Daily GK Update- 5th Nov, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 5th edition of “Ganga Utsav 2021” concluded: The 5th edition of the three-day-long Ganga Utsav was organised from November 01 to 03, 2021 in virtual format. The “Ganga Utsav 2021 – The River Festival “not only celebrate the glory of the river Ganga but all the rivers of the country to promote the celebration of ‘Nadi Utsav’ (River Festival). The 2021 event has been organised under the leadership of the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. About the event:

(1) The annual event is organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) jointly with the Ministry of Jal Shakti to mark the anniversary of the announcement of River Ganga as the ‘National River’ on November 04, 2008..

(2) The 2021 celebrations is the part of the 75 years of Independence and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.

(3) On the first day of the festival, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) got registered in the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest number of photos of handwritten notes uploaded on Facebook in an hour.

 

2. Haryana Govt launched ‘Uttam Beej portal’: Chief Minister (CM) of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar has launched the ‘Uttam Beej portal’ which will benefit the farmers of Haryana by providing quality seeds with transparency. The portal will provide transparency in the seed production programme arranged by both the Government and private seed producing agencies and ensure the quality of certified seeds.

This seed portal has been linked with Meri Fasal Mera Byora Portal and Family Identity Card ID. Meri Fasal Mera Byora Portal offers particulars to all these farmers who’ve land or who’ve given their land on contract and should promote their crop. Farmers will now get good high-quality seeds, which can improve their manufacturing and revenue. Along with authorities businesses, non-public visa businesses will even should register.

Note: Haryana Capital: Chandigarh; Haryana Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya; Haryana Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar.

 

3. National Tribal Dance Festival 2021 held in Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh has observed the annual 2nd National Tribal Dance Festival 2021 at Raipur’s Science College ground as a part of the tourism development plan of the state. It was inaugurated by the Chief Minister (CM) of Jharkhand Hemant Soren and CM of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel. This year’s event was clubbed with Chattisgarh’s Rajyotsava (state foundation day- November 1, 2021).

The festival will host artists belonging to diverse tribal communities from countries including Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Syria, Mali, Palestine, and the Kingdom of Eswatini. The artists from tribal areas of Bastar, Dantewada, Koriya, Korba, Bilaspur, Gariabandh, Mainpur, Dhura, Dhamtari, Surguja and Jashpur in Chhattisgarh will represent their culture and traditions through their dance forms.

Note: Chhattisgarh Capital: Raipur; Chhattisgarh Governor: Anusuiya Uikey; Chhattisgarh Chief Minister: Bhupesh Baghel.

 

4. A book on Rani Laxmibai’s lawyer John Lang authored by Amit Ranjan: Amit Ranjan authored a book titled “John Lang: Wanderer of Hindoostan, Slanderer of Hindoostanee, Lawyer for the Ranee”. The book is about John Lang’s life, his exploits, and literary works. He was an Australian journalist and lawyer who settled in India in the 19th century. He fought many cases against the British and also represented Rani Laxmibai in her legal battle against the annexation of her kingdom of Jhansi by the East India Company (EIC).

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. WHO approves Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for emergency use: Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin has got WHO approval as the technical advisory team has recommended the India-made vaccine for emergency use listing for 18 years and above. This marks a major victory for India’s journey in vaccination against Covid-19. Covaxin is a vaccine, completely ‘made in India’, by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council of Medical Research. WHO has so far approved Covid-19 vaccines of Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca-SK Bio/Serum Institute of India, Johnson 7 Johnson – Janssen, Moderna, and Sinopharm for emergency use.

The emergency listing got delayed last month as the technical advisory group sought some additional clarification from Bharat Biotech for its final risk assessment. The technical advisory group met to take the final call, and Covaxin has been recommended for emergency use listing. Covaxin has demonstrated 77.8 per cent effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 and 65.2 per cent protection against the new Delta variant.

Note: WHO Established: 7 April 1948; WHO Director General: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; WHO Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

 

2. World Tsunami Awareness Day: 5th November: World Tsunami Awareness Day was observed across the world on 5 November. The day is celebrated to spread awareness among people across the world in matters related to the dangers of tsunami. In 2021, World Tsunami Awareness Day promotes “Sendai Seven Campaign,” target (f), which aims to ‘substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries through adequate and sustainable support to complement their national actions for implementation of the present Framework by 2030.’

