Daily GK Update- 18th Nov, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre to release over 95 thousand crore rupees as tax devolution to States this month: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the Centre will release 95 thousand 82 crore rupees as tax devolution to States in the current month after including one advance instalment to help them push their capital expenditure. She said States should leverage this opportunity to scale up investments and growth. Also urged states to help India become the fastest growing economy in coming years, through facilitating investment attractiveness and expediting ease of doing business measures.

 

2. Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet adopts declaration on climate change: For the first time, Arunachal Pradesh’s cabinet meeting was held outside the state capital of Itanagar and at the Pakke Tiger Reserve in Pakke Kessang district instead. The state cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, adopted the Pakke Tiger Reserve 2047 Declaration on Climate Change-Resilient and Responsive Arunachal Pradesh. The declaration is aimed at lowering emissions and achieving sustainable development. At the meeting, the chief minister launched the e-Cabinet portal, which aims to make the state’s top decision-making body ‘paperless. The Cabinet also approved the adoption of the rare species of butterfly, ‘Kaiser-e-Hind’ (Teinopalpus imperialis), as the state butterfly.

 

3. PM Modi inaugurates redeveloped Rani Kamlapati Railway Station in Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the Nation various Railway projects in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. He dedicated to the nation the redeveloped Rani Kamalapati Railway Station in Bhopal. Rani Kamlapati Railway Station is the first world-class model station in the country and has all the facilities that are available at international airports. It has been developed under a public-private partnership and built by a private company. The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation many other initiatives of the Railways in Madhya Pradesh including Gauge- Converted and Electrified Ujjain-Fatehabad Chandrawatiganj Broad Gauge section, Third line in Bhopal-Barkhera section, Gauge- Converted and Electrified Mathela-Nimar Kheri Broad Gauge section and Electrified Guna-Gwalior section. The Prime Minister also flagged off two new MEMU trains between Ujjain-Indore and Indore-Ujjain.

 

4. Health sector grant of Rs. 8,453 crore released to local bodies of 19 states: The Department of Expenditure under Ministry of Finance has released an amount of over 8,453 crore rupees as health sector grant for rural and urban local bodies of 19 States. The grants have been released as per the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission. The Fifteenth Finance Commission in its Report for the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26 has recommended a total grant of 4,27,911 crore rupees to local governments. The grants recommended by the Commission include health grants of 70,051 crore rupees. Out of this amount, 43,928 crore rupees have been recommended for Rural Local Bodies and 26,123 crore rupees for Urban Local Bodies.

 

5. Tourism ministry signs pact with IRCTC to boost hospitality, tourism industry: Ministry of Tourism in its ongoing effort to strengthen the Hospitality & Tourism Industry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The primary objective of this MOU is to provide extensive visibility to accommodation units, which have self-certified themselves on SAATHI (System for Assessment, Awareness & Training for the Hospitality Industry) on the OTA platform. The MoU also outlines both parties to encourage Units to register on NIDHI and thereby on SAATHI and encourage local tourism Industry with appropriate safeguards for curbing spread of COVID-19.

 

6. Naturopathy Day: 18th November: The National Naturopathy Day is observed in India on 18 November every year, to promote positive mental and physical health through a drugless system of medicine, called as Naturopathy. The day was declared by the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India, on November 18, 2018. It was on this day in 1945, when Mahatma Gandhi became lifetime Chairman of the All India Nature Cure Foundation Trust and signed the deed with the object of making the benefits of Nature Cure available to all classes of people.

Note: Minister of AYUSH: Sarbananda Sonowal; Minister of State (IC) of the Ministry of AYUSH: Munjapara Mahendrabhai.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UN Secretary-General appointed Shombi Sharp as UN Resident Coordinator in India: The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has appointed Shombi Sharp of the United States (US), a sustainable development expert, as the UN Resident Coordinator in India. He will lead the UN team in India, and work towards India’s Covid-19 response plans to recover better for the Sustainable Development Goals. Prior to this, he served as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Armenia.

Note: United Nations Founded: 24 October 1945; United Nations Headquarters: New York, New York, United States; United Nations Secretary general: António Guterres.

 

2. World Philosophy Day 2021: 18th November: World Philosophy Day is celebrated on the Third Thursday of November each year. In 2021, the day falls on 18 November. World Philosophy Day 2021 opens the discussion on the different interactions of human beings with their social, cultural, geographical and political environment, with the underlying objective of better understanding the contribution of philosophy in our contemporary societies and the challenges they face, pandemic in particular.

