Daily GK Update- 5th Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the second phase of the two flagship missions, namely, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) on October 01, 2021, from Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The SBM-U 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0 have been designed to realise the aspiration of making all cities ‘garbage free’ and ‘water secure’.Outlay of the missions:

The outlay of SBM-U 2.0 is around Rs 1.41 lakh crore.

The outlay of AMRUT 2.0 is around Rs 2.87 lakh crore

 

2. Union Minister Anurag Thakur launches month-long nationwide ‘Clean India Programme’ in October 2021: The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched a month-long Clean India Programme from October 01 to 31, 2021, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebaration. The nation-wide cleanliness drive was inaugurated by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. The aim of the programme is to create awareness, mobilize people and ensure their involvement in cleaning waste mainly Single Use Plastic waste throughout the country. This cleanliness drive aims to propagate the mantra of “Clean India: Safe India”. The initiative is seen to be the largest cleanliness drive of the world in which over 75 lakh tonnes of waste, mainly plastic waste,  from different parts of the country will be collected and processed in a ‘Waste to Wealth’ model.

 

3. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organises VAYO NAMAN Programme for senior citizens: To mark the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organised VAYO NAMAN Programme in New Delhi. The Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu presented Vayoshreshtha Samman-2021 to senior citizens as a part of the occasion and dedicated Elderly Line 14567 to the Nation. Shri M. Venkaiah also launched two portals of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, namely SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine) and SACRED (Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity). The SAGE portal aims to encourage entrepreneurs and start-ups in the area of elderly care. The portal will act as a “one-stop access” of elderly care products and services. The SACRED portal will connect the senior citizens with job providers in the private sector.

 

4. Union Minister Amit Shah flags off ‘Sudarshan Bharat Parikrama’: Union Home Minister, Amit Shah flagged off All India Car Rally ‘Sudarshan Bharat Parikrama’ of the National Security Guard (NSG) on October 02, 2021, as a part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, to celebrate the 75th year of India’s Independence. The NSG’s car rally was flagged off from the historic Red Fort in Delhi. It will end on October 30, 2021, at the Police Memorial in New Delhi. The month-long campaign will cover a 7,500 kms long journey through 18 cities in 12 states, passing through important and historical places associated with the Freedom Movement and Freedom Fighters of the country. The rally has been organized under the aegis of the Union Home Ministry.

 

5. Ministry of Labour & Employment launches DigiSaksham programme in association with Microsoft: Ministry of Labour & Employment in partnership with Microsoft India has launched DigiSaksham Programme. It is a digital skills programme to increase the employability of youth by imparting them with digital skills. DigiSaksham will be implemented in the field by Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India (AKRSP-I). It aims to benefit more than 3 lakh youths in the first year. Under this initiative, the jobseekers  registered on National Career Service (NCS)  Portal will be able to access training on topics like JavaScript, Data Visualisation, Advance Excel, Power Bi, HTML, Programming languages, software development fundamentals, Introduction to coding, etc.

 

6. Ganga River Dolphin Day: 5th October: In India, the ‘Ganga River Dolphin Day’ is observed every year on October 5, to raise awareness and encourage conservation of Ganga River Dolphins. It was on this day in 2010, that Ganga Dolphins were declared national aquatic animals. Then, in 2012, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Uttar Pradesh government jointly began the dolphin conservation campaign in the country.

Conservation of Dolphins: The Gangetic Dolphins are included under the First Schedule of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They have been declared “Endangered” under IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). They are listed under Appendix I as most endangered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). They are listed under Appendix II of Conservation on Migratory Species. The Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary was established in Bihar under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Pavilion inaugurated at Dubai Expo 2020: The World Expo 2020 has been organised at Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. The main theme of the Dubai Expo 2020 is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. The Expo was originally scheduled to take place from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expo 2020 is the first to be held in the MENA & SA (the Middle East and North Africa & South Asia) region. World Expos provide a platform to showcase the greatest innovations that have shaped the world we live in today. The grand event will have 191 country pavilions.

India Pavilion in World Expo 2020: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated at the launch of the India Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 through video conferencing on October 01, 2021. He invited global investors to invest in India and be a part of India’s growth story. The theme of the India pavilion at the Expo is “Openness, Opportunity and Growth”. It will showcase resurgent India’s march to becoming a USD 5 Trillion economy, the exceptional fightback against COVID-19 and the country’s emergence as a global business hub presenting huge opportunities for the world.

 

2. World Teachers’ Day observed on 5th October: World Teachers’ Day, also known as International Teachers Day, is held annually on October 5 since 1994. The Day aims to focus on appreciating, assessing and improving the educators of the world and to provide an opportunity to consider issues related to teachers and teaching. The Theme for 2021 International Teachers Day is “Teachers at the heart of education recovery”.

History of the day: The day was established in 1994, to commemorate the signing of the 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which is a standard-setting instrument that addresses the status and situations of teachers around the world.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. FC Goa lift maiden Durand Cup football trophy: FC Goa beat Mohammedan Sporting to win their maiden Durand Cup football title, 1-0, in the final, held at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata. FC Goa Captain Eduardo Bedia scored the all-important goal in the 105th minute after the final match went into the extra time. The 2021 Durand Cup was the 130th edition of the Durand Cup, the oldest football tournament in Asia. The tournament was held from September 05 to October 03, 2021, in West Bengal.

