Daily GK Update- 6th Dec, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Bangladesh to celebrate Maitiri Diwas on 6 December: India and Bangladesh have decided to celebrate December 6, the day on which India formally recognized Bangladesh, as “Maitri Diwas” (Friendship Day). During the visit of PM Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March 2021 to attend the national day of Bangladesh, it was decided to commemorate 6 December as Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day). Ten days before the liberation of Bangladesh, India had recognised Bangladesh on 6 December 1971. India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with Bangladesh. According to the joint statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the greatest leaders of modern times, will be remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh’s emergence as a sovereign country.

About the Maitri Diwas:

(1) The Maitri Diwas is being commemorated in 18 countries around the world apart from Dhaka and Delhi. These countries are Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, UK, Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE and USA.

(2) The holding of Maitri Diwas is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the people of India and Bangladesh that have been forged in blood and shared sacrifices.

 

2. Hornbill Festival celebrated in Naga Heritage village Kisama: The biggest cultural extravaganza of Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival has kicked off with colorful renditions of traditional music, dances, and contemporary in one roof at Naga Heritage village Kisama. It is the 22nd edition of the Hornbill festival and will be celebrated in 6 districts of Nagaland. More than 282,800 people visited the festival during the 20th edition in 2019, including over 3,000 foreign tourists and at least 55,500 domestic visitors. This year’s edition of Nagaland’s iconic Hornbill Festival, widely hailed as the “festival of festivals”, will be held in its traditional format, starting on December 1 after it was held virtually last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The opening ceremony culminated with the flight of the Hornbill- A musical presentation by Task Force for Music and Arts Nagaland.

Note: Chief Minister of Nagaland: Neiphiu Rio; Governor of Nagaland: Jagdish Mukhi.

 

3. Sambit Patra named as chairman of India Tourism Development Corporation: Sambit Patra has been appointed as the chairman of India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. IAS officer, G. Kamala Vardhana Rao will hold the post of managing director of ITDC. The India Tourism Development Corporation is a hospitality, retail, and education company owned by the Government of India, under the Ministry of Tourism. Earlier, Patra had served as an independent Director of ONGC. Appointment of Dr Sambit Patra as Part-Time Non-Executive Director & Chairman of ITDC for a period of three years from the date of assumption of charge, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Note: India Tourism Development Corporation Founded: 1 October 1966; India Tourism Development Corporation Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

4. Smriti Mandhana Signed as Brand Ambassador of GUVI: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) incubated startup, GUVI has signed Indian Women’s cricketer Smriti Mandhana as its brand ambassador. As the brand ambassador of GUVI, Smriti Mandhana will be the face of GUVI and feature across the online campaigns of GUVI aimed to strengthen the importance and scope of technological education & information technology (IT) skills. Key Points:

(1) She will create awareness about technological education among everyone, especially among women.

(2) GUVI will be launching a cross-platform campaign with Smriti Mandhana, under which GUVI will offer the most affordable learning solutions for the youth, early professionals to develop their career profile in the IT industry.

About the GUVI: GUVI is India’s first vernacular Ed-tech Startup to impart tech & programming skills to individuals in their preferred native languages (Tamil, Telugu, Hindi & Many other Indian Languages).

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bangladesh, US kick off bilateral exercise CARAT: US military personnel and Bangladesh Navy (BN) began the 27th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) maritime exercise virtually from 1 December in the Bay of Bengal. The nine-day exercise focuses on a wide range of naval capabilities and includes cooperative actions that demonstrate the US and Bangladesh’s capacity to work together to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

About the CARAT: CARAT is to promote regional cooperation and build relationships, according to Bangladesh Navy Fleet Commander Rear Admiral S M Abdul Kalam Azad. Since 2011, the Bangladesh Navy has been participating in the CARAT exercise, which is celebrating its 27th anniversary this year.

Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Exercise CARAT): CARAT exercise is an annual bilateral exercise. United States Pacific Fleet, a command of the US Navy conducts it with several ASEAN members. Currently, Exercise CARAT is conducted with navies of nine nations, which are the navies of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

 

2. China launches new communications satellite ChinaSat 1D: China successfully launched a new communications satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwest Sichuan Province. The satellite, ChinaSat 1D (Zhongxing 1D) was launched by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and entered the planned orbit successfully. Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, the satellite is able to provide high-quality voice, data, and radio and television transmission services. The launch marked the 399th mission for the Long March series carrier rockets.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Anju Bobby George: Crowned Woman of the Year by World Athletics: Legendary Indian athlete, Anju Bobby George has been bestowed with the Woman of the Year Award by World Athletics for grooming talent in the country and for her advocacy of gender equality. In 2016, she formed a sports academy for young girls. Through this, she has helped India advance in sports and also inspire more women to follow in her footsteps. She is also presented with the award for advocating gender equality. Anju, the only Indian to have won a medal in the World Championships with a long jump bronze in the 2003 edition.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI superseded Reliance Capital board & appoints Nageswar Rao as administrator: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) superseded the Board of Directors of Reliance Capital Ltd (RCL), a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), by exercising its power conferred under Section 45-IE (1) of the RBI Act, 1934. RCL is promoted by Anil Dhirubhai Ambani’s Reliance Group. In this regard, the apex bank has appointed Nageswar Rao Y (Ex-Executive Director, Bank of Maharashtra) as the Administrator of the company under Section 45-IE (2) of the RBI Act. The reason behind this is the defaults made by RCL for various debt obligations payments and serious governance concerns. The Central Bank will also apply to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for appointing the administrator as the Insolvency Resolution Professional. Reliance Capital will become the third non-banking financial company to go under the insolvency procedure after DHFL and Srei Group companies. A part of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, Reliance Capital has repeatedly failed to repay its debt obligations.

