adjudged the best athlete. But it was her feat of becoming the champion in the 100 m in the 100+ category in the World Masters Athletics Championships in Auckland in 2017, which got her into the limelight.

 

Daily GK Update- 1st Aug, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi launches Academic Bank of Credit and Artificial Intelligence programme: PM Modi has launched multiple educational initiatives including the Academic Bank of Credit that will provide multiple entries and exit options for students in Higher education. Academic Bank of Credit is envisaged as a digital bank that holds the credit earned by a student in any course. Academic Bank of Credit is a major instrument for facilitating multidisciplinary and holistic education and multiple entry and exit in higher education. Academic Bank of Credit and the Artificial Intelligence programme to make the youth future-oriented and open the way for an AI-driven economy.

 

2. Rajasthan Government launches ‘Mission NiryatakBano’: The Rajasthan government’s industries department and the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) have launched the ‘Mission NiryatakBano’ campaign to promote aspiring exporters in the state. The campaign is aimed at registering and handholding the local traders willing to expand their business to foreign countries, in six steps. This shall cover assistance from training, securing necessary documentation, registration in Rajasthan Export Promotion Council and even support in exports and trade operations.

The state government in consideration of the challenges of small businesses had waived off the need for several state-level clearances for the initial three years of upcoming businesses. The exporter assistance campaign shall be another step in helping the local business develop understanding towards the procedures and increase their business.

Note: Chief Minister of Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot; Governor: Kalraj Mishra.

 

3. 14 Tiger Reserves of India get (CA|TS) Recognition: From India, 14 tiger reserves have received the accreditation of the Global Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS), on the occasion of International Tiger Day on July 29, 2021. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recognized the ‘BaghRakshaks’ for their efforts in protecting Tigers and forests. The NTCA’s quarterly newsletter STRIPES was also released during the event.The 14 tiger reserves of India that have received prestigious global accreditation from CA|TS are:

(1) Mudumalai and Anamalai Tiger Reserves, Tamil Nadu

(2) Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka

(3) Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Kerala

(4) Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal

(5) Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh

(6) Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar

(7) Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

(8) Satpura, Kanha and Panna Tiger Reserves, Madhya Pradesh

 

4. BIAL signs a deal with IBM to set up ‘Airport in a Box’ platform: Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), has signed a ten-year partnership with the company IBM to set up the ‘Airport in a Box’ platform. The partnership is designed to help Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) improve its productivity, automate its information technology services, increase operational flexibility to handle future growth in passenger traffic and reduce costs.

The airport operator chose IBM Global Business Services, IBM hybrid cloud capabilities and Kyndryl, the new, independent company that will be created following the separation of IBM’s Managed Infrastructure Services business, to design and implement a next-generation architecture with a dynamic delivery model. The new platform will enable it to improve employee productivity, upgrade utilisation of IT assets, reduce costs through streamlined inventory control and improve incident management.

Note: IBM CEO: Arvind Krishna; IBM Headquarters: Armonk, New York, United States.

 

5. Intel launches ‘AI For All’ initiative in collaboration with CBSE: Intel in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Ministry of Education, announced the launch of the AI For All initiative with the purpose of creating a basic understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) for everyone in India. Based on Intel’s AI For Citizens program, AI For All is a 4-hour, self-paced learning program that demystifies AI in an inclusive manner. It is as applicable to a student, a stay at home parent as it is to a professional in any field or even a senior citizen. The program aims to introduce AI to 1 million citizens in its first year. Partnerships and Initiatives at Intel.

Note: Intel Chief Executive Officer: Pat Gelsinger; Intel Founded: 18 July 1968; Intel Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States; Intel Founders: Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. MeenakashiLekhi leads Indian delegation at G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting: MeenakashiLekhi, the Minister of State for Culture of India participated in the G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting on behalf of the Government of India. The two-day meeting was hosted by Italy on July 29 and 30 July 2021, during their ongoing Presidency of G20 in 2021. At the end of the discussions, the G20 Ministers of Culture adopted the G20 Culture Working Group Terms of Reference.