2021 Season awards winners:

Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper: Naveen Kumar (FC Goa)

Golden boot for top scorer: Marcus Joseph (Mohammedan)

Golden ball for the best player: Edu Bedia (Goa)

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Government keeps interest rates on Small Savings Schemes unchanged for Quarter-3 of 2021-22: The government of India has announced that the rate of interest on Small Savings Schemes for the third quarter (Oct-Dec) of 2021-22 will remain unchanged as the last quarter (July-Sept) of 2021-2022. West Bengal is the highest contributor to the small saving schemes while Uttar Pradesh is the second top contributor.

Various Interest Rates for Quarter-3 (Oct-Dec) of 2021-22 are listed below:

S.No	Small Savings Scheme	Interest Rate
1	Post Office Savings Account	4%
2	5-Year Post Office Recurring Deposit (RD) Account	5.80%
3	Post Office Time Deposit (TD) Account – One Year	5.50%
4	Post Office Time Deposit Account (TD) – Two Years	5.50%
5	Post Office Time Deposit Account (TD) – Three Years	5.50%
6	Post Office Time Deposit Account (TD) – Five Years	6.70%
7	Post Office Monthly Income Scheme Account (MIS)	6.60%
8	Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)	7.40%
9	15-Year Public Provident Fund Account (PPF)	7.10%
10	National Savings Certificates (NSC)	6.80%
11	Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP)	6.90%
12	Sukanya Samriddhi Account	7.60%

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. GST collection for September crosses ₹1.17 lakh crore: The gross GST revenue collected in the month of September was 1,17,010 crore rupees, which included a CGST component of 20,578 crores, SGST is 26,767 crore and IGST component of 60,911 crore rupees. The revenue for September was 23% higher than the GST revenues in the same month last year. During the month, revenue from import of goods was 30% higher.

GST Collection previous months:

August: Rs 1.12 lacs cr.

July 2021: Rs 1,16,393 crore

June 2021: Rs 92,849 crore

May 2021: Rs 1,02,709 crore

April 2021: ₹1.41 lakh crore(All time Highest)

March 2021: Rs. 1.24lacs cr.

Feb 2021: Rs 1,13,143 crore

January 2021: ₹ 1,19,847 crore

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. The Nobel Prize in Physics 2021 announced: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physics 2021. Syukuro Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann, Giorgio Parisi jointly won the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics for groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of complex physical systems. The Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden. The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over $1.14 million).

Contribution of  Syukuro Manabe and Klaus Hasselmann: Syukuro Manabe (Princeton University, USA) and Klaus Hasselmann (Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Hamburg, Germany) awarded for the physical modelling of Earth’s climate, quantifying variability and reliably predicting global warming”.

Contribution of Giorgio Parisi: Giorgio Parisi (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy) was awarded for the discovery of the interplay of disorder and fluctuations in physical systems from atomic to planetary scales.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian contingent departs for Sri Lanka joint exercise Mitra Shakti 21: The 8th edition of the India – Sri Lanka bilateral joint Exercise “Mitra Shakti-21” is scheduled to take place at Combat Training School, Ampara in Sri Lanka from October 4 to 15, 2021. The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and sharing best practices in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations between Armies of both countries and further strengthen the relationship between both the South Asian Nations.

About the exercise: The exercise will involve tactical level operations at the sub-unit level in an international Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism environment and will go a long way in further strengthening the relationship between both the South Asian Nations and will act as a catalyst in bringing synergy and cooperation at the grass-root level between both Armies.

Daily GK Update- 4th Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi launches Jal Jeevan Mission App and Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh: Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi virtually launched the Jal Jeevan Mission App and Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh, on October 02, 2021, as a part of the flagship Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched in 2019. The Jal Jeevan Mission has been empowering women of the country by saving their time and efforts which was earlier consumed in covering long distances to fetch drinking water.

About the Jal Jeevan Mission app:  The Jal Jeevan Mission App has been launched to improve awareness among stakeholders and for greater transparency and accountability of schemes under the Mission. All details about the mission, including how many households received water, quality of water, among other things, will be available in one place on the mobile application.

About the Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh (RJJK): Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh (RJJK) will enable individuals, institutions, corporations, or philanthropists, either in India or abroad, to contribute/donate to provide tap water connection in every rural household, school, Anganwadi centre, ashram shala, and other public institutions. The RJJK has been launched as a registered public charitable trust, set up by the department of drinking water and sanitation, under the ministry of Jal Shakti.

 

2. GoI launches ‘Waste to Wealth’ web portal: The government of India has launched a web portal called “Waste to Wealth” to enhance cooperation for sustainable development through economy and community participation. The web portal will bring together technology providers, government stakeholders and urban local bodies to find solutions to India’s waste problems, mainly plastic waste. The portal has been launched by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and inaugurated by the Principal Scientific Advisor K. Vijay Raghavan on October 02, 2021, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

 

3. Kiren Rijiju inaugurates India’s first Sports Arbitration Centre in Gujarat: The Union Minister of Law and Justice, Kiren Rijiju has inaugurated the first Sports Arbitration Centre of India at Ahmedabad in Gujarat. This Sports Arbitration Centre of India (SACI) will serve as an independent body to fast track disputes in the sports sector and serve as a mechanism to redress issues related to sports.

