Daily GK Update- 8th Sept, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s first dugong conservation reserve to come up in Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu state government has announced to set up India’s first dugong conservation reserve at the northern part of the Palk Bay. Dugong are commonly known as sea cows. According to Wildlife Institute of India (WII) estimates, only 200-250 Dugongs are left in the wild, of which 150 are found in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu. About the reserve:

(1) The reserve will span the northern part of the Palk Bay from Adiramapattinam to Amapattinam. The reserve will cover an area of more than 500 sq km.

(2) Marine biologists and conservationists have long demanded a reserve as the population of dugongs, as known as sea cows, in Indian waters has been dropping to dangerous levels.

(3) According to Wildlife Institute of India (WII) estimates, only 200-250 Dugongs are left in the wild, of which 150 are found in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu, among the last surviving natural habitats for dugongs in the world.

Note: Tamil Nadu Capital: Chennai; Tamil Nadu Chief Minister: MK Stalin; Tamil Nadu Governor: Banwarilal Purohit; Tamil Nadu State Dance: Bharathanatyam.

 

2. India’s first bio-brick based building opened at IIT Hyderabad: India’s first building made of bio-bricks from agro-waste has been inaugurated at IIT Hyderabad. The sample building is made up of bio-bricks supported by a metal framework. The roof is also made of bio-bricks over PVC sheets to reduce heat. It is part of the Bold Unique Idea Lead Development (BUILD) project to demonstrate the strength and versatility of the material. A prototype of the guard cabin was designed and set up in the space allocated by IIT-H. It is part of the Bold Unique Idea Lead Development (BUILD) project to demonstrate the strength and versatility of the material. The sample building is made up of bio-bricks supported by a metal framework. The roof is also made of bio-bricks over PVC sheets to reduce heat. Both inside and outside walls are cement-plastered to protect the bio-bricks from rain.

 

3. Over Rs 13,385 Cr released to 25 states for providing grants to Rural Local Bodies: The Finance Ministry has released over 13 thousand 385 crore rupees to 25 states for providing grants to the Rural Local Bodies. The grants have been released as per the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission. Over 25 thousand 129 crore rupees have been released to Rural Local bodies in this financial year so far. This Grant-in-aid is the first installment of tied grants of the year 2021-22. Tied grants are released to the Rural Local Bodies for improving two critical components. These components are related to sanitation, maintenance of Open Defecation Free status, supply of drinking water, rain water harvesting and water recycling.

 

4. Arunachal Pradesh govt launches two schemes for development of agriculture & horticulture: Arunachal Pradesh government has launched two ambitious schemes, one in agriculture sector called ‘AtmaNirbhar Krishi Yojna’ and the other for horticulture named ‘AtmaNirbhar Bagwani Yojna’. The schemes are part of the AtmaNirbhar program announced during the Budget session held in February this year. A total amount of 120 crores rupees – 60 crore rupees for each scheme – has been allocated to the two concerned departments of Agriculture and Horticulture. The components of the schemes will be 45% govt subsidy, 45% bank loan and only 10% will have to be borne by the farmer.He said credit link will be provided to the beneficiaries by SBI, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank and Arunachal Pradesh Cooperative Apex Bank.

 

5. Tamannaah Bhatia unveils her book titled ‘Back to the Roots’: Actress Tamannaah Bhatia launched her book ‘Back to the Roots’. She has co-authored the book with celebrity lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho. The book is based on intensive research and mentions India’s ancient secrets of health and wellness. All the chapters in ‘Back To the Roots’ are complete with tried-and-tested secrets that have served generations of this country.”

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India extends $ 100 million loan to Africa to spur post pandemic growth: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the leading infrastructure solutions provider on the continent, has received a US$100 million credit line from the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) to develop critical infrastructure required for the revival of Africa’s economies in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Proceeds from the 10-year loan will support AFC’s continued mission to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap and drive the sustainable economic growth urgently required on the continent.

 

2. WHO, Germany open Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin: The World Health Organization opened a center in Berlin, where information can be shared to help prepare the world for the next global health crisis. The center, known as the Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, will gather data from around the world and share it internationally in a stepped-up effort to allow the health authorities to recognize trends in diseases as they happen, and develop new analytic and modeling tools to use that data in establishing strategies to battle outbreaks.

 

3. International Day of Clean Air for blue skies: 7th September: The International Day of Clean Air for blue skies is observed globally on September 07 to promote and facilitate actions to improve air quality. It is an UN-recognised day that aims to raise public awareness at all levels (individual, community, corporate and government) that clean air is important for health, productivity, the economy and the environment. The 2021 theme for the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies is “Healthy Air, Healthy Planet” which emphasizes the health aspects of air pollution, especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s focus is on prioritizing the need for healthy air for all while keeping the conversation broad enough to encompass other critical issues such as climate change, human and planetary health as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. The day serves as a rallying call to action to align our efforts and claim our right to clean air. #HealthyAirHealthyPlanet.