The main topic of discussion were: Protection of Cultural Heritage; Addressing the Climate Crisis through Culture; Building Capacity through Training and Education; Digital Transition and New Technologies for Culture; and Culture and Creative Sectors as drivers for growth.

 

2. Muslim Women’s Rights Day: 1st August: In India, “Muslim Women’s Rights Day” is celebrated across the nation on August 01 to celebrate the enactment of the law against Triple Talaq. The first Muslim Women’s Rights Day was observed in 2020. The Government of India enacted the law against Triple Talaq on August 01, 2019 to make the social malpractice of Triple Talaq a criminal offence. The law is formally called the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019. It prohibits the practice of instant divorce by Muslim men and any violation of the law is punishable by a jail term of up to three years.

 

3. World Breastfeeding Week 2021: 1st to 7th August: The World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is marked every year in the first week of August, between 1 to 7 August, to raise awareness on the importance of breastfeeding for mothers and infants. The theme of the World Breastfeeding Week 2021 is “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility​”. The annual week is organized by WABA, WHO and UNICEF since 1991.

About Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding provides every child with the best possible start in life. It delivers health, nutritional and emotional benefits to both children and mothers. And it forms part of a sustainable food system. But while breastfeeding is a natural process, it is not always easy. Mothers need support – both to get started and to sustain breastfeeding.

Note: World Alliance for Breastfeeding Headquarters: Penang, Malaysia; World Alliance for Breastfeeding Founder: Anwar Fazal; World Alliance for Breastfeeding Founded: 14 February 1991.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. PV Sindhu Wins Bronze in Women’s Badminton at Tokyo Olympics: Ace Indian badminton player PV Sindhu defeated China’s He Bingjiao to win the bronze medal in the women’s singles event at the Tokyo Olympics on August 01, 2021. With this win, Sindhu scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman and the only second Indian athlete to win two Olympic medals in individual events. Earlier she won the silver in women’s singles badminton at the Rio Olympics in 2016. This is India’s second medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank, ICICI and Axis pick up stake in blockchain start-up: Three of India’s biggest private lenders – ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank have taken stakes in the blockchain financial technology firm IBBIC Pvt Ltd. HDFC Bank and Axis Bank invested ₹5 lakh each for the shares. ICICI Bank also said it has subscribed to 49,000 fully paid-up equity shares of face value ₹10 each of IBBIC constituting 5.44 per cent of the issued and paid-up share capital. It paid ₹4.9 lakh for the shares.

About the IBBIC: IBBIC was incorporated on May 25 this year as a financial technology company with the objective of providing a platform for exploring, building, and implementing distributed ledger technology (DLT) solutions for the Indian financial services sector. About 15 banks have come together to set up IBBIC, with an aim to expand the use of blockchain applications in financial sector transactions.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Modi govt’s fiscal deficit touches 18.2% of annual target: The central government’s fiscal deficit stood at Rs 2.74 lakh crore or 18.2 per cent of the full year’s Budget estimate at the end of June, according to data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA). The fiscal deficit at the end of June 2020 was 83.2 per cent of the Budget Estimates (BE) of 2020-21. The fiscal deficit or the gap between expenditure and revenue for 2020-21 was 9.3 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), better than 9.5 per cent projected in the revised estimates in the Budget in February.

As per CGA data, the government received Rs 5.47 lakh crore (27.7 per cent of corresponding BE 2021-22 of total receipts) up to June 2021. The amount comprises Rs 4.12 lakh crore of tax revenues, Rs 1.27 lakh crore of non-tax revenues and Rs 7,402 crore of non-debt capital receipts. The receipts were 6.8 per cent of BE at the end of June 2020. Out of the total revenue expenditure, Rs 1.84 lakh crore was for interest payments and about Rs 1 lakh crore was on account of major subsidies.

