Daily GK Update- 1st Nov, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Uttarakhand gets country’s largest aromatic garden: Uttarakhand gets India’s largest aromatic garden in the Nainital district. The research wing of the Uttarakhand forest department inaugurated the biggest aromatic garden of India in Lalkuan of Nainital district. Established in an area of over 3 acres, the garden has 140 different species of aromatic species from across India. The project was initiated in the year 2018-19 after approval of the Research Advisory Committee in June 2018.

Note: Uttarakhand Founded: 9 November 2000; Uttarakhand Governor:  Lt Gen Gurmit Singh; Uttarakhand Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami; Uttarakhand Capitals: Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer).

 

2. ADB and India sign $251 million loan for Integrated Urban Flood Management in Chennai: The Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed $251-million loan for climate-resilient, integrated urban flood protection and management in the Chennai–Kosasthalaiyar basin to strengthen the resilience of Chennai city to floods. Building disaster-resilient infrastructure will help residents of Chennai–Kosasthalaiyar basin to cope with intensifying rainfall, a higher sea level rise, and a storm surge caused by cyclones, and protect lives, economy, and the environment.

 

3. GoI reconstitutes seven-member Economic Advisory Council-PM: The Central Government of India has reconstituted the seven-member Economic Advisory Council to the PM (EAC-PM). Bibek Debroy continues to be the Chairman of the Council. EAC-PM has been reconstituted for a period of 2 years. EAC-PM was set up in September 2017 with a term of two years and it replaced the erstwhile Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (PMEAC).

Other six members of EAC-PM: (1) Rakesh Mohan; (2) Poonam Gupta; (3) TT Ram Mohan; (4) Sajid Chenoy; (5) Neelkanth Mishra and (6) Nilesh Shah.

 

4. SC set up a committee to Probe unauthorized surveillance using Pegasus: Supreme Court of India has appointed a three-member committee to look into allegations of unauthorized surveillance using Pegasus, a spyware developed by Israeli firm NSO Group. It will be headed by retired judge Justice R V Raveendran. He will supervise the functioning of the technical committee, which will look into the “truth or falsity of the allegations” and will submit a report “expeditiously”. Justice Raveendran was part of the R M Lodha Committee appointed by the SC in 2015 to reform the BCCI.

Committee Other members: 

Naveen Kumar Chaudhary, professor (Cyber Security and Digital Forensics)

Prabaharan P, professor (School of Engineering)

Ashwin Anil Gumaste, institute chair associate professor (Computer Science and Engineering)

 

5. MeitY Startup Hub and Google tie-up to launch ‘Appscale Academy’ Programme: MeitY Startup Hub, an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and Google have partnered to launch ‘Appscale Academy’, a growth and development programme, to train early to mid-stage startups across India. The programme focuses on the emerging startup ecosystem in Tier II and Tier III cities of India to provide them with the help needed to build scalable app solutions. About the Appscale Academy:

(1) Appscale Academy will focus on helping local early to mid-stage startups build and scale a range of world-class apps across domains, including gaming, healthcare, fintech, edtech, social impact, and others.

(2) Applications for the Appscale Academy will be open till December 15, 2021. Out of the applicants, 100 startups will be selected based on defined qualitative and quantitative parameters by a panel of industry experts, members of MeitY Startup Hub, and Google Play.

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

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indo-Canadian Anita Anand appointed Canada’s defence minister: Indo-Canadian Anita Anand became just the second woman to be appointed Canada’s minister of national defence as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his new cabinet. The ministers were sworn in by governor-general Mary May Simon in a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. She is the first woman to serve as defence minister since Kim Campbell in the 1990s.

Note: Canada Capital: Ottawa; Currency: Canadian dollar.

 

2. “Global Climate Tech Investment trend” report: India ranked 9^th: In accordance with the report ‘Five years on: Global climate tech investment trends since the Paris Agreement’ by London & Partners, and Co, India ranked 9th in the list of top 10 countries for climate technology investment from 2016 to 2021. Indian climate tech firms received USD 1 billion in venture capital (VC) funding in this period.

