Daily GK Update- 13th Sep, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Rajasthan launched 100 days urban employment guarantee scheme: Rajasthan government launched an ambitious scheme to provide 100 days of employment to needy families in urban areas on the lines of the rural employment guarantee scheme MGNREGA. More than 2.25 lakh families have already registered for the Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Scheme which was proposed by chief minister Ashok Gehlot in the state budget this year.

The scheme would cover works like environment protection, water and heritage conservation, garden maintenance, and removing encroachments, illegal sign boards, hoardings, banners etc. Sanitation, cleanliness and other such works will also be undertaken under the scheme.

About the scheme:

a)      The state government has allocated Rs 800 crore for the scheme. Ministers in charge of districts will launch the scheme in their respective areas.

b)      The ratio of material cost and remuneration cost for getting the work approved and executed of “general nature” will be 25:75, while the ratio will be reversed for the works of “special nature”.

c)       Payments will be made in the bank accounts of the beneficiary within 15 days.

d)      Eligibility: People from the age group of 18 to 60 are eligible for the scheme. Interested families will get 100 days of employment. The scheme will be implemented in all the urban local bodies from September 9.

 

2. 300 New Cargo Terminals to Boost Railway Revenue: The Union Cabinet had approved a policy on long-term leasing of Railways’ land as well as a proposal to develop 300 Gati Shakti cargo terminals over the next five years. A senior official said that the Railways expect an incremental revenue of at least ₹30,000 crore per annum from freight services when 300 Gati Shakti cargo terminals will be operational.

The 300 terminals planned by the Union Cabinet are expected to generate employment for 30,000 people directly and 90,000 indirect jobs. The official said, “We will start getting incremental freight revenues as the terminals are developed. Once all 300 are completed, Railways will get additional revenues of at least ₹30,000 crore. This estimate is very conservative.” The approved policy will help provide land leases for a longer period of up to 35 years as against five years at present. It is expected to generate about 1.25 lakh jobs.

 

3. Chhattisgarh CM Inaugurates 2 New Districts in the State, Takes Total To 33: Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated the 32nd and 33rd districts of the State. Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur and Sakti were announced as the 32nd and 33rd districts of Chhattisgarh. Sakti is carved out from Janjgir-Champa, and Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur is carved out from the Koriya district.

The Chattisgarh Chief Minister said that people have been demanding the creation of the Manendragarh district for a very long time and it has been a long-term struggle to create Manendragarh as a district. Three new districts have been inaugurated in Chattisgarh by the Chief Minister. There are now, 33 districts in Chattisgarh including Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, and Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai.

 

4. Bihar CM inaugurated India’s longest rubber dam on Falgu River: Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar has inaugurated India’s longest rubber dam ‘Gayaji Dam’ on the Falgu River in Gaya. The dam has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 324 crore. Experts from IIT (Roorkee) were involved with the project. There will be enough water in the dam round the year for the convenience of pilgrims. With its construction, now at least two feet of water will be available in the Falgu River near Vishnupad Ghat throughout the year for the devotees who come here to do Pind Daan. About the dam:

a)      The rubber dam on the Falgu River, which is a vast stretch of sand dunes, it will draw more pilgrims and change the landscape. The dam, aimed at providing uninterrupted water supply to Vishnupad Temple in Gaya throughout the year.

b)      Designed by experts from IIT Roorkee, the dam is 411 meters long, 95.5 meters wide and 3 meters high. Apart from the rubber dam, the banks along the Falgu River have also been developed and a steel bridge has been built for pilgrims to visit Sita Kund.

c)       The Falgu river has water only in the monsoon season and remains dry for the remaining period. The dam will ensure water storage in the river throughout the year, helping the pilgrims who visit the place for Pind Daan (ritual to offer homage to departed souls).

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

 

5. Dinesh Kumar Batra takes charge as CMD, Bharat Electronics Limited: Dinesh Kumar Batra, Director (Finance) & CFO, has taken additional charge as Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) with effect from September 1, 2022. He was instrumental in the company’s move to foray into the Electro-Explosive segment. He is also credited with BEL entering into Li-on battery packs for automobiles to support the e-Mobility programme of the Government of India. He is a member of the Board of BEL subsidiaries, BEL-Thales Systems Limited (BTSL) and BEL Optronic Devices Limited (BELOP).