World Tsunami Day History: World Tsunami Day was first officially observed on 5 November 2016 After the announcement of the UN General assembly on 22 December 2015. The UN General Assembly called all the countries in international bodies to raise awareness about this natural disaster and share product ideas.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian GM P Iniyan won Rujna Zora chess tournament: Indian Grandmaster (GM) P Iniyan has won the 5th Rujna Zora chess tournament held at Serbia. International Master (IM) Makarian Rudik of Russia finished 2nd and another Indian Player V S Raaghul finished 3rd and IM S. Nitin placed 4th. P Iniyan is the 16th Indian Grand Master from Erode, Tamil Nadu. His current International Chess Federation (FIDE) ratings is 2556.

Note: International Chess Federation (FIDE) Founded: 1924 in Paris, France; International Chess Federation (FIDE) Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; International Chess Federation (FIDE) President: Arkady Dvorkovich.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Axis Bank signed MoU with Indian Navy to offer ‘Power Salute’: Axis Bank signed an MoU with the Indian Navy to offer a defence service salary package under ‘’Power Salute’’ at New Delhi. Through the agreement, the bank will provide several benefits to all ranks of Indian Navy veterans and cadets. ICICI Bank also renewed its MoU with the Indian Army to offer enhanced benefits and new features through its ‘Defence Salary Account’ (DSA) to all serving as well as retired Army personnel. Major benefits included under “Power Salute” are an accidental cover up to INR 56 lakh, children education grants up to INR 8 lakh, total permanent disability cover up to INR 46 lakh, partial permanent disability cover of up to INR 46 lakh and air accidental cover of INR 1 crore, zero processing fee and 12 EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) waivers on the home loan.

Note: Axis Bank Founded: 3 December 1993; Axis Bank Headquarters: Mumbai; Axis Bank MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhary; Axis Bank Chairperson: Shri Rakesh Makhija.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. IREDA launches ‘Whistle Blower’ portal: The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has launched a ‘Whistle-blower Portal’ as a part of the celebration of ‘Vigilance Awareness Week 2021’. The portal was launched by Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), IREDA on November 02, 2021.

About the Whistle-blower Portal: The Whistle-blower Portal has been developed by the IT Team of the company and will help the IREDA employees to raise concerns related to fraud, corruption, abuse of power among other things. The IREDA is a PSU under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) established as a Non-Banking Financial Institution.

Note: IREDA Headquarters location: New Delhi; IREDA Founded: 11 March 1987.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. National Sports Awards 2021 announced: The National Sports Awards for the year 2021 were announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. President of India Shri Ramnath Kovind will felicitate the awardees on November 13, 2021. The National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Given below is the list of selected sportsperson who will receive these awards this year.

 

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2021:
Name of the Sportsperson	Discipline
Neeraj Chopra	Athletics
Ravi Kumar	Wrestling
Lovlina Borgohain	Boxing
Sreejesh P.R	Hockey
Avani Lekhara	Para Shooting
Sumit Antil	Para Athletics
Pramod Bhagat	Para-Badminton
Krishna Nagar	Para-Badminton
Manish Narwal	Para Shooting
Mithali Raj	Cricket
Sunil Chhetri	Football
Manpreet Singh	Hockey
Arjuna Awards for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2021:
Name of the Sportsperson	Discipline
Arpinder Singh	Athletics
SimranjitKaur	Boxing
Shikhar Dhawan	Cricket
Bhavani Devi Chadalavada Anandha Sundhararaman	Fencing
Monika	Hockey
VandanaKatariya	Hockey
SandeepNarwal	Kabaddi
HimaniUttamParab	Mallakhamb
Abhishek Verma	Shooting
Ankita Raina	Tennis
Deepak Punia	Wrestling
Dilpreet Singh	Hockey
Harman Preet Singh	Hockey
Rupinder Pal Singh	Hockey
Surender Kumar	Hockey
AmitRohidas	Hockey
BirendraLakra	Hockey
Sumit	Hockey
Nilakanta Sharma	Hockey
Hardik Singh	Hockey
Vivek Sagar Prasad	Hockey
Gurjant Singh	Hockey
Mandeep Singh	Hockey
Shamsher Singh	Hockey
Lalit Kumar Upadhyay	Hockey
Varun Kumar	Hockey
Simranjeet Singh	Hockey
YogeshKathuniya	Para Athletics
Nishad Kumar	Para Athletics
Praveen Kumar	Para Athletics
SuhashYathiraj	Para-Badminton
SinghrajAdhana	Para Shooting
Bhavina Patel	Para Table Tennis
Harvinder Singh	Para Archery
Sharad Kumar	Para Athletics
Dronacharya Award for outstanding coaches in Sports and Games 2021 (Life-Time Category):
Name of the Coach	Discipline
T. P. Ouseph	Athletics
SarkarTalwar	Cricket
Sarpal Singh	Hockey
Ashan Kumar	Kabaddi
Tapan Kumar Panigrahi	Swimming
Dronacharya Award for outstanding coaches in Sports and Games 2021 (Regular Category):
Name of the Coach	Discipline
Radhakrishnan Nair P	Athletics
SandhyaGurung	Boxing
PritamSiwach	Hockey
Jai PrakashNautiyal	Para Shooting
Subramanian Raman	Table Tennis
Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Games 2021:
Name	Discipline
Lekha K.C.	Boxing
AbhijeetKunte	Chess
Davinder Singh Garcha	Hockey
Vikas Kumar	Kabaddi
Sajjan Singh	Wrestling
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2021:
Category	Entity recommended for RashtriyaKhelProtsahanPuraskar, 2021
Identification and Nurturing of Budding and Young Talent	ManavRachna Educational Institution
Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility	Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2021:
Panjab University: Chandigarh.