RBI appoints advisory committee to assist Reliance Capital administrator: The Reserve Bank of India has appointed an advisory committee to advise the administrator of Reliance Capital. The committee includes Sanjeev Nautiyal, ex-DMD of State Bank of India, Srinivasan Varadarajan, ex-DMD of Axis Bank, and Praveen P Kadle, ex-MD & CEO, Tata Capital Limited.

Note: Reliance Capital Ltd CEO: Jai Anmol Ambani; Reliance Capital Ltd Headquarters: Santacruz, Mumbai; Reliance Capital Ltd Founder: Dhirubhai Ambani; Reliance Capital Ltd Founded: 5 March 1986.

 

2. Paytm Payments Bank rolls out ‘Paytm Transit card’: Paytm Payments Bank Limited announced the launch of Paytm Transit Card, keeping in mind the vision of one nation, one card. The card will take care of users’ everyday needs — from travel in metro, railways, state-owned bus services, toll & parking charges, to payments at offline merchant stores, online shopping and more. The card also enables withdrawal of money from ATMs.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. DBS revises India’s FY2023 growth forecast to 7 per cent: The Singapore-based DBS Bank’s economic research team has revised India’s FY23 growth forecast upwards to 7 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) (CY2022 6.5 per cent) from 6 per cent earlier. The DBS team assessed that into FY23, beyond the thrust from reopening gains, precautionary savings and sectoral normalisation to pre-pandemic levels, Capex generation is likely to be the next driver in raising and maintaining growth on a higher plane.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Bihar won Gold Medal Award at 40th edition India International Trade Fair: Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal has inaugurated the 40th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2021 at Pragati Maidan in Delhi. It was organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation with ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ as the theme and to further promote the idea of ‘Vocal for Local’. Bihar is the partner state for the 40th IITF and the focus states are Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. The Bihar pavilion won the 6th gold medal by showcasing the state’s art and cultural richness through handicrafts like Madhubani, Manjusha arts, terracotta, handlooms, and other indigenous products of the state at IITF 2021. Piyush Goyal listed five pillars of India as Economy, Exports, Infrastructure, Demand, and Diversity.

Note: Bihar Capital: Patna; Bihar Governor: Phagu Chauhan; Bihar Chief Minister: Nitish Kumar.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Renowned scholar of Bangladesh Professor Rafiqul Islam: Renowned scholar and national professor of Bangladesh Professor, Rafiqul Islam passed away. Prof. Rafiqul Islam was one of the greatest scholars on the national poet of Bangladesh Kazi Nazrul Islam. He was honoured with Swadhinta Padak and the Ekushey padak, which is the highest civilian award of Bangladesh. He was a recipient of the Bangla Academy Literary Award. He had written close to 30 scholarly books. Prof. Rafiqul Islam was currently the President of the Bangla Academy.

Daily GK Update- 5th Dec, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre appoints Committee to revisit criteria for determining EWS: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formed a three-member committee to review the criteria for reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category in terms of the provisions of the explanation to Article 15 of the Constitution. The committee has been asked to complete its work within three weeks. Former Finance Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey will head the committee. The announcement to appoint a committee and revisit the EWS reservation criteria has come after the Supreme Court intervention. The SC is hearing petitions challenging the government notice issued in July which provides for a 10 per cent EWS quota in NEET admissions. The members of the committee are former:

Ajay Bhushan Pandey – former finance secretary, GOI (Chairman)

Prof. V K Malhotra – Member secretary of Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

Shri Sanjay Sanyal – Principal economic advisor to GOI (Member Convenor)

 

2. Lt Gen Manoj Kuma Mago appoints to head National Defence College: Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Mago has taken over as the Commandant of National Defence College (NDC), New Delhi. He hails from Ludhiana, was commanding the 10 Corps at Bathinda before being given the assignment at NDC that entails evolving a strategic culture among the country’s senior-most officials of the military, the civilian bureaucracy and the Indian Police Service. Lt Gen Mago, who passed out of Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, was commissioned into the 7th Battalion of the Brigade of Guards in 1984. He later commanded 16 Guards.

 

3. Sanjay Dutt roped in as Brand Ambassador for 50th year Celebrations of Arunachal Pradesh: The Arunachal Pradesh (AP) Government has signed Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt as the brand ambassador and award-winning filmmaker and branding expert Rahul Mittra as brand advisor of the occasion of their golden jubilee celebrations, marking the 50th year of the naming of the state. Sanjay Dutt launched a media campaign for the month-long celebrations, from 20th January to 20th February 2022 at the Mechuka valley of AP’s Shi-Yomi district. As part of the media campaign, Sanjay Dutt will feature in a series of promotional videos on, Tourism in the State, Initiatives on substance and drug abuse along with youths and also on Serious concerns for the state in recent years.

Note: Arunachal Pradesh Capital: Itanagar; Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister: Pema Khandu; Arunachal Pradesh Governor: B. D. Mishra.