History of the day: The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Resolution to hold an International Day of Clean Air for blue skies on December 19, 2019, during its 74th session and invited the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The inaugural edition of the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies was held in 2020.

 

4. International Literacy Day: 8th September: International Literacy Day is observed globally on 8th September every year. The day spread awareness about the importance of literacy for individuals, communities, and societies and the need for intensified efforts towards more literate societies. The theme of 55th International Literacy Day is Literacy for a human-centred recovery: Narrowing the digital divide.

History of International Literacy Day: The 8th of September was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO in 1966 to remind the international community of the importance of literacy for individuals, communities and societies, and the need for intensified efforts towards more literate societies. It was celebrated for the first time in 1967.

Note: UNESCO headquarters: Paris, France; UNESCO Head: Audrey Azoulay; UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Max Verstappen wins Dutch Grand Prix 2021: Max Verstappen (Red Bull – Netherlands) has won the formula one Dutch Grand Prix 2021. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) came second while Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-Finland) came third. The Red Bull driver’s leading seventh win of the season and 17th of his career moved him three points ahead of the defending champion, who finished second but softened the blow with a bonus point for fastest lap.

 

2. Cyrus Poncha becomes new Vice-President of Asian Squash Federation: Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) Secretary-General, Cyrus Poncha has been unanimously elected as Vice-President of the Asian Squash Federation (ASF), during the 41st annual general meeting of ASF. The Dronacharya Awardee has been elected for a period of the four-year term. David Mui of Hong Kong was elected unopposed as the President of ASF for a second term. Apart from Cyrus Poncha, Mr Fayez Abdullah S.Al-Mutairi of Kuwait and Tae-sook Hee of Korea have been also elected as the Vice-Presidents of ASF.

Note: Asian Squash Federation Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Asian Squash Federation General Secretary: Duncan Chiu; Asian Squash Federation Founded: 1980.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Federal Bank launches credit card in partnership with Visa: Federal Bank launched its credit card in association with Visa in a bid to to improve unsecured, high-yielding book and complete the suite of banking products it offers. The private sector bank has launched three variants of the card — Celesta (for high net worth individuals), Imperio (for family oriented customers) and Signet (targeted at young, early professionals). According to the product brochure, the interest per month on the uncleared credit card dues starts from 0.49 per cent. This works out to an annualised percentage rate of 5.88 per cent.

 

2. Equitas Bank appoints Rani Rampal & Smriti Mandhana as brand ambassadors: Equitas Small Finance Bank (ESFB) has roped in Indian women hockey player, Rani Rampal and cricketer Smriti Mandhana as the brand ambassadors of the company. The announcement was made during the 5th anniversary of the ESFB on September 5, 2021. Rampal holds the record for being the youngest player to play in the national hockey team while Mandhana was recognised as the Best Women’s International Cricketer by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Note: Equitas Small Finance Bank (ESFB) headquarters: Chennai; ESFB MD & CEO: Vasudevan P N.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. S.L. Tripathy appointed as CMD of United India Insurance: The central government has selected S.L.Tripathy as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of United India Insurance Company Limited. He is currently General Manager and Director at The New India Assurance Company Limited. He is appointed as CMD of United India from the date of assumption of charge of the office and up to the date of attaining the age of superannuation.

Note: United India Insurance Company Limited Headquarters: Chennai; United India Insurance Company Limited Founded: 18 February 1938; United India Insurance Company Limited CEO: Shri Girish Radhakrishnan.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. President Ram Nath Kovind presents National Award for Teachers-2021: National Teachers’ Award 2021 was awarded by President Ram Nath Kovind, September 5, 2021. President Kovind gave the awards to 44 finest teachers in the country for their dedicated contribution. The award is contributed to those who improve the quality of education for students and also inspire, enrich their lives. This year, the Ministry of Education released the name of 44 teachers, who would be conferred the National Teachers’ Award. Out of the total 44 teachers, 9 of the awardees are women. Due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation, President Kovind addressed the teachers virtually. While highlighting the role and importance of teachers in one’s life, President Kovind expressed his gratitude to all the teachers who received the awards. The award was also bestowed upon Pramod Kumar Shukla of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Chhattisgarh. It is the second award in a row for an EMRS established under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Naval exercise between India and Australia- ‘AUSINDEX’ begins: The 4th edition of AUSINDEX, a bilateral navy exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy has begun from September 06, 2021, and will continue up to September 10, 2021. Indian Navy Task Group comprises INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt. This edition of AUSINDEX includes complex surface, sub-surface and air operations between ships, submarines, helicopters and Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the participating Navies.

About the exercise: Commenced in 2015 as a bilateral IN-RAN maritime exercise, AUSINDEX has grown in complexity over the years and the 3rd edition of the exercise, held in 2019 in the Bay of Bengal, included anti-submarine drills for the first time.