 

2. Bharat BillPay appoints PayU’sNoopurChaturvedi as new CEO: Bharat Bill Payment System has appointed former PayU and Airtel Payments Bank executive NoopurChaturvedi as its new chief executive officer. Chaturvedi, prior to this appointment, was the country head for small and medium businesses at PayU. In a career spanning nearly two decades, she has worked with Airtel Payments Bank, Samsung, ING Vysya Bank and Citibank in various senior roles.

About the Bharat BillPay: Bharat BillPay is an interoperable and integrated bill payment system for online as well as agent-based settlement of recurring bills. On April 1 this year, NPCI transferred all its BBPS mandates to a newly set up subsidiary called the NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL), effectively hiving off its automated billing business. Founded in 2013.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 36th edition of CORPAT between India and Indonesia begins: The 36th edition of CORPAT between India and Indonesia is being held on 30 and 31 July 2021, in the Indian Ocean region. The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Saryu, an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel and Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Bung Tomo is undertaking coordinated patrol (CORPAT). Besides this, Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both nations are also participating. The exercise is being conducted as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ exercise in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. India and Indonesia have been conducting the Coordinated Patrols along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) since 2002 twice a year.

About the CORPAT: The basic aim of CORPAT is to keep the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping, international trade and conduct of legitimate maritime activities. CORPATs help build understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitate the institution of measures to prevent and suppress Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy. 

Daily GK Update- 31st July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Govt announces 27% reservation for OBCs, 10% quota for EWS in medical seats: The centre has announced 27% reservation for OBCs and a 10% quota for students from the economically weaker sections (EWS) for undergraduate and postgraduate medical and dental courses under the All-India Quota (AIQ) scheme. Under the AIQ scheme, 15% of seats at the UG level and 50% seats at the PG level are kept domicile free in government medical and dental colleges against which students from other states to are offered admission while the rest of the seats are kept only for students from within the state. This will immensely help thousands of our youth every year get better opportunities and create a new paradigm of social justice in our country. A statement by the government said that the decision would benefit nearly 1500 OBC students in MBBS and 2500 OBC students in PG while it will also impact around 550 EWS students in MBBS and around 1000 EWS students in PG medicine.

About the AIQ scheme: The AIQ scheme was introduced in 1986 under the direction of the Supreme Court to provide for domicile-free merit-based opportunities to students from any state to aspire to study in a good medical college located in another State.

 

2. Kerala police launched ‘Pink Protection’ project for women safety: The Kerala Police launched a new initiative called the Pink Protection project for the protection of women in public, private and digital spaces. The Pink Protection project aims to prevent dowry-related issues, cyber-bullying & humiliation in public places. It has 10 components, one of which is activating the existing Pink Police Patrol system, named Pink Janamaithri Beat.

About the project:

(1) They will collect information from panchayat members, neighbours and other locals and hand it over to the Station House Officers for further action.

(2) The Pink Beat system, in which specially trained women police officers have been deployed, will be present at Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private buses and in front of schools, colleges and other public places including bus stops.

(3) Pink control rooms have been set up in all 14 districts to coordinate the activities.

(4) The Pink Shadow Patrol team will also be deployed to detect the presence of anti-socials in crowded areas and to take action.

(5) A bullet patrol team of woman police officers called “Pink Romeo” was also launched as part of the project.

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

 

3. IIT Hyderabad developed Covid RNA test kit called “COVIHOME”: India’s first Rapid electronic Covid-19 RNA Test kit that allows self-testing at home called ‘COVIHOME’ has been developed by a research group at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad. The kit has been validated by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology and can be used to check for Covid-19 trace at the comfort of home. About the test kit:

(1) This test kit can produce results within 30 minutes for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

(2) The major benefit of this testing kit is that it does not require RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), an expert human resource, and a BSL 2 lab facility for the extraction of RNA, so it has the potential for one to take the test at home without expert supervision.