About the SACI: The SACI will be promoted by Ahmedabad-based SE TransStadia Pvt Ltd. and all legal backing will be provided by the Ministry of Law and Justice. The SACI will have a far-reaching impact for the sports sector of the country by creating a reputation and establishing credibility for itself through the provision to settle disputes and other issues and concerns of the sports sector in a fast, transparent and very accountable manner.

 

4. World’s largest Khadi National Flag hoisted in Leh, Ladakh: The world’s largest national flag, made up of Khadi cloth, has been installed in Leh, Ladakh, on the occasion of the 152nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 02, 2021. The Khadi national flag was inaugurated by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur. The flag is made by Khadi Dyers and Printers based in Mumbai which is affiliated to the Khadi Village and Industries Commission. The Sura-Soi Engineer Regiment was entrusted with the responsibility of bringing the national flag from Mumbai to Leh and also with the task of installing it at the top of the high mountains for the unveiling ceremony. About the flag:

(1) The tricolour is 225-feet long and 150-feet wide. It weighs around 1,000 kg.

(2) The flag has been prepared by the 57 Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army.

(3) The flag is the largest handwoven and handspun cotton khadi flag ever manufactured in India.

 

5. Kangana Ranaut becomes brand ambassador of UP’s ODOP Scheme: The Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has named veteran Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut as the brand ambassador of the ambitious “One District One Product (ODOP) scheme” of the state. CM Yogi also presented Kangana with a silver coin which was used for ‘Ram Janm Bhumi Pujan’.

About the ODOP scheme: The UP government has launched the one district-one product (ODOP) programme with the aim to create product-specific traditional industrial hubs across 75 districts of the state. The scheme encourages such indigenous and specialized products and crafts of UP that are not found anywhere else.

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

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. World Habitat Day: 4th October: The United Nations designated the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day. In 2021, World Habitat Day is being celebrated on October 04. The day is commemorated every year worldwide to throw light on the condition of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. The day is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. The theme for 2021 World Habitat Day is “Accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world”.

History: In 1985 the United Nations designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day. World Habitat Day was first celebrated in 1986 with the theme “Shelter is My Right”.

 

2. World Animal Day: 4th October: The World Animal Day is observed annually on October 04 since 1929. The day aims to raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe. It was originated by Heinrich Zimmermann and he organized the first World Animal Day on 24 March 1925 at the Sport Palace in Berlin, Germany. The event was moved to 4 October for the first time in 1929.

 

3. World Space Week: 4th-10th October: The World Space Week (WSW) is observed every year from October 4 to 10, to celebrate science and technology, and their contribution towards the betterment of the human condition. WSW was declared by the United Nations General Assembly on December 6, 1999. The 2021 theme is “Women in Space”!

History of World Space Week: WSW was declared by the United Nations General Assembly on December 6, 1999. The dates commemorate the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, on 4 October 1957 and the entry into force of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies on 10 October 1967.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Birendra Lakra and SV Sunil announces retirement from International Hockey: S V Sunil, the veteran forward and star striker of India men’s field hockey team and Olympic bronze medal-winning Indian hockey star defender Birendra Lakra have announced their retirement from international hockey. The 31-year-old Lakra was part of the bronze medal-winning Indian side in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as vice-captain. He has represented India in 197 games with 10 goals. The 32-year-old Sunil has scored 72 goals in 264 appearances for the national team.

 

2. Indian men’s team wins bronze medal in Asian Table Tennis Championship 2021: The Indian men’s table tennis team claimed the bronze medal in the Asian Table Tennis Championships in Doha, Qatar, after losing to South Korea 0-3 in the semi-finals. The Indian team was assured of a medal after beating Iran 3-1 in the quarterfinals. Both the semifinalists secure a bronze. This is the second medal for India at the Asian Championships since 1976. The bronze medal-winning Indian team comprised of Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai, Sanil Shetty, and Manav Thakkar.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Government extends ECLGS Scheme till 31.03.2022 (or till Rs 4.5 lakh crore guarantee): The Government of India has extended the timeline of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) till 31.03.2022 or till guarantees for an amount of Rs 4.5 lakh crore are issued under the scheme, whichever is earlier. Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) was launched by Government of India as a special scheme in view of COVID-19. The last date of disbursement under the scheme has also been extended to 30.06.2022. ECLGS is managed by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd (NCGTC).

 

2. Govt approves IPO of ECGC and capital infusion of Rs 4,400 crore to ECGC: The government of India has approved a capital infusion of Rs. 4,400 crore to ECGC Ltd for a period of five years, i.e. from FY 2021-2022 to FY 2025- 2026. ECGC Limited is a wholly-owned CPSE of the Government of India. The government has also approved the Initial Public Offer (IPO) on the Stock Exchange of ECGC Ltd. ECGC was set up with the objective of improving the competitiveness of the exports by providing Credit Risk Insurance and related services for exports.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Piramal Group acquires DHFL for Rs 34,250 crore: Piramal Enterprises has completed the acquisition of Dewan Housing Finance Limited (DHFL) by paying the consideration amount of Rs 34,250 crore. This is the first successful resolution of a financial services company under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Dewan Housing Finance (DHFL) is the first financial services firm to go for bankruptcy proceedings. It is a non-deposit-taking housing finance company. The creditors of DHFL will recover an aggregate amount of Rs 38,000 crore from the DHFL’s resolution, which includes Rs 34,250 crore paid by Piramal Enterprises and Rs 3,800 crore from the cash balance of DHFL.