 

Daily GK Update- 4th Nov, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Minister Amit Shah launches the “Dairy Sahakar” scheme: The Union Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah has launched the “Dairy Sahakar” scheme at Anand, Gujarat during a function organised by Amul to celebrate the 75th Foundation Year of Amul. The total outlay of the Dairy Sahakar scheme is Rs 5000 crore. The scheme will be implemented by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under the Ministry of Cooperation.

About the scheme: The scheme will supplement the existing efforts of strengthening the dairy sector in the country, doubling the farmer’s income as well as realizing the vision of ‘from cooperation to prosperity’. Under the scheme, NCDC will extend financial support to eligible cooperatives for activities like bovine development, milk procurement, processing, quality assurance, value addition, branding, packaging, marketing, transportation and storage of milk and milk products, exports of dairy products among others.

 

2. Union Minister Jitendra Singh launches ‘Samudrayan Project’: The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh officially launched India’s First Manned Ocean Mission called the “Samudrayan project” at Chennai. The Unique Ocean Mission aims to have deep underwater manned vehicles for carrying out subsea activities. With this technology, India joins the elite club of nations such as the USA, Russia, Japan, France and China to have such underwater vehicles. About the Project:

(1) The Unique Ocean Mission aims to have deep underwater manned vehicles for carrying out subsea activities.

(2) The deepwater manned submersible has been codenamed as the ‘MATSYA 6000’.

(3) It is developed by the Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).

(4) The technology will help to conduct deep-ocean exploration of the non-living resources located at a depth of about 1000 and 5500 meters, such as polymetallic manganese nodules, gas hydrates, hydro-thermal sulphides and cobalt crusts.

 

3. Public Affairs Index 2021: Kerala topped in governance performance: According to the 6th edition of the Public Affairs Index (PAI 2021) report by the Public Affairs Centre (PAC), a Bengaluru- based non-profit think tank, the top three slots have been taken by Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana among 18 large states. PAI 2021 highlights the state government’s quality governance and especially the state’s government involvement over the curb of Covid-19.

Toppers among large states:

1)      Kerala (1.618)

2)      Tamil Nadu (0.857)

3)      Telangana (0.891)

 

Toppers among small states:

1)      Sikkim (1.617)

2)      Meghalaya (1.144)

3)      Mizoram (1.123)

 

Toppers among Union Territories:

1)      Puducherry (1.182)

2)      Jammu and Kashmir (0.705)

3)      Chandigarh (0.628)

 

4. IRCTC & Truecaller partnered to reduce fraud in the railways: The Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has partnered with Truecaller India to provide passengers with greater trust in communication. This partnership aims to reduce fraud in the railways. Under this partnership, the integrated National Railways Helpline 139 has been verified by Truecaller Business Identity solutions. This partnership aims to assure the passengers that critical communications such as booking details and PNR status are delivered only by IRCTC.

Note: IRCTC Founded: 27th September 1999; IRCTC Headquarters: New Delhi; IRCTC CMD (Additional Charge): Rajni Hasija.