History of the day: World Philosophy Day was introduced in 2002 by UNESCO. In 2005 the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed that World Philosophy Day would be celebrated every third Thursday of November.

Philosophy: Philosophy is the study of the nature of reality and existence, of what is possible to know, and of right and wrong behaviour. It comes from the Greek word phílosophía, meaning ‘the love of wisdom.’ It is one of the most important fields of human thought as it aspires to get at the very meaning of life.

 

3. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week: 18th to 24th November: World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is celebrated every year from 18-24 November. The purpose of the week is to increase awareness of global antimicrobial resistance, encourage best practices among the general public, health workers and policymakers to avoid the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Theme 2021 is Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance. The theme calls on One Health stakeholders, policymakers, health care providers, and the general public to be Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness champions. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been declared as one of the top 10 global health threats by the World Health Organization (WHO).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Mahela Jayawardena, Shaun Pollock, Janette Brittin inducted into ICC Hall Of Fame: The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced cricket legends Mahela Jayawardena (Sri Lanka), Shaun Pollock (SA), and Janette Brittin (England) were inducted into the hall of fame. The ICC Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of the legends of the game from cricket’s long and illustrious history. 106 players have been inducted since its launch in 2009.

(1) Jayawardene, who retired as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest ever players, was a key member of the team that won the T20 World Cup in 2014 and reached the four other major ICC finals.

(2) Pollock, on the other hand, was one of the finest all-rounders South Africa has ever produced. He was the first player to achieve the double of 3,000 runs and 300 wickets in both Test and ODI cricket.

(3) Brittin, who died in 2017, was a mainstay of the England Test team for 19 years, helping pave the way for women’s cricket from 1979 to 1998. She was the oldest woman to score a Test hundred (at 39 years and 38 days vs Australia in 1998) and the second-oldest to score an ODI hundred (at 38 years and 161 days vs Pakistan in 1997).

Note: ICC Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates; ICC Founded: 15 June 1909; ICC Deputy Chairman: Imran Khwaja; ICC Chairman: Greg Barclay.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank launches the 2nd edition of “Mooh Band Rakho” campaign: HDFC Bank Ltd has launched the second edition of its “Mooh Band Rakho” campaign to raise awareness on fraud prevention in support of International Fraud Awareness Week 2021 (November 14-20, 2021). HDFC Bank aims to increase awareness of its customers on all types of frauds and the importance of keeping your mouth shut to ensure their prevention and taking a pledge and not share confidential banking information with anyone. HDFC Bank will organise 2,000 workshops in the next four months under this campaign.

Note: Headquarters of HDFC Bank: Mumbai, Maharashtra; MD and CEO of HDFC Bank: Sashidhar Jagdishan; The tagline of HDFC Bank: We understand your world.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. WPI in October at five-month high of 12.54%: Ministry of Commerce & Industry released its data on Wholesale Price Index (WPI). As per Ministry’s data, provisional Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation have been accelerated to a five-month high to 12.54% in October 2021 as against 66% recorded in September. This rise was attributed to an increase in fuel and manufacturing prices. The report notes that, benchmark inflation print has remained in double digits for seven consecutive months.

Benchmark inflation Print: The benchmark inflation print for October 2020 was 1.31%. The high rate of inflation in October 2021 is due to an increase in prices of mineral oils, basic metals, crude petroleum & natural gas, food products, chemicals and chemical products etc as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. World Famous Legendary Author Wilbur Smith Passes Away: Internationally acclaimed Zambia-born South African author, Wilbur Smith has passed away. He was 88. The global bestselling author has authored 49 novels and sold over 140 million copies worldwide in more than 30 languages. He rose to fame in 1964 with his debut novel “When the Lion Feeds” which turned in the movie with 15 sequels. Smith published his autobiography “On Leopard Rock” in 2018.

Daily GK Update- 17th Nov, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurates Purvanchal Expressway: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 341-km long Purvanchal Express in Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh. The expressway links state capital Lucknow with Ghazipur and has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 22,500 crore. PM Modi landed on the Purvanchal Expressway airstrip in a military transport aircraft. The key feature of the Expressway is the 3.2 km long airstrip to enable landing and take-off of Indian Air Force fighter planes in case of emergency.

About the Purvanchal Expressway:

(1) The Purvanchal Expressway starts from village Chaudsarai in the Lucknow district and ends at Haidaria village on National Highway number 31, 18 kilometres east of the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar border.

(2) The expressway is 6-lane wide which can be expanded to 8-lane in the future.