 

4. Narotam Sekhsaria’s autobiography “The Ambuja Story” released soon: Former Vice Chairman/Founder/Promoter, Ambuja Cements Ltd, Narotam Sekhsaria has authored his autobiography titled ‘The Ambuja Story: How a Group of Ordinary Men Created an Extraordinary Company’ which is set to be released in December 2021. The book features the story of his rise from a small-time cotton trader to setting up one of the largest cement companies in the country, Ambuja cement, one of India’s finest companies.

About the book: The year was 1983. A cotton trader, still in his early thirties, began to dream big. His aspiration was to become an ‘industrialist’. The venture he was about to embark on was uncharted territory for him. He knew nothing about cement, limestone or anything remotely associated with it. This book vividly captures that engaging story, the determination and perseverance that went into building one of India’s finest companies.

 

5. Cyclone Jawad to hit Odisha, Andhra and West Bengal: The low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into Cyclone Jawad which is likely to reach the north Andhra Pradesh, south Odisha coasts and some parts of West Bengal. The storm, once developed, will be called Jawad (pronounced Jowad), as named by Saudi Arabia. After Yaas in May and Gulab in September, this will be the third cyclone headed towards the east coast this year.

A rotational list of the names of cyclones is maintained by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), with the names specific for each tropical zone. If a cyclone is especially deadly then its name is never used and is replaced by another name. The list has a total of 169 names at present which will be used on a rotational basis.

Note: World Meteorological Organisation Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; World Meteorological Organisation Founded: 23 March 1950; World Meteorological Organisation President: David Grimes.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. EIU’s WoLiving Indexrldwide Cost of 2021 announced: Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) has announced the Worldwide Cost of Living Index 2021. According to the Index, Tel Aviv, Israel has become the most expensive city in the world to live in in 2021, pushing Paris, France and Singapore jointly to occupy the second spot with Zurich and Hong Kong at the fourth and fifth spots respectively. Tel Aviv climbed from 5th place to the top in 2021 due to the rising value of the Israeli currency shekel against the US Dollar along with the increase in the price of grocery and transport. Syria’s Damascus was ranked as the world’s cheapest city.

Key points of the Index:

(1) Globally, supply chain issues, exchange rate shifts, and changing consumer demand has increased price on commodities and other goods. Transport acquired the fastest gains in the price index followed by the rising energy prices.

(2) The prices of goods and services have risen 3.5% in 2021 which is doubled to 1.9% in 2020.

(3) Rome, Italy saw the biggest drop in the ranking from 32nd to 48th place, Tehran, Iran rank increased from 79th to 29th place.

(4) Hong Kong had the most expensive petrol prices, at $2.50 per litre. The prices of branded cigarettes went up 6.7% on average.

Worldwide Cost of Living 2021 Index: The Worldwide Cost of Living Index examines the cost of living in 173 cities and measures impactful global events. The cost of the living study is conducted twice a year.

Note: Economist Intelligence Unit Established: 1946; Economist Intelligence Unit Headquarters: London, United Kingdom; Economist Intelligence Unit Global Chief Economist, Managing Director: Simon Baptist.

 

2. International Volunteer Day: 5th December: International Volunteer Day (IVD), also called International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development is observed on 5 December every year. International Volunteer Day Theme 2021: “Volunteer now for our common future”. The purpose of the day to celebrate the efforts of volunteers and organizations and offer the opportunity to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognize volunteer contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local, national and international levels.

History of the day: The International volunteer day was first observed and mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1985. It was observed through Resolution A/RES/40/212 on 17 December 1985. This day offers a chance to individual volunteers, communities, and organizations in order to promote their contributions to the development at the local, national and international levels.

 

3. World Soil Day: 5th December: World Soil Day is celebrated every year on December 5 to raise awareness of the importance of soil quality for human well-being, food security and ecosystems. World Soil Day 2021 (#WorldSoilDay) and its campaign “Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity” aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, fighting soil salinization, increasing soil awareness and encouraging societies to improve soil health.

History of the day: In June 2013, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day. It was also adopted officially in the 68th United Nations General Assembly. As a result, World Soil Day was for the First time Officially celebrated on 5th December 2014. The date of 5 December was chosen because it corresponds with the official birthday of the late H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand, who was one of the main proponents of this initiative.

Note: Food and Agriculture Organisation Headquarters: Rome, Italy; Food and Agriculture Organisation Head: Qu Dongyu; Food and Agriculture Organisation Founded: 16 October 1945.

International Union of Soil Sciences President: Laura Bertha Reyes Sánchez (Mexico); International Union of Soil Sciences Founded: 1924; International Union of Soil Sciences Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI signs MoU with Usha International for Empowering Women: State Bank of India (SBI) has signed an agreement with Usha International Limited (UIL) for empowering women entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance. The financial assistance will be provided under the Joint Liability Group model. This is the first of its kind collaboration between UIL and SBI in coming forward together for the upliftment of the social and economic status of women entrepreneurs in rural areas of the country by making them self-reliant and providing equal opportunity for achieving financial growth and inclusion. About the MoU:

(1) As per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between SBI and UIL, branches of the bank in Uttarakhand, Delhi, Western UP, and NCR Haryana will be financing women entrepreneurs to Usha Silai School to purchase sewing machines for enhancement and up-gradation of technical sewing skills or to purchase thread of clothes, etc. Related to above for running their livelihood.

(2) UIL has already been providing necessary training to these women through USHA Silai Schools across the country.

(3) This relationship will bring a new synergy among the women entrepreneurs and lead towards holistic development, SBI has given the name ‘NAVCHETNA’ to this relationship.