Note: Australia Prime minister: Scott Morrison; Australia Capital: Canberra; Australia Currency: Australian dollar.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former France Footballer Jean-Pierre Adams Passes Away: Former France footballer Jean-Pierre Adams, who had been in a coma for 39 years, has passed away. In 1982, Adams slipped into a coma following a medical error, during his routine knee surgery. He made a total of 22 appearances for the France National Football Team from 1972–1976. At club level, Adams played as a defender for Paris Saint-Germain, Nîmes and Nice.

 

Daily GK Update- 7th Sep, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India becomes first Asian nation to launch ‘Plastics Pact’: India has become the first country in Asia to launch a Plastics Pact, a new platform to promote a circular system for plastics. The India Plastic Pact platform was launched on September 03, 2021, by the British High Commissioner to India, Alexander Ellis, at the 16th Sustainability Summit hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). About the ‘India Plastic Pact’:

(1) The new platform ‘India Plastic Pact’ is a joint effort of the World-Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF India) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and envisions to create a world where plastic is valued and does not pollute the environment.

(2) The Pact targets the businesses to transition towards a circular economy for plastics by 2030.

(3) The initiative is supported by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and WRAP, a global NGO based in the UK, and endorsed by the British High Commission in India.

 

2. GoI launches AYUSH AAPKE DWAR campaign to distribute medicinal saplings: As a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration, the Ministry of AYUSH has launched a campaign titled ‘AYUSH AAPKE DWAR’, which aims to distribute medicinal plant saplings to 75 lakh households in one year. The campaign was inaugurated by the Union Minister of AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal from Mumbai, during which he distributed medicinal plant saplings to citizens. Subsequently, the campaign was launched from more than 45 locations across the country. The medicinal plants being distributed include Tejpatta, Stevia, Ashoka, Giloy, Ashwagandha, Lemongrass, Tulsi, Sarpagandha and Amla. Under this campaign, it is proposed to undertake the cultivation of medicinal plants across 75,000 hectares in one year.

 

3. Maharashtra to set up science city named after Rajiv Gandhi in Pune: The Maharashtra Government has decided to set up a world-class science city at Pimpri-Chinchwad near Pune to develop a scientific outlook among the students and prepare them to become students in future. To be named as ‘Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Science Innovation City’, a science Centre will be developed on one acre area in an eight-acre complex in the PCMC area. The Centre has granted an assistance of Rs 191 crore to build the Science city in the PCMC area.

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

 

4. Vartika Shukla becomes first woman CMD of Engineers India Ltd: Vartika Shukla took charge as the first woman Chairperson and Managing Director of public sector enterprise Engineers India Ltd. She spearheaded the company’s innovative energy programmes, including biofuels, coal gasification, waste to fuel and hydrogen energy, among others.

Note: Engineers India Ltd Founded: 1965.

 

5. A book title “A Rude Life: The Memoir” by Vir Sanghvi: Vir Sanghvi, one of India’s most recognised journalists, has come out with a memoir titled A Rude Life. ‘A Rude Life: The Memoir’ has been published by Penguin Random House. Through this book, the author has shared his views and experience of the most eventful careers in Indian journalism, including his personal life, stories of and about celebrities and politicians, middlemen and behind-the-scene actors. Vir Sanghvi is an Indian print and television journalist, author, columnist and talk show host, who worked with Hindustan Times from 1999 to 2007, after which he continued at the paper as a columnist.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India and US inks Project Agreement for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: The Ministry of Defence, the Government of India and US Department of Defence have signed a Project Agreement (PA) for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV). This agreement is signed under the Joint Working Group Air Systems in the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).  The PA for ALUAV is part of the Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) Memorandum of Agreement, which was first signed between the Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defence, in January 2006 and renewed in January 2015. The RDT&E aims at deepening defence technology collaboration between the two nations through the co-development of defence equipment.

About the agreement: Under the collaboration, the two countries will work towards the design, development, demonstration, testing and evaluation of systems to co-develop an ALUAV Prototype. The DTTI aims to bring sustained leadership focus to promote collaborative technology exchange and create opportunities for co-production and co-development of future technologies for Indian and US military forces.

 

2. India becomes 3rd largest Unicorn ecosystem in the world: Hurun Research Institute has released the Hurun India Future Unicorn List 2021, as per which India is the third-largest Unicorn/startup ecosystem in the world. The USA is on top followed by China on second. India has 51 unicorns according to the list. The USA has 396 and China has 277 unicorns.

Zilingo is the top unicorn in the ranking in India with funding of USD 310. The headquarters of Zilingo is in Singapore. Bengaluru is the top Indian city in terms of the number of Unicorns headquartered in a city. Bengaluru has 31 unicorns followed by Mumbai which has 12 unicorns.

 

3. Know Your Rights and Claim Them: A Guide for Youth by Angelina Jolie: Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie has recently announced her upcoming book, titled “Know Your Rights and Claim Them: A Guide for Youth”. The book has been written jointly by Angelina Jolie, Amnesty International and human rights lawyer Geraldine Van Bueren QC.