(3) This expressway is set to give a boost to the economic development of the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh especially the districts of Lucknow, Barabanki, Amethi, Ayodhya, Sultanpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Azamgarh, Mau and Ghazipur.

 

2. Arunachal’s approved “Kaiser-i-Hind” as state butterfly: State Cabinet of Arunachal Pradesh, headed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, approved “Kaiser-i-Hind” as the state butterfly. Kaiser-i-Hind is scientifically known as Teinopalpus imperialis. In literal terms, it means Emperor of India. The butterfly is having a wingspan of 90-120 mm. It is found across six States along Eastern Himalayas at elevations from 6,000-10,000 feet in a well-wooded terrain. The Kaiser-i-Hind is protected under Schedule II of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Despite that, they are hunted for the supply to butterfly collectors. International Union for Conservation of Nature has red-listed the Kaiser-i-Hind. Key facts:

(1) Kaiser-i-Hind’ is a large and brightly coloured butterfly.

(2) It is an elusive swallowtail butterfly, which carries ‘India’ in its name.

(3) They also flutter in Bhutan, Nepal, Laos, Myanmar, southern China and Vietnam.

Note: Arunachal pradesh CM: Pema Khandu; Arunachal Pradesh Governor: B. D. Mishra.

 

3. India inks USD 61 mn loan pact with ADB for development projects in Agartala: The Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $61 million loan (approx Rs 454 crore) to fund development projects in Agartala, Tripura. The fund will be used for the project which aims to upgrade urban infrastructure services and improve livability in Agartala with the provision of better road connectivity, flood resilient measures and making tourist places more attractive.

 

4. Gujarat government launches Niramay Yojana: The Gujarat government launched ‘Niramay Gujarat Yojana’ to screen and protect people above 30 years from non-communicable diseases. The scheme includes the screening of those above 30 years of age against such diseases at primary health centres and community health centres every Friday — also known as Mamta Divas. They will be given a Niramay Card with their health details. The screening and facilities of treatment would save a family’s expenses by Rs 12,000 to 15,000.

 

5. Rahul Dravid named as brand ambassador of kids footwear brand Plaeto: Children’s footwear brand Plaeto has announced the appointment of celebrated Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador and mentor. Plaeto is India’s first D2C foot-health focused footwear brand designed specifically for Indian children. Plaeto was founded in March 2020 by Ravi Kallayil, Sara Kilgore and Pavan Kareti. The brand has announced the partnership along with a campaign featuring Dravid. The campaign has been developed by Bangalore-based People Design and Communication, in partnership with team Plaeto. The video campaign will be promoted across the brand’s social media channels and will go live on 14 November.

 

6. National Epilepsy Day: 17th November: In India, November 17 is observed every year as National Epilepsy Day by the Epilepsy Foundation, to create awareness about epilepsy. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent ‘seizures’ or ‘fits’. The month of November is observed as ‘National Epilepsy Awareness Month’.

Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a varied set of persistent neurological disarray and causes sudden seizures and fits. The seizures of epilepsy result due to the unusual and extreme activities in the brain and the seizures also result from hypersynchronous neuronal brain activity.

History Epilepsy Foundation of India: The National Epilepsy Day is a national level campaign initiated by the Epilepsy Foundation of India to reduce the prevalence of Epilepsy in India. The Epilepsy Foundation of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra was established by Dr Nirmal Surya in 2009. Epilepsy Foundation of India is a non-profitable charitable organisation to help people with seizures to have a fulfilling life and to change their view about epilepsy in society.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Bank and Asian Development Bank launches ‘WePOWER India Partnership Forum’ to increase workforce participation of women in energy sector: The WePOWER India Partnership Forum, held through a virtual platform launched the efforts to scale up the South Asia Women in Power Sector Professional Network (WePOWER) in India. This important initiative was attended by 168 key energy sector stakeholders. The event was organized by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank in association with the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF).

India is significantly investing in clean energy, grid modernization, and digitalisation of its utilities. Consequently, job profiles in the Indian energy sector are evolving with more emphasis on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and renewable energy solutions. There is a growing demand for skilled human resources to fill these new green jobs. Women can help to fill this skills gap required for the energy transition. However, the participation of women in the energy sector remains very low. To address this, the energy sector must attract, develop and retain talented women professionals.

 

2. World COPD Day 2021: 17th November: World COPD Day is observed on the third Wednesday of November every year to raise awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and improve COPD care throughout the world. The World COPD Day 2021 falls on November 17, 2021. The 2021 theme is Healthy Lungs – Never More Important.