About the report: The report analyzed the trends in the climate sector since the 2016 United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) in Paris, France. The list has been topped by the United States (US) with USD 48 billion which is followed by China USD 18.6 billion.

Top 10 country in the list:

Rank	Country
1	United States (US)
2	China
3	Sweden
4	United Kingdom (UK)
5	France
6	Germany
7	Canada
8	The Netherlands
9	India
10	Singapore

 

3. World Vegan Day: 1st November: World Vegan Day is observed globally on 1st November every year. This day is celebrated to spread the benefits of veganism for humans, non-human animals, and the natural environment. Vegan Day is an opportunity to promote the benefits of a vegan diet and veganism in general.

History of World Vegan Day: The day was established in 1994 by Louise Wallis, then Chair of The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the organisation and the coining of the terms “vegan” and “veganism”. The President of the Vegan Society decided to elect the date of the 1st of November. This is now recognised as the date on which the Vegan Society was founded and on which Vegan Day would be observed.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Google Pay tied up with SBI General Insurance to offer Health Insurance: SBI General Insurance made a technological partnership with Google Pay to enable users to buy SBI General’s health insurance on the Google Pay app. This collaboration marks Google Pay’s 1st partnership with an insurer in India to offer health insurance. The users were enabled to buy both individual and family plans under SBI General’s Arogya Sanjeevani policy through Google Pay Spot.

Note: SBI General Insurance Founded: 24 February 2009; SBI General Insurance Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; SBI General Insurance MD & CEO: Prakash Chandra Kandpal.

 

2. Baldev Prakash appointed as MD & CEO of J&K Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Baldev Prakash as Managing Director and CEO of J&K Bank for a period of three years from the date of taking charge or April 10, 2022, whichever is earlier. The actual date of appointment of Baldev Prakash as MD & CEO of J&K Bank will be announced by the bank subsequently. Rajesh Kumar Chhibber is the present Chairman and Managing Director of J&K Bank. He assumed charge of the bank in June 2019. The government of Jammu & Kashmir holds a majority shareholding of 68.18% in the bank. The headquarters of J&K Bank is located in Srinagar.

Note: Jammu & Kashmir(J&K) Bank Headquarters: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indigenously-built ICGS ‘Sarthak’ dedicated to the Nation: A new Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Sarthak’ has been dedicated to the nation on October 28, 2021. It will be based at Porbandar in Gujarat. The indigenously built ship was commissioned by the Director-General of Indian Coast Guard, K Natarajan, at Goa. ICGS Sarthak is commanded by Deputy Inspector General MM Syed and has a complement of 11 Officers and 110 men.

About the ICGS Sarthak:

(1) ICGS Sarthak is fourth in the series of five Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) being built by Goa Shipyard Limited for the ICG, to boost maritime safety and security of India.

(2) The 105-meter-long ship displacing 2,450 tons is propelled by two 9,100 kilowatt diesel engines designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots.

(3) The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment, machinery, sensors and weapons which enables it to function as a command platform and undertake mandated Coast Guard charter of duties including search & rescue, combating maritime crimes and preserving & protecting the marine environment. Indian Coast Guard is a pioneer in inducting indigenous platforms and ICGS Sarthak is a glowing example of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

Note: Director-General of Indian Coast Guard: Krishnaswamy Natarajan; Indian Coast Guard Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Hiroshima nuclear bomb attack survivor, Sunao Tsuboi passes away: Hiroshima nuclear bomb attack survivor, Sunao Tsuboi has passed away. A leading Japanese campaigner against nuclear weapons who survived the world’s first atomic bomb attack has died at the age of 96. Some 140,000 people were killed and Tsuboi dedicated his life to campaigning to eradicate nuclear arms. He met Barack Obama on his historic visit to Hiroshima as US president.

 

2. Eminent Oncologist Padma Shri Dr Madhavan Krishnan Nair passed away: Padma Shri Dr Madhavan Krishnan Nair, an eminent Oncologist and the founding director of the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), has passed away. He has served as a member of the expert group that prepared the National Cancer Control Plan of India. He has also served on the Expert Advisory Panel on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO). The GoI has honoured him with the Padma Shri for medicine in 2001.