About the book: This book will be helpful to young people and children from around the world in making them aware of their rights and how to claim these rights decided years ago based on what would make them healthy, balanced, safe and stable adults.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Tokyo Paralympics 2020: India finishes 24th with record 19 medals: India finished their campaign at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 with an all-time high of 19 medals which includes five gold, eight silver, and six bronze. This is the best medal tally for India a single edition of the Paralympic Games. India is placed at 24th position in the overall medal tally out of a total of 162 nations.

Important takeaways from Tokyo Paralympics:

(1) Tokyo Paralympics was the 16th Summer Paralympic Games, held in Tokyo, Japan from August 24, to September 05, 2021.

(2) Badminton and Taekwondo were inducted for the first time in Tokyo Paralympics.

(3) Team China topped the final medal tally at Tokyo Paralympic Games. The country won a total of 207 medals (96 golds, 60 silvers and 51 bronzes). United Kingdom (124) gets the second position followed by the USA (104).

Indian Flag Bearers: Javelin thrower Tek Chand was the flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics. Shooter Avani Lekhara was India’s flag-bearer at the closing ceremony.

India at Paralympics 2020: India sent its biggest ever contingent of 54 para-athletes at Tokyo Paralympics to compete across as many as 9 sporting disciplines at the Games. Prior to this, India had won a total of 12 Paralympics medals, since making its first appearance at the Paralympics in 1968, till the 2016 Rio.

List of Indian medallists winners of Tokyo Paralympics 2020:

Gold

(1) Athletics: Sumit Antil (Men’s Javelin Throw)

(2) Badminton: Pramod Bhagat (Men’s Singles)

(3) Badminton: Krishna Nagar (Men’s Singles)

(4) Shooting: Manish Narwal (Mixed 50m Pistol)

(5) Shooting: Avani Lekhara (Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing)

Silver

(1) Athletics: Yogesh Kathuniya (Men’s Discus Throw)

(2) Athletics: Nishad Kumar (Men’s High Jump)

(3) Athletics: Mariyappan Thangavelu (Men’s High Jump)

(4) Athletics: Praveen Kumar (Men’s High Jump)

(5) Athletics: Devendra Jhajharia (Men’s Javelin Throw)

(6) Badminton: Suhas Yathiraj (Men’s Singles)

(7) Shooting: Singhraj Adhana (Mixed 50m Pistol)

(8) Table Tennis: Bhavina Patel (Women’s Singles)

Bronze

(1) Archery: Harvinder Singh (Men’s Individual Recurve)

(2) Athletics: Sharad Kumar (Men’s High Jump)

(3) Athletics: Sundar Singh Gurjar (Men’s Javelin Throw)

(4) Badminton: Manoj Sarkar (Men’s Singles)

(5) Shooting: Singhraj Adhana (Men’s 10m Air Pistol)

(6) Shooting: Avani Lekhara (Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions)

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PhonePe launches digital payment interactive geospatial platform “Pulse platform”: PhonePe has launched a platform named PhonePe Pulse. Pulse is India’s first interactive platform with data insights and trends on digital payments. The platform shows more than 2000 crore digital transactions by customers on an interactive map of India. PhonePe also launched the Pulse Report, an in-depth study on the evolution of digital payments over the past 5 years. The report also has insights about how digital payment adoption across India has evolved since 2016 and includes detailed geographical and category-specific trends.

About the PhonePe Pulse:

(1) The insights on the website and in the report have been drawn from two key sources – the entirety of PhonePe’s transaction data combined with merchant and customer interviews.

(2) The report is available as a free download on the PhonePe Pulse website. This new product is relevant to multiple ecosystem stakeholders including the government, policymakers, regulatory bodies, media, industry analysts, merchant partners, startups, academic institutions and students.

(3) The rich data set along with insightful trends and stories can be used by these partners to understand consumer and merchant behaviour and identify new opportunities for growth.

Note: CEO of Phonepe: Sameer Nigam; Headquarters location of Phonepe: Bengaluru, Karnataka.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. LIC buys 3.9% stake in Bank of India via open market acquisition: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has bought 3.9 per cent (15,90,07,791 shares) of the Bank of India through open market acquisition. Before this acquisition, LIC held about 3.17 per cent stake in the Bank of India. After this acquisition, LIC now has 7.05 per cent, equivalent to 28,92,87,324 shares of Bank of India. This information was shared by the Bank of India to SEBI. As per SEBI guidelines, companies have to inform the stock exchanges when an entity holds more than 5 per cent shares in a listed company.

Note: LIC Headquarters: Mumbai; LIC Founded: 1 September 1956; LIC Chairman: M R Kumar.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1.  & Toubro and Powergrid Wins the Prestigious ATD 2021 BEST Award: Larsen & Toubro Technology Services has been awarded with the “Association for Talent Development (ATD) 2021 BEST Award”, securing the first rank from 71 organisations globally. Apart from this, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna CPSU under Ministry of Power, Government of India has also won the 2021 BEST Award, placed at 8th position. These are the only two companies from India in Top 20 of 2021 BEST Award. The Association for Talent Development (ATD) has honored 71 organizations from around the globe with 2021 BEST Awards.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former IOC President Jacques Rogge passes away: Former President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge has passed away. He had spent 12 years as president of IOC, from 2001 to 2013, overseeing three summer Games and three winter Games, as well as creating the Youth Olympics. He was then succeeded by Thomas Bach. He was the 8th President of IOC. 