(3) The validation report confirmed the kit’s efficiency at 94.2 per cent, Sensitivity 91.3 per cent and Specificity 98.2 per cent.

(4) While a test currently costs around Rs 400, the developers say that mass production of the testing kit will help to reduce the cost to around Rs 300 per test.

 

4. BhootJolokiachillies from Nagaland exported to London: A consignment of ‘Raja Mircha’, also referred to as King Chilli or BhootJolokia, from Nagaland, has been exported to London for the first time. Naga king chilli is constantly on the top five in the list of the world’s hottest chillies based on the Scoville Heat Units. It got a GI tag in 2008. It was declared the hottest chilli pepper in the world by Guinness World Records in 2007.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Maldives’ Abdulla Shahid won the Presidency of the 76th UNGA: Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid won the Presidency of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This is for the first time in the history of the United Nations (UN), Maldives will hold the office of President at the UNGA. Abdulla Shahid’s victory at the UNGA Presidential election is a “proud accomplishment” and “a step forward in elevating the country’s stature on the global stage”. Maldives’ decision to join the UN in 1965, immediately after its independence, sparked a debate on how a “microstate”, could possibly contribute to the organisation. Over the years, Maldives has cleared all the doubts by raising its voice on issues of concern and playing a prominent role in the UN as well as in the other multilateral organisations including the Commonwealth.

Note: President of the Maldives: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih; Capital of Maldives: Male; Currency of the Maldives: Maldivian Rufiyaa.

 

2. Hubble Finds First Evidence of Water Vapor at Jupiter’s Moon Ganymede: For the first time, astronomers have uncovered evidence of water vapour in the atmosphere of Jupiter’s moon Ganymede. This water vapour forms when ice from the moon’s surface sublimates that turns from solid to gas. Scientists used new and archival datasets from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope to make the discovery, published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

In 1998, Hubble’s Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph took the first ultraviolet (UV) images of Ganymede, which revealed colourful ribbons of electrified gas called auroral bands, and provided further evidence that Ganymede has a weak magnetic field. The similarities in these UV observations were explained by the presence of molecular oxygen (O2). But some observed features did not match the expected emissions from a pure O2 atmosphere. At the same time, scientists concluded this discrepancy was likely related to higher concentrations of atomic oxygen (O).

 

3. World Ranger Day: 31st July: World Ranger Day is observed every year on 31 July to commemorate the Rangers killed or injured while on duty and to celebrate the work that Rangers do to protect the world’s natural and cultural heritage. World Ranger Day offers a chance to support their vital work, which ranges from environmental campaigning to education. The day is also an opportunity to pay tribute to rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. A Ranger is a person tasked with preserving and protecting parklands and natural protected areas. A Ranger typically refers to a forest ranger or a park ranger. It was on this day in 1992 that International Ranger Federation (IRF) was founded. World Ranger Day was created by the International Ranger Federation and was first held in 2007.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Vantika Agarwal bags national women online chess title: Vantika Agarwal has won the National Women Online Chess title. She scored 9.5 points from 11 rounds. Arpita Mukherjee of West Bengal took the second spot and Tamil Nadu’s SreejaSeshadri secured the third spot in the competition. In the absence of over-the-board events due to the ongoing pandemic, the All India Chess Federation has decided to consider the performance of this online event for the selection of players for the Asian individual championship and other events.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Madgaum Urban Co-op Bank licence cancelled by RBI: The Reserve Bank of India has cancelled the licence of Madgaum Urban Co-operative Bank Limited, Margao, Goa, as the bank with its current financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in full. According to the RBI, as per the data submitted by the bank, about 99 per cent of the depositors will receive full amounts of their deposits from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). The bank ceases to carry on banking business with effect from the close of business on July 29, 2021.