Daily GK Update- 31st Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Maharashtra became 1st state to pass its own Wildlife Action Plan 2021-30: During the 17th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL), the government of Maharashtra approved its own Wildlife Action Plan (2021-2030), which will be implemented over the next 10 years. Maharashtra became India’s first state to pass its own Wildlife Action Plan. The board has also approved the extension of the boundary of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, in the Chandrapur district of the Vidarbha region, by around 79 sq km.

The plan has suggested integrating climate change adaption in wildlife conservation. “To develop a Climate Action Plan for the Coastal Region of the state in sync with the ‘State Climate Change Action Plan’ with special emphasis on ‘Climate Change Adaptation’ (CCA) and ‘Disaster Risk Reduction (DDR)’,” the plan states.

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

 

2. India and ADB inks $4.5 million project readiness financing loan for Mizoram: The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $4.5 million project readiness financing (PRF) loan, for the proposed Aizawl Sustainable Urban Transport Project. The project will support preparation and design activities to improve urban mobility in Aizawl, the capital city of the northeastern state of Mizoram.

 

3. Expenditure Finance Committee approves Rs 2,117 cr Nag River revitalization project: The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) of Department of Expenditure, under Ministry Of Finance has approved the Nag River revitalization project. The project was conceptualised by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for Nagpur in Maharashtra. The Rs 2,117 crore ambitious project includes construction of three STP projects, a 500-kilometer sewerage network, a pumping station and community toilets. The project is proposed to be completed in 8 years.

 

4. Microsoft launches AI Innovate initiative to empower startups in India: Microsoft has announced the launch of a new program to support the startup ecosystem in India. The “Microsoft AI Innovate” is a 10-week initiative that will support startups in India that are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), to scale operations, drive innovation, and build industry expertise. The new program is open for both B2B and B2C startups, from diverse industries including financial services, healthcare, education, agriculture, space, manufacturing and logistics, retail, and e-commerce. The program has been launched in collaboration with TiE Mumbai.

 

5. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day: 31st October: In India, the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is observed every year on October 31 since 2014, to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This year marks the 146th anniversary of the great leader who played an instrumental role in India’s struggle for independence, and later during the integration of the country.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi participates 18th ASEAN-India summit virtually: Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has attended the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Summit virtually. This was the 9th ASEAN-India Summit attended by PM Modi. The Summit was held under the chairmanship of the Sultan of Brunei. The Heads of State/Government of the ASEAN Countries participated in the Summit to review the status of the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership and progress made in key areas of Covid-19 & Health, Trade & Commerce, Connectivity, and Education & Culture. The year 2022 will mark 30 years of ASEAN-India relations partnership, and will be celebrated as ‘ASEAN-India Friendship Year’.

 

2. Mansukh Mandaviya addresses CII Asia Health 2021 Summit: The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya participated in the CII Asia Health 2021 summit on October 28, 2021, through video-conferencing. The theme of the two-day summit is ‘Transforming Healthcare for a better tomorrow. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has organised the summit to provide a centralised forum to deliberate on the most critical challenges that India and the world face in delivering healthcare, with a focus on the digital transformations that result in improved patient outcomes and experience.

The Union Health Minister highlighted the successful initiatives taken by the Hon’ble Prime Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic to increase public awareness. He mentioned how campaigns like ‘Dawai Bhi Kadai Bhi’ and ‘Do Gaj ki Doori, Mask hai Zaruri’ reached out to the masses and helped curb the COVID-19 infection in the country.

 

3. World Cities Day: 31st October: The United Nations General Assembly has designated the 31st of October as World Cities Day. The Day is celebrated to promote the international community’s interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contribute to sustainable urban development around the world. The global theme of World Cities Day 2021 is “Adapting cities for climate resilience”, acknowledging that integrated climate resilience policies and action plans will greatly reduce climate-related risks for urban populations.

History of World Cities Day: Urban October was launched by UN-Habitat in 2014 to emphasize the world’s urban challenges and engage the international community towards the New Urban Agenda. World Cities Day 2021 is the Eighth global celebration since the day was launched on 31 October 2014 in Shanghai, China.