Daily GK Update- 6th Sep, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IMF increases India’s quota of Special Drawing Rights (SDR): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has made an allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) 12.57 billion to India. (approx USD 17.86 billion). With this, the total SDR holding of India has gone upto SDR 13.66 billion (equivalent to around USD 19.41 billion). SDR is one of the components of the Foreign Exchange Reserves (FER) of India. Hence the Foreign Exchange Reserves (FER) has also increased now. IMF has allocated a total of SDR 456 billion to all its member countries out of which India has got SDR 12.57.

Note: IMF Headquarters: Washington, D.C. U.S; IMF Managing Director and Chairman: Kristalina Georgieva; IMF Chief Economist: Gita Gopinath.

 

2. Ladakh announces snow leopard as state animal, black-necked crane as state bird: The Union Territory of Ladakh has declared snow leopard (Panther unica) as the new state animal and black-necked crane (Grus nicricollis) as the new state bird. The notification in this regard was released by Shri Radha Krishna Mathur, Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Ladakh on August 31, 2021. The decision was taken keeping in view bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh into separate administrative divisions in 2019. In the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, the black-necked crane and Kashmir stag (Hangul) were the state bird and animal respectively.

 

3. J&K LG Manoj Sinha inaugurates ‘Saath’ initiative for women: In Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has launched a Rural Enterprises Acceleration Programme titled ‘Saath’ for Self Help Group (SHG) women. The programme aims to transform the lives of women and make them independent and strong in social and financial aspects, by mentoring the women associated with SHGs and create market linkages of products created by these women. Jammu and Kashmir already has 48000 SHGs, with around four lakh women connected to these SHGs. The J&K administration further aims to create 11000 more SHGs in the coming year. This will transform the lives of these women and make them independent and strong in social and financial aspects.

Aim of the programme: Saath is aimed at accelerating the livelihoods of rural women, associated with SHGs and which are doing small works. There is not much profit in their work and there is a lack of knowledge about marketing, packaging and branding. This initiative aims to teach women such skills and convert their businesses into Higher Order Enterprises.

 

4. NMCG partners SAIARD for ‘Capacity Building on Integrated River Basin Management with a focus on Geospatial Technology in Riverine Ecosystem’: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and South Asian Institute for Advanced Research and Development (SAIARD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create an academic platform for young students and develop a research and capacity building hub to support regional development in the eastern region. Under this MoU, NMCG and SAIARD will work together to create and enhance capacity building on integrated river basin management, with a focus on geospatial technology in riverine ecosystems. Additionally, SIAIRD will also be considered as the regional capacity building center for NMCG in the eastern region.

 

5. PPK Ramacharyulu appointed Rajya Sabha secretary general: Rajya Sabha Chairman, M Venkaiah Naidu has appointed Dr PPK Ramacharyulu, who is the secretary in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat since 2018, as the secretary general. He succeeds Desh Dipak Verma, who demitted office as secretary-general after serving the top post for four years. Ramacharyulu is the first insider to have risen from the ranks of the secretariat to the top post in the about 70 years of the Rajya Sabha.

About the Dr PPK Ramacharyulu: Ramacharyulu joined the Rajya Sabha Secretariat in 1983 after serving in the Lok Sabha Secretariat for a year. Ramacharyulu had served as special secretary, Andhra Pradesh Legislature. Ramacharyulu has about 40 years of experience of handling various aspects of the functioning of Parliament.

Note: Rajya Sabha Chairperson: M. Venkaiah Naidu; Rajya Sabha Founded: 3 April 1952; Rajya Sabha Term limits: 6 years.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India to host conference on International Climate Summit 2020-21: India is all set to host a key conference as part of the International Climate Summit (ICS) 2020-21 to build a dialogue for India’s transition to clean energy. Policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, experts, and scientists from across the globe are going to be a part of the climate summit. Director of CSIR, National Chemical Laboratory, Dr Ashish Lele has underlined the importance of the conference for the future mitigation strategies of climate change. The need to adopt these strategies and the problems arose due to dependence on conventional fuels.

 

2. Canadian City Burnaby to Observe September 5 As Gauri Lankesh Day: The Canadian city of Burnaby has declared September 5 as “Gauri Lankesh Day”, as a tribute to the dead journalist on her death anniversary, her sister Kavitha Lankesh. The proclamation issued by the office of the Mayor of Burnaby Mike Hurley said Gauri Lankesh was a courageous Indian journalist who stood up for truth and justice, challenged superstition and social ills, and dedicated her life to serving the poor and oppressed. Gauri Lankesh, a left-leaning journalist who brought out a magazine “Gauri Lankesh Patrike”, was shot dead by two assailants on September 5, 2017 evening just outside her house in Bengaluru allegedly for her anti-Hindutva stand.