History of the day: The day is organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with health care professionals and COPD patient groups throughout the world. The first World COPD Day was held in 2002. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung disease that blocks airflow and makes it difficult to breathe.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Alexander Zverev beats Frances Tiafoe to win fifth ATP title in 2021: Alexander Zverev won his fifth ATP title of the season and 18th overall by defeating American qualifier Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 6-4 at the Erste Bank Open. The fourth-ranked German improved to 5-0 in finals this season, becoming the second player after Norwegian Casper Ruud with a tour-leading five tournament wins in 2021.

 

2. Erik Kynard becomes 2012 Olympic high jump gold medalist in 2021: American Erik Kynard was upgraded to a 2012 Olympic high jump gold medal after original gold medalist Ivan Ukhov of Russia was previously stripped for doping, the IOC announced. Kynard’s leap of 2.33 meters placed second behind Ivan Ukhov, who was proven years later to have taken part in the Russian state-backed steroid doping program. Ukhov was banned for four years in 2019 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He went back to the same court last year for an appeal hearing but failed to overturn the ruling.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI introduces Internal Ombudsman mechanism for select NBFCs: The Reserve Bank of India has announced to introduce the Internal Ombudsman mechanism for the following two types of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). These two types of NBFCs are Deposit-taking NBFCs (NBFCs-D) with 10 or more branches and Non-Deposit taking NBFCs (NBFCs-ND) with asset size of Rs.5,000 crore and above having public customer interface.

Consequently, these two categories of NBFCs will have to appoint Internal Ombudsman (IO). The internal Ombudsman will be responsible for handling the public grievance at the entity level before the grievance is escalated to Ombudsman at RBI. RBI has given a timeline of six months to the NBFCs for the appointment of the Internal Ombudsman.

Note: RBI Founded: April 1, 1935; RBI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; RBI Governor: Shaktikanta Das.

 

2. Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance partners IPPB, Department of Posts: Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance has entered into a tripartite partnership with the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and the Department of Posts (DoP), launching two insurance products to tap the vast rural customers across the country. Under the partnership, the rural customers can access Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Protect Goal and Bajaj Allianz Life Guaranteed Pension Goal, the term and annuity products, respectively. The partnership aims to enable the customers, particularly from the weaker sections and living in un-banked and underserved areas, so that they can be financially secure.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Tata Projects bags $120mn order for power transmission project in Bangladesh: Tata Projects Limited has received an order for a 400kV double circuit transmission line project valued at around $120 million (around ₹900 crores) from the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited (PGCB). This 120-km project from Barapukuria to Bogura has been secured on a turnkey basis. It will be executed in 30 months and the funding shall be done by EXIM Bank India under Indian Line of Credit.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Teenage Indian brothers win Children’s Peace Prize for waste project: Two Delhi-based teenage brothers Vihaan (17) and Nav Agarwal (14) have won the 17th annual KidsRights International Children’s Peace Prize for tackling pollution in their home city by recycling household waste. The duo received the prestigious award by Indian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi. Vihaan and Nav have developed an “One Step Greener” initiative for segregating rubbish and organising waste pickups for trash from thousands of homes, schools and offices.

About the award: The International Children’s Peace Prize is given annually by the International children’s rights organization KidsRights based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is given to a child who has made a significant contribution to advocating children’s rights and improving the situation of vulnerable children such as orphans, child labourers and children with HIV/AIDS.

 

2. M Mukundan Bags 2021 JCB Prize for His Book ‘Delhi: A Soliloquy’: Author M Mukundan won the 2021 JCB prize for Literature, for his book ‘Delhi: A Soliloquy’. The book, which has originally been written in Malayalam has been translated into English by Fathima EV and Nandakumar K. The novel, published by Westland, is a story about Delhi through the eyes of its Malayali youth protagonists.

Mukundan received the Prize trophy, which is a sculpture by Delhi artist duo Thukral and Tagra entitled ‘Mirror Melting’, and he will receive a prize amount of Rs 25 lakh. This is the third translation to have won the JCB award in the last four years. The jury for this award comprised Sara Rai (Chair), Annapurna Garimella, Shahnaz Habib, Prem Panicker, and Amit Varma.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates first operationalised private sector defence manufacturing facility: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the first operationalised private sector defence manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) in Lucknow. The facility will be run by Aerolloy Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of PTC Industries Limited. It will manufacture parts for Aircraft Engines, Helicopter Engines, Structural parts for aircrafts, Drones and UAV, Submarines, Ultra-Light Artillery Guns, Space Launch Vehicles and Strategy Systems.