 

4. World Thrift Day: 31st October: World Thrift Day is celebrated every year on October 31, across the world, but in India, the day is celebrated annually on October 30. This day is celebrated to promote the importance of savings and how saving money is important in today’s world. It is an important day to be remembered for individuals as well as the country’s economy. Savings, as we all know, is a necessity for every depositor who contributes to economic development.

History of the day: World Savings Day was first introduced in 1924 as World Thrift Day at the first International Thrift Congress held in Milan, Italy. It was decided that the day will be marked across the globe to encourage the idea of saving money and restore the public’s confidence in banks. The day was established in 1925 during the 1st International Savings Bank Congress (World Society of Savings Banks). As people were not sure about saving after the First World War, the idea was to make people aware of the significance of saving money.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Netherland’s Ryan ten Doeschate retired from International Cricket: Ryan ten Doeschate, the 41-year-old Cricket all-rounder from the Netherlands, announced retirement from International Cricket after Netherland failed to qualify for the Super 12 stage of the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup. During the qualifiers, Netherland lost to Namibia and failed to enter the Super 12 stage, which was his last international match. Ryan ten Doeschate has scored 2074 runs from 57 international Test matches, 1541 runs from 33 One Day Internationals & 533 runs from 24 T20 internationals, since his debut in 2006.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. AU Small Finance Bank launches QR Code Sound Box: The AU Small Finance Bank has announced the launch of a QR Code Sound Box, to provide instant voice-based payment alerts to merchant partners. It is a first-of-its kind product launched by a bank. What is QR code sound box: It is a small and portable speaker, having a dedicated SIM slot for data connectivity, to give voice notification. The device will help the small merchants to run their operations smoothly without the need to read SMS every time when a customer makes a payment.

 

2. K V Kamath named as chairperson of NaBFID: The government of India has appointed K V Kamath as chairperson of the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID). He is a well-known banker in India and is the first head of the New Development Bank (NDB). NaBFID is a newly set up development financial institution (DFIs) in India. It has been set up for infrastructure financing as per the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) Act 2021. The authorized share capital of the NaBFID is Rs one lakh crore. The initial paid-up capital of NaBFID is Rs 20,000 crore.

Note: The headquarters of NaBFID is in Mumbai.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Mark Zuckerberg changes Facebook’s name to Meta: Facebook is now called Meta, in a rebrand that focuses on building the “metaverse,” a shared virtual environment that it bets will be the successor to the mobile internet. The name change, the plan for which was first reported by the Verge, is a significant rebrand for Facebook, but not it’s first. In 2019 it launched a new logo to create a distinction between the company and its social app.

Metaverse: The metaverse is a term coined in the dystopian novel “Snow Crash” three decades ago and now attracting buzz in Silicon Valley. Zuckerberg said the new name, coming from the Greek word for “beyond,” symbolized there was always more to build. It refers broadly to the idea of a shared virtual realm that can be accessed by people using different devices.

Reason to change its name: The name change comes as the world’s largest social media company battles criticisms from lawmakers and regulators over its market power, algorithmic decisions and the policing of abuses on its services.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. TVS Motor Company awarded India Green Energy Award 2020: TVS Motor Company has been awarded the ‘Outstanding Renewable Energy User’ at the third Edition of India Green Energy Award 2020 by the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE). The award was presented by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. IFGE has recognized the efforts of TVS Motor in researching and implementing the use of alternative power sources in the renewable energy domain while ensuring their longevity and stability.

Daily GK Update- 30th Oct, 2021

 

aNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. R K Singh launches the Green Day Ahead Market (GDAM): The Union Minister of Power & New and Renewable Energy, R K Singh has launched a new market segment, “Green Day Ahead Market (GDAM)”. This makes India as the only large electricity market in the world to implement a GDAM exclusively for renewable energy. The launch of the green day-ahead market will deepen the green market and will provide competitive price signals, besides offering an opportunity to market participants to trade in green energy, in the most transparent, flexible, competitive, and efficient manner. About the initiative:

(1) The new initiative will open the renewable energy sector to enable anyone to set up the capacity and sell it to distribution companies and industries.

(2) Meanwhile, the electricity generation and distribution companies will be able to buy or sell renewable energy through open access.