 

2. Paytm Payments Bank crosses 1 crore FASTags mark: Paytm Payments Bank has become the first bank in the country to achieve the milestone of issuing 1 crore FASTags. According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), over 3.47 crore FASTags were issued by all banks together till the end of June 2021. Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL) now has close to 28 per cent share as FASTag issuer bank. In the last 6 months alone, PPBL has equipped over 40 lakh commercial & private vehicles with FASTags.

Besides this, Paytm Payments Bank is also India’s largest acquirer of toll plazas for the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program offering an interoperable nationwide toll payment solution. According to PPBL, 280 out of the total 851 toll plazas across the national and state highways are now using its payment gateway to collect toll charges digitally.

Note: Paytm HQ: Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Paytm Founder & CEO: Vijay Shekhar Sharma; Paytm Founded: 2009.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Property consultant Colliers appoints Ramesh Nair as CEO for India: Property consultant Colliers has appointed Ramesh Nair as the chief executive officer (CEO) for India and managing director, market development, for Asia. Nair’s experience and leadership skills will be particularly relevant to its clients in the region and around the world as they seek opportunities in the post-COVID economy. Nair joined Colliers from JLL India, where he held the position of CEO & country head, leading over 12,000 people. Based in Mumbai, Ramesh will partner with Sankey Prasad, chairman & managing director of Colliers in India, to lead the business.

Note: The Asia Pacific CEO of Colliers is John Kenny; Colliers CEO: Jay S. Hennick; Colliers Headquarters: Toronto, Canada; Colliers Founded: 1976, Australia.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. VaidehiDongre from Michigan crowned as Miss India USA: VaidehiDongre, a 25-year-old girl from Michigan, has been crowned Miss India USA 2021 at the beauty pageant. ArshiLalani from Georgia was declared the first runner up and North Carolina’s Mira Kasari was declared the second runner up. Dongre, who has majored in international studies, won the ‘Miss Talented’ title in the pageant for giving a flawless performance of Indian classical dance from Kathak.

Former Miss World Diana Hayden was the chief guest and chief judge for the pageant. There were 61 contestants from 30 states participating in three different pageants – Miss India USA, Mrs India USA and Miss Teen India USA. The winners of all three categories get complimentary tickets to travel to Mumbai, India to take part in worldwide pageants.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former England bowler Mike Hendrick passes away: Former England and Derbyshire bowler, Mike Hendrick has passed away. He played a major role in two of England’s Ashes-series victories and took 87 wickets in 30 Tests for his country between 1974 and 1981. Hendrick, who took 770 wickets in 267 first-class matches and 35 wickets in 22 ODIs, was also the first professional coach of Ireland.

Daily GK Update- 30th July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. GoI to set up GarimaGrihas for transgender persons to provide safe shelter: The Centre is setting up the GarimaGrihas for transgender persons are with the help of community-based organizations. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment A. Narayanaswamy informed Lok Sabha, 12 pilot shelter homes have been initiated with the aim of providing safe and secure shelter to transgender persons. The GarimaGrihas for transgender persons is being set up with the help of community-based organizations. Such shelter homes have been set up in the states of Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha.

 

2. Indore becomes only Indian city to make it to Int’l Clean Air Catalyst Programme: The Indore city of Madhya Pradesh, or the cleanest city of India, has become the only city from the country to be selected for International Clean Air Catalyst Programme. The project will be operated for a period of five years to purify the air in the city with the cooperation of Indore Municipal Corporation and Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board. Under the project, USAID and partners will work with local communities to better understand local pollution sources and identify, test, accelerate, and scale solutions for cleaner, healthier air.

About the Clean Air Catalyst programme: Clean Air Catalyst is a new flagship programme launched by The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and a global consortium of organisations, led by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to combat air pollution in low and middle-income countries by accelerating clean air solutions.

 

3. Karnataka becomes the 1st state to reserve jobs for transgender persons: Karnataka has become the first state in the country to provide one per cent reservation for the ‘transgender community in all the government services. The government submitted a report to the High Court in this regard informing that a notification had already been issued after amending the Karnataka Civil Service (General Recruitment) Rule, 1977.