Note: State Bank of India Founded: 1 July 1955; State Bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai; State Bank of India Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. FASTag toll collection reaches record Rs 3,356 crore in October: Toll collection through FASTag recorded an all-time high of 214.23 million (about 21.42 crore) transactions in October worth Rs 3,356 crore, indicating higher economic and transport-related activities, particularly during the festive season. According to the government data, toll collection through FASTag recorded 193.6 million transactions amounting to Rs 3,000 crore in September, while in August, it had recorded 201.2 million transactions worth 3,076.56 crore. Also, the toll collection through FASTag recorded an all-time high of 122.81 crore.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. V Praveen Rao wins 7th Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for 2017-19: Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, V Praveen Rao wins the 7th Dr M S Swaminathan Award for the period 2017-19. It is a biennial national (every 2 years) award that was presented by the retired ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) Employees Association (RICAREA) and Nuziveedu Seeds Limited. It carries a cash prize of INR 2 lakh and a citation.

Highlights of the award: The Selection Committee, headed by former ICAR Director-General, RS Paroda has decided to select V Praveen Rao for the award recognising his contributions in the fields of ‘agricultural research, teaching, extension and administration’. Praveen Rao handled 13 research and 6 consultancy projects on micro-irrigation in India, Israel and South Africa.

About Dr M S Swaminathan Award: This prestigious award was instituted in 2004 in honour of Dr M.S. Swaminathan the main architect of India’s Green Revolution. This award is a lifetime achievement award for outstanding contributions to agricultural research and development and for overall food security and sustainability of agriculture.

The award is open to all, irrespective of his/her nationality.

 

2. ‘Naoroji: Pioneer of Indian Nationalism’ by Dinyar Patel wins NIF Book Prize 2021: A biography titled ‘Naoroji: Pioneer of Indian Nationalism’, authored by Dinyar Patel and published by Harvard University Press selected as the winner of the 4th Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF (New India Foundation) Book Prize 2021. The bookmarked the life events and legacy of Dada Bhai Naoroji. It also contains the historical background of India’s National Movement during the 19th century. The winning book was selected on the basis of a jury’s decision chaired by political scientist Niraja Gopal Jayal, Nandan Nilekani and Manish Sabharwal and historians Srinath Raghavan and Nayanjot Lahiri.

About Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (New India Foundation) Book Prize: The prize is named after institution-builder Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay who had contributed significantly to the freedom struggle, women’s movement and other fields. The prize is given for the high-quality non-fiction literature on modern and contemporary India and carries a cash award of INR 15 lakh and a citation.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Telugu film lyricist ‘Sirivennela’ Seetharama Sastry passes away: The renowned Telugu film lyricist and Padma Shri awardee, ‘Sirivennela’ Chembolu Seetharama Sastry passed away at the age of 66 years. In 1986 the movie ‘Sirivennela’ directed by K Viswanath made him famous and also gave him a second name as ‘Sirivennela’ Seetharama Sastry. He got the first ‘Nandi Award for best lyricist for ‘Sirivennela’, presented by the Andhra Pradesh state government. Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist- Telugu, Padma Shri (2019) and He won ‘Nandi’ Awards several times.

Daily GK Update- 4th Dec, 2021

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Varanasi became 1st Indian city to start Ropeway Service: Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh is all set to become the first Indian city to start ropeway service as a mode of public transport in order to ease the traffic congestion. The proposed ropeway will be constructed between Cantt Railway Station (Varanasi Junction) to Church Square (Godauliya) covering an aerial distance of 3.45 km. Its outlay is over Rs 400 crore which is divided between Central Government and State Government at 80:20. India will be the third country in the world after Bolivia and Mexico to use a ropeway for public transport.

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

 

2. Kerala Tourism launched STREET project for experiential tourism: Kerala Tourism launched the ‘STREET’ project to promote and take tourism deep into the interiors and rural hinterland of Kerala. The project would help visitors experience the diversity of offerings in these locales. The STREET is an acronym for Sustainable, Tangible, Responsible, Experiential, Ethnic, Tourism hubs.

Aim of the project:

(1) The STREET project aims to present the unique identity of the state of Kerala before to travellers. It also offers a huge potential for growth in the tourism sector and would bring in significant changes.

(2) The project will foster mutually beneficial organic relationships between tourism development and the ordinary lives of people in the state of Kerala.

(3) The project, conceived by the Responsible Tourism Mission, is inspired by the ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’ slogan of The United Nations World Tourism Organization.

Note: Kerala Capital: Thiruvananthapuram; Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan; Kerala Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan.

 

3. Addl Rs 10k crore allocated for MNREGA as interim measure: The Finance Ministry has allocated additional funds of ₹10,000 crore as an interim measure for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme after it ran out of funds allocated in the budget, according to the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD). Further, allocation may be made upon assessment of demand during the Revised Estimate stage, said the rural development ministry — the nodal ministry for the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. In the Union Budget presented earlier this year, the government allocated Rs 73,000 crore to the scheme for the financial year 2021-22.

 

4. State-level scheme sanctioning committee approves drinking water supply schemes worth Rs 225.24 Crore for Uttarakhand: State-level scheme sanctioning committee (SLSSC) approved drinking water supply schemes worth Rs 225.24 Crore for Uttarakhand. These schemes will provide tap water connections in 293 villages spread over 7 districts of the State. Of the 12 water supply schemes sanctioned, 11 are multi-village and one is a single village scheme. This year, Jal Shakti Ministry has allocated Rs. 1,443.80 Crore to Uttarakhand, for ensuring clean tap water in every household and freeing women and girls from drudgery of fetching water from a distance.