(3) The market-based competitive prices will provide another option to renewable generators to sell power as well as accelerate the renewable capacity addition towards the government’s vision of building India as a sustainable and efficient energy economy.

 

2. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launched ‘Go Green’ Scheme: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has launched the ‘Go-Green’ scheme & its Portal to provide electric two-wheelers at subsidised rates to construction and industrial workers of the state. The scheme is aimed at reducing fuel bills and also curbing vehicular pollution. The organised sector workers, such as an industrial labourer, would get a subsidy of 30 per cent on the vehicle’s price or Rs. 30,000, whichever is less, on the purchase of battery-powered two-wheelers. For construction sector workers, 50 per cent subsidy or Rs. 30,000, whichever is less on the purchase of battery-powered two-wheelers.

Note: Gujarat Capital: Gandhinagar; Gujarat Governor: Acharya Devvrat; Gujarat Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel.

 

3. MSME Ministry launches “SAMBHAV” National Level Awareness Programme: The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) has launched an e-National Level Awareness Programme ‘SAMBHAV”, to promote engagement of the youth in promoting entrepreneurship. The e-National Level Awareness Programme 2021 ‘SAMBHAV” was launched by Union Minister of MSME Narayan Rane in New Delhi. About the campaign:

(1) The mass outreach program will be a one-month long initiative under the Ministry of MSME in which students from different colleges/ITIs from all parts of the country will be encouraged by 130 field offices of the Ministry to take up entrepreneurship.

(2) During the campaign, the college students will be made aware of the various schemes being implemented by the Ministry of MSME through Audio/Video film presentations.

(3) Awareness programs will be conducted in more than 1,300 colleges across the country in which 1,50,000 students are expected to participate.

 

4. Ramesh Pokhriyal gifted his book ‘AIIMS Mein Ek Jang Ladte Hue’ to PM Modi: The former Union Minister of Education Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has gifted a copy of his book titled ‘AIIMS Mein Ek Jang Ladte Hue’ to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in Delhi. The book was written by Pokhriyal while he was battling COVID-19 at AIIMS in Delhi. The book was published by Prabhat Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi attend 16th East Asia Summit virtually: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has participated in the 16th East Asia Summit (EAS) through a video conference on October 27, 2021, during which he re-affirmed India’s focus on a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and the principle of ASEAN Centrality in the region. The 16th EAS was hosted under the Chairmanship of Brunei. This was the 7th East Asia Summit for Prime Minister Modi.

About the Summit:

(1) The Summit ended with the adoption of three Statements by EAS leaders, which includes, Mental Health, Economic recovery through Tourism and Sustainable Recovery.

(2) Established in 2005, the East Asia Summit is the premier leader-led forum in the Asia-Pacific region to deal with issues relating to security and defence for the strategic, geopolitical and economic evolution of East Asia.

(3) The members of EAS includes 10 ASEAN member states, and India, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Russia.

 

2. Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue commences: Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2021 is being organized as a three-day online event on 27, 28 and 29 October 2021. IPRD 2021 will focus on the theme ‘Evolution in Maritime Strategy during the 21st Century: Imperatives, Challenges and Way Ahead’. It will focus on eight specific sub-themes.

About the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue:

(1) The National Maritime Foundation is the Indian Navy’s knowledge partner for IPRD 2021. It is also the Indian Navy’s chief organiser for IPRD 2021.

(2) Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) is the apex international annual conference of the Indian Navy. It was first conducted in 2018.

(3) IPRD aims to review both opportunities and challenges that arise within the Indo-Pacific.

 

3. Shavkat Mirziyoyev re-elected as President of Uzbekistan: Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the incumbent President of Uzbekistan has won a 2nd five-year term as the President of Uzbekistan. He is a member of the UzLiDeP (Uzbekistan Liberal Democratic Party). Shavkat Mirziyoyev took office in 2016 following the death of Islam Karimov, the first post-independence president of Uzbekistan.

Note: Uzbekistan Capital: Tashkent; Uzbekistan Currency: Uzbekistani som; Uzbekistan Prime Minister: Abdulla Aripov.