The specifies one per cent reservation in all general as well as reserve categories for the third gender. Whenever a notification is published inviting applications for government jobs, the ‘others’ column must be added along with male and female columns. The notification also underlines that there should not be any discrimination against transgenders in the process of selection. In case of non-availability of transgender candidates, the job could be given to male or female from the same category, the notification notes.

Note: Chief Minister of Karnataka: Basavaraj S Bommai; Karnataka Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot; Karnataka Capital: Bengaluru.

 

4. Rakesh Asthana appointed as Delhi Police Commissioner: Border Security Force (BSF) Director General (DG), Rakesh Asthana has been appointed as the Delhi Police Commissioner, with immediate effect. His appointment comes just three days before his superannuation on July 31, 2021. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has extended Asthana’s service initially for a period of one year beyond the date of his superannuation or until further order, whichever is earlier.

Asthana, a 1984-batch IPS officer, had earlier served as the Special Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation. He was the Narcotics Control Bureau chief when actor Rhea Chakraborty was arrested in a drugs case in Mumbai. During his stint in the CBI in 2018,  Ashtana was engaged in an unsavoury spat with the then CBI Director AlokVerma. Both the officers were removed from the central probe agency and Asthana was subsequently cleared of the charges.

 

5. Maruti Suzuki, SavitribaiPhule Pune University tie-up to train youth: Maruti Suzuki India Limited has announced a partnership with Maharashtra’s SavitribaiPhule Pune University to train youth in automobile retail. The aim is to offer a customised three years “Bachelor of Vocational Studies in Retail Management” course to students. The three-year curriculum will comprise one-year classroom training followed by two-year on-the-job training at Maruti Suzuki authorised dealerships. The course is based on the concept of ‘Earn while you Learn’ where students will receive a stipend during their on-the-job training. The course will allow the students to build a promising career in automobile sales in India.

Note: CEO: Kenichi Ayukawa (1 Apr 2013–); Founded: 1982, Gurugram; Maruti Suzuki Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Rajnath Singh to attend SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Tajikistan: RakshaMantriRajnath Singh is on a three-day visit to Dushanbe, Tajikistan from July 27-29, 2021 to attend the annual meeting of the Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states. During the annual meeting, defence cooperation issues among SCO member states will be discussed and a communique is expected to be issued after the deliberations. RakshaMantri will also meet his Tajikistan counterpart Col Gen SheraliMirzo to discuss bilateral issues and other issues of mutual interest.

Note: Tajikistan Capital: Dushanbe; Tajikistan Currency: Tajikistani somoni; Tajikistan President: EmomaliRahmon; Tajikistan Official language: Tajiki.

 

2. NajibMikati picked as new Lebanon’s prime minister: Billionaire businessman NajibMikati was appointed as Lebanon’s new prime minister-designate following binding parliamentary consultations with President Michel Aoun. He ran virtually unopposed, receiving 72 votes, with former ambassador Nawaf Salam receiving just one vote. Forty-two MPs voted blank, and three MPs did not vote at all. His appointment comes just 11 days after Saad Hariri resigned as prime minister-designate, following nine months of political deadlock and dispute with President Aoun and his son-in-law MP GebranBassil.

Lebanon’s economy continues to crumble with half the population living below the poverty line and a spiralling local currency that lost more than 90 per cent of its value. The country has been without a full-fledged government for almost one year and is struggling to reform its economy to unlock international aid.

Note: Capital of Lebanon: Beirut; Currency of Lebanon: Lebanese pound.

 

3. Brazil landscape garden SitioBurle Marx receives UNESCO World Heritage status: The SitioBurle Marx site, a landscape garden in Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro has been added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. The garden features more than 3,500 species of plants native to Rio and is considered a laboratory for botanical and landscape experimentation. The site has been named after Burle Marx, a Brazilian landscape architect whose designs of parks and gardens made him world-famous. The SitioBurle Marx site was his home until 1985.