 

5. Indian Navy Day: 4th December: In India, December 4 is observed as the National Navy Day every year, to celebrate the achievements and role of the naval force to the country. The theme of Indian Navy Day 2021 is ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ signifying 50 years of India’s victory in the Indo-Pakistan war that took place in 1971.

Indian Navy Day History: Indian Navy is a naval branch of Indian armed forces Led by the President of India (commander-in-chief). Back in 1971, during the Indo-Pakistan war, December 4 was chosen to launch Operation Trident against Pakistan. On December 4, the Indian Navy formally entered the war and attacks on Karachi were constantly showering. As we all know because of the Indian Navy the whole country rejoiced with success. The victory over Pakistan made our country proud and respect the Indian Navy even more.

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral R Hari Kumar; Indian Navy Founded: 26 January 1950.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Barbados becomes the World’s newest republic: Barbados has become the World’s newest republic, around 400 years after it became a British colony. Barbados is said to have been made a ‘slave society by the British. It first became an English colony in 1625. It gained its independence in 1966.  Barbados, the Caribbean Island nation, removed Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the state. Dame Sandra Prunella Mason took over as the President of Barbados. He was selected to become the first president of Barbados in October 2021. He was selected as President of Barbados, at a joint meeting of both the Houses of Parliament of Barbados. His name was announced by Speaker of the House of Assembly, Arthur Holder.

Note: Barbados Capital: Bridgetown; Barbados Currency: Barbados Dollar.

 

2. Sweden elects 1st Female Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson: The former Finance Minister of Sweden, Eva Magdalena Andersson from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) won her 2nd election and became the 1st female Prime Minister (PM) of Sweden. On 24 November 2021, she was first elected as the PM but later resigned after her coalition partner (Green Party) quit the government and the budget failed to pass. Swedan’s Parliament is known as Riksdag. Sweden is the last Nordic country to get a female Prime Minister.

Note: Sweden Capital: Stockholm; Sweden Currency: Swedish krona.

 

3. International Day of Banks: 4th December: International Day of Banks is celebrated on December 4 to recognise the importance of multilateral and international development banks in financing sustainable developments. United Nations also observes the day in recognition of the vital role of banking systems in Member State in contributing to the improvement of the standard of living.

History of the day: In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly designated December 4 as the International Day of Banks. It is celebrated for the first time in 2020. The day is celebrated to the recognition of the significant potential of multilateral development banks and other international development banks in financing sustainable development and providing know-how, and also in recognition of the vital role of the banking systems in the Member States in contributing to the improvement of the standard of living.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Government collected Rs 1.31 lakh crores as GST for November: The gross GST revenue collected in the month of November 2021 is Rs 1,31,526 crores. The CGST was Rs 23,978 crore, SGST is Rs 31,127 crore. The IGST was Rs 66,815 crores (of this Rs 32,165 crores was collected from the goods imported). The cess collected was Rs 9,606 crores (This includes Rs 653 crores from the imported goods). The GST revenue collected for the month of November is 25% higher than the GST revenue of November 2020. And is 27% higher than GST revenue collected in November 2019. Previous months GST Collection:

October 2021: Rs 1.30 lakh crores

September 2021: Rs. 1,17,010 crores

August 2021: Rs. 1.12 lakh crores

July 2021: Rs. 1,16,393 crores

June 2021: Rs. 92,849 crores

May 2021: Rs. 1,02,709 crores

April 2021: Rs. 1.41 lakh crores (All time Highest)

March 2021: Rs. 1.24 lakh crores

February 2021: Rs 1,13,143 crores

January 2021: Rs. 1,19,847 crores

 

2. EXIM Bank commits $100 million loan for Covid vaccines in FY22: Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) has committed loans worth $100 million for domestic manufacturers of Covid-19 vaccines or related products. These loans are being extended to about half a dozen drug makers in the country during the present financial year. The loans for vaccines are also being extended to other countries. This will be an advantage for Indian firms as the financing mandates Africa to source vaccines and related products only from India.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India’s GDP: Ind-Ra projected India’s GDP 9.4% in FY22: The rating agency, India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) expects India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the Second Quarter of Financial Year-2022 (Q2 FY22) at 3 per cent and in FY22 at 9.4 per cent. Workplace mobility in Q1 FY22 was 26 per cent lower than the baseline and 16 per cent lower year-on-year than the baseline at The government’s capital expenditure (capex) grew 51.9 per cent in Q2 FY22 as against 26.3 per cent in Q2 FY21.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Lionel Messi Wins A Seventh Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or for a seventh time after being named as the best player in 2021 by France Football. Messi scored 41 goals and registered 17 assists in 56 appearances in all competitions for club and country and led Argentina to a long-awaited Copa America win in the summer. Messi also won in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and in 2015. The 34-year-old scored 38 goals in 48 games last season for Barcelona and won the Copa del Rey before captaining Argentina to Copa America glory in July.

Ballon d’Or 2021 Winners:

Ballon d’Or (Men): Lionel Messi (PSG/Argentina)

Club of the year: Chelsea Football Club

Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)

Ballon d’Or (Women): Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/Spain)

Striker of the year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/Poland)

Kopa Trophy for best young male player: Pedri (Barcelona/Spain)

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. National Award-winning Choreographer Shiva Shankar Master passes away: The renowned National Award-winning choreographer and actor, Shiva Shankar Master passed away in Hyderabad, Telangana. He was born on 7 December 1948 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was an Indian dance choreographer, worked in South Indian movies. He received the National Award for ‘Best Choreographer’ for the movie ‘Magadheera’.