 

2. Amish Mehta appointed as new MD & CEO of CRISIL: Amish Mehta has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of rating agency Crisil with effect from October 01, 2021. He has replaced Ashu Suyash. Crisil is owned by S&P. Mehta has more than two decades of leadership experience across industries and joined Crisil in October 2014 as President and Chief Financial Officer. In July 2017, he was elevated as the President and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for the global analytical centre, India research and SME, the global innovation and excellence hub and corporate strategy.

Note: Crisil Founded: 1987; Crisil Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian Organisation LIFE receives 2021 Right Livelihood Award: The Delhi-based environmental organisation “Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment (LIFE)” has been felicitated with the 2021 Right Livelihood Award, an international honour, also known as Sweden’s alternative Nobel Prize. LIFE has been selected for the award for its “grassroots approach of empowering vulnerable communities to protect their livelihoods and claim their right to a clean environment.” Apart from this, other three awardees who were also honoured include:

(1) Cameroonian women rights activist Marthe Wandou

(2) Russian environmental activist Vladimir Slivyak

(3) Canadian Indigenous rights defender Freda Huson

About the Awards: The Award was established in 1980 by German-Swedish philanthropist Jakob von Uexkull to “honour and support those who offer a practical and exemplary contribution in such fields as environmental protection, human rights, sustainable development, health, education, which are not included in Nobel Prize list. The Right Livelihood Award comes with a cash prize of 1 million Swedish crowns ($115,000) and long-term support to highlight and expand Laureates’.

 

2. Shiv Nadar to be awarded Global Leadership Award 2021: The US India Business Council (USIBC) has chosen Shiv Nadar and Mallika Srinivasan as the recipient of its 2021 Global Leadership Award. Shiv Nadar is the founder and chairman emeritus of HCL Technologies Limited. Mallika Srinivasan is the chair and managing director, Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE). Both will be honoured at the 2021 India Ideas Summit to be held on October 6-7, 2021.

Daily GK Update- 3rd Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IFSCA Constitutes an Expert panel on Sustainable Finance: International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has constituted an Expert Committee to recommend an approach towards the development of the Sustainable Finance Hub at IFSC. The expert committee will be chaired by C.K. Mishra, Former Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. The committee consists of a total of 10 members including the chairperson and the member secretary.

About the expert committee: The committee shall study the current regulatory practices in Sustainable Finance across major International financial jurisdictions and recommend a robust framework to develop a world-class sustainable finance hub at IFSC, along with a road map for the same.

About IFSCA: IFSCA was established by the Ministry of Finance on April 27 2020, as a unified regulator of all financial products, financial services, and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in India. It has its headquarter at GIFT city in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

 

2. Amazon India launched its Global Computer Science Education programme: E-commerce major Amazon India has announced the launch of Amazon Future Engineer, its global computer science education programme in India. The programme will enable access to quality computer science education and career opportunities for students from underrepresented and underserved communities. In the first year of its launch, Amazon aims to enable and deliver learning opportunities to more than 1 lakh students from 900 government and aided schools across seven states in India. About the programme:

(1) Amazon Future Engineer aims to address the gap by bringing early exposure and access to computer science education to students through in-person, online and blended learning formats.

(2) Amazon is working with its global knowledge partner Code.org, a global non-profit organization dedicated to computer science education.

(3) Amazon Future Engineer programme in India will focus on the students of 6-12 class and it will also provide training to teachers for teaching computer science in a more engaging way.

(4) Amazon is running this kind of programme in the US, the UK, Canada, and France.

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

 

3. Mukesh Ambani tops Hurun India Rich List 2021: Reliance Industries Chairman, Mukesh Ambani has topped the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List for the 10th consecutive year. In 2021, his total net worth was recorded at Rs 7,18,000 crore. Meanwhile, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani is in the second spot with a net worth of Rs. 5,05,900 crore. Shiv Nadar & the family of HCL technologies are third in the list with a net worth of Rs 2,36,600 crore.

About the Hurun India Rich List 2021: The Hurun India Rich list 2021 has named the richest individuals in the country with a wealth of Rs 1,000 crore or more as on September 15, 2021. The Hurun India Rich List 2021, features as many as 1,007 individuals across 119 cities with a net worth of Rs 1,000 crore. As per the report, India has 237 billionaires, up 58 compared to last year.

Other Richest Indians In The Top 10:

Name	Rank
SP Hinduja & family	4th
LN Mittal & family	5th
Cyrus S Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India	6th
Radhakishan Damani of Avenue Supermarts	7th
Vinod Shantilal Adani & family	8th
Kumar Mangalam Birla & the family of Aditya Birla Group	9th
Jay Chaudhry of cloud security company Zscaler	10th

 

4. Sunil Kataria elected as the chairman of the ISA: The newly elected Executive Council of the Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) has elected Sunil Kataria, Chief Executive Officer, India and SAARC, Godrej Consumer Products Limited as the Chairman of the ISA. Sunil has led the Society over the past five years to greater heights garnering support from the fellow Executive Council members, the ISA members and other industry bodies.