 

3. University of Oxford tops Times World University Rankings 2022: The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2022 has been announced. The University of Oxford is at the top of the list, followed by the California Institute of Technology and Harvard University at the second and third positions, respectively. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, is placed between the 301-350 position. Incidentally, it is also the only university in the top 350 rankings. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 includes record 1,662 universities from 99 countries and territories. The ranking is based on 13 balanced performance indicators.

Three Indian educational institutes have found a place in the top 400 list:

IISc Bangalore – 301-350 bracket

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar – 351-400 bracket.

IIT Indore – 401-500 bracket.

Top Five Universities in the world:

University of Oxford, UK

California Institute of Technology, US

Harvard University, US

Stanford University, US

University of Cambridge, UK

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Shuttler Pramod Bhagat wins India’s 4th GOLD, Manoj Sarkar claims bronze at Tokyo Paralympics 2020: Indian shuttler Pramod Bhagat created history as he won a Gold medal in the men’s singles badminton SL3 final match at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics on September 04, 2021. He defeated Daniel Bethell of Great Britain, 2-0. Badminton has been introduced for the first time in Paralympics this year. The 33-year-old Pramod Bhagat, from Bhubaneswar, has now become the first athlete from India to win gold in Badminton in the Paralympics or Olympics. Meanwhile, Indian player Manoj Sarkar has won the bronze in the same event.

 

2. Krishna Nagar Wins Gold, Suhas L Yathiraj wins silver in Badminton at Tokyo Paralympics: Krishna Nagar of India defeated Hong Kong’s Chu Man Kai in the final of the men’s singles badminton in (SH6) category. This is India’s fifth gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. Apart from this, India’s para-shuttler Suhas L Yathiraj, won a silver medal in the men’s singles SL4 category (badminton) of the Tokyo Paralympics. He lost to Lucas Mazur (France) 21-15, 17-21, 15-21 in the final.  Suhas L Yathiraj is the district magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar in Uttar Pradesh. He is now the first-ever IAS officer to win a medal at the Paralympics.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chairs 24th meeting of FSDC: Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has chaired the 24th meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC). Finance Minister is the chairperson of FSDC. It must be noted that FSDC Sub-Committee is chaired by the Governor, RBI.

About the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC):

(1) Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) is the apex level forum set up by the Government of India for strengthening and institutionalizing the mechanism for maintaining financial stability, enhancing inter-regulatory coordination and promoting financial sector development.

(2) The Council also, inter alia, discussed issues relating to the management of stressed assets, strengthening institutional mechanism for financial stability analysis, financial inclusion, the framework for resolution of financial institutions and issues related to IBC processes, banks’ exposure to various sectors and Government, data sharing mechanisms of government authorities, internationalisation of Indian Rupee and pension sector related issues.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. HDFC Life to acquire Exide Life Insurance for ₹6,687 crore: HDFC Life has announced to acquire a 100 per cent stake in Exide Life Insurance Company in a stock and cash deal, for Rs 6,887 crore. Subsequently, Exide Life will be merged with HDFC Life, subject to regulatory approvals. Exide Life is a wholly-owned subsidiary of battery maker Exide Industries. This acquisition will mark one of the first and the largest acquisitions in the life insurance space. About the deal:

(1) From the total deal value of Rs 6,887 crore, HDFC Life will pay Rs 725 crore in cash, while the balance amount will be in form of shares.

(2) HDFC Life will issue 87.02 million equity shares of the face value of Rs 10 at a price of Rs 685 per share to Exide Industries Limited.

(3) Post the acquisition, Exide Industries will hold a 4.1 per cent stake in merged HDFC Life and mortgage lender HDFC Ltd will hold 47.9 per cent. Currently, HDFC Ltd. holds a 49.9 per cent stake in HDFC Life.

Note: HDFC Life Headquarters: Mumbai; HDFC Life CEO: Vibha Padalkar; HDFC Life Founded: 2000.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Gujarat to host Defence Expo 2022: The next Defence Expo will be hosted by Gujarat in 2022. This was announced by chief minister Vijay Rupani. The Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Department of Defence Production and the Gujarat Government in this regard. About 100 countries are expected to participate in this biannual event.

About the Defence Expo-2022: Defence Expo-2022 will be held in Gandhinagar from 10th to 13th March next year. The aim of Defense Expo 2022 is to move from Make in India to make for the world. The Defence Expo-2022 will focus on making India a Defence manufacturing hub.

 

2. 28th Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise ‘SIMBEX-2021’: The 28th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) took place from September 02 to 04, 2021. The SIMBEX-2021 annual bilateral maritime exercise was hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) in the southern fringes of the South China Sea.

About the SIMBEX-2021:

(1) The Indian Navy was represented by Guided Missile Destroyer INS Ranvijay with a shipborne helicopter, ASW Corvette INS Kiltan and Guided Missile Corvette INS Kora and one P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

(2) The exercise aimed to strengthen the bilateral defence ties between both countries. This year’s edition of SIMBEX is also a special occasion as it takes place during the ongoing celebrations of the 75th year of India’s independence.