 

5. GoI appoints Ashok Bhushan as NCLAT Chairperson: The Centre has appointed former Supreme Court Judge Justice Ashok Bhushan as the new Chairperson of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), for a period of four years or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is the earliest. He was the former Chief Justice of Kerala High Court. NCLAT was formed by the government under Section 410 of the Companies Act, 2013. Apart from this, Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar has been appointed as the new President of the quasi-judicial body, National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for five years or till he attains the age of 67 years. Justice Sudhakar was the former Chief Justice of Manipur High Court.

Note: National Company Law Appellate Tribunal Founded: 1 June 2016.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Glasgow climate summit 2021: PM Modi speech highlights: Addressing the COP26 Glasgow Climate Summit held in Scotland, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India will reach net-zero carbon emission by 2070. PM Modi stressed on a five-point plan or ‘Panchamrit’ to fight the devastating effects of global warming and climate change. More than 120 world leaders were present at the COP26 Glasgow Climate Summit. India is the last of the world’s major carbon polluters to announce a net-zero target. China has said that it would reach the net-zero carbon emission goal in 2060 while the United States and the European Union are aiming for reaching the goal by 2050. Highlights from PM Modi’s speech:

(1) India would increase its 2030 target for an installed capacity of ‘non-fossil energy’, mostly solar from 450 to 500 gigawatts.

(2) PM Modi said that India will fulfil 50% of its energy requirement through renewable energy by 2030.

(3) India is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes and a net 45% carbon reduction among the five-point plan.

(4) The number of goods produced per unit of energy would be reduced by 45% by 2030. The previous goal was 35%.

 

2. SpaceX sets up subsidiary in India: World’s richest person Elon Musk-owned SpaceX has incorporated its wholly-owned subsidiary in India to start local broadband operations. SpaceX’s satellite broadband arm Starlink aims to start broadband services in India from December 2022, with 2 lakh active terminals subject to permission from the government. The company is charging a deposit of USD 99 or Rs 7,350 per customer and claims to deliver data speeds in the range of 50 to 150 megabits per second in the beta stage. The services of the company will compete with that of Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea in broadband and it will be a direct competitor to Bharti Group-backed OneWeb. The company is keen to work in rural areas for providing broadband services.

Note: SpaceX founder & CEO: Elon Musk; SpaceX Founded: 2002; SpaceX Headquarters: California, United States of America.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. J&K team clinch 1st position in World Deaf Judo Championship: The Jammu & Kashmir team for deaf clinched 1st position in World Deaf Judo Championship held at Paris Versailles, France. Rakshanda Mehak who is part of the Indian team for the deaf clinched the bronze medal by defeating the South Korean team in the semifinal. The championship was held at Versailles, France. The championship is organised by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf.

Note: International Committee of Sports for the Deaf Founded: 1924; International Committee of Sports for the Deaf President: Rebecca Adam.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Yes Bank and BankBazaar launched ‘FinBooster’ Credit Card: Yes Bank and BankBazaar.com together launched a Co-Branded credit card named FinBooster to measure the Creditworthiness of the customers. FinBooster is built around a credit fitness tracker. FinBooster uses the CreditStrong app Subscription (credit fitness report) which helps customers to track creditworthiness that improves the Credit score. The tracking of a credit scores will be done through an intuitive CreditStrong app subscription (credit fitness report), which is complimentary for the cardholder for the first year. The credit card offers never expiring rewards points with no capping on the accrual. Customers can earn accelerated rewards points on online dining, grocery and apparel purchases which can be easily redeemed for more than 250 catalogue products.

Note: Yes Bank Founded: 2004; Yes Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Yes Bank CEO: Prashant Kumar; Yes Bank Tagline: Experience Our Expertise.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Yezdi Nagporewalla named as new CEO of KPMG India: Financial services firm KMPG has announced the appointment of senior partmer Yezdi Nagporewalla as the new chief executive officer (CEO) for the India division. Nagporewalla has been appointed as the new CEO of KPMG India for a four-year term with effect from February 7, 2022 till December 31, 2026. Nagporewalla will replace current Chairman and CEO, Arun M. Kumar, who completes his five-year term on February 6, 2022. With the new appointment, KPMG India has split the roles of Chairman and CEO. The new Chairman will be named over the next few months.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. IAF participated in International Exercise ‘Blue Flag 2021: A total of 84 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel took part in the international multilateral combat exercise Blue Flag 2021, along with IAF’s Mirage 2000 aircraft squadron at Israel’s Ovda Airbase. The theme of Blue Flag 2021: Integration of fourth and fifth-generation aircraft in complex operational scenarios. The exercise involves Air Force missions from 8 countries, to share knowledge and combat experience to improve operational capabilities. The other seven countries that have participated in the exercise include the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, and Israel.