Daily GK Update- 3rd Dec, 2021

  

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 1st Indian Young Water Professionals Programme launched: The First Edition of the Indian Young Water Professionals Programme was launched virtually. The programme was launched in the presence of the Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Manpreet Vohra; Australian High Commissioner to India, Barry O’ Farrell and Additional Secretary of Ministry of Jal Shakti, Debashree Mukherjee. The program was taken up under National Hydrology Project.

About the Indian Young Water Professionals Programme:

(1) The India Young Water Professional Programme is unique and different from typical capacity building and training programs. It focuses on the engaged Training and Learning Model.

(2) 70% of this program is focused on project-based learning by means of Situation Understanding and Improvement Projects (SUIP).

(3) It also focuses on gender equality and diversity, since sustainable water management can only benefit from the skills and views of all members of society.

(4) For the first edition of the programme, about 20 participants have been selected, comprising of 10 men and 10 women, from central & state implementing agencies of the National Hydrology Project.

 

2. Nagaland Police launches ‘Call Your Cop’ mobile app: Nagaland DGP T. John Longkumer officially launched the ‘Call your Cop’ mobile App at Police Headquarters in Kohima. The App was developed by Excellogics Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd. The App will enable all citizens of the state especially those in distress to get in touch directly with the police as easily available with just one click away. The features in the App include a directory, alerts, tourist tips, SOS, nearest police station and search. Citizens can download the app from the google store on any android phone. One can download the app from the google store. With this app, you can also receive notifications like news, updates, advisory, etc.

Note: Chief Minister of Nagaland: Neiphiu Rio; Governor of Nagaland: Jagdish Mukhi.

 

3. All India Radio launches youth programme AIRNxt: All India Radio has decided to begin a new programme called AIRNxt to offer youth a platform to air their voices as part of the ongoing Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. AIR stations will allow youngsters from local colleges, universities to take part in programming, allowing them to discuss and curate youth-centric shows. About the show:

(1) It added that about 20,000 youth from 1,000 educational institutions will be participating during the next year from every nook and corner of India through 167 AIR stations.

(2) These shows would encourage the youth to speak about the achievements of the country during the last 75 years of independence and where do they expect the country to reach in various fields.

(3) This way, the youth can air their big dreams and define the future of India. It is the biggest single theme show on All India Radio involving thousands of youth and hundreds of Educational Institutions across the country. This talent hunt show #AIRNxt will be broadcast in all major Indian languages and dialects.

Note: All India Radio Founded: 1936; All India Radio Headquarters: Sansad Marg, New Delhi; All India Radio Owner: Prasar Bharati.

 

4. Vivek Johri becomes new chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs: Senior bureaucrat, Vivek Johri has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). He will succeed M Ajit Kumar who is completing his tenure. He is a 1985-batch Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes) officer. He is currently working as a member in the CBIC. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC): CBIC is the nodal national agency to administer GST, Customs, Central Excise, Service Tax & Narcotics in India. The Customs & Central Excise department was established by the British Governor-General of India in 1855, for administering customs laws and for collecting import duties or land revenue. CBIC is one of the oldest government departments in India.

Note: CBIC Headquarters: New Delhi, India; CBIC Formed: 26 January 1944.

 

5. Venkaiah Naidu released a Book “‘Democracy, Politics and Governance’: Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu on the 72nd anniversary of the adoption of the ‘Constitution of India’ released a book titled “Democracy, Politics and Governance” in English and ‘Loktantr, Rajniti and Dharm’ in Hindi at an event in the Central Hall of Parliament, New Delhi. The book was authored by Dr A. Surya Prakash. This book is a collection of articles about the social, political, and economic issues that impacted India’s politics and governance. Dr A. Surya Prakash is a Vice Chairman, Executive Council of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, and also a veteran journalist.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. South Korea to get world’s first floating city by 2025: South Korea is soon going to get the world’s first floating city, to deal with the problem of floods due to rising sea levels. The floating city project is a joint effort by the UN Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habit) and OCEANIX. The city will be built off the coast of Busan in South Korea and is likely to be completed by 2025.

About the city: The floating city will have ‘flood-proof infrastructure’ and comprise several man-made islands to eliminate the risk of flooding. The self-sufficient city will be specifically designed to withstand natural disasters like tsunamis, floods, and Category 5 hurricanes.

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

 

2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary Declares “Vaccine” As Word Of The Year For 2021: The American publishing company Merriam-Webster has chosen the word “vaccine” as its 2021 Word of the Year. Merriam-Webster is America’s most trusted online dictionary for English word definitions, meanings, and pronunciation. It has been declaring the word of the year since 2008. The word “vaccine” saw a 601 percent increase in definition lookups over the year, compared to 2020.

 

3. World Day of the Handicapped: 3rd December: World Handicapped day also known as the International Day of Persons with disabilities is observed every year on 3rd December globally. The day is marked and observed to support critical issues which are related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities. The IDPWD day was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly. The theme of the World Day of the Handicapped 2021 is the Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities. The day is celebrated to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. White-label ATMs: India1 Payments installed 10,000 white-label ATMs: India1 Payments has crossed a milestone on deploying 10000 white-label ATMs, which was called as “India1ATMs”. India1 Payments is IPO-bound and is promoted by the Banktech Group of Australia. It was formerly known as BTI Payments. India1 ATM has become the second-largest white label ATM brand on semi-urban and rural areas. With the deployment of 10000 ATMs, India1 Payments has become the largest player in this segment.