(3) The success of SIMBEX-2021 is yet another demonstration of the mutual resolve on both sides to strengthen the bilateral partnership further in the years ahead.

Daily GK Update- 5th Sep, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Women and Child Development Minister inaugurates NUTRI GARDEN: The Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated NUTRI GARDEN to mark the beginning of Poshan Maah – 2021 at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA). Plantation of Shigru (Sahijan) and Amla saplings were also carried out. AIIA, New Delhi under the direction of the Ministry of Ayush initiated the celebration of Poshan Maah – 2021.

About Nutri Gardens: Nutri kitchen garden/Nutri garden is a method of planting and harvesting nutrient-rich crops in residential houses or in their vicinity to meet the requirements of the family all year round. In urban areas, Nutri kitchen gardening can be promoted in the form of rooftop gardening, terrace gardening, vertical gardening and container gardening. In rural areas, Nutri kitchen gardens can be promoted in the backyard of the houses.

Benefits of Nutri Garden: It increases the availability of food and nutrient sources. It can act as a source of supplementary income. The crops harvested are Fresh and Safe (chemical-free).

 

2. I&B ministry to form a committee to review Journalist Welfare Scheme: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided to form a committee to review the existing guidelines of the Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS). The 12-member committee, with Ashok Kumar Tandon, Member, Prasar Bharati Board, as its chairperson, will revise the quantum of ex-gratia payment in case of death as well as in other cases under the scheme. The terms of reference (ToR) of the committee include examining the need for such a revision of the quantum of ex-gratia payment.

About the committee: The committee will look into the aspect of differentiation or parity between accredited and non-accredited journalists for availing benefits under the scheme. The committee shall give its recommendations within two months and all secretarial assistance for convening its meetings will be provided by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).

Note: Minister of Information and Broadcasting: Anurag Singh Thakur.

 

3. PM Modi unevils special Rs 125 coin on ISKCON founder’s 125th birth anniversary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually unveiled a special commemorative coin of Rs 125 to mark the 125th birth anniversary of ISKCON founder Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. In July 1966, Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) commonly known as the ‘Hare Krishna movement’. The spiritual leader was born as Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta and later came to be known by the honorific A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Note: ISKCON Founded: 13 July 1966, New York, United States; ISKCON Headquarters: Mayapur, West Bengal.

 

4. Pankaj Kumar Singh takes over as new DG of BSF: Pankaj Kumar Singh, a 1988-batch IPS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, has taken charge as the new Director General (DG) of the Border Security Force (BSF). Prior to this, he was serving as the special DG at the BSF headquarters in Delhi. The 58-year-old Pankaj Singh replaces IPS officer and Indo-Tibetan Border Police Director General (DG) SS Deswal who was holding the additional charge of BSF DG since July 2021. Apart from this, Sanjay Arora, a 1988-batch IPS officers from Tamil Nadu cadre, has taken over as the new DG of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

Note: BSF was formed on December 1, 1965; BSF Headquarters: New Delhi; ITBP Founded: 24 October 1962; ITBP Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

 

5. Centre appoints Atul Bhatt as CMD of RINL: Atul Bhatt has been appointed as chairman and managing director (CMD) of disinvestment-owned steel company Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL). He was the CMD of state-owned consultancy firm MECON, which offers a full range of services required to set up a project from concept to commissioning including turnkey execution. PK Rath retired as CMD RINL on May 31, after serving the company for 38 years.

RINL is a special steel-making player based in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The company, without any captive iron ore mines, owns and operates a 7.3-million tonne (MT) steel plant in the state. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had given in-principle approval for 100 per cent disinvestment of government stake in RINL, along with the company’s stake in subsidiaries/ joint ventures through strategic disinvestment by way of privatisation.

Note: Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd Founded: 18 February 1982; Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd Headquarters: Visakhapatnam.

 

6. National Teachers’ Day: 5th September: The 5th of September is celebrated as teacher’s day all over India. This day is celebrated as the teacher’s day to mark the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan who was the former president of our country. He was a philosopher, a scholar, and the Bharat Ratna Awardee.  He was the second President of India (1962 to 1967) and the first Vice President of India (1952–1962). The Ministry of Education presents the National Teachers Awards on this occasion every year. In 2021, the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind will confer National Awards on 44 teachers from across the country.

History of the day: In 1962, Dr. Radhakrishan became the second President of Independent India. The main significance to celebrate this day is that Dr Radhakrishan’s students approached him to allow them to celebrate his birthday as a special day. He was surprised and happy by the respect which is given to him by the students even after he was not their teacher.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Virtually Addresses 6th Eastern Economic Forum 2021: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the plenary session of the 6th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), organised in Vladivostok, Russia. An Indian delegation led by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri and comprising leading Indian oil and gas companies are participating in the EEF Summit 2021 in Russia. On the sidelines of EEF, Petroleum Minister will also have meetings with Russian Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov to review bilateral energy cooperation in the energy sector and with the Russian Minister for Development of Far East and Arctic Alexei Chekunkov to discuss the collaboration between Indian and Russian companies in that region. Petroleum Minister will also co-chair India-Russia Business Dialogue.