About the ISA: ISA is the apex national body as a strong voice to advertisers over the last 69 years. Its cross-sector advertiser members contribute to more than half of the annual national non-governmental ad spends. ISA, which is a founder member of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and one of the founders of ASCI, continues to partner with other industry bodies that connect to the advertisers. The ISA played a significant role in the formation of BARC and is closely partnering with it towards advertisers getting robust and credible data.

 

5. Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth by Wole Soyinka released: A novel titled “Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth” authored by Wole Soyinka has been released. Wole Soyinka is Africa’s first Nobel laureate in Literature. He wrote his last novel ”Season of Anomy” in 1973. He returns with a new novel after nearly 50 years. His notable plays include ”The Jero Plays”, ”The Road”, ”The Lion and the Jewel”, ”Madmen and Specialists” and ”From Zia, With Love”.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Najla Bouden Romdhane appointed as first woman PM of Tunisia: Najla Bouden Romdhane has been appointed as the first-ever female Prime Minister of Tunisia. The 63-year-old has also become the first female prime minister in the whole Arab world. Prior to this appointment, Najla served in the education ministry in 2011. She is a geologist by profession and professor at the Tunis National School of Engineering.

Note: President of Tunisia: Kais Saied; Capital of Tunisia: Tunis; The currency of Tunisia: Tunisian Dinar.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Professional boxer Manny Pacquiao announces retirement from boxing: After 26 years and 72 professional bouts, Former world champion Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from professional boxing. He made his professional debut in 1995 at age 16. He became the first boxer to win the lineal championship in five different weight classes and is the only boxer to hold world championships across four different decades. He held the welterweight title as recently as 2019 at age 40.

 

2. India women team played their first-ever pink-ball test: The first pink-ball day and night Test match between India and Australian women team at the Carrara Oval in Queenslandon, Australia on 30th September. The BCCI and Cricket Australia wish to slot in a Test in the full series they play going forward. The Indian team lead by Mithali Raj. Australia played the first pink-ball Test against England in 2017 in Sydney during the women’s Ashes.  The two teams last played a Test in Adelaide in 2006 when Australia won convincingly. Jhulan Goswami is one of two survivors from that Test along with Mithali Raj.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Paytm acquires 100% ownership of lending startup CreditMate: Online payment services provider, Paytm has acquired a 100% stake in Mumbai-based digital lending startup CreditMate. However, the transaction details of the deal have not been disclosed. The Paytm Group will now be the 100% beneficial owners of the business, while the co-founders of CreditMate will exit the business.

About the CreditMate: CreditMate was founded in 2019 by Jonathan Bill, Ashish Doshi, Swati Lad and Aditya Singh as a collection platform that helps lenders collect overdue payments from borrowers.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. NSDL appointed Padmaja Chunduru as MD & CEO: Padmaja Chunduru has been appointed as the managing director and chief executive officer (MD & CEO) of National Securities Depositories (NSDL). She has replaced GV Nageswara Rao as the MD & CEO of NSDL. In India, there are two depositories namely National Securities Depositories Ltd (NSDL) and Central Securities Depositories Ltd (CDSL). Both the depositories hold our financial securities.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2021 announced: The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2021 was awarded jointly to David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian “for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch.” These breakthrough discoveries launched intense research activities leading to a rapid increase in our understanding of how our nervous system senses heat, cold, and mechanical stimuli. The laureates identified critical missing links in our understanding of the complex interplay between our senses and the environment. The announcement was made by a panel at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.

About the David Julius: David Julius of the University of California utilised capsaicin, a pungent compound from chili peppers that induces a burning sensation, to identify a sensor in the nerve endings of the skin that responds to heat.

About the Ardem Patapoutian: Ardem Patapoutian, who is with Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Scripps Research, used pressure-sensitive cells to discover a novel class of sensors that respond to mechanical stimuli in the skin and internal organs.

The Nobel Prize: The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over $1.14 million). The prize money comes from a bequest left by the prize’s creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1895. The other prizes are for outstanding work in the fields of physics, chemistry, literature, peace and economics.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Ghanshyam Nayak of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah passes away: Veteran television actor Ghanashyam Nayak, who was famous for his role as Nattu Kaka in the TV series Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has passed away due to cancer. He was known for playing the role of Natwarlal Prabhashankar Undhaiwala AKA Nattu Kaka in the famous show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Apart from this, he has worked in over 100 Gujarati and Hindi films and around 350 Hindi television serials.

Daily GK Update- 2nd Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi chairs 38th PRAGATI Meeting: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired the 38th PRAGATI meeting to review multiple projects, grievances and programmes of central and state government. PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation. In the meeting, eight projects were taken for review having a cumulative cost of around Rs 50,000 crore. 297 projects worth Rs. 14.39 lakh crore has been reviewed so far in the previous 37 PRAGATI meetings.