White-Label ATMs: The Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) which are set up, owned and operated by non-bank entities are known as “White Label ATMs” (WLAs). Non-bank entities which are incorporated in India, under the Companies Act 1956, are allowed to run WLAs. Non-bank entities are allowed to set up WLAs across India, after getting authorisation from the apex bank, under the Payment & Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007.

Note: India1 Payments Limited Founded: 2006; India1 Payments Limited Headquarters location: Bengaluru.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Indian Oil, BPCL, HPCL launch Model Retail Outlet Scheme: Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited announced the launch of Model Retail Outlet Scheme and a Digital Customer Feedback Program called Darpan@petrolpump. Three oil PSU’s have joined hands to launch Model Retail Outlets to enhance service standards and amenities, across their networks, which serve over 6 Crores consumers everyday. The scheme involves an intense 5 Level evaluation process of over 70000 retail outlets in the country on a set of core service and facility parameters as well as standard of customer amenities e.g., clean and hygienic washrooms, customer centric innovative offerings etc. The Retail Outlets have been divided into 4 categories based on sales performance, facilities offered and their percentage of digital transactions at the point of sale in keeping with the Digital India imperative.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. International Press Institute honours for NDTV, The Week teams: The International Press Institute (IPI) India Award for Excellence in Journalism 2021 has been awarded jointly to Sreenivasan Jain and Mariyam Alavi of NDTV, and Lakshmi Subramanian and Bhanu Prakash Chandra of “The Week”. Meanwhile, the IPI India Award for Excellence in Journalism 2020 had been awarded to Ritika Chopra of The Indian Express.

The awardees for 2020 and 2021 will be felicitated in New Delhi in December 2021 or January 2022. The award comes with a cash prize of Rs 1 Lakh, a trophy and a citation. The Vienna-based International Press Institute (IPI) is a global organisation dedicated to the promotion and protection of press freedom and the improvement of journalism practices.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Broadway composer & lyricist Stephen Sondheim passes away: Veteran composer and lyricist, Stephen Joshua Sondheim has passed away at the age of 91 in Connecticut, United States (US). He received 8 Tony Awards, a Special Tony Award 2008 for lifetime achievement in the theatre. He also received a Pulitzer Prize (‘Sunday in the Park’), and an Academy Award for the song ‘Sooner or Later’. Also won several awards like eight Grammy Awards, Presidential Medal of Freedom 2015, etc.

Daily GK Update- 2nd Dec, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre Constitutes 5 member committee to monitor implementation of Central Vista Project: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has formed a five-member committee for timely completion of various projects executed under the Central Vista Redevelopment Plan. The Central Vista Redevelopment Project is the ongoing reconstruction and renovation of the Central Vista, India’s central administrative buildings located near Raisina Hill, New Delhi. The committee will be headed by former finance secretary Ratan P Watal.

Other member of the panel are:

(1) Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) -P K Tiwari,

(2) Former director of L&T – Shailendar Roy

(3) IIT Delhi professor – Prof. Mausam

(4) Joint secretary of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

The terms of reference of the ‘Central Vista Oversight Committee’ will be to ensure:

(1) Coordination among multi-agency and stakeholder for seamless integration of different project works of Central Vista

(2) Continuous monitoring of the pace of execution of various projects to ensure their timely completion.

 

2. 7th India International Science Festival to be held in Panaji, Goa: The 7th edition of the four-day India International Science Festival (IISF) is scheduled to be held in Panaji, Goa, from December 10 to 13, 2021. The festival theme in 2021 is “Celebrating Creativity in Science, Technology and Innovation for Prosperous India”. The first IISF was held in New Delhi in 2015. The Goa-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is the nodal agency to organise IISF 2021. The festival will be organised jointly with the Departments of Atomic Energy (DAE), Science and Technology (DST), Biotechnology (DBT), and Space (DoS) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

 

3. 1st ever Aharbal Festival held in J&K to promote tourism: Kulgam district administration and the Department of Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir organized the 1st ever Aharbal Festival at Kulgam, J & K to promote tourism in Kashmir, particularly at the Aharbal waterfall. Aharbal falls, also known as “Niagara Falls” of Kashmir, is a hill station in the southwestern part of Kashmir Valley in the Jammu and Kashmir. The department organized the 1st ever Lolab festival, a one-day festival at Chandigam Lolab in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, J&K, and Doodhpathri Festival, a 3-day tourism festival at Budgam, J&K, to promote Doodhpathri as an attractive tourist destination.

Note: Lieutenant Governor of J&K: Manoj Sinha.

 

4. “Indian Innings: The Journey of Indian Cricket from 1947” authored by Ayaz Memon: A book titled ‘Indian Innings: The Journey of Indian Cricket from 1947’ authored by Ayaz Memon released. It is an anthology of Indian Cricket and marked several insights of Indian cricket of the last 70 years. The book has covered the era of veteran cricketers K N Prabhu to P N Sundaresan and Dicky Rutnagar to Ramachandra Guha and Suresh Menon, those years of famous victories consist of experiences about World Cups, various Test cricket, etc.

 

5. National Pollution Control Day 2021: 2nd December: National Pollution Control Day is observed on 2nd December every year. The day is observed as a national pollution control day to commemorate the lives of the people who died in the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984. The main objective of this day is to educate the people and to make them aware of pollution control acts and industrial disasters. This year will be marked as the 37th national pollution control day. To know more about this day, candidates are advised to read the article below.

History of National Pollution Control Day: The day is observed in the memory of people who lost their lives in the Bhopal gas disaster. The industrial accident occurred in 1984 when the gas Methyl Isocyanate leaked on the night of December 2–3 and killed thousands.

Objectives of the day:

(1) Spread awareness of managing and controlling industrial disasters

(2) Prevent the pollution produced by industrial processes or human negligence

(3) Make people and industries aware of the importance of pollution control acts

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UAE’s Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi elected as President of INTERPOL: The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has elected Inspector General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi (United Arab Emirates) as its President for a 4-year term at the 89th Interpol general assembly meeting held in Istanbul, Turkey. He replaces Kim Jong Yan from South Korea. In the final round, the UAE candidate received 68.9 per cent of votes cast by member countries. As president, Al Raisi’s role during his four-year term will be to chair meetings of the executive committee which supervises the implementation of decisions taken at the General Assembly.

Note: INTERPOL Formed: 1923; INTERPOL Headquarters: Lyon, France; INTERPOL President: Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi; INTERPOL Member states: 195; INTERPOL Secretary-General: Jürgen Stock; INTERPOL Motto: connecting police for a safer world.

 

2. India and Germany launches WISER program for lateral entry for women researchers in joint R&D projects: The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) has launched a first-of-its-kind programme to promote women researchers in the field of research and development (R&D) through lateral entry. The programme is called Women’s Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER). WISER will encourage women researchers in joint R&D projects. IGSTC is a joint initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Government of Germany.

 

3. World Computer Literacy Day 2021: 2nd December: World Computer Literacy Day is observed on 2nd December every year all over the world. The day is celebrated as the world computer literacy day to create awareness and drive digital literacy in underserved communities worldwide. The day promotes technological skills, especially in children and women, and aims to inspire them to learn more and make their work easier by the use of computers. To know, more about the World Computer Literacy day candidates are advised to read the below article.

History of World Computer Literacy Day: The day was originally founded by the Indian computer company NIIT to mark its 20th anniversary in 2001. World Computer Literacy Day was first observed and held in the year 2001 on 2nd December. As mentioned above, the day is celebrated to create awareness and drive digital literacy in underserved communities worldwide.

 

4. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: 2 December: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed annually on 2nd December since 1986 by the United Nations General Assembly. The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.

History of the day: The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2 December, marks the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others (resolution 317(IV) of 2 December 1949).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI approves to increase LIC’s stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its approval to Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to raise its stake in private lender Kotak Mahindra Bank to 9.99 per cent. Currently, LIC holds 4.96% stake in the private lender. Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited has received an intimation from LIC stating that the RBI had granted its approval to LIC, for increasing its holding in the Bank up to 9.99 per cent of the paid-up equity share capital of the Bank. Key points:

(1) The approval of the central bank will be valid for one year. As per RBI norms, prior approval of the RBI is required to increase the stake in private banks beyond 5 per cent.

(2) LIC is one of the biggest institutional investors in India’s stock market and has a stake in a number of private and public sector banks. LIC has a stake in as many 24 scheduled commercial banks, data from Capitaline shows.

(3) Among other major banks, LIC holds 8.8 per cent in Canara Bank, 8.3 per cent in Punjab National Bank and State Bank of India, 8.2 per cent in Axis Bank, and 7.6 per cent in ICICI Bank.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Indian-origin executive Parag Agrawal new Twitter CEO: Indian-origin technology executive, Parag Agrawal has been appointed as the new CEO of Twitter after the social media giant’s co-founder Jack Dorsey stepped down. He is now the youngest CEO in the S&P 500 elbowing Meta Platform Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg. However, Agrawal is 37 and the same age as Mark Zuckerberg. Parag joined Twitter 10 years ago when there were fewer than 1,000 employees. He has been behind every critical decision that helped turn this company around. He’s curious, probing, rational, creative, demanding, self-aware and humble.

About Parag Agrawal: Parag did his undergrad at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. Following this, he went on to do his masters from Stanford University. He completed his PhD in Computer Science from the same place in 2012.

Note: Twitter formed: 21 March 2006; Headquarters of Twitter: San Francisco, California, United States.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. 6th BRICS Film Festival Awards 2021 announced: The 6th edition of the BRICS Film Festival awards was announced at the 52nd International Film Festival of India in Goa. For the first time, BRICS Film Festival was held alongside IFFI from November 20 to November 28, 2021. The Jury for this competitive festival had 5 members, one from each of the BRICS countries. The jury selected the awards under five categories after examining twenty films.

Awardees:

(1) South African Film ‘Barakat’ by Director Amy Jephta and Russian Film ‘The Sun above Me Never Sets’ by Director Lyubov Borisova shared the Best Film Award in the Sixth edition BRICS Film Festival.

(2) Brazilian filmmaker Lúcia Murat was awarded Best Director for her documentary ‘Ana’.

(3) Indian actor Dhanush won Best Actor (Male) for his role in ‘Asuran’.

(4)Brazilian actor Lara Boldorini was honoured with Best Actor (Female) for her role in ‘On Wheels’.

(5) Jury Special Mention Award was presented to Director Yan Han for his film A Little Red Flower from China.