 

4. France launched Military Communications Satellite “Syracuse 4A”: France has successfully launched a state-of-the-art satellite namely ‘Syracuse 4A’ into orbit which was carried off by Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou, in French Guiana. It is designed to allow France’s armed forces across the globe to communicate swiftly and securely. The satellite can survey its close surroundings and move itself to escape an attack.

Syracuse IV produces a throughput three times higher (1.5 Gbit/sec) than Syracuse III by operating in two bands: X and Ka. Three satellites are to be placed in orbit: the second in 2022 and the third on an unknown date. The total cost of the Syracuse IV programme is EUR3.6 billion (nearly USD4.2 billion). Syracuse IV is the first French military satellite with the ability to detect other satellites that are trying to gather information from it or to destroy it.

Note: France Capital: Paris; France Currency: Euro; France Prime Minister: Jean Castex.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Kotak Mahindra Bank tied up with IndiGo to launch ‘Ka-ching’ Credit Card: IndiGo and Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) entered into a strategic partnership for the launch of a co-branded credit card named ‘Ka-ching’. The credit card was launched under IndiGo’s 6E Rewards programme and linked with it to enable the members to earn rewards by using the card on IndiGo and other merchants. The co-branded card will be available in 2 variants such as 6E Rewards and 6E Rewards XL by offering exclusive travel benefits for domestic and international travel.

Note: Kotak Mahindra Bank Founded: 2003; Kotak Mahindra Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Kotak Mahindra Bank MD & CEO: Uday Kotak; Kotak Mahindra Bank Tagline: Let’s make money simple.

 

2. HDFC Ltd and India Post Payments Bank partnered to Offer Home Loans: HDFC Ltd and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) made a strategic partnership to offer HDFC Ltd’s home loans to 4.7 crore customers of IPPB through its wide network of 650 branches and over 1.36 lakh banking access points. The partnership helps to promote affordable housing in the remotest locations of India. Under the partnership, IPPB will offer home loans for customers in unbanked and underserved areas through nearly 1,90,000 banking service providers including postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks.

Note: MD and CEO of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB): J Venkatramu; India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) was incorporated as Payments Banking Company under Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. FloBiz Neobank signed Manoj Bajpayee as Brand Ambassador: FloBiz, a neobank for Indian Small to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs), announced Padma Shri Awardee actor Manoj Bajpayee as the brand ambassador for its flagship product. He will promote the ‘’Business Ko Le Seriously’’ campaign to mark the importance of digital solutions. He has signed to accelerate myBillBook’s outreach to the SMB sector and promote the adoption of myBillBook– a simple to use GST (Good & Services Tax) billing and accounting software.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Rajnath Singh chairs Ambassadors’ Round Table for DefExpo 2022: In a major outreach to the friendly foreign countries as also to the defence manufacturing industries of the world, Raksha Mantri, Rajnath Singh has chaired the Ambassadors’ Round Table for Def Expo 2022, in New Delhi. DefExpo 2022 will be Asia’s largest defence exhibition. The Round Table was aimed to brief the Ambassadors of foreign missions about the planning, arrangements and other details of DefExpo 2022, which will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat between March 10-13, 2022.

More than 200 delegates, including Ambassadors, Heads of Missions and Defence Attaches attended the Round Table, reflecting the growing global interest in the Indian Defence space. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Raj Kumar and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence & Government of Gujarat were also present.

 

2. India successfully test-fires “Agni-5” ballistic missile: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried successful test-firing of surface-to-surface ballistic missile Agni-5 on October 27, 2021, from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. Agni-5 is a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which uses a three-stage solid-fuelled engine. The missile can strike targets at ranges up to 5,000 km with a very high degree of accuracy.

The indigenously-developed surface-to-surface missile, Agni-5, is capable of striking a target more than 5,000 km. It is about 17-metre long, 2-metre wide and has a launch weight of around 50 tonnes. The missile can carry a nuclear warhead of more than one tonne. The successful test of Agni-5 is in line with India’s stated policy to have ‘credible minimum deterrence’ that underpins the commitment to ‘No First Use’.