About the PRAGATI: PRAGATI is an ambitious multi-purpose and multi-modal platform, launched in March 2015, by PM Modi as a unique integrating and interactive platform, aimed at addressing common man’s grievances and simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the Government of India as well as projects flagged by State Governments.

 

2. SC introduces Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records system: In a big fillip to the fundamental rights of life, dignity and personal liberty, the Supreme Court has introduced a new system by which its crucial decisions, including orders on bail and stay of arrest, can be communicated electronically to prison authorities and investigating agencies through a secure channel. Following an order on July 16 by a Special Bench led by Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana, the apex court has introduced the “Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records” (FASTER) system. The system is meant to ensure that undertrials are not made to wait for days on end behind bars to be released because the certified hard copies of their bail orders were late to reach the prison.

 

3. Vinod Aggarwal appointed ASDC president: The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) has appointed automobile industry veteran Vinod Aggarwal as its president. Aggarwal, who is currently the managing director and CEO of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd (VECV), replaces Nikunj Sanghi, who will leave ASDC after serving it for four years. ASDC was set up a decade ago and is promoted by the top industry associations — SIAM, ACMA and FADA — along with the central government and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). It is a sector skills council for the auto industry, which aims to make the country self-sufficient to sustain the growth and competitiveness of the automotive industry.

 

4. Gandhi Jayanti 2021: 2nd October: Every year 2nd October is celebrated as a Gandhi Jayanti to remember the birth anniversary of the father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi. The year 2021 marks the 152nd birth anniversary of the global peace icon who was born on 2 October 1869, in Porbandar in Gujarat. This day is referred to as Gandhi Jayanti in India.

On 15 June 2007, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence. The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence. The International Day is an occasion to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness”.

 

5. National Wildlife Week: 02 to 08 October 2021: National Wildlife Week is annually celebrated across India between 2nd to 8th October with an aim to protect and preserve the flora and fauna of India. The Wildlife Week 2021 is celebrated from 2nd October to 8th October. In 2021, we are celebrating 67th Wildlife Week. This year National Wildlife Week theme 2021: “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet”.

History of Wildlife Week: The Indian Board of Wildlife was constituted and the idea of Wildlife Week was conceptualised in 1952 to raise awareness about the long term goals of protecting the wildlife of India. Initially, in 1955 the Wildlife day was celebrated which was later upgraded as Wildlife Week in 1957.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Accra named UNESCO World Book Capital 2023: The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has named Accra (Ghana) as UNESCO World Book Capital for 2023, following the evaluation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee. After Guadalajara (Mexico) in 2022, the city of Accra was selected for its strong focus on young people and their potential to contribute to the culture and wealth of Ghana. Accra’s proposed programme seeks to use the power of books to engage these young people, as an effective way of skilling up the next generation.

 

2. India, Oman ink pact to boost maritime security cooperation: India and Oman inked an agreement for exchange of white shipping information and to boost maritime security cooperation in reflection of growing cooperation between the two sides. It was signed during Admiral Singh’s three-day visit to Oman. The information would be exchanged between the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre and the MSC (Maritime Security Centre), Oman, and contribute to enhanced maritime safety and security in the region. The Indian Navy cooperates with the Royal Navy of Oman on many fronts that include operational interactions and training.

 

3. US successfully flight tests Raytheon hypersonic weapon: The United States has tested an air-breathing hypersonic weapon capable of speeds faster than five times the speed of sound, marking the first successful test of the class of weapon since 2013, the Pentagon said. The test took place as the United States and its global rivals quicken their pace to build hypersonic weapons – the next generation of arms that rob adversaries of reaction time and traditional defeat mechanisms. The missile, built by Raytheon Technologies, was released from an aircraft seconds before its Northrop Grumman scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) engine kicked on.

 

4. Earth-monitoring Satellite Launches From California: The latest in a series of U.S. satellites that has recorded human and natural impacts on Earth’s surface for decades was launched into orbit from California to ensure continued observations in the era of climate change. Landsat 9 was carried into space aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that lifted off from foggy Vandenberg Space Force Base. It will take the orbital track of Landsat 7, which will be decommissioned. A project of NASA and the US Geological Survey, Landsat 9 will work in tandem with a predecessor, Landsat 8, to extend a nearly 50-year record of land and coastal region observations that began with the launch of the first Landsat in 1972.

 

5. World Day for Farmed Animals: 02 October: World Day for Farmed Animals (WDFA) is observed on October 02, which marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The day is organised by the International animals’ welfare organization, World Animal Protection along with Asia for Animals coalition to show the importance and urgency of farm animal welfare. The day is dedicated to exposing the needless suffering and death of farmed animals who are raised and slaughtered for food. World Day for Farmed Animals has been organized each year since 1983 by the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), this year with the participation of Animal Justice, the Animal Law Firm, the Animal Activism Mentorship Program, Jewish Veg, Switch4Good, and Their Turn.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Tokyo Olympic medalist Rupinder Pal Singh announces retirement from hockey: The Olympic bronze medal-winning Indian hockey player, Rupinder Pal Singh has announced his retirement from international hockey to make way for young and talented players. The 30-year-old Rupinder represented the Indian hockey team in 223 matches in his 13 years hockey career. Rupinder was part of the Indian hockey team that won the bronze medal in the 2020 Summer Tokyo Olympics, held in July – August 2021.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ICICI Bank to offer instant OD to sellers registered on amazon.in: ICICI Bank announced that it has partnered with Amazon India to offer overdraft (OD) facility upto ₹25 lakh to individual sellers and small businesses registered on the e-commerce company’s online marketplace. Sellers having current account with ICICI Bank can immediately start using the OD to meet their working capital requirements. Customers of other banks can avail the OD by simply opening a current account with the Bank digitally. This new and improved process will help the sellers, who may otherwise not get access to adequate credit when assessed in the traditional way of using only balance sheets, bank statements and tax returns.