Note: Israel Capital: Jerusalem; Israel Currency: Israeli Shekel; Israel Prime Minister: Naftali Bennett; Israel President: Isaac Herzog.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former PM of Afghanistan Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai passes away: Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai, the former Prime Minister (PM) of Afghanistan and a renowned jihadi leader passed away at the age of 77 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai has served as the acting PM of Afghanistan under President Burhanuddin Rabbani during 1995-1996 prior to the 1996 Taliban Takeover.

Daily GK Update- 3rd Nov, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Dr Jitendra Singh dedicates ‘Sardar Patel Leadership Centre’ to the Nation: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has dedicated to the nation “Sardar Patel Leadership Centre” at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. The Sardar Patel Leadership Centre aims to lay the foundation capacity building for future generations of Civil Servants from India and Abroad, as visualised by the Father of All India Services. The Centre aims to emerge as a Huge Resource Centre to provide continuous study and learning opportunities to Civil Servants so that they learn from the best practices of leadership across the world while remaining connected with their cultural ethos, values and roots.

 

2. National Small Matchbox Manufacturers Association increases price of matchbox: National Small Matchbox Manufacturers Association has increased the price of a matchbox from Rs.1 to Rs. 2 per box. This will come into effect from December 01, 2021. The increase in the price of matchbox has been done after 14 years since last increase in 2007 from 50 paise to Re. 1. However, with the increase in the price of matchboxes, the number of matchsticks in each box has also been increased from 36 matchsticks to 50 matchsticks. The increase in price was necessary as the price of all the 14 key raw materials of the matchstick has increased.

 

3. Chennai-Mysore-Chennai Shatabdi Express gets IMS certification: The Chennai-Mysore-Chennai Shatabdi Express has become the first train of Southern Railway to receive Integrated Management Systems (IMS) certification. It got the certificate for world-class maintenance of the train, environment-friendly resources and convenient and safe travel of the passengers. It is also the first Shatabdi train and the only second mail/express train of Indian Railways to receive this prestigious certification. The IMS certificate provided are ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018. The first train of Indian Railways to be IMS certified is Habibganj-Hazrat Nizamuddin-Habibganj Bhopal Express.

 

4. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launches 6th edition of National Formulary of India (NFI): The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the 6th edition of National Formulary of India (NFI). NFI is published by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). The main purpose of NFI is to promote rational use of medicines in the country and proves to be beneficial for Clinicians and Healthcare professionals while prescribing the medicines to the patients.

 

4. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launches 6th edition of National Formulary of India (NFI): The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the 6th edition of National Formulary of India (NFI). NFI is published by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). The main purpose of NFI is to promote rational use of medicines in the country and proves to be beneficial for Clinicians and Healthcare professionals while prescribing the medicines to the patients.

 

5. National Commission For Women launches legal awareness programme for women in partnership with NALSA: The National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has launched a Legal Awareness Program for Women, titled “Empowerment of Women through Legal Awareness”.

Objective: to impart practical knowledge to women about legal rights and remedies provided under various women-related laws, and hence making them fit to face the challenges in real-life situations. It is a pan-India initiative. It was launched at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh by Hon’ble Justice UU Lalit, Judge Supreme Court of India. Earlier in 2020, the NCW had launched a pilot project ‘Legal Awareness Programme’ in collaboration with NALSA.

 

6. CBSE launches Veer Gatha project in schools: CBSE launches Veer Gatha project in schools to raise awareness on Gallantry Awards. Schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) have been asked to prepare projects and engage in activities based on the Gallantry Award winners. The Veer Gatha project aims to raise awareness about the brave acts and sacrifices of the Gallantry Award winners among school students. The Veer Gatha project is being conducted from October 21- November 20. The projects can be interdisciplinary & in various formats such as poems, essays, etc.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 2021 G20 Summit Concludes with Adoption of Rome Declaration: The 2021 G20 (Group of Twenty) Summit was held in Rome, Italy on October 30 and 31, 2021. It was the 16th meeting of G20 group. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. Moto: People, Planet, and Prosperity; Agenda: climate change, economic recovery, the pandemic and the global minimum corporate tax rate.

The summit concluded with the adoption of the Rome Declaration by G20 Leaders. Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi led the Indian delegation at the Summit. The Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal was India’s G20 sherpa or personal representative of the head of government. The final document committed the G20 members nation leaders to the following:

(1) providing $100 billion every year from now until 2025 to counter climate change.

(2) to end international financing for all new coal plants by the end of 2021,

(3) take action to limit global warming at 1.5 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels.

(4) strengthen the WHO on Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for Covid-19 vaccines.

 

2. ‘Vax’ named Oxford English Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2021:  ‘Vax’ has been chosen as the word of the year by the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in 2021. Vax is derived from the Latin word Vacca, which means cow. Vax is used as a short form for vaccines and means a substance put into a person’s body to prevent them from getting a disease. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, words related to vaccines saw a surge in 2021, including terms like double-vaxxed, unvaxxed and anti-vaxxer.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Harbhajan Singh & Javagal Srinath awarded MCC life membership: The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has released the list of 18 Cricketers who were selected for the MCC awards Honorary Life Membership of the Club. The list witnessed the names of 2 former Indian cricketers – Harbhajan Singh and Javagal Srinath. This year’s list saw the names of 18 players, including 16 Male & 2 Female players (Sarah Taylor & Sara McGlashan).

MCC awards Honorary Life Membership Complete List:

 

England	Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Marcus Trescothick, Sarah Taylor
South Africa	Hashim Amla, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis & Morne Morkel
West Indies	Ian Bishop, Shivnarine Chanderpaul & Ramnaresh Sarwan
Australia	Alex Blackwell & Damien Martyn
India	Harbhajan Singh & Javagal Srinath
Sri Lanka	Rangana Herath
New Zealand	Sara McGlashan
Zimbabwe	Grant Flower

 

Note: Melbourne Cricket Club Founded: 1838; Melbourne Cricket Club Location: Melbourne, Australia; Melbourne Cricket Club President: Clare Connor (1st Female President of MCC).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Federal Bank and Aditya Birla Health Insurance tie-up for Bancassurance: The Federal Bank and Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited (ABHICL) entered into a Bancassurance Partnership. As a part of this alliance, Federal Bank will provide to its customer’s innovative health insurance solutions offered by ABHICL. Customers of Federal Bank will have facilities like Day 1 cover for asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, coaching on nutrition etc. Customers will have access to ABHICL’s industry-first innovative solutions such as, Day 1 cover for asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes; wellness coaching on nutrition and fitness; counselling on mental health; incentivized wellness benefits of up to 100% Health Returns TM (health premiums) and chronic management program, etc. Consumers can avail of benefits of various retail and group affinity products through the Bank’s various distribution channels.

Note: Federal Bank Founded: 23 April 1931; Federal Bank Headquarters: Aluva, Kerala; Federal Bank MD & CEO: Shyam Srinivasan; Federal Bank Tagline: Your Perfect Banking Partner.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Microsoft surpasses Apple to become world’s most valuable company: Microsoft Corp. has surpassed Apple Inc. to become the world’s most valuable publicly-traded company by market capitalisation. At market close on October 29, 2021, Apple stood at about $2.46 trillion while Microsoft reached nearly $2.49 trillion. Apple had held the top position for more than a year.

Microsoft became the second US public firm to surpass a $2 trillion market value in June, driven by expectations that its dominance in cloud computing and enterprise software will expand further in a post-coronavirus future. This year, its stock has outpaced Apple and Amazon.com Inc. on forecasts of long-term earnings and revenue growth, as well as expansion in areas such as machine learning and cloud computing. Microsoft is up more than 49%, Apple is up around 13%, and Amazon is up more than 3%.

 

2. Isha Ambani appointed to Smithsonian’s board of trustees: Board member of Reliance Jio Infocomm, Reliance Retail and Reliance Foundation, Isha Ambani was appointed on the Board of Trustees of the prestigious Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. The appointment is for 4 years. Apart from Isha Ambani, Carolyn Brehm, founder and CEO of the consulting firm Brehm Global Ventures LLC and lecturer, and Peter Kimmelman, also joined the board. Antoine van Agtmael is the chair of the museum’s board of trustees.

About the Museum: The museum collection of Asian art includes more than 45,000 objects, dating from the Neolithic period to the present, originating from the ancient Near East to China, Japan, Korea, South and Southeast Asia and the Islamic world. Opened as the Freer Gallery of Art in 1923, the museum will celebrate its centennial in 2023.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy stealth frigate Tushil launched in Russia: The seventh Indian Navy frigate of the P1135.6 class was launched at the Yantar Shipyard at Kaliningrad in Russia. The ship has been formally named as Tushil, a Sanskrit word that means protector shield. Tushil will be commissioned into the Indian Navy in mid-2023 followed by its sister ship by the end of 2023.

About the ship:

(1) The ship has been developed under the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and Russia in 2016 for the construction of four additional P1135.6 class ships for Indian Navy.

(2) Out of the four ships, two ships of Project 1135.6 ships were to be constructed in Russia and two ships in India at M/s Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

(3) The Project 1135.6 class is also called Talwar class and the Talwar class frigates are built by Russia for Indian Navy.

Daily GK Update- 2nd Nov, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launches knowledge App “CUNSULT”: Road Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari has launched a knowledge App and platform CUNSULT. Emphasizing innovation, entrepreneurship, science technology, research and skill for knowledge transformation. The app is the first such global facility by which people who need information, advice, counsel, guidance can contact and call up experts in multiple sectors. The app will be a forum for mentors to share their life experiences. The app will allow people to learn from the wisdom which has been acquired over the lifetime. Each expert also gets a unique, exclusive page reflecting their contributions by way of articles and video blogs and this serves as their intellectual legacy and helps to promote interest in them. CUNSULT uses the framework of context and convergence to instantly connect knowledge seekers and knowledge givers.

 

2. Karnataka tops State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2020: Karnataka has topped the State Energy Efficiency Index 2020 (SEEI), scoring 70 points out of 100 on the back of several initiatives to improve energy efficiency in the state. Rajasthan is on second rank followed by Haryana on third. Last year i.e in SEEI 2019 ranking, Rajasthan was on top. The State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2020 was released under the Ministry of Power.

About the State Energy Efficiency Index:

(1) State Energy Efficiency Index is released by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE).

(2) The SEE index, assesses the states in four categories of Aspirant with a score below 30 points, Contenders with a score between 30-50, Achievers with a score of 50-60 and the Frontrunners with above 60 points score.

(3) SEEI 2020 has assessed the performance of 36 states and Union territories in energy efficiency (EE) using 68 qualitative, quantitative, and outcome-based indicators aggregating to a maximum score of 100 across six sectors.

 

3. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar addresses National Conference on ‘International Year of Fruits and Vegetables’: The Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar addressed a National Conference on “International Year of Fruits and Vegetables”. The conference was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It was held to commemorate 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, as declared by United Nations Organization. The theme for International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021 is “Awareness about the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables for balanced and healthy diet and life style.”

 

4. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurates 14th Urban Mobility Conference 2021: The 14th edition of Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference 2021 was held through video-conferencing. The conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep S. Puri from New Delhi. The theme of the day long Conference “Mobility for All”. It was held under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Objective: provide an opportunity to decision makers and delegates to interact with professionals, experts, academia, industry, civil society, technology, services providers and other stake holders in Urban Transport, both domestic and international, to develop their urban transport along a sustainable path, as well as discuss key issues relevant to the sector and suggest measures to address them.

 

5. NITI Aayog Releases Report on ‘Health Insurance for India’s Missing Middle’: NITI Aayog has released a comprehensive report titled “Health Insurance for India’s Missing Middle”. The report highlights the gaps in the health insurance coverage across the country and offers solutions to address the situation. The report has a Foreword by NITI Aayog Member Dr V.K. Paul. The report has stated that 30% of the Indian population are devoid of health insurance, and has termed them as the “missing middle”

 

6. Agriculture Minister inaugurated “Apple Festival” in Jammu and Kashmir: Union Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar and Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha has virtually inaugurated Apple Festival, organized for the first time in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It will provide a better platform to apple growers and other stakeholders. With an annual production of more than 2 million metric tonnes, apple from J&K contributes to 87% of the national production and is linked to the livelihood of about 30% of the population of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. South Korea inaugurated World’s Largest Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Plant: The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea held that the ‘Shinincheon Bitdream Fuel Cell Power Plant’ at the Shinincheon Bitdream headquarters of Korea Southern Power in Seo-gu, Incheon has been completed and inaugurated. The power plant is operated by South Korea’s independent power production company, POSCO Energy and Doosan Fuel Cell. It has a capacity of 78 MW constructed in four stages from 2017. The project cost about 340 billion won ($292 million).

Note: South Korea Capital: Seoul; South Korea Currency: South Korean won; South Korea President: Moon Jae-in.

 

2. THE’s World Reputation Rankings 2021 announced: 4 Indian institutes have made it to the Times Higher Education (THE)’s World Reputation Rankings 2021, the annual ranking of THE that features the top 200 universities based on the votes from leading academics across the globe. Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru ranked among the top 100 (91-100) has topped the Indian Institutes. The other 3 Indian institutes are the IIT Bombay, the IIT Delhi, and the IIT Madras.

Harvard University of the United States of America (USA) has topped the 2021 ranking. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA and University of Oxford from the United Kingdom (UK) has secured the 2nd and 3rd rank respectively.

Globally:

Ranking	Institute
1	Harvard University (US)
2	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US)
3	University of Oxford (UK)
10	Tsinghua University (China)

 

Ranking of Indian Institutes:

Ranking	Institute
91-100	IISc Bangalore
126-150	IIT Bombay
176-200	IIT Delhi
176-200	IIT Madras

 

3. International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists: 2nd November: The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is an UN-recognized day observed annually on 2 November. The day draws attention to the low global conviction rate for violent crimes against journalists and media workers, estimated at only one in every ten cases.

History of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists: The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2 November as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ in General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/163. The Resolution urged the Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity. The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on 2 November 2013.

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Kotak Mahindra Bank partnered NPCI to launch Rupay Credit Cards ‘Veer’: Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch Kotak credit cards on the RuPay network named ‘Veer’ for Indian armed forces i.e. the Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel. In India’s 75th year of Independence, the first credit card to be introduced by KMBL on the RuPay network is the ‘Veer’ credit card, exclusively for the armed forces. The launch of Veer credit card for the armed forces marks Kotak’s 1st credit card under the RuPay network. The credit card is available in two variants as Kotak RuPay Veer Platinum and Kotak RuPay Veer Select. These contactless cards come with a zero joining fee and provide multiple exciting benefits to cardholders.

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. Centre approves reappointment of Shaktikanta Das as Governor of RBI: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the reappointment of Shaktikanta Das as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India ( RBI) for a further period of three years with effect from December 10, 2021. He assumed the charge as the 25th governor of RBI on December 12, 2018, for three years. Before his appointment at RBI, Das served as a member of the 15th Finance Commission. He is a 1980 batch Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Govt approves interest rate on EPF for FY21 at 8.5%: Ministry of Finance has approved the interest rate on employees’ provident fund (EPF) deposits for 2020-21 at 8.5%. The rate has been kept unchanged as for the year 2019-20. EPF is one fixed-income instrument that is completely tax-free under the exempt-exempt-exempt (EEE) regime, along with PPF and the Sukanya Samriddhi Account. Now the labour ministry will notify the interest rate for it to come into effect.

 

2. ADB approves $250 million loan for India’s NICDP: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 250 million (about Rs 1,875 crore) loan to support India’s National Industrial Corridor Development Program (NICDP). This is the first subprogram of the programmatic USD 500 million loans to develop 11 industrial corridors spanning 17 states.

About the NICDP: NICDP aims to develop world-class industrial nodes that are supported by efficient urban agglomerations and multimodal connectivity, including international gateways like ports and airports and inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable infrastructure.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Australian legend Alan Davidson passes away: Australian legend Alan Davidson has passed away. The bowling allrounder, who made his Test debut against England in 1953, represented Australia 44 times in the longest format. The left-arm pacer had finished his career with a stunning average of 20.53, having picked up 186 wickets. His career-best figures of 7/93 came against India in 1959. Davidson was a handy batsman as well, registering five vital half-centuries in his career, including the 80 he hit in the first-ever tied Test match in 1960 against West Indies. In the same game, he had also picked up 11 wickets.

 

2. Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar passes away: Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar passed away due to a fatal cardiac arrest. He was the son of legendary actor Rajkumar. He was known to fans as “Appu” – after the 2002 film. He was also a singer and was admired for his dance skills. Puneeth was the presenter of Kannadada Kotyadhipathi, the Kannada version of the game show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”.