Daily GK Update- 16th Nov, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Maharashtra signed an MoU with RMI for technical support in EV Policy: Maharashtra government has signed an MoU with the United States-based Non-Profit Organisation, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), to provide technical support for Maharashtra’s Electric Vehicle (EV) policy. The MoU was signed at Glasgow, United Kingdom, at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26). Maharashtra state EV policy aims to have a 10 per cent share of EV vehicles of total registrations in India by 2025.

Maharashtra’s new draft Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2021 aims to bring at least 146,000 new battery-operated electric vehicles (BEVs) on state roads by 2025, estimated to comprise about 10% of all new vehicles registrations by that time. The policy aims to incentivise the purchase of 100,000 electric two-wheelers, 15,000 e-autos, 10,000 cars, 20,000 goods carriers (both three and four-wheelers) and 1,000 e-buses.

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

 

2. India launches 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica: India successfully launched the 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica on November 15, 2021. The first batch of its contingents comprising of 23 scientists and support staff has reached the Indian Antarctic station Maitri. Four more batches will be landing in Antarctica by mid-January 2022. The Indian Antarctic program began in 1981 and has completed 40 scientific expeditions.

The team of 48 members at the 41st expedition is being led by Dr Shailendra Saini, Scientist National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research (Voyage Leader), Shri. Huidrom Nageshwar Singh, Metrologist, India Metrological Department (Leader, Maitri Station) and Shri. AnoopKalayilSoman, scientist Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (Leader, Bharati Station). Currently, there are three permanent research base stations in Antarctica, named DakshinGangotri (1983), Maitri (1988) and Bharati (2012).

 

3. Bhopal’s Habibganj Railway Station renamed as Rani Kamlapati Station: The Habibganj railway station in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh has been renamed after 18th-century Gond Queen of Bhopal, Rani Kamlapati. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the revamped Rani Kamlapati railway station on November 15, during his visit to Bhopal. The railway station has been redeveloped with modern airport-like amenities at a cost of Rs 450 crore under Public Private Partnership mode in three years. Rani Kamlapati was the last Hindu queen of Bhopal and pride of the Gond community.

 

4. TVS Motor became 1st Indian 2-wheeler maker to join UN Global Compact: TVS Motor Company, the flagship company of TVS Group, has joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative. TVS Motor has become the 1st Indian two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer to join the UNGC. TVS Motor will also engage in collaborative projects which will advance the development goals of the UN, particularly the Sustainable development goals (SDG).

Note: United Nations Global Compact Headquarters: New York, United States; United Nations Global Compact Executive Director & CEO: Sanda Ojiambo.

 

5. Nation observed its 1st edition of Audit Diwas on 16th November: Audit Diwas is celebrated to mark the historic origin of the institution of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and the contribution it has made to the governance, transparency and accountability over the past several years. Currently, former Lt. Governor of UT of Jammu Kashmir G. C. Murmu is serving as CAG of India. He is the 14th CAG of India. His tenure started in August 2020.

About the CAG: CAG is the Constitutional Authority in India. It was established in accordance with Article 148 of the Constitution of India. CAG is empowered to Audit all receipts and expenditures of the central as well as state governments. The CAG is the statutory auditor of Government-owned corporations. It conducts supplementary audits of government companies, where the Government is having an equity share of 51 per cent.

 

6. National Press Day: 16th November: National Press Day is observed on 16th November every year to celebrate free and responsible press in India. On this day the Press Council of India started functioning as a moral watchdog to ensure that the press maintains high standards and is not constrained by any influence or threats. It also commemorates the day when the Press Council of India started functioning.

History of the Day: In 1956, the First Press Commission was planned to form a Press Council to protect freedom of the press in India. On 4 July 1966, the Press Council was established in India. It came into effect from 16 November 1966. Therefore, 16 November is celebrated as National Press Day every year.

About Press Council of India: The Press Council of India was formed in 1966 under the Press Council Act of 1978. It exercises authority even over the instruments of the state in its duty to safeguard the independence of the press. It ensures that the Indian press is not affected by any external matter.

Note: Press Council of India Founded: 4 July 1966, India; Press Council of India Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IQAir Air Quality Index: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai among world’s top 10 polluted cities: According to the data from air quality and pollution city tracking service from IQAir, a Switzerland-based climate group, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai are among the top ten most polluted cities of the world. Delhi topped the list with AQI at 556, Kolkata and Mumbai recorded an AQI of 177 and 169, respectively, at 4th and 6th position. The cities with the worst AQI indices also include Lahore, in Pakistan, and Chengdu, in China. Here are the ten cities with the worst air quality indicators and pollution rankings, according to IQAir:

1)      Delhi, India (AQI: 556)

2)      Lahore, Pakistan (AQI: 354)

3)      Sofia, Bulgaria (AQI: 178)

4)      Kolkata, India (AQI: 177)

5)      Zagreb, Croatia (AQI: 173)

6)      Mumbai, India (AQI: 169)

7)      Belgrade, Serbia (AQI: 165)

8)      Chengdu, China (AQI: 165)

9)      Skopje, North Macedonia (AQI: 164)

10)  Krakow, Poland (AQI: 160)

About the IQAir: IQAir is also a technology partner of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, then 401 and between 500 is considered ‘severe’.

 

2. International Day for Tolerance: 16th November: The United Nations observes “International Day for Tolerance” on 16th November every year. The United Nations is committed to strengthening tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and peoples.

History of International Day for Tolerance: In 1994, UNESCO marked the 125th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth paving the way for the proclamation of 16 November as the International Day for Tolerance by the UN. This day pays tribute to the values of the Mahatma of peace, non-violence and equality. The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence rewards significant activities in the scientific, artistic, cultural or communication fields aimed at the promotion of a spirit of tolerance and non-violence. The prize is awarded every two years on the International Day for Tolerance, 16 November.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lewis Hamilton wins 2021 F1 Brazilian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain), has won the 2021 F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix (earlier known as Brazilian Grand Prix). Max Verstappen (Red Bull – Netherlands) came second while Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-Finland) came third in the Brazilian Grand Prix 2021. Max Verstappen is leading the World Drivers’ Standings with 312.5 points, 19 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton (318.5).

 

2. VVS Laxman will take charge as next National Cricket Academy (NCA) head: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President, Sourav Ganguly has confirmed, that former India batter VVS Laxman will be the next head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Laxman will take over from his former batting colleague Rahul Dravid, who was recently appointed as chief coach of the Indian team following the end of Ravi Shastri’s tenure.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Total corpus of PIDF reaches Rs 614 crore: The total corpus of Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) of RBI has reached Rs 614 crore. The PIDF scheme was launched by RBI in January 2021, to subsidize deployment of payment acceptance infrastructure (PoS) in Tier-3 to Tier-6 centres with a special focus on the North-Eastern States of the country. At that time it was decided that, RBI will make an initial contribution of Rs. 250 crores to the PIDF covering half the fund and the remaining contribution will be from card-issuing banks and card networks operating in the country.

Initially when the scheme has launched the corpus of PIDF was Rs. 345 crore (Rs. 250 crores contributed by RBI and Rs. 95 crores by the major authorized card networks in the country). Now various other Authorised Card Networks (Rs. 153.72) and Card Issuing Banks (Rs. 210.17 crores) have increased their contribution to the PIDF Scheme hence taking the total corpus to Rs. 613.89 crore (approx Rs 614 crore).

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. IOCL and NTPC tied up to collaborate in Renewable Energy: National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) signed an MoU with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to collaborate in the field of Renewable Energy and mutually explore opportunities for the supply of low carbon/RE RTC (round the clock) captive power. This is a first-of-its-kind novel initiative by two leading national energy majors of India, to support the country’s commitment to achieving renewable energy targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This comes in the backdrop of Indian Oil announcing its plan to build the country’s first green hydrogen plant at its Mathura refinery.

Note: NTPC Limited Founded: 1975; NTPC Limited Headquarters: New Delhi, India; NTPC Limited Chairman & MD: Gurdeep Singh.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India, Singapore and Thailand Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX–21 begins: The 3rd edition of the Trilateral Maritime Exercise named SITMEX–21 is being held from 15 to 16 Nov 21 in the Andaman Sea. The Navies of the India, Singapore and Thailand will participate in the event. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Karmuk is participating in the 3rd edition from India. It is an indigenously built Missile Corvette. The event is being hosted by Royal Thai Navy (RTN) in the Andaman Sea with an aim to enhance the cooperation between the participating navies towards augmenting the overall maritime security in the region.

About the SITMEX: SITMEX is being conducted annually since 2019 with an aim to enhance mutual inter-operability and imbibing best practices between the Indian Navy (IN), RSN and RTN. The maiden edition of SITMEX was hosted by IN off Port Blair in September 2019. RSN hosted the second edition of the exercise in November 2020. The 2021 edition of the exercise is being hosted by RTN in the Andaman Sea.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Padma Vibhushan awardee historian and author Babasaheb Purandare passes away: The eminent historian, orator and noted author from Maharashtra, Balwant Moreshwar Purandare has passed away. He was 99. The author was popularly known as Babasaheb Purandare. Purandare wrote extensively about Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He had earned the moniker ‘Shiv Shahir’ which literally means Shivaji’s bard. He was felicitated with India’s second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, on 25 January 2019.

 

2. Noted Indian author Mannu Bhandari passes away: Renowned author Mannu Bhandari has passed away. She was 90. She was born in Bhanpura city of Madhya Pradesh in 1931 and grew up in Rajasthan’s Ajmer. Her father Sukhsampat Rai was a freedom fighter, who worked on English to Hindi and English to Marathi dictionaries. Bhandari was also one of the key members of the Nayi Kahani movement of Hindi literature. Some of Bhandari’s notable works include Mahabhoj (1979), Ek Plate Sailab (1962), Yehi Sach Hai aur Anya Kahaniya (1966), Teen Nigahen Ek Tasveer (1969), and Trishanku (1999).

Daily GK Update- 15th Nov, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre brings ordinance to extend tenure of ED, CBI directors up to 5 years: The central government of India promulgated two ordinances for extending the tenure of Directors of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for up to five years. At present, the director of CBI and ED have been appointed for two-year tenure in office by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Act, 2003. The order states that “whereas Parliament is not in session and the President is satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate action.”

President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the ordinance and the central government is expected to table a law in Parliament to replace the same. As per the new ordinance, the Directors of CBI or ED can now be appointed first for a period of two years, and later if needed, the tenure can be extended for three more years. But it will require three separate annual extensions. However, after five years no extension can be granted to an ED or CBI chief.

 

2. Law Minister Kiren Rijiju launches Citizen’s Tele-Law mobile app: Union Minister of Law and Justice, Kiren Rijiju has launched the Citizen’s Tele-Law Mobile App. This app would connect the beneficiaries directly with panel lawyers offering legal advice and consultation. The app will connect the beneficiaries directly with panel lawyers offering legal advice and consultation. The app was launched as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, celebrated by the Department of Justice from 8 to 14 November. The app would connect the beneficiaries directly with panel lawyers offering legal advice and consultation. Features:

(1) A special “Login” week is being organised throughout the country for encouraging those in need to seek legal advice and consultation through teleconferencing and video conferencing facilities by urging them to visit their nearest Common Service Centres (CSCs) offering Tele-Law services.

(2) These Common Service Centres have been branded as ‘Kanooni Salah Sahahyak Kendra’ for this purpose.

(3) These “Tele-Law on Wheels” vans would travel a distance of 30-40 km daily, distribute information leaflets on Tele-Law, and broadcast films on radio jingle about the Tele-Law services.

 

3. Bhadrachalam added as a destination in IRCTC’s Ramayana Circuit train: Bhadrachalam in Telangana has been added as a destination in the IRCTC’s Ramayana Circuit train. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism G. Kishan Reddy has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inclusion of Bhadarchalam as one of the destinations in the Ramayana Circuit of the Pilgrim Special Train. Bhadrachalam is home to Sree Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple The aim of the Ramayana Yatra Train is to connect all the important locations of Lord Rama’s journey during his lifetime, the inclusion of Bhadrachalam Road Station will complete the Ramayana Circuit.

 

4. SN Pradhan appointed as Director-General of NCB: Satya Narayan Pradhan has been appointed as the Director-General (DG) of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on a deputation till the date of his superannuation on 31st August 2024 or until further orders. He was holding the additional charge as the DG of NCB in addition to the responsibilities as the DG of NDRF. He took the additional charge as the DG of NCB succeeding Rakesh Asthana who was appointed as Delhi Police Commissioner.

Note: Narcotics Control Bureau Founded: 1986; Narcotics Control Bureau Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi; Narcotics Control Bureau Director-General: Satya Narayan Pradhan.