 

2. Federal Bank launches RuPay Signet contactless credit card: Federal Bank joined hands with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and launched the ”Federal Bank RuPay Signet Contactless Credit Card.” It comes with the lowest Annual Percentage Rate (APR) starting from just 5.88 per cent per annum. The Federal Bank RuPay Signet credit cardholders will gain access to a wide variety of offers and deals across categories including travel, food and dining, shopping, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and much more.

 

3. SEBI approves frameworks for Gold and Social Stock Exchanges: Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved the frameworks for gold exchange and Social Stock Exchange. The market regulator SEBI also approved amendments to delisting framework for equity shares at the board meeting held in Mumbai. A gold exchange is being set up to trade the yellow metal in the form of electronic gold receipts, which will help in having a transparent domestic spot price discovery mechanism. The instrument representing gold is to be called Electronic Gold Receipt (EGR), and will be having trading, clearing and settlement features akin to other securities. The framework for the SSE has been developed on the basis of the recommendations of a working group and technical group constituted by the regulator.The Sebi board has decided to amend rules pertaining to delisting of equity shares of a company following an open offer as part of efforts to make merger and acquisition transactions more rational and convenient.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. ICRA revise GDP growth of India to 9.00% in FY 2022: The domestic credit rating agency ICRA has revised up the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of India for the financial year 2021-22 (FY22) to 9 percent. Earlier this rate was 8.5%. ICRA is Gurgaon based credit rating agency, owned by Moody’s Corporation.

Daily GK Update- 1st oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. GoI increases the income limit of disabled dependents for family pension to 30%: Ministry of defence and union government has decided to increase the income limit of disabled dependents for family pension to children/siblings suffering from mental or physical disability. The child/sibling will be eligible for family pension for life if his/her overall income from sources other than a family pension is less than 30% of the last pay drawn by the deceased government servant/pensioner concerned plus the dearness relief admissible thereon. The financial benefit in such cases will accrue with effect from 08 February 2021. Presently, the disabled child/sibling is eligible for family pension if the overall monthly income of the disabled child/sibling from sources other than the family pension is not more than Rs 9,000, along with dearness relief.

 

2. MoHUA launches convergence of DAY-NULM and PMFME to support Micro Food Processing Units of Urban SHGs:             Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has organized the launch event of the Convergence between PM Formalisation of Micro-food processing Enterprises (PMFME) & Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) scheme. This has been done to support Micro Food Processing Units of Urban SHGs. The convergence of both the schemes will benefit approximately 32,000 SHGs that have been identified by States/ UTs to be involved in Food Processing activities.

PM Formalisation of Micro-food processing Enterprises (PMFME) was launched by Ministry of Food Processing Industries on 29th June 2020. The PMFME Scheme is currently being implemented in 35 States and Union Territories. It was launched to enhance the competitiveness of individual micro-enterprises in the unorganized segment & promote formalization of this food processing sector.

MoHUA is implementing a flagship Scheme named DAY-NULM, which has mobilised over 61 lakhs urban poor women into SHGs and their federations.

 

3. Govt sets up GoM to rationalise GST rates; Head- Karnataka CM Basavaraj S. Bommai: The government has formed a 7 member group of ministers (GoM) for proposing a rationalization of tax rates and considering the merger of different tax slabs under GST. This GoM will be headed by the Chief Minister of Karnataka Basavaraj S. Bommai. The government has formed one more GoM which will look at tapping IT tools to minimize tax evasion and make compliance easier for taxpayers. Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra deputy CM has been made the convenor of this GoM.

 

4. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launches Elder Line: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched India’s first Pan-India helpline for senior citizens named ‘Elder Line’ for which the toll-free number is 14567. The platform will allow senior citizens to connect and share their concerns, get information and guidance on problems that they face on a day-to-day basis. It will provide free information and guidance on pension issues, legal issues, extend emotional support, and even intervene on the field in cases of abuse, and rescues the homeless elderly. Tata Trusts and NSE Foundation are the technical partners for “Elder Line”.

 

5. Haryana gives nod for implementing Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana: The Haryana Cabinet approved the implementation of the Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana (MBBY), an assurance-based scheme to compensate crop losses due to adverse weather and natural calamities for farmers growing horticulture crops. Under this scheme, farmers need to give only 2.5 percent that is Rs 750 for vegetable and spice crop and Rs 1000 for fruit crops against a sum assured of Rs 30,000 and Rs 40,000, respectively. The scheme will be optional. A seed capital of Rs 10 crore will be kept by the state government for the scheme.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. North Korea tests fire hypersonic missile “Hwasong-8”: North Korea successfully tested a new hypersonic missile called Hwasong-8, in a bid to increase the nation’s capabilities for self-defence. The missile was one of the five most important new weapons systems laid out by North Korea in the five-year military development plan. This was the country’s third missile test in a month. Earlier it tested a new type of cruise missile, as well as a new train-launched ballistic missile system.