 

2. International Day of Charity: 5th September: The International Day of Charity is observed annually on September 05. It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. September 5 was chosen in order to commemorate the death anniversary of Mother Teresa, who had always been engaged in charitable work. Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for “work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace.”

Purpose of the day: The prime purpose of the International Day of Charity is to raise awareness and provide a common platform for charity related activities all over the world for individuals, charitable, philanthropic and volunteer organizations for their own purposes on the local, national, regional and international level.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Paralympics 2020: Archer Harvinder Singh Clinches Bronze in Men’s Individual Recurve: In Paralympics 2020, India’s ace archer Harvinder Singh has won the bronze medal in the men’s individual recurve open. The 31-year old has become India’s first-ever archer to win a medal in the Paralympics. With this win, India’s medal haul at the ongoing Paralympics Games in Tokyo has reached 13 [2G,6S,5B]. Harvinder defeated South Korea’s Kim Min Su 6-5 in a shoot-off to win India’s third medal of the day at Tokyo 2020, taking India’s tally to 13. Earlier, United States of America’s (USA) Kevin Mather defeated Harvinder by 6-4 in the semi-final.

 

2. Tokyo Paralympics: Manish Narwal wins gold in 50m Mixed Pistol: Indian shooters Manish Narwal and Singhraj Adhana clinched the gold and silver medal respectively in the P4 – Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 final at Asaka Shooting Range. The 19-year-old Manish created the Paralympic record as he amassed 218.2 points to clinch the gold while Singhraj grabbed his second medal of the Tokyo Paralympics with 216.7 points. The Russian Paralympic Committee’s (RPC) Sergey Malyshev won the bronze medal. India’s medal tally now stands at 15 at these Paralympics. It has now won three golds, seven silvers and five bronze medals. This is India’s best tally at a single edition of the Para Games. It had won four medals at Rio 2016 and four at the 1984 Paralympics.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes Rs 25 lakh fine on Axis Bank for flouting KYC norms: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 25 lakh on Axis Bank for violating certain provisions of know your customer (KYC) norms, on September 01, 2021. RBI had carried out scrutiny during February 2020 and March 2020 in a customer account maintained with the bank, where it was observed that the bank failed to comply with the KYC norms. As a result, the banking regulator issued the notice that Axis Bank did not comply with RBI – KYC Direction, 2016.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Morgan Stanley retains India GDP growth estimate at 10.5% for FY22: America based Investment Bank, Morgan Stanley has maintained the GDP growth forecast of India at 10.5 per cent for the financial year 2021-22 (FY2022). GDP growth is expected to move into positive territory on a two-year CAGR basis from QE September. GDP grew 20.1 per cent year-on-year in the quarter ending June. On a two-year CAGR basis, real GDP contracted 4.7 per cent in QE June versus plus 2.3 per cent in QE March.

 

2. India’s economic growth soars to 20.1% in first quarter on low base: India’s economy grew by 20.1% during the April-June quarter of this financial year, as against a 24.4% contraction seen during the same period last year. The massive growth seen in the first quarter has made India the fastest-growing major economy across the globe. In the previous quarter, India’s economy had grown by 1.6%. For the full financial year 2020-21, India’s GDP contracted by 7.3%.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Alejandro Prieto wins Bird Photographer of the Year 2021: Mexican photographer Alejandro Prieto has emerged as the winner of the Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY) 2021. He has won for capturing a photograph of a greater roadrunner staring up at the barbed-wire-clad border wall between the USA and Mexico, with what almost looks like a sense of bewilderment. The image has been given the title as ‘Blocked’. The Bird Photographer of the Year comes with a cash prize of £5,000. He was chosen from among 22,000 entries from 73 countries.

 

2. Powergrid Wins the Prestigious global ATD Best Award: Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna CPSU under Ministry of Power, Government of India has been awarded the coveted “Association for Talent Development (ATD) 2021 BEST Award”. POWERGRID securing 8th rank among the 71 organizations from around the globe, thus becoming the only PSU to win this award and one of the only two companies of India in the Top 20. The Association for Talent Development (ATD, formerly ASTD) is the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations and ATD’s BEST Award is the talent development industry’s most rigorous and coveted recognition.

Note: POWERGRID Founded: 23 October 1989; POWERGRID Headquarters: Gurgaon, India.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Senior Journalist and former Rajya Sabha MP Chandan Mitra passes away: Former Rajya Sabha MP and senior journalist Chandan Mitra has passed away. He was the Editor and Managing Director of The Pioneer newspaper in New Delhi. Mitra was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha from August 2003 to 2009. In June 2010, Mitra was elected to another term in the Rajya Sabha by BJP from Madhya Pradesh. His term ended in 2016. In July 2018, he resigned from the BJP and joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC).