Daily GK Update- 10th Aug, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ladakh launches ‘PaniMaah’ to raise awareness about clean water: ‘PaniMaah’ or water month has been launched in Ladakh to inform villagers about the importance of clean water. The Ladakh government has also announced a reward of Rs 2.5 million for the first block in each district that achieves the status of ‘HarGhar Jal’. ‘PaniMaah’ campaign will adopt a three-pronged approach — focussing on water quality testing, planning and strategizing water supply, and seamless functioning of Pani Sabha in villages.

As per the government data:

(1) Only 11.75 per cent of rural households in Ladakh have access to tap water connections. The PaniMaah campaign is expected to expedite the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in the union territory.

(2) During this campaign, village communities will be encouraged to send water samples to water quality laboratories for quality checks and monitoring.

(3) In the first phase of ‘PaniMaah’, water samples will be collected from all identified sources and service delivery points for testing. The first phase will also include awareness and sensitisation campaigns.

(4) The second phase will focus on organising the PaniSabhas/Gram Sabhas/Block level meetings and door to door visits for effective communication on water quality and service delivery under the Jal Jeevan Mission, a scheme of the Ministry of Jal Shakti launched in 2019 to provide safe piped drinking water to every rural household in the country by 2024.

Note: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh: Radha Krishna Mathur.

 

2. Ministry of S&T Allocated over Rs 1,600 Cr for Covid-related Research, Product Development: The Ministry of Science and Technology has allocated over Rs 1,600 crore for COVID-19 related research and product development, the government informed Rajya Sabha. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and its public sector undertaking Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have allocated approximately Rs 1,300 crore for COVID-19 related research and product development, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said. Under the COVID-19 research consortium, as a part of the comprehensive efforts to facilitate development of indigenous research solutions to tackle COVID-19, 107 projects were supported in thematic areas of vaccines (17), diagnostics (45), therapeutics (22) and biomedical interventions (23). To advance biomedical research, the DBT has supported five COVID-19 biorepositories.

 

3. Haryana CM Khattar launches ‘HarHith’ store scheme in Panchkula: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the first-of-its-kind ‘HarHith’ store scheme to promote the sale of quality products of daily need at reasonable prices.As many as 2,000 stores will be launched in the first phase- 1,500 in rural and 500 in urban areas. The number of stores will later be extended to 5,000 in the first phase. As per the scheme franchise policy, people in the age group of 18-35, women, person with special disabilities, young members of families having annual income less than Rs1.80 lakh and those verified under the MukhyamantriParviarUthan Yojana would be given preference. The state government will also guarantee a minimum monthly income of Rs15,000 per month through these stores. As per the sale provision made in the HarHith store scheme, the franchise partner, who sells products worth Rs1.50 lakh will earn a marginal profit of 10 per cent that is Rs15,000.

 

4. MS Dhoni becomes first brand ambassador of HomeLane: Home interiors brand HomeLane has entered into a three-year strategic partnership with Mahendra Singh Dhoni as an equity partner and brand ambassador. As part of the partnership, Dhoni will own equity in HomeLane and will be the company’s first brand ambassador. With the upcoming cricket and festive season, HomeLane and MS Dhoni are jointly working on a brand new campaign that will be released during the new IPL season. The partnership will last for the next three years. Dhoni will not only become an equity partner but also a brand ambassador for the company.

 

5. A book titled “The Year That Wasn’t – The Diary of a 14-Year-Old” released: Veteran actor ShabanaAzmi has launched the book titled “The Year That Wasn’t – The Diary of a 14-Year-Old”, which is penned by Kolkata girl Brisha Jain. The book was written by a 14-year-old girl, which chronicles the lockdown days seen through her eyes as the Covid-19 pandemic spreading last year. The book handholds readers through a journey – the hopeful beginning of a new decade, the confusion triggered by a pandemic, lockdown travails, coping with the whole new world of online schooling, a new digital divide, the vaccine race, the waning of the pandemic’s severity and it’s a resurgence.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. IMF approves $650B Special Drawing Rights allocation: The International Monetary Fund has approved an allocation of $650 billion in Special Drawing Rights, the largest such disbursement in the history of the institution and one designed to help countries cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. The SDRs are allocated based on member countries’ share quotas. This means much of the reserve assets will be going to wealthier nations. IMF said about $275 billion will reach the broad category of “emerging markets and developing countries.” But the lowest-income nations will receive the least, with African countries, for example, expected to get just 6.4% of the total allocation.

 

2. World Lion Day: 10th August: World Lion Day is observed globally on August 10 every year. World Lion Day is marked to raise awareness about the king of beasts and the efforts undertaken for their conservation. Owing to their courage, intelligence, strength, and magnificence, lions often feature on national flags, and royal symbols and emblems to represent command, power or authority across cultures. World Lion Day was launched in 2013.

About the big cat: The big cat is listed as an endangered species in the IUCN Red List. The majestic animal is the second-largest member of the Felidae (cat family), after the tiger. There is only one species of the lion in the world whose scientific name is Pantheraleo. As per the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN)’s Red List of Threatened Species (2016), the Pantheraleo has two subspecies: Panthera Leo and Pantheraleopersica, found in Africa and Asia.

Note: International Union for Conservation of Nature Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland; International Union for Conservation of Nature CEO: Bruno Oberle; International Union for Conservation of Nature Founder: Julian Huxley; International Union for Conservation of Nature Founded: 5 October 1948.

 

3. World Biofuel Day: 10th August: World Biofuel Day is observed on August 10 every year. The day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels and highlight the various efforts made by Government in the biofuel sector. The development of biofuels is in sync with schemes such as Swach Bharat Abhiyan and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. World Biofuel Day was first observed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Gas in August 2015.

What is Biofuel: Biofuels are environmentally friendly fuels whose use would go a long way in reducing carbon emissions. They are created through renewable biomass resources and therefore make a strong case for sustainable development. As such biofuels will help meet the energy requirements of the 21st-century world without damaging the environment in the process.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. James Anderson becomes 3rd highest wicket-taker in Test cricket: James Anderson overtook Anil Kumble’s tally of 619 Test wickets to become the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. He achieved this huge feat after KL Rahul knocked one to wicket-keeper Jos Buttler. His current wickets tally stands at 621 from 163 Tests. Anderson is currently the highest wicket-taker among the fast bowlers and is the only pacer in the 600 club. He achieved the milestone on the 3rd day of the Nottingham Test against India.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Suryoday Small Finance Bank opens ‘Health and Wellness Savings account: Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SSFB) has launched a ‘Suryoday Health and Wellness Savings Account’ to help customers grow their wealth and also take care of their family’s health amid the covid-19 pandemic. The account offers an attractive interest rate and comes with three major benefits for a family of four — top-up health insurance of ₹25 lakh, annual healthcare package and on-call emergency ambulance medical care services. Top-up health insurance and healthcare package are free of charge for one year after opening the account. Free ambulance service up to a distance of 20 km will be available at 102 locations across the country till March-end 2022. For opening the savings account, customers will need to maintain an average monthly balance of ₹3 lakh and have to be eligible as per the key health declaration form.

Key Benefits of health and wellness savings account:

(1) Complimentary top-up health insurance plan of ₹25 lakh with a deductible amount of ₹5 lakh.

(2) The top-up health insurance plan covers self and family (self, spouse, and up to 2 children) for hospitalisation/medical emergencies.

(3) Complementary health care package for up to four members, including free online doctor consultations, free health check-ups, online pharmacy vouchers, network discount card.

(4) Complementary ambulance services for a family in case of any unfortunate medical emergency.

(5) Attractive rate of interest on health and wellness savings account with interest payable monthly.

Note: Suryoday Small Finance Bank MD and CEO: BaskarBabu Ramachandran.

 

2. SBI General partners with SahiPay to offer general insurance products: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading General Insurance companies, announced a tie-up with Manipal Business Solutions to increase insurance penetration in the rural markets. SahiPay, the fastest growing tech-enabled financial inclusion platform of Manipal Business Solutions, provides digital and financial services to customers in semi-urban and rural India.

About the partnership:

(1) This association marks a significant milestone for SBI General in realizing its vision of becoming the most trusted general insurer for India as well as Bharat.

(2) Through this partnership, SBI General will provide a bouquet of non-life insurance solutions to SahiPay customers.

(3) This partnership will bring in a perfect blend for rural customers, with SBI General’s non-life product offerings and Manipal Business Solutions, along with the right understanding of the rural segment by both partners.

Note: SBI General Insurance Headquarters: Mumbai; SBI General Insurance Founded: 2009; SBI General Insurance CEO: Prakash Chandra Kandpal.

 

3. RBI Extends Deadline on New Current Account Rules till Oct 31 After Reports of Hassles: The Reserve Bank allowed time to banks till October 31 to implement changes on the current account front, following reports of small businesses being hit with account freezes in the last few days. The central bank said the circular is aimed at enforcing credit discipline amongst the borrowers as well as to facilitate better monitoring by the lenders, but made it clear that a graded approach had been prescribed to banks on opening and operating of current accounts and cash credit/overdraft CC/OD facilities.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indigenously designed INS Vikrant leaves port for maiden sea trials: India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, Vikrant set sail to begin its first sea trial. INS Vikrant was designed by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). This advanced warship is the first attempt by the two entities to build an aircraft carrier from the ground up. INS Vikrant has 75 per cent indigenous content and will be commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command. It will be commissioned into the Indian Navy by August 2022.

About the INS Vikrant:

(1) It is 262 m long, 62 m wide, and has a height of 59 m;

(2) It has 14 decks and 2,300 coaches;

(3) It has a top speed of around 28 knots;

(4) Its design is completely modelled in 3D.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran actor AnupamShyam passes away: Veteran actor AnupamShyam has passed away. The actor was best known for his work on the TV show Mann KeeAwaaz: Pratigya and appearances in films like Slumdog Millionaire and Bandit Queen. In his nearly three-decade-long career, Shyam featured in films like Satya, Dil Se, Lagaan, HazaaronKhwaisheinAisi and received critical acclaim for his role as Thakur Sajjan Singh on Mann KeeAwaaz: Pratigya which aired in 2009 on Star Plus.

 

2. Noted Kerala sculptor, cartoonist P.S. Banarji passes away: Noted Kerala Cartoonist, sculptor and folk singer, P.S. Banarji has passed away. A recipient of the LalithakalaAkademi Fellowship, Banarji was noted for his Ayyankali and Buddha sculptures at Venganur and Koduman. Known for his rendition of a string of folk songs, including the popular ‘TharakaPennale’, he was working as a graphic designer in an IT firm. 

Daily GK Update- 9th Aug, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 22,480 MW by 2031: India’s nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 22,480 Mega Watts by 2031 from the current 6,780 MegaWatts. There are presently 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW in operation and one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has been connected to the grid on January 10, 2021. Ten (10) nuclear power reactors with 8000 MW capacity (including 500 MW PFBR being implemented by BharatiyaNabhikiyaVidyut Nigam Limited {BHAVINI}) are under construction. Additionally, the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction of ten (10) indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of 700 MW each to be set up in fleet mode.

 

2. Power minister launches e-certification programme to provide regulatory training: Power Minister R K Singh has launched an e-certification programme, ‘reform and regulatory knowledge base for power sector’, to provide regulatory training. The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy R K Singh launched ‘reform and regulatory knowledge base for power sector’, an e-certification programme to provide regulatory training to the practitioners from diverse backgrounds through virtual mode. R K Singh also launched a Regulatory Data Dashboard which is an e-compendium of data containing state-wise details of tariff and power discoms (distribution companies) performance, developed by IIT Kanpur. The Dashboard would assist in benchmarking the sector performance, over time and across the power sector utilities.

 

3. Labhanshu Sharma wins Bharat Kesari Wrestling Dangal for Uttarakhand: Indian Wrestler Labhanshu Sharma won the Bharat Kesari Wrestling Dangal 2021 organised in Tamil Nadu. 20 years since the formation of Uttarakhand, Labhanshu has broken the drought and won the title of Bharat Kesari for the state. With 15 gold medals at the state level and 10 medals at the national level and 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal in the International Wrestling competitions; Labhanshu is already set to bring glory to the nation.

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

 

4. India’s first Heart Failure Biobank starts at SCTIMST in Kerala: The first Heart Failure Biobank in the country has come up at the National Centre for Advanced Research and Excellence in HF (CARE-HF) at the SreeChitraTirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Kerala. The Biobank is open to study genetic, metabolomics and proteomic markers of health outcomes in heart-failure patients.

About the Biobanks: Biobanks are an important resource of collections of high-quality biological human samples that can be used to understand molecular pathways and to improve the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of heart failure. The biospecimens include blood, serum and tissue samples obtained during open-heart surgery and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and genomic DNA collected from heart-failure patients.

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

 

5. 2nd IEEE International Conference on Range Technology by DRDO: The 2nd Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Range Technology (ICORT-2021) is being held virtually. The conference has been organised by Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur, a laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy. The event will host speakers from across the globe, who will present their technological achievements in multiple subjects related to Tests and Evaluation of defence systems.About the conference:

The conference will be a very effective platform for all the Range Technology enthusiasts to interact with each other and stay updated with recent developments in relevant fields.

More than 250 technical articles were submitted by experts on the relevant subjects, out of which 122 articles have been selected by a specialised technical committee.

A virtual industrial exhibition is also being held in which more than 25 industries and organisations from India and abroad will display their products and technologies.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. US approves sale of Harpoon Joint Common Test Sets to India worth $82 million: The US has approved the sale of Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) and related equipment to India for an estimated cost of $82 million, a decision which it said will help strengthen the bilateral strategic ties and improve the security of a major defensive partner in the Indo-Pacific region. The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying the US Congress of this possible sale, according to an official statement.

 

2. Nagasaki Day: 9th August: Japan commemorates the 9th of August every year as Nagasaki day. On August 9, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. It was code-named “Fat Man” due to the design of the bomb as it had a wide, round shape. This happened 3 days after dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. An area of about 5 square miles was completely obliterated and around 65,000 people were killed in the bombing. Nagasaki and Hiroshima continue to feel the impact of the destructive bombing even today.

 

3. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: 9th August: United Nations observes the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on 09th August every year. The day is being observed to protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population and recognize the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection. The theme for 2021 is “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract.” The day was recognised by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1994. The date to marks the day of the inaugural session of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations at the United Nations in 1982.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Tokyo Olympics 2020 Closing Ceremony Highlights: The Tokyo Olympics 2020 came to an end on August 08, 2021. The international multi-sport event was held from July 23 to August 08, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. This was for the fourth time that Japan hosted the Olympic Games, after previously hosting the Tokyo 1964 (Summer), Sapporo 1972 (Winter), and Nagano 1998 (Winter) games. Apart from this, Tokyo is the first Asian city to hold the Summer Games twice. Indian Contingent managed to win 7 medals comprising 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze Medals. The country stood at the 48th position in the medal table out of 86 countries.

Top Five Nations in the Medal Tally:

United States: 113 (Gold: 39, Silver: 41, Bronze: 33)

China: 88 (Gold: 38, Silver: 32, Bronze: 18)

Japan: 58 (Gold: 27, Silver: 14, Bronze: 17)

Great Britain: 65 (Gold: 22, Silver: 21, Bronze: 22)

Team ROC (the Russian Olympic Committee): 71 (Gold: 20, Silver: 28, Bronze: 23)

India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020: India finished the Games with its best-ever Olympic medal tally of 7 in Tokyo Games 2020, surpassing the previous best record of 6 medals at the 2012 London Olympics. MC Mary Kom, and men’s hockey team skipper, Manpreet Singh, were flag-bearers for the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony. Bronze-medalist BajrangPunia was the flag-bearer at the closing ceremony of the event.

Indian Medal Winners List:

(1) Gold: Men’s Javelin Throw: Neeraj Chopra

(2) Silver: Women’s 49kg Weightlifting: MirabaiChanu

Men’s Freestyle 57kg Wrestling: Ravi Dahiya

(3) Bronze: Women’s Welterweight boxing: LovlinaBorgohain

Women’s Singles Badminton: PV Sindhu

Men’s 65kg Freestyle Wrestling: BajrangPunia

Men’s hockey: India men’s hockey team

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ICICI Prudential Life ties up with NPCI for UPI Autopay: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has tied up with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to provide a Unified Payments Interface Autopay facility to its customers. This tie-up is another step in the company’s digitalisation journey, which provides customers with a hassle-free and seamless experience across the policy lifecycle.About this facility:

(1) While purchasing a life insurance policy, customers can link their bank accounts with UPI Autopay for payment of premium.

(2) The UPI Autopay e-mandate can be activated by customers by using their smartphones to make regular renewal premium payments in a paperless format.

(3) The UPI payment mode is fast becoming a preferred route of payment due to the contactless and frictionless experience it provides.

(4) Customers can set up the e-mandate facility to make their regular renewal premium payments and ensure financial security for self and their families.

(5) Customers can enable the UPI Auotpay feature on their UPI apps. Alternatively, it can be enabled for banks through an e-mandate.

Note: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance CEO: N. S. Kannan; ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Founded: 2000.

 

2. Sebi allows payments banks to act as investment bankers: Sebi has allowed payments banks to carry out the activities of investment bankers to provide easy access to investors to participate in public and rights issues by using various payment avenues, markets regulator. Non-scheduled payments banks, which have prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), will be eligible to act as a banker to an issue (BTI).

This is subject to fulfilment of the conditions stipulated in the BTI rules. Further, payments banks registered as a BTI will also be permitted to act as self-certified syndicate banks, subject to the fulfilment of the criteria laid down by the Sebi in this regard from time to time.”The blocking/movement of funds from the investor to the issuer shall only be made through the savings account of the investor held with the payments bank.

Bankers to an issue mean a scheduled bank or such other banking company as may be specified by Sebi carrying activities, including acceptance of application money, acceptance of allotment or call money, refund of application money and payment of dividend or interest warrants.

Note: Securities and Exchange Board of India Founded: 12 April 1992; Securities and Exchange Board of India Headquarters: Mumbai; Securities and Exchange Board of India Agency executive: Ajay Tyagi.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Eurosport India appoints John Abraham as the MotoGP Brand Ambassador: Eurosport India has appointed Bollywood superstar and MotoGP enthusiast, John Abraham, as the India Ambassador for their flagship Motorsport property, MotoGP™.  John will be seen promoting MotoGP to a wider audience base in India as its face through Eurosport’s campaign – “MotoGP, Race Lagate Hai”. Eurosport India currently boasts of an unparalleled depth in global motorsports programming for the Indian motorsports fans with prestigious properties like FIA Formula 2 Championship, W Series, Nascar, Indycar Series and Bennetts British Superbike racing. Prior to the association, the actor has shared the stage with MotoGP legend “The Doctor”-Valentino Rossi and has frequented many MotoGP races.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan gets Brunel Medal: Bhutan’s India-assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project was conferred with the Brunel Medal awarded by the London-based Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). The award was given as a mark of excellence in civil engineering within the industry and was handed over by the Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj to the Chairman of Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project Authority, LyonpoLoknath Sharma. One of the reasons the Mangdechhu project was awarded was because of its social and environmental credentials. About the project:

(1) The project will reduce 2.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

(2) Bhutan and India in the past have collectively resolved to increase the hydropower energy capacity of Bhutan to 12000 MW.

(3) The Brunel Medal is historically given to major projects and organisations across the world.

(4) The 2020 edition of the prize went to the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project – a collaboration between Indian and Bhutanese governments. The award was announced in October 2020.

Note: Bhutan Capital: Thimphu; Bhutan Prime minister: LotayTshering; Bhutan Currency: Bhutanese ngultNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 22,480 MW by 2031: India’s nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 22,480 Mega Watts by 2031 from the current 6,780 MegaWatts. There are presently 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW in operation and one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has been connected to the grid on January 10, 2021. Ten (10) nuclear power reactors with 8000 MW capacity (including 500 MW PFBR being implemented by BharatiyaNabhikiyaVidyut Nigam Limited {BHAVINI}) are under construction. Additionally, the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction of ten (10) indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of 700 MW each to be set up in fleet mode.

 

2. Power minister launches e-certification programme to provide regulatory training: Power Minister R K Singh has launched an e-certification programme, ‘reform and regulatory knowledge base for power sector’, to provide regulatory training. The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy R K Singh launched ‘reform and regulatory knowledge base for power sector’, an e-certification programme to provide regulatory training to the practitioners from diverse backgrounds through virtual mode. R K Singh also launched a Regulatory Data Dashboard which is an e-compendium of data containing state-wise details of tariff and power discoms (distribution companies) performance, developed by IIT Kanpur. The Dashboard would assist in benchmarking the sector performance, over time and across the power sector utilities.

 

3. Labhanshu Sharma wins Bharat Kesari Wrestling Dangal for Uttarakhand: Indian Wrestler Labhanshu Sharma won the Bharat Kesari Wrestling Dangal 2021 organised in Tamil Nadu. 20 years since the formation of Uttarakhand, Labhanshu has broken the drought and won the title of Bharat Kesari for the state. With 15 gold medals at the state level and 10 medals at the national level and 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal in the International Wrestling competitions; Labhanshu is already set to bring glory to the nation.

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

 

4. India’s first Heart Failure Biobank starts at SCTIMST in Kerala: The first Heart Failure Biobank in the country has come up at the National Centre for Advanced Research and Excellence in HF (CARE-HF) at the SreeChitraTirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Kerala. The Biobank is open to study genetic, metabolomics and proteomic markers of health outcomes in heart-failure patients.

About the Biobanks: Biobanks are an important resource of collections of high-quality biological human samples that can be used to understand molecular pathways and to improve the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of heart failure. The biospecimens include blood, serum and tissue samples obtained during open-heart surgery and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and genomic DNA collected from heart-failure patients.

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

 

5. 2nd IEEE International Conference on Range Technology by DRDO: The 2nd Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Range Technology (ICORT-2021) is being held virtually. The conference has been organised by Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur, a laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy. The event will host speakers from across the globe, who will present their technological achievements in multiple subjects related to Tests and Evaluation of defence systems.About the conference:

The conference will be a very effective platform for all the Range Technology enthusiasts to interact with each other and stay updated with recent developments in relevant fields.

More than 250 technical articles were submitted by experts on the relevant subjects, out of which 122 articles have been selected by a specialised technical committee.

A virtual industrial exhibition is also being held in which more than 25 industries and organisations from India and abroad will display their products and technologies.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. US approves sale of Harpoon Joint Common Test Sets to India worth $82 million: The US has approved the sale of Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) and related equipment to India for an estimated cost of $82 million, a decision which it said will help strengthen the bilateral strategic ties and improve the security of a major defensive partner in the Indo-Pacific region. The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying the US Congress of this possible sale, according to an official statement.

 

2. Nagasaki Day: 9th August: Japan commemorates the 9th of August every year as Nagasaki day. On August 9, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. It was code-named “Fat Man” due to the design of the bomb as it had a wide, round shape. This happened 3 days after dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. An area of about 5 square miles was completely obliterated and around 65,000 people were killed in the bombing. Nagasaki and Hiroshima continue to feel the impact of the destructive bombing even today.

 

3. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: 9th August: United Nations observes the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on 09th August every year. The day is being observed to protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population and recognize the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection. The theme for 2021 is “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract.” The day was recognised by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1994. The date to marks the day of the inaugural session of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations at the United Nations in 1982.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Tokyo Olympics 2020 Closing Ceremony Highlights: The Tokyo Olympics 2020 came to an end on August 08, 2021. The international multi-sport event was held from July 23 to August 08, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. This was for the fourth time that Japan hosted the Olympic Games, after previously hosting the Tokyo 1964 (Summer), Sapporo 1972 (Winter), and Nagano 1998 (Winter) games. Apart from this, Tokyo is the first Asian city to hold the Summer Games twice. Indian Contingent managed to win 7 medals comprising 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze Medals. The country stood at the 48th position in the medal table out of 86 countries.