About the missiles: Hypersonic missiles fly at lower altitudes compared to ballistic weapon systems and can attain more than five times the speed of sound, restricting the interception capabilities of adversaries.

Note: North Korea Capital: Pyongyang; North Korea Supreme leader: Kim Jong-un; North Korea Currency: North Korean won.

 

2. International Day of Older Persons: 1st October: International Day of Older Persons is observed globally on 1st October every year. The day aims to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse, and appreciate the contributions that older people make to society. The theme of International Day of Older Persons 2021: Digital Equity for All Ages.

History: On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons (resolution 45/106). This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.

 

3. World Vegetarian Day: 1st October: World Vegetarian Day is observed annually on October 1 globally to raise awareness about the ethical, environmental, health, and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. World Vegetarian Day is celebrated to emphasize environmental considerations, animal welfare and rights issues and personal health benefits to encourage people into ditching animal products. The full week between October 1–7 is observed as the International Vegetarian Week (IVW).

History: Vegetarianism was frequently referred to as a Pythagorean Diet, before the popularization of the term ‘vegetarian’ in the mid-1800s. Ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras was an early advocate for the diet hence, it was named after him. Established by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978, World Vegetarian Day is observed annually around the globe on October 1.

 

4. International Coffee Day: 1st October: Every year, International Coffee Day is observed on October 1, to celebrate and promote the use of coffee. There are many who believe that coffee might pose ill effects on their health, therefore, on this day people are educated about the various benefits of this beverage. On International Coffee Day, the hard work and efforts of these workers and people who are associated with the coffee industry are also recognised.

History of the day:  For the first time, International Coffee Day was celebrated back in 2015. The International Coffee Organisation (ICO) decided to dedicate the day to all coffee lovers in 2014, but the first official Coffee Day was launched in 2015 in Milan. However, different countries celebrate their own national coffee days on different dates. Back in 1997, the ICO first celebrated International Coffee Day in China and later in 2009, it celebrated the day in Taiwan. Nepal observed the first International Coffee Day on November 17, 2005.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Ranveer Singh Named India’s NBA Brand Ambassador: The National Basketball Association (NBA) has named Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh as its brand ambassador for India. He will work with the NBA to help grow the league’s profile in India throughout its landmark 75th anniversary season in 2021-22. For the 2021-22 season, Singh will participate in a number of league initiatives that will be featured on NBA India’s and his personal social media accounts.

About the NBA: The NBA is a global sports and media business built around four professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, Women’s National Basketball Association, the NBA G League and the NBA 2K League. The NBA games and programming is available in 215 countries and territories and merchandise for sale in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NPCI tie-up with YES Bank for ‘On-the-Go’ payment solution: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with private sector lender YES Bank to launch first-of-its-kind ‘RuPay On-the-Go’ contactless payments solutions. The RuPay On-the-Go contactless solution is mainly a wearable payment solution, launched to enable customers to make small and large value transactions from accessories that they wear every day. The solution would eliminate the need to carry a physical card, and customers can use the solution at RuPay contactless-enabled PoS at retail outlets and pay up to Rs 5,000 without the need for a PIN. The solution is based on a simple ‘Tap, pay, go’ mechanism. It has been launched in association with fintech infrastructure partner Neokred and manufacturing partner Seshaasai.

Note: YES bank HQ: Mumbai, Maharashtra; YES bank MD & CEO: Prashant Kumar.

National Payments Corporation of India MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe; National Payments Corporation of India Headquarters: Mumbai; National Payments Corporation of India Founded: 2008.

 

2. Centre extends existing foreign trade policy (FTP) till March 2022: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has further extended the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-20, till March 31, 2022. This is the third extension to the policy. The first extension was given on March 31, 2020 for one year till March 2021, due to the Covid outbreak and the nationwide lockdown. Again the policy was extended till September 30, 2021, as the impacts of the pandemic still exists. FTP 2015-20 provides guidelinesfor increasing exports of goods and services as well as generation of employment and increasing value addition in the country, in line with the ‘Make in India’ programme.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Defence Acquisition Council clears proposals worth over 13,000 crore rupees for armed forces: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence minister Rajnath Singh has approved proposals of modernization and operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces amounting to 13,165 crore rupees. Key approvals include helicopters, guided munition and rocket ammunition. The DAC has accorded approval for procurement of 25 ALH Mark III helicopters from HAL under Buy Indian at a cost of 3,850 cr rupees to improve its integral lift capability ensuring its operational preparedness. Giving a boost to Indigenous Design and Development of ammunitions, DAC accorded approval for procurement of Terminally Guided Munition (TGM) and Rocket Ammunition at an approx cost of 4,962 crore rupees from domestic sources. Other proposals worth 4,353 crore rupees were also accorded Acceptance of Necessity by the DAC.