Daily GK Update- 29th Oct, 2021

 

aNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Culture Minister G.K Reddy launches Amrit Mahotsav Podcast: The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, G.K Reddy has launched the Amrit Mahotsav Podcast, as a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration by the ministry. The Amrit Mahotsav Podcast series (Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani) is a tribute to the Indian National Army (persons and movements), which significantly contributed to India’s freedom struggle, some of which have remained untold and not found a place in the conventional storyline. As an ode to the sacrifices made, it is only befitting to salute these heroes by recollecting their stories of courage and valour as part of commemorating 75 years of India’s independence.

 

2. Goa became the 1st state to achieve ODF and Electricity for each household: Goa has achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) and Electricity for every household. The original ODF protocol was issued in the year 2016. According to it, a city or ward is notified as ODF city or ward if not a single person is found defecating in the open, at any point of the day. Goa has also become the first state to provide tap water to every household under the “Har Ghar Jal Mission”. Apart from that, Goa achieved a 100 per cent target to provide free ration to the poor and needy. It has also completed 100 per cent first dose of covid-19 vaccination.

Note: Goa Capital: Panaji; Goa CM: Pramod Sawant; Goa Governor: S. Sreedharan Pillai.

 

3. National Steering Committee for NIPUN Bharat Mission setup by govt: Department of School Education and Literacy has constituted the National Steering Committee (NSC) for the implementation of the NIPUN Bharat Mission. It seeks to develop a methodology of assessment to analyze the progress of education and provide feedback to States/UTs. To achieve the goal of universal proficiency in foundational literacy and numeracy for every child by end of Class 3 by 2026-27. The Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will be the Chairperson of the NSC and Minister of State for Education, Smt. Annpurna Devi will be the Vice-Chairperson.

 

4. Centre to set up two container-based mobile hospitals with 100 beds in Delhi and Chennai: The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced that up two container-based mobile hospitals with all healthcare facilities is planned to be set up under the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. The hospital will be first of its kind in Asia. The unique feature of the hospitals will be that they can be rushed to any place, by rail or air to address a health emergency. The two hospitals will be placed in Delhi and Chennai. They would have 100 beds each and each hospital unit would have 33 containers for emergency medical care.

 

5. India’s first Radio over Internet Protocol system inaugurated in Kolkata: The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SPM) in Kolkata has become the first Major Indian Port to get a Radio over Internet Protocol (ROIP) System. The ROIP was inaugurated by Vinit Kumar, Chairman of SPM, on October 25, 2021.  SMP, Kolkata has been constantly maintaining its pivotal position in Indian Major Ports for the past 152 years. ROIP system is a long-range marine communication solution, to aid especially during storms and inclement weather. Using the ROIP mode of communication, the vessels at Sandheads can be directly communicated via Radio, from Kolkata. The solution shall cover the entire Hugli River Estuary from Kolkata to Sandheads, and will have base stations at 4 Locations: Kolkata, Hugli point, Haldia and Sagar Pilot Station.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. N. Sitharaman virtually attends 6th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of AIIB: The Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman has participated in the 6th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) through a video conference from New Delhi. The theme of the Annual Meeting of AIIB was “Investing Today and Transforming Tomorrow”.

This year the meeting was jointly organized by AIIB in collaboration with the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The basic objective of the annual meet is to take key decisions on important matters relating to AIIB, and its future vision. The Finance Minister of India shared her thoughts on the theme “COVID-19 Crisis and Post-COVID Support”, during the Governor’s Roundtable Discussion.

 

2. A new Book titled “Kamala Harris: Phenomenal Woman” by Chidanand Rajghatta: Renowned journalist and writer Chidanand Rajghatta have authored a new book “Kamala Harris: Phenomenal Woman”, a biography of Kamala Harris, the first women Vice President of the United States of America (USA). The book features the life incidents of Kamala Harris, a woman of mixed race (India and Jamaica) who has become the first Indian descent, the first woman to become the vice president of the USA.

 

3. International Internet Day: 29th October: International Internet Day is celebrated on October 29 every year across the world to celebrate the usage of the internet for the first time. The ​day marks the sending of the first electronic message which was transferred from one computer to another in 1969. At that time the Internet was known as ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network).

History of the day: Charley Kline, a student programmer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), transmitted the first-ever electronic message ‘LO’ on October 29, 1969. The first International Internet Day was celebrated on October 29, 2005, to celebrate this momentous event in the history of telecommunications and technology.

 

4. World Psoriasis Day: 29th October: World Psoriasis Day is observed every year on 29 October by the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) to promote awareness, empowerment, and action for improving the quality of life for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The theme for 2021 World Psoriasis Day is “Uniting for action”.

About Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a kind of skin disorder that reasons skin cells to multiply up to ten times faster. Psoriasis causes the skin to build up into bumpy red patches embraced with white scales.

Note: President of International Federation of Psoriasis Associations: Hoseah Waweru; International Federation of Psoriasis Associations Founded: 1971; International Federation of Psoriasis Associations Headquarters: Sweden.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Ahmedabad and Lucknow are the two new teams of the IPL: Ahmedabad and Lucknow are the two new teams that will be part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2022. Hence taking the total number of teams in the competition to ten. RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG) is the owner of the Lucknow team while CVC Capital Partners is the owner of the Ahmedabad team. RPSG group has won the bid for Lucknow at Rs. 7090 crore, while CVC Capitals a.k.a Irelia has won the bid for Ahmedabad at Rs. 5625 crore. The IPL’s first season was played in 2008. There have been fourteen seasons of the IPL tournament. The 15th season will see 10 teams competing for the IPL title.

 

2. Fabio Quartararo wins the 2021 MotoGP World Championship: Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo became the ‘’2021 MotoGP World Champion’’. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) secured second and Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar), finished third. Fabio Quartararo is the sixth-youngest rider to clinch a premier class world title, aged 22 years, 187 days on race day of the Emilia Romagna GP.

Quartararo became the first French rider to clinch a premier class world title and the seventh overall in GP racing along with Johann Zarco (2 titles), Mike Di Meglio (1), Arnaud Vincent (1), Olivier Jacque (1), Christian Sarron (1) and Jean-Louis Tournadre (1).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Union Bank, CDAC join hands for cyber security: The Union Bank of India (UBI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Hyderabad to launch a 1st of its kind initiative on Cyber Security Awareness. CDAC will assist UBI in educating its employees & customers with awareness on Cyber Security & tips to protect themselves from Cyber fraud. The Bank has previously launched an e-book & an online game ‘Spin-N-Learn’, as a part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October).

The association with CDAC, Hyderabad will help the bank in conducting online and offline sessions on cyber security awareness as well as mass campaigns and social media campaigns to educate the staff, customers besides preparation of information security material. As part of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the bank launched an e-book and Spin-N-Learn, an online game on its website besides conducting on Monday conclave.

Note: Union Bank of India Founded: 1919; Union Bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Union Bank of India MD & CEO: Rajkiran Rai G; Union Bank of India Tagline: Good People to Bank with.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. CCI approves acquisition of 4.99% stake in HDFC ERGO by HDFC Bank: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 4.99 percent of the outstanding equity share capital in HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company by private sector lender HDFC Bank. HDFC Bank will acquire 3.56 crore shares or 4.99% stake for Rs 1,906 crore from the parent company Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC). HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company is a joint venture between HDFC and European insurer ERGO International AG. The proposed combination will enable the lender to participate in the growth opportunity of HDFC ERGO General Insurance and create long-term value for its shareholders, as per a combination notice filed with the regulator.

Note: HDFC Bank Headquarters: Mumbai; HDFC Bank Founded: August 1994; HDFC Bank CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan; HDFC Bank Tagline: We understand your world.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Tsitsi Dangarembga receives Peace Prize of the German Book Trade 2021: The Peace Prize of the German Book Trade 2021 has been awarded to the Zimbabwean author and a filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga for a “new Enlightenment”, a work on violence in her country and all over the world by Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, an association of German book publishers and booksellers. Dangarembga is the first black woman to win the German Peace Prize. She has won the PEN Pinter prize 2021. Her debut novel, Nervous conditions were the first to be published in English by black women from Zimbabwe.

About German Peace Prize: Awarded by: Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, the German Publishers and Booksellers Association, Germany; Prize money: 25,000 euros.

 

 

 

 

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