Top Five Nations in the Medal Tally:

United States: 113 (Gold: 39, Silver: 41, Bronze: 33)

China: 88 (Gold: 38, Silver: 32, Bronze: 18)

Japan: 58 (Gold: 27, Silver: 14, Bronze: 17)

Great Britain: 65 (Gold: 22, Silver: 21, Bronze: 22)

Team ROC (the Russian Olympic Committee): 71 (Gold: 20, Silver: 28, Bronze: 23)

India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020: India finished the Games with its best-ever Olympic medal tally of 7 in Tokyo Games 2020, surpassing the previous best record of 6 medals at the 2012 London Olympics. MC Mary Kom, and men’s hockey team skipper, Manpreet Singh, were flag-bearers for the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony. Bronze-medalist BajrangPunia was the flag-bearer at the closing ceremony of the event.

Indian Medal Winners List:

(1) Gold: Men’s Javelin Throw: Neeraj Chopra

(2) Silver: Women’s 49kg Weightlifting: MirabaiChanu

Men’s Freestyle 57kg Wrestling: Ravi Dahiya

(3) Bronze: Women’s Welterweight boxing: LovlinaBorgohain

Women’s Singles Badminton: PV Sindhu

Men’s 65kg Freestyle Wrestling: BajrangPunia

Men’s hockey: India men’s hockey team

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ICICI Prudential Life ties up with NPCI for UPI Autopay: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has tied up with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to provide a Unified Payments Interface Autopay facility to its customers. This tie-up is another step in the company’s digitalisation journey, which provides customers with a hassle-free and seamless experience across the policy lifecycle.About this facility:

(1) While purchasing a life insurance policy, customers can link their bank accounts with UPI Autopay for payment of premium.

(2) The UPI Autopay e-mandate can be activated by customers by using their smartphones to make regular renewal premium payments in a paperless format.

(3) The UPI payment mode is fast becoming a preferred route of payment due to the contactless and frictionless experience it provides.

(4) Customers can set up the e-mandate facility to make their regular renewal premium payments and ensure financial security for self and their families.

(5) Customers can enable the UPI Auotpay feature on their UPI apps. Alternatively, it can be enabled for banks through an e-mandate.

Note: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance CEO: N. S. Kannan; ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Founded: 2000.

 

2. Sebi allows payments banks to act as investment bankers: Sebi has allowed payments banks to carry out the activities of investment bankers to provide easy access to investors to participate in public and rights issues by using various payment avenues, markets regulator. Non-scheduled payments banks, which have prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), will be eligible to act as a banker to an issue (BTI).

This is subject to fulfilment of the conditions stipulated in the BTI rules. Further, payments banks registered as a BTI will also be permitted to act as self-certified syndicate banks, subject to the fulfilment of the criteria laid down by the Sebi in this regard from time to time.”The blocking/movement of funds from the investor to the issuer shall only be made through the savings account of the investor held with the payments bank.

Bankers to an issue mean a scheduled bank or such other banking company as may be specified by Sebi carrying activities, including acceptance of application money, acceptance of allotment or call money, refund of application money and payment of dividend or interest warrants.

Note: Securities and Exchange Board of India Founded: 12 April 1992; Securities and Exchange Board of India Headquarters: Mumbai; Securities and Exchange Board of India Agency executive: Ajay Tyagi.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Eurosport India appoints John Abraham as the MotoGP Brand Ambassador: Eurosport India has appointed Bollywood superstar and MotoGP enthusiast, John Abraham, as the India Ambassador for their flagship Motorsport property, MotoGP™.  John will be seen promoting MotoGP to a wider audience base in India as its face through Eurosport’s campaign – “MotoGP, Race Lagate Hai”. Eurosport India currently boasts of an unparalleled depth in global motorsports programming for the Indian motorsports fans with prestigious properties like FIA Formula 2 Championship, W Series, Nascar, Indycar Series and Bennetts British Superbike racing. Prior to the association, the actor has shared the stage with MotoGP legend “The Doctor”-Valentino Rossi and has frequented many MotoGP races.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan gets Brunel Medal: Bhutan’s India-assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project was conferred with the Brunel Medal awarded by the London-based Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). The award was given as a mark of excellence in civil engineering within the industry and was handed over by the Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj to the Chairman of Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project Authority, LyonpoLoknath Sharma. One of the reasons the Mangdechhu project was awarded was because of its social and environmental credentials. About the project:

(1) The project will reduce 2.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

(2) Bhutan and India in the past have collectively resolved to increase the hydropower energy capacity of Bhutan to 12000 MW.

(3) The Brunel Medal is historically given to major projects and organisations across the world.

(4) The 2020 edition of the prize went to the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project – a collaboration between Indian and Bhutanese governments. The award was announced in October 2020.