Note: President: Jair Bolsonaro; Capital: Brasilia; Currency: Brazilian real.

 

4. World Day against Trafficking in Persons: 30th July: United Nations observes 30 July every year as World Day against Trafficking in Persons. In 2013, the General Assembly designated July 30 as the World Day against Trafficking in Persons to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights. The 2021 theme for World Day against Trafficking in Persons is Victims’ Voices Lead the Way. This year’s theme puts victims of human trafficking at the centre of the campaign and will highlight the importance of listening to and learning from survivors of human trafficking.

Note: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Headquarters: Vienna, Austria; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Founded: 1997.

 

5. International Day of Friendship: 30th July: International Day of Friendship is observed globally on 30th July. This day is celebrated to mark the importance of friends and friendship in life. The day also advocates the role that friendship plays in promoting peace in several cultures across the world.

History of International Day of Friendship: In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Friendship Day with an aim to forge a strong bond of friendship of people of various countries irrespective of race, colour, gender, religion, etc. The International Day of Friendship is an initiative that follows on the proposal made by UNESCO defining the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviours that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes with a view to solving problems. It was then adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1997.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes Rs 5-crore monetary penalty on Axis Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 5 crore on private sector lender Axis Bank. The penalty is for contravention of and non-compliance with certain provisions of directions issued by RBI on ‘Strengthening the Controls of Payment Ecosystem between Sponsor Banks and SCBs/UCBs as a Corporate Customer’, ‘Cyber Security Framework in Banks’, ‘RBI (Financial Services provided by Banks) Directions, 2016’, ‘Financial Inclusion- Access to Banking Services – Basic Savings bank Deposit Account’ and ‘Frauds – Classification and Reporting’.

The penalty has been imposed in the exercise of powers vested in RBI under the provisions of section 47 A (1) (c) read with section 46 (4) (i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (the Act). The RBI had conducted statutory Inspections for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE) of Axis Bank with reference to its financial position as of March 31, 2017, March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019.

Note: Axis Bank Headquarters: Mumbai; Axis Bank Founded: 1993; MD and CEO of Axis Bank: Amitabh Chaudhry.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Alphabet to launch a new Robotics Company called Intrinsic: Google-parent Alphabet will launch a new robotics company, Intrinsic which will focus on building software for industrial robots. The segment comes out of X, Alphabet’s Moonshot factory that houses futuristic firms such as Waymo, Wing and Verily.

About the Intrinsic: Intrinsic is developing software tools with an aim to make industrial robots easier to use, less costly and more flexible. While the company did not share much detail about the software, it noted that the software is being developed so that more people use them to make new products, businesses and services.

Note: CEO of Intrinsic: Wendy Tan White, Alphabet CEO: SundarPichai; Google Founded: 4 September 1998, California, United States; Google Founders: Larry Page, Sergey Brin.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Sunjeev Sahota among 13 contenders for fiction’s Booker Prize: Indian-origin British author, Sunjeev Sahota is among the 13 authors longlisted for the prestigious 2021 Booker Prize for fiction for his novel ‘China Room’, alongside Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro and Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers. The 2021 longlist or “The Booker Dozen” of 13 novels was unveiled after judges evaluated 158 novels published in the UK or Ireland between October 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021. A six-book shortlist will be announced on September 14, and the winner will be crowned on November 3 during a ceremony in London.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Arjuna Award-winning Badminton Legend NanduNatekar passes away: Legendary Indian badminton player NanduNatekar, who became the first Indian to win the international title in 1956, has passed away. He won over 100 national and international titles for India in his career spanning 15 years. He was the recipient of the first Arjuna Award, instituted in 1961. In 1956, Natekar won the Men’s Singles title in the Selangor International Tournament in Kuala Lumpur to win the first international title by an Indian badminton player.