 

5. Dr Ajay Kumar releases a book titled ‘FORCE IN STATECRAFT’: India’s Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar has released a book titled ‘FORCE IN STATECRAFT’ in New Delhi. The book is a compilation of essays on topics such as counter-insurgency operations, conflict in the North East, airpower, nuclear posture etc. contributed by all stalwarts of the Armed Forces, who have vast operational experience and understanding of several important cornerstones of forces and its application. It has been compiled by Commandant of National Defence College (NDC) Air Marshal Diptendu Choudhury and President’s Chair of Excellence at NDC Air Vice Marshal (Dr) Arjun Subramaniam (Retd). The first of its kind book from NDC will help policymakers, legislators, diplomats, academics, leadership at all levels in the various national security verticals.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Professor Bimal Patel of India elected to International Law Commission: Professor Bimal Patel of India has been elected to the International Law Commission for a period of five-year. His five-year term will start from January 1, 2023. Prof Patel is the Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University and a Member of the National Security Advisory Board of India. The 51-year-old Patel secured 163 votes in the UN General Assembly out of 192 members. This was the highest votes received by a candidate in the Asia-Pacific Group.

Note: International Law Commission HQ: Geneva, Switzerland; International Law Commission Founded: 1947.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Australia wins their maiden T20 World Cup title: Australia won their maiden T20 World Cup title as they defeated New Zealand in the final by 8 wickets. A target of 173 in a global final is never easy but Marsh with his power and reach made it look like a walk in the park in the company of David Warner (53 off 38 balls), who also turned the wheels of fortune for himself and his team during a victory, achieved in 18.5 overs. Mitchell Marsh was named as the player of the match.

About the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 had begun on 17th October 2021 at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground, the final match was commenced on 14th November in Dubai when the tournament’s two best teams Australia and New Zealand met in a decider. The event which was to be held in India shifted to UAE and Oman due to the COVID-19 situation in India. BCCI, however, will continue to be the host of the event.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. BharatPe launched World’s 1st Merchant Shareholding Programme: BharatPe launched the World’s 1st Merchant Shareholding Program (MSP) for its merchant partners. It is a $100 million worth program, under which the company offers its merchant customers an opportunity to buy BharatPe’s equity shares and become a partner. The company plans a public listing by 2024 and targets a public listing value of $1 billion.

About the programme:

(1) The merchant payments and financial services company will roll out the incentive to its more than 7.5 million existing merchant partners. The programme will also be offered to new merchants joining the platform.

(2) The stock programme is designed to address the gap in wealth creation for merchants and recognize them as active growth partners, BharatPe said, adding that the programme aims to build and sustain loyalty among its merchant partners in a fast-growing fintech segment in India.

Note: BharatPe Founded: 2018; BharatPe Headquarters: New Delhi; BharatPe CEO: Ashneer Grover.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. RBI projected Retail (CPI) inflation at 5.3% for 2021-22: The RBI has projected the CPI inflation at 5.3 per cent for 2021-22. According to MoSPI data, inflation in the food basket rose to 0.85 per cent in October, compared to 0.68 per cent in the preceding month. India’s retail inflation rate, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose slightly in October to 4.48% year-on-year from 35% in September due to an uptick in food prices. The inflation was 61% in October last year.

Note: RBI Founded: April 1, 1935; RBI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; RBI Governor: Shaktikanta Das; RBI Deputy Governors: Mahesh Kumar Jain, Michael Debabrata Patra, M Rajeshwar Rao, T Rabi Sankar.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy received 4th Scorpene Submarine ‘Vela’: 4th Scorpene submarine of the Project-75, Yard 11878 was delivered to the Indian Navy which will be commissioned as INS (Indian Naval Ship) Vela. Project-75 includes the construction of six submarines of Scorpene design by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai (Maharashtra) in collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France. Currently, three submarines under Project-75 are functional with the Indian Navy viz. INS Karanj, INS Kalvari, and INS Khanderi.

About the INS Vela:

(1) INS Vela is known to have advanced stealth and combat capabilities when it comes to engaging with the enemy.

(2) Scorpene-class submarines can undertake multifarious missions such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance, etc.

(3) The submarines are designed to operate in all theatres with means provided to ensure interoperability with other components of a naval task force.

 

2. 6th India-France bilateral Army exercise EX SHAKTI 2021 begins: The Navies of India and France will carry out the 6th edition of the biennial training exercise “EX SHAKTI 2021” from November 15 to 26, 2021 in Frejus, France. The Indian Army will be represented by the Gorkha Rifles Infantry Battalion and France Army will be represented by troops of the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment of the 6th Light Armoured Brigade.

About the exercise: The exercise will focus on Counter-Terrorism operations and enhance military cooperation and interoperability between the two Armies. Apart from this, India and France will also carry out biennial airforce training exercise ‘Exercise GARUDA’ , and biennial maritime training exercise ‘Exercise VARUNA’.