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

Daily GK Update- 8th Aug, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Khel Ratna Award renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award will be renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The Prime Minister said the move was based on the numerous requests he received from across the nation. Dhyan Chand, whose birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day, won three Olympic golds for the country in Hockey.

About the award: The award was inaugurated in 1991-92, the award comprises a medallion, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹ 25 lakh. The first recipient of the Khel Ratna was chess legend, Viswanathan Anand. Some of the winners in recent years include cricketer Rohit Sharma, wrestler VineshPhogat, women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal, among others.

 

2. Uttarakhand unveils India’s first earthquake mobile app: Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami has launched the first-of-its-kind earthquake early warning mobile application, named ‘Uttarakhand Bhookamp Alert’. The app has been developed by IIT Roorkee, in association with Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA). Initially, this app was launched as a pilot project only by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, for the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, the project proposal was further extended by the Uttarakhand Government.

About the App: The Uttarakhand Bhookamp Alert is India’s first earthquake early warning’ app for notifying people about earthquake alerts. Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) mobile app can detect the onset of the earthquake and issue warnings regarding an earthquake occurrence in the neighbourhood and the expected time of arrival and intensity at the location to prevent any loss of life.

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

 

3. BRO builds world’s highest road in Ladakh at 19,300 feet: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed and black-topped the highest road in the world at Umlingla Pass in Eastern Ladakh. The highest motorable road in the world is situated at an altitude of 19,300 feet. This is higher than the base camps of Mount Everest. The road itself is a 52-km long tarmac stretch through Umlingla Pass, connecting important towns in the Chumar sector of Eastern Ladakh. Infrastructure development in places like Umlingla Pass is difficult due to the harsh and tough terrain coupled with extremely low temperatures. In winters, the temperature dips 40 degrees below zero. The oxygen level at this altitude is almost 50 per cent less than at normal places.

The north base in Tibet is at 16,900 feet, whereas the south base camp in Nepal is 17,598 feet. The summit of Mount Everest is a little over 29,000 feet. The road is constructed much above the altitude of Siachen Glacier which is at 17,700 feet. The Khardung La Pass in Leh is at an altitude of 17,582 feet. With this, India has bettered Bolivia’s record of a road at 18,953 feet.

Note: Director-General of BRO: Lt. Gen. Rajeev Chaudhary; BRO Headquarters: New Delhi; BRO Founded: 7 May 1960.

 

4. CBIC launches Compliance Information Portal (CIP): The Central Board for Indirect Taxes & Customs launched the Indian Customs Compliance Information Portal at www.cip.icegate.gov.in/CIP. This portal providing free access to information on all Customs procedures and regulatory compliance for nearly 12,000 Customs Tariff Items. The portal will provide complete knowledge of all import and export related requirements for all items.

CIP is yet another facilitation tool developed by CBIC to empower our business as well as any interested person with up-to-date information on the legal and procedural requirements of Customs and Partner Government Agencies (FSSAI, AQIS, PQIS, Drug Controller etc.) for carrying out imports and exports. The portal would provide at the click of a button complete knowledge of all import and export related requirements for all items covered under the Customs Tariff thereby improving the ease of doing cross border trade.

Note: Central Board for Indirect Taxes & Customs Chairperson: M. Ajit Kumar; Central Board for Indirect Taxes & Customs Founded: 1 January 1964.

 

5. Zoological Survey of India gets 1st female director in 100 years: The Indian government approved the appointment of DrDhriti Banerjee as the director of the Zoological Survey of India. She is a prolific scientist, conducting research in zoogeography, taxonomy, morphology and molecular systematics. On the occasion of its centenary celebrations in 2016, Banerjee had co-authored the “The Glorious 100 Women’s Scientific Contribution in ZSI”, which chronicled the contributions of women scientists in the domain of animal-related groups.

Zoological Survey of India: Founded in July 1916, the ZSI has its headquarters in Kolkata. It has 16 regional centres under the ministry of environment and forest and climate change. ZSI started hiring women scientists as late as 1949, nearly three decades since its inception.

 

6. Nation observes 79th anniversary of Quit India movement: The 79th anniversary of the August Kranti Din or Quit India Movement, which is considered as one of the important milestones in the history of the freedom struggle of our country, is being observed on 8 August 2021. On 8 Aug 1942, Mahatma Gandhi gave a clarion call to end British rule and launched the Quit India Movement at the session of the All-India Congress Committee in Mumbai. After the failure of Cripps Mission, Gandhiji gave the call to “Do or Die” in his Quit India speech delivered at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai. The grateful country is paying homage to the freedom fighters and remembering the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs during the freedom struggle.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India for implementing MoU with Bangladesh in disaster management: India has emphasized the implementation of the recently-signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh over disaster management, resilience and mitigation on a priority basis. Bangladesh has decided to accept the invitation to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). CDRI is a coalition of national governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks and the private sector which aims to promote resilience of new and existing infrastructure to climate and disaster risks. In a letter written to Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen, Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar urged Bangladesh to implement the recently concluded MoU in the field of disaster management, resilience and mitigation on a priority basis. He expressed the hope that these mechanisms will help the two countries to remain better prepared to face such challenges in the future.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Neeraj Chopra wins Olympic gold medal in Javelin throw: Neeraj Chopra has won a Gold medal for India in the javelin throw event at Tokyo Olympics. With a throw of 87.03 metres in his first attempt, Neeraj killed the competition. In his second he improved it to 87.58m and that turned out to be the golden throw. Except for ViteszalavVeslay of the Czech Republic who threw 86.67m none of his rivals including world champion Johannas Vetter fell by wayside. This is India’s 7th medal at Tokyo 2020, the best ever medal haul for India at a single edition of the Games. Neeraj Chopra’s Gold is also India’s second-ever individual Gold medal at the Olympics, after AbhinavBindra in Shooting.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI announces its bi-monthly monetary policy: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced its bi-monthly monetary policy. This is the seventh time in a row that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has maintained the status quo. RBI had last revised its policy rate on May 22, 2020, in an off-policy cycle to perk up demand by cutting the interest rate to a historic low.  The meeting was held between August 4 and 6. The remaining will take place in October (6 to 8); December (6 to 8) and February (7 to 9, 2022).The Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and bank rates remain unchanged:

(1) Policy Repo Rate: 4.00%

(2) Reverse Repo Rate: 3.35%

(3) Marginal Standing Facility Rate: 4.25%

(4) Bank Rate: 4.25%

(5) CRR: 4%

(6) SLR: 18.00%

RBI Monetary Policy Highlights & Key Decisions:

(1) RBI keeps the GDP growth forecast for FY22 unchanged at 9.5%.

(2) RBI to conduct two more auctions of ₹25,000 crores each on August 12 and August 26 under the G-sec Acquisition Programme (GSAP).

(3) CPI inflation is projected at 5.7 % during 2021-22 – this consists of 5.9% in Q2, 5.3% in Q3 and 5.8% in Q4 of 2021-22 with risks broadly balanced. CPI inflation for the first quarter of 2022-23 is projected at 5.1%.

The composition of the Monetary Policy Committee is as follows:

(1) Governor of the Reserve Bank of India – Chairperson, ex officio: Shri Shaktikanta Das.

(2) Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in charge of Monetary Policy– Member, ex officio: Dr Michael Debabrata Patra.

(3) One officer of the Reserve Bank of India to be nominated by the Central Board – Member, ex officio: DrMridul K. Saggar.

(4) A professor at the Mumbai-based Indira Gandhi Institute of Developmental Research: Prof. Ashima Goyal.

(5) A professor of finance at the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad: Prof. Jayanth R Varma.

(6) An agricultural economist and a senior adviser with the National Council of Applied Economic Research in New Delhi: DrShashankaBhide.

 

2. Axis Bank crosses one million customers on WhatsApp banking: Axis Bank has crossed the milestone of over one million customers on its WhatsApp banking channel with a total request count of 6 million till now. Axis Bank had launched banking services on WhatsApp in January 2021 and has since witnessed robust organic growth in its customer base for WhatsApp banking. After signing up for the service, customers can inquire and get details of products across savings account, credit and debit cards, deposits and personal loans. Non-financial service requests can also be initiated, such as locating ATMs or getting updates on third-party deals available on credit and debit cards.

Note: Axis Bank CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry; Axis Bank Headquarters: Mumbai; Axis Bank Founded: 3 December 1993, Ahmedabad.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. West Bengal receives four SKOCH awards: The government of West Bengal has received four SKOCH awards for its schemes under the Ease of Doing Business initiative. The State scheme ‘Silpasathi’-the online single window portal won the platinum award while the Auto-Renewal of Certificate of Enlistment through the online system for urban areas has received the gold award. Online issuance of trade licences in rural areas and the E-Nathikaran: the online system for registration, preparation and submission of deeds have won two silver awards. The state government will ensure that the ease of doing business in West Bengal continues to be one of the foremost in the country.

Note: Chief Minister of West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee; Governor: JagdeepDhankhar.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Olympian footballer S.S. ‘Babu’ Nayaran passes away: Two-times Olympian Shankar Subramaniam, alias “Babu” Nayaran passed away. He was India’s goalkeeper during the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. Besides representing Maharashtra in football and basketball, Narayan emerged as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in India. His decade-long career for the national team also included the stellar effort of India finishing fourth in the 1956 Olympics and representing India in the 1964 Asian Games. Subramaniam was born in Palakkad district in Kerala, Narayan was a star in Mumbai’s local circuit during his appearances for Matunga Students, Matunga Gymkhana, Caltex and Tata Sports Club. He was part of Maharashtra’s Santosh Trophy-winning campaign in 1964.