Note: Bharat Electronics Limited Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka; Bharat Electronics Limited Founded: 1954.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. U.S. Announced 450 Million $ Package to Pakistan: The Biden Administration has approved a whopping USD 450 million F-16 fighter jet fleet sustainment programme to Pakistan. As a notification to the US Congress, the State Department has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale of F-16 case for sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD 450 million, arguing that this will sustain Islamabad’s capability to meet current and future counterterrorism threats by maintaining its F-16 fleet.

This is the first major security assistance to Pakistan after Trump in 2018 had announced to stop all defense and security assistance to Pakistan alleging that Islamabad was not a partner in its fight against terrorism.  What The U.S. Said:

a)      According to the Congressional notification, the proposed sale does not include any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions. It said that Pakistan has requested to consolidate prior F-16 sustainment and support cases to support the Pakistan Air Force F-16 fleet by reducing duplicate case activities and adding additional continued support elements.

b)      The USD 450 million foreign military sale to Pakistan participation in F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Programme, electronic combat international security assistance programme, international engine management programme, engine component improvement programme, and other technical coordination groups; aircraft and engine hardware and software modifications and support and aircraft and engine spare repair/return parts.

c)       The Pentagon said this proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.

 

2. NASA’s Experiment MOXIE successfully creates oxygen on Mars: An gadget the size of a lunchbox (MOXIE by NASA) is demonstrating its ability to consistently carry out the work of a tiny tree on the red and dusty surface of Mars, some 100 million miles from Earth. Since April 2021, roughly two months after it landed on the Martian surface as part of NASA’s Perseverance rover and Mars 2020 mission, the MIT-led Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment, or MOXIE, has been producing oxygen from the Red Planet’s carbon-dioxide-rich atmosphere. Key Points:

a)      Researchers say that by the end of 2021, MOXIE was able to manufacture oxygen on seven experimental runs, in a variety of atmospheric circumstances, including day and night and throughout the Martian seasons, according to a paper published in the journal Science Advances.

b)      The instrument produced six grammes of oxygen per hour on each run, or roughly the same amount as a small tree on Earth.

c)       According to researchers, a scaled-up MOXIE may be transported to Mars before a human trip to create oxygen continually at the rate of several hundred trees.

d)      At that capacity, the system should be able to produce enough oxygen to support people once they arrive as well as power a rocket for astronauts returning to Earth.

e)      As of now, MOXIE’s consistent output represents a positive first step in that direction.

f)        This is the first instance of utilising materials from the surface of another planetary body and chemically converting them into something useful for a human mission.

 

3. International PCOS Awareness Month: 1st to 30th September: The month of September is recognized as International PCOS Awareness Month. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women that is also the leading cause of female infertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a serious genetic, hormone, metabolic and reproductive disorder that affects women and girls. It is the leading cause of female infertility and a precursor for other serious conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Australia Captain Aaron Finch to Retire from ODI Cricket: Aaron Finch, Australia’s captain announced his retirement from one-day international cricket after Australia’s third and final ODI against New Zealand. Finch will continue to be the captain of the Australian cricket team for T20 and will lead it in defense of its world title in the T20 World Cup which is going to be held in October and November in Australia. Finch is known as one of the most damaging opening batters in the world, Finch has scored 5,401 runs in the ODI format with an average of close to 40, and 17 centuries.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank unveils ‘Bank on Wheels’ in Gujarat: HDFC Bank has unveiled its state-of-the-art ‘Bank on Wheel’ van in Gujarat. The Bank in Wheel van service will take banking services to unbanked villages. The Bank in Wheel van will visit remote villages located 10-25 km from the nearest branch to further financial inclusion, under the HDFC Bank’s newly initiated Rural Banking Business.

‘Bank on Wheel’: The Bank in Wheel initiative is a part of a pilot project to offer banking services in unbanked locations. Customers can access 21 banking products as well as services. The Bank in Wheel van will be operational at each location for a specific period and will cover 3 villages in a day. The Bank in Wheel van will reach and visit each village twice a week. HDFC Bank is one of India’s Premier Banks providing a wide range of financial products and services using multiple distribution channels including a pan-India network.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Agribazaar Launches Kisan Safalta Card for Agri Financing: Agribazaar is a private sector electronic Agri mandi, launched ‘Agribazaar Kisan Safalta Card’. The Agribazaar Kisan Safalta Card is a quick and easy way to help farmers to meet their pre- and post-harvest farm requirements and allied expenses. Farmers can use Agribazaar Kisan Safalta Card to get financing. The funds provided can only be used to buy farm inputs and requirements.

Key Points:

a)      The card has a 12-month repayment period, which provides enough time to pay off the balance. The crop yield of each farmer determines the card’s limit, the financing scale, and maintenance costs.

b)      The amount of the card is adjustable for marginal farmers, which ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000. The maximum limit of the Agribazaar Kisan Safalta Card can be increased annually based on crop yield and repayments.

c)       The repayment plan can be rescheduled if crop damage occurs as a result of natural disasters.

d)      Once the harvest is completed, farmers can repay the loan.

 

2. Indian FMCG company Pintola named Sunil Chhetri as Brand Ambassador: Indian superfood brand Pintola, Fast­moving consumer goods (FMCG) company announced a renowned Indian Football Captain, Sunil Chhetri as Brand Ambassador. He was appointed as Pintola Brand Ambassador for his similar values of consistency and perfection with the company to promote the idea of a healthier India to this generation.

In 20 years of Sunil’s professional career, this was his 1st ever FMCG collaboration. Pintola and Sunil Chhetri’s collaboration shall open newer realms of healthy eating options in the country, adding sports enthusiasts to its existing wide consumer base. Pintola boasts of a premium basket size of 21 products and aims to cater to a consumer size of 100 Million in the near future.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Singapore awarded ‘Meritorious Service Medal’ to Lamba, Former Navy Chief of India: Former India Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba has been conferred Singapore’s prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military) (MSM(M)), by President Halimah Yacob. Admiral Lanba has been conferred the award for his outstanding contributions in enhancing the strong and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy.

Under Lanba’s leadership:

a)      Both navies concluded the Bilateral Agreement for Navy Cooperation in November 2017 and the Implementing Arrangement for Mutual Coordination, Logistics and Services Support in June 2018, which established the framework for greater Navy-to-Navy interactions and expanded collaboration in areas of mutual interest such as submarine rescues, maritime-security information-sharing and logistics support.

b)      With Lanba’s support, both navies also commemorated the Silver Jubilee of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise in 2018 and successfully conducted the inaugural Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) in September 2019. These professional exchanges have strengthened interoperability and deepened mutual understanding and trust between personnel from both militaries.

Daily GK Update- 12th Sep, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s first RRTS corridor to use an app-based token-free ticketing system: The nation’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (India’s first RRTS corridor), the Delhi-Meerut RRTS line, would incorporate an automatic fare collection (AFC) system and tickets with QR codes for riders. In order to purchase the AFC system, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) recently announced that it has requested bids in accordance with the Modi administration’s “Make In India” standards. Key Points:

a)      The contactless method of entry and exit will be seamless, comfortable, simple, and quick with the AFC system. The NCRTC will also offer QR code tickets, which can be generated digitally on a website or mobile application.

b)      Commuters will be able to purchase paper QR tickets from ticket vending machines for a single trip between two stations, similar to the token system used by the Delhi Metro.

c)       EMV (Europay, Mastercard, Visa) Open Loop contactless cards based on NCMC standards will also be accepted on the Delhi-Meerut RRTS route. All NCMC cards issued by Indian metro networks, transportation authorities, and banking institutions would be accepted by RRTS passengers.

 

2. Tamil Nadu Government launched “Pudhumai Penn Scheme” for girl students: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has launched the Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance scheme titled ‘Pudhumai Penn’ at a function in Chennai, in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Mr Kejriwal also unveiled 26 schools of excellence and 15 model schools set up by the Tamil Nadu government emulating the model by his AAP government in Delhi. Under Pudhumai Penn:

a)      Pudhumai Penn scheme, girl students, who studied from Class V to Class XII in state government schools would be paid monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 till they complete their graduation or diploma.

b)      The scheme aims to benefit six lakh girls every year and Rs 698 crore has been allocated in the budget for its implementation.

c)       Stalin said after his government came to power, keeping in mind changing needs, the Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Marriage Assistance scheme was converted into the Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance scheme, now implemented as the Pudhumai Penn scheme, for the benefit of economically-weaker families who are not able to send their girl children to colleges due to financial constraints.

d)      Stalin also said Rs 25 crore will be allocated to Bharathi Women’s College for constructing new classrooms and developing infrastructure facilities.

 

3. President Droupadi Murmu to launch ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’: President Draupadi Murmu launched the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan virtually. The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan aims to eliminate tuberculosis from India by 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a distinctive call to end TB in India giving years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of 2030.

Along with this Presentation, President also launched the Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative which forms a vital component of the Campaign. The Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative will provide a platform for the donors to help TB patients who are undergoing treatment. The donors will be called Ni-Kshay Mitras, and the donation will include nutritional, additional diagnostic, and volcanic support. The event highlights the need for a societal approach that brings together people from all backgrounds to eliminate TB from the country by 2025.

 

4. CJI inaugurated NALSA Centre for Citizen Services: The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Centre for Citizen Services, was inaugurated by Chief Justice of India Uday Umesh Lalit. The space at Jaisalmer House which was provided to NALSA would be utilised for the establishment of Legal Assistance Centre for Citizens, Legal Assistance Centre for NRIs, Training Centre, and Digital Command Centre for providing futuristic legal services across the country.

About the NALSA: The NALSA has been constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free Legal Services to the weaker sections of the society. Its purpose is to provide free legal services to eligible candidates, and to organize Lok Adalats for the speedy resolution of cases. While the CJI is the Patron-in-Chief, the second senior most judge of the Supreme Court of India is the executive chairperson of the Authority.

Note: NALSA Founded: 9 November 1995; NALSA Headquarters location: New Delhi; NALSA Motto: Access to Justice for All.

 

5. Airtel partnered with Odisha to offer Bill Payment Solution: Bharti Airtel has launched a pilot project in partnership with the TP Northern Odisha Distribution to offer bill payment solutions to more than 2 million customers. The pilot project will be mobilized to 4000 Airtel Payment Banks (APBs) in northern Odisha to facilitate the bill payments. The company’s ambition is to scale the project across Odisha and eventually partner with other state electricity boards for similar solutions said the Airtel IQ Business head Abhishek Biswal. The project is currently at the National Payments Corporation of India certification stage. The certification will ensure that the project has minimal risk of digital fraud.

 

6. 3 Indian cities join UNESCO network of learning cities: Warangal and two cities from Kerala have joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) in recognition of their outstanding efforts to make lifelong learning a reality for all at the local level. Warangal in Telangana, Thrissur and Nilambur are among the 77 cities from 44 countries which have joined this network of the world body. Other cities that have joined the network are the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Durban in South Africa and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) among others. The 77 new members bring the total number of cities within the UNESCO GNLC to 294 in 76 countries.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. U.S. Marks the 21st Anniversary of 9/11 Horrific Incident: Americans remembered 9/11 on 11th Sept with readings of victims’ names, volunteer work and other tributes 21 years after the deadliest terror attack on US soil. A tolling bell and a moment of silence began the commemoration at ground zero in New York, where the World Trade Center’s twin towers were destroyed by the hijacked-plane attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Victims’ relatives and dignitaries also convened at the two other attack sites, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.

Other communities around the country are marking the day with candlelight vigils, interfaith services and other commemorations. Some Americans are joining in volunteer projects on a day that is federally recognized as both Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. More than two decades later, Sept. 11 remains a point for reflection on the attack that reconfigured national security policy and spurred a U.S. war on terror worldwide.

 

2. MEA: Sanjay Verma appointed as next high commissioner of India to Canada: Senior diplomat Sanjay Kumar Verma has been appointed as India’s next high commissioner to Canada. He succeeds Acting High Commissioner Anshuman Gaur. Verma is a 1988 batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service and is currently the ambassador of India to Japan. Among other postings, Verma has served in Indian missions in Hong Kong, China, Vietnam and Turkey. He has also served as Consul General of India in Milan, Italy.

Another appointment: Amit Kumar, currently Consulate General of India in Chicago, has been named as the next ambassador to the Republic of Korea. Amit Kumar, who joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1995, was earlier the Deputy Chief of Mission in the Embassy of India, Washington DC with Ambassador rank.

 

3. India & UK Conducts Counter Ransomware Exercise for 26 Nations: The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and the UK government has jointly conducted the virtual Cyber Security Exercise for 26 countries. The exercise is a part of the India-led International Counter Ransomware Initiative- Resilience Working Group, facilitated by the British Aerospace (BAE) Systems. These companies are responsible for the distribution of electricity to domestic customers and are the last link to the public supply. The exercise explores the complexity of decision-making around response to ransomware on Critical National Infrastructure.

Key highlights:

a)      All 26 invitees for the exercise are from CRI Partner Nations and their respective organisations that includes Cyber Security, National Crisis Management, National Security Policy, Critical National Infrastructure and Law Enforcement Agencies.

b)      The scenarios are written specifically for the participants based on Threat Intelligence and operational experiences.

 

4. United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation: 12th September: The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is observed annually on September 12 to highlight the importance of cooperation among people and countries in the global South. The day also aims at spreading awareness on the social, economic, and political developments made in the Southern region.

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation History: The United Nations Conference on Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries adopted the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCDC) on September 12, 1978. Delegations from 138 states had reached a consensus to adopt TCDC and named it after Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires where the conference was held. Later, the United Nations General Assembly designated September 12 as the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PNB MetLife launched new unit-linked insurance plan: PNB MetLife has launched a new ULIP plan PNB MetLife Goal Ensuring Multiplier (GEM) that offers customers life insurance coverage and helps them invest methodically with the goal of creating wealth for the future. Customers can choose from 13 different funds to best fit their risk appetite and can also opt for goal-based fund management strategies. The plan also has a top-up feature that allows customers to enhance their coverage and accelerate their savings goals.

 

2. ESAF Bank launched ‘rainbow account’ for transgender community: ESAF Small Finance Bank Limited has launched a ‘Rainbow Savings Account’ exclusively for the transgender community. The ‘Rainbow Savings Account scheme comes with a high-interest rate and advanced debit card facilities. The Reserve Bank of India in 2015 directed banks to include a separate column ‘third gender’ in all their forms and applications. Many transgenders from different parts of Kerala participated in the launch of Rainbow Savings Account’s logo event, which was organized in association with the Navodaya Movement.

Note: ESAF Small Finance Bank Founded: 10 March 2017; Founders: Paul Thomas, Mereena Paul, Jacob Samuel; Headquarters: Thrissur, Kerala

 

3. IDBI Bank re-appointed as Deputy MD of S Jebaraj for 3 years: IDBI Bank has announced the reappointment of Samuel Joseph Jebaraj as the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) on the Board of the Bank for a period of 3 years. The board of directors has jointly approved the appointment. The reappointment is with effect from September 20, 2022.

Note: IDBI Bank Founded: 1 July 1964; Headquarters: Mumbai; MD and CEO: Rakesh Sharma

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. LIC Introduces Non-participating, Unit-linked New Pension Plus Plan 867: Life Insurance Company (LIC) introduced a new plan, LIC New Pension Plus 867. The LIC New Pension Plus 867 is a non-participating, unit-linked insurance plan that again comes with “guaranteed addition”. The plan indicates that the LIC New Pension Plus 867 will provide guaranteed additions between 5% to 15% of the yearly premium. LIC New Pension Plus 867: Features

a)      The LIC New Pension Plus 867 is a unit-linked pension plan which aims for building a corpus with systematic conversion into regular income on retirement after taking the annuity plan.

b)      Customers can also take immediate or deferment pension options.

c)       The pension plan provides an option to extend the accumulation period or deferment period within the same policy with the same terms and conditions.

d)      The pension plan can be taken with a single premium or regular premium option.

e)      The investor can invest in four different funds available for them.

f)        The plan offers guaranteed additions of 5% to 15.5% of the yearly premium at specific intervals.

g)      Partial withdrawal of the unit is allowed 3 times in a policy period.

h)      Investors can purchase this plan online or through online or offline mode from agents or by visiting the nearest LIC branches.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Hindi writer Dr. Asghar Wajahat awarded with 31st Vyas Samman: The 31st Vyas Samman was conferred on to well-known Hindi writer Dr Asghar Wajahat at a function in New Delhi. He has been chosen for the prestigious award for his play Mahabali. In his play Mahabali, Dr. Wajahat focuses on Mughal emperor Akbar and poet Tulsidas. Through the play, he attempts to answer who is the real Mahabali, the poet or the emperor.

About Vyas Samman:

a)      The Vyas Samman is given by K K Birla Foundation for outstanding literary work in Hindi authored by an Indian citizen published during the last 10 years.

b)      It carries an award of Rs 4 lakh along with a citation and a plaque. It was initiated in 1991.

c)       Ram Vilas Sharma received the inaugural Vyas Samman in 1991 for his work ‘Bharat ke Pracheen Bhasha Parivar aur Hindi’.

d)      Professor Sharad Pagare was honoured with 30th Vyas Samman for his novel titled ‘Patliputra ki Samragi’.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Padma Shri awardee artist Ram Chandra Manjhi passes away: Padma Shri awardee Ramchandra Manjhi, whose performance in Bhojpuri folk dance ‘Naach’ for eight decades, has passed away. He was a famous performer of ‘Launda Naach’, a sub-set of ‘Naach’, in which men crossdress as women. His passion for the dance form even in old age has brought him several honours, including Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2017) and Padma Shri (2021). He was one of the members of the original troupe of Bhikhari Thakur, known as Shakespeare of Bhojpuri language.

 

2. Chief Justice of India with the shortest tenure, Kamal Narain Singh passes away: Former Chief Justice of India Kamal Narain Singh passed away, at the age of 95. Justice Narain had a tenure of only 17 days as the CJI, making him the chief justice with the shortest tenure. He was the 22nd Chief Justice of India, with a term from November 25, 1991, to December 12, 1991.

Born on December 13, 1926, his career as a judge started with his appointment as an Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court in 1970. He then became a Permanent Judge in August 1972. He got elevated as a Supreme Court judge in 1986 and, after almost five years, became the CJI. He also served as Chairman of the 13th Law Commission of India from 1991-1994. Late Justice Narain was part of several important judgments, including the Ganga Pollution case, the case challenging the validity of a death sentence, etc.

Daily GK Update- 11th Sep, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s First Intranasal COVID Vaccine by Bharat Biotech gets DCGI Approval: India’s first intranasal Covid vaccine by Bharat Biotech received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for primary immunization against the injection for people above the age of 18. It is India’s first nasal vaccine for COVID-19. The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya termed the vaccine a ‘Big Boost’ to India’s fight against COVID-19.

The BBIL announced that the development of the Intranasal COVID vaccine (BBV154), has been approved for restricted use in an emergency. The iNCOVACC, is a recombinant replication-deficient adenovirus vectored vaccine with a pre-fusion stabilized spike protein. This vaccine was evaluated in phases I, II, and III, clinical trials with successful results. The vaccine was formulated to allow intranasal delivery through nasal drops. It is designed to be cost-effective in low and middle-income countries.

 

2. First LNG truck facility in India opened by Blue Energy Motors: The long-haul, heavy-duty trucks from Blue Energy Motors, which intends to upend the Indian trucking business by producing clean energy, almost zero emissions vehicles, will run on LNG. The business was inaugrated by Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari. Blue Energy Motors has a contract in place with FPT Industrial, the global powertrain brand of the Italian Iveco Group, to launch the first LNG trucks with BS VI-compliant FPT Industrial engines. Key Points:

a)      The introduction of the 5528 4×2 tractor will serve as the first model for the market entry of LNG-fueled trucks.

b)      Blue Energy Motors claims that its “trucks have been built and tested in compliance with the demanding duty cycles of the Indian transport industry.”

c)       These trucks, which have high-torque FPT Industrial engines, not only have the best TCO in their class but also provide unparalleled ride comfort and driver safety for long hauls.

d)      One of the most potent natural gas engines is the FPT Industrial engine, which is also compatible with CNG, LNG, and biomethane.

e)      To ensure best-in-class fuel consumption and lower noise than diesel engines, it uses multipoint stoichiometric combustion.

Note: CEO Blue Energy Motors: Anirudh Bhuwalka

President of Iveco Group Powertrain Business Unit: Sylvain Blaise

 

3. Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Conference Manthan in Bengaluru: Union Minister for Road, Transport, and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated ‘Manthan’ in Bengaluru. He was accompanied by General Dr. VK Singh, Union Minister of State for RT&H and Civil Aviation, and Shri Basavaraj Bommai, Chief Minister, Karnataka. Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways has organized Manthan, which was three-day invitation conference cum public EXPO. Mathan aims was to discuss multiple issues and opportunities in the roads, transport, and logistics sector and engage with the state. Key Points Related to Manthan:

a)      The theme of Mathan is ‘IDEAS TO ACTION: Towards a smart, sustainable, road infra, mobility, and logistics ecosystem.’

b)      In this event, several state ministers, holding portfolios of the ministries of PWD, transport, and industry, and senior government officials from these ministries participated.

c)       Senior officials from MoRTH and NHAI, Policy planners, experts, corporate leaders, and technocrats, also joined the event.

d)      The discussion of the event was around three areas: first on roads, covering road development, new materials, technology, and road safety. Second, the transport sector, covering EVs and vehicle safety, among others. Third, alternate and future mobility, covering ropeways, multimodal logistics parks, Parvatmala, and Digital interventions.

e)      During this program, the 41st Meeting of the transport development council also take place.

 

4. Grievance Redressal Index 2022: UIDAI topped in August 2022: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has topped among all Ministries/Departments for resolving Public Grievances in the ranking. The report was published by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). In a statement released by the Ministry of Electronics and IT, it is stated that UIDAI is further committed in serving the people of India and has been a catalyst for both ease of living and business. Key Points:

a)      UIDAI has been a top performer in the resolution of cases received through the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS).

b)      The organization is dedicated to further strengthening its Grievance Redressal Mechanism and is going to launch State-of-the-art Open Source CRM solution soon. The new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution has been designed with advanced features that shall enhance UIDAI service delivery to residents.

c)       The new CRM solution shall have the capability to support multi-channels like Phone Calls, Emails, chatbots, Web portals, Social Media, letters and walk-ins through which the grievances can be lodged, tracked and resolved effectively. It is under the advanced stage of implementation and is going to be rolled out soon.

Note: UIDAI Founded: 28 January 2009; UIDAI Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

5. PSLV rockets to be built by HAL-L&T under a Rs. 860 billion contract: The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL-L&T consortium, making the industry’s first entrance into end-to-end production of polar satellite launch vehicles, has secured a Rs 860 crore contract from NewSpace India Limited to produce five rockets (PSLV rockets). The HAL-L&T cooperation won the right to produce PSLV from beginning to end after three bids were subjected to a techno-commercial examination.

About NSIL: The NSIL also has plans to procure a fully assembled GSLV-Mk III rocket from Indian business associates. The transfer of 10 in-orbit communication satellites from the Government of India to NSIL was authorised by the Union Cabinet in June of this year. The government had approved raising NSIL’s authorised share capital from Rs 1,000 billion to Rs 7,500 billion.

 

6. SC Judge DY Chandrachud named as new Chairman of NALSA: Supreme Court judge Justice DY Chandrachud has been appointed as the next executive chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The post was previously held by the Chief Justice of India UU Lalit. President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice D.Y. Chandrachud as the executive chairman of the NALSA.  Before being elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Chandrachud served as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court and prior to that a judge of the Bombay High Court.

About the NALSA: The NALSA has been constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free Legal Services to the weaker sections of the society. While the CJI is the Patron-in-Chief, the second senior most judge of the Supreme Court of India is the executive chairperson of the Authority.

Note: NALSA Founded: 9 November 1995; NALSA Headquarters location: New Delhi; NALSA Motto: Access to Justice for All.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Suella Braverman: UK’s new Home Secretary of Indian Origin: Liz Truss, the new British prime minister, named Suella Braverman, a lawyer of Indian descent, as the country’s new home secretary. Priti Patel, who is of Indian descent, will be replaced in the position by Suella Braverman. Suella Braverman, a 42-year-old Conservative Party member from Fareham in southeast England, previously worked for the Boris Johnson administration as the attorney general. About Suella Braverman:

a)      In the 2005 general election, Suella Braverman ran from Leicester East.

b)      In May 2015, Suella Braverman won a seat representing Fareham as a Conservative Party member.

c)       Suella Braverman served in the legislature and was re-elected in 2017 and 2019.

d)      In addition, Suella Braverman held the office of attorney general from February 2020 to September 2022.

 

2. World EV Day: 9th September: World EV Day 2022 is observed on the 9th of September. World EV Day is observed to emphasize the importance of e-mobility. World EV day helps to spread awareness about sustainable transport facilities to the people. Air pollution is mainly caused by transportation, and EVs are one of the major alternatives to decrease air pollution.

The first World EV Day was observed in 2020 and was an initiative of Sustainability Media Company Greet TV. Every year, World EV Day is observed on 9th September 2022.

 

3. World Suicide Prevention Day: 10th September: World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), celebrated annually on 10 September, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The overall goal of this day is to raise awareness about suicide prevention worldwide. Objectives include promoting stakeholder collaboration and self-empowerment to address self-harm and suicide through preventative action. The theme of WSPD 2022, “Creating hope through action,” reflects the need for collective, action to address this urgent public health issue. This has been the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021 to 2023.

World Suicide Prevention Day History: World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10th of September each year focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, government, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Anishka Biyani won Gold medal in Malaysian chess meet: Six-year-old Anishka Biyani has won the gold medal in the Malaysian Age Group Rapid Chess Championship at Kuala Lumpur. Anishka, a first-grade student of Dhirubhai Ambani School, achieved the feat in the Under-6 Open category with an impressive score of four points out of a possible six to clinch the title in the girl’s category.

 

2. Mastercard Acquires Title Sponsorship Rights for All BCCI International and Domestic Matches: Mastercard has announced its collaboration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to expand its strategic outreach to Indian audiences. During the collaboration between Mastercard and BCCI, Mastercard will be the title sponsor of all the international matches including men and women, held on the home grounds, domestic cricket matches like Duleep Trophy, Ranji Trophy, and Irani Trophy.

The sponsorship and collaboration aim to enhance the connection of Mastercard with cricket lovers across the country. Mastercard has also invested in worldwide sponsorships including UEFA, Champion League, the Grammys, the Cannes Film Festival, and the Australian and French Open tennis tournaments. Mastercard worked to amplify this passion area with the signing of MS Dhoni, as the brand ambassador for over four years.

 

3. Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto won Men’s Singles at Japan Open 2022: Japan wins the singles finals of the 2022 Japan Open Badminton Tournament in Osaka. Japan is the host country of the 2022 Japan Open Badminton Tournament. Nishimoto Kenta, 28 years old, won his first career title in the men’s. Yamaguchi Akane, World Champion won for the second successive week in women. After three years, Japan Open was held for the first time due to the pandemic and only Yamaguchi managed to defend her title.

a)      In the men’s doubles, which was the fifth Tournament, Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang of China won their first title in their first final, they defeated the Danish duo of Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen by 21-18, 13-21, 21-17.

b)      e)   Jeong Na Eun/Kim Hye Jeong defeated Baek Ha Na/Lee Yu Rim from the Republic of Korea by 23-21, 28-26 for the women’s doubles crown.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank opened new SMS banking facility for its customers: The private sector lender HDFC Bank introduced a new SMS banking facility for its customers. The bank claims that now customers can access a wide range of banking services round-the-clock, 24/7 x 365 no matter where they are. With the new SMS banking facility, customers can now check account balances & summaries, apply for loans, manage credit cards, apply for chequebook requests, generate account statements and more. Customers no longer need to remember or type lengthy pre-defined keywords to conduct SMS banking thanks to HDFC Bank’s new SMS facility, which is integrated with AI technology.

In order to get started with the new SMS banking facility of HDFC Bank, customers are required to complete the registration process. For the same, they need to SMS “Register” <Space> “Last 4 digits of customer ID” <Space> “Last 4 digits of account number” and then sent it to 7308080808 from their registered mobile number. The new SMS banking is currently available only in the English Language, and it is available 24/7 and with zero charges. Customers can conduct SMS Banking operations from anywhere in India or overseas if they have national or international roaming enabled on their mobile device.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. IndiGo appoints Aviation industry veteran Pieter Elbers as the new CEO: Peiter Elbers assumed the charge of Indigo’s chief executive officer, over three months after he was announced as the replacement for outgoing CEO Ronojoy Dutta. Elbers, the former chief executive of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, was named as the next CEO by IndiGo on May 18, 2022. He has been at the helm of KLM since 2014. The 52-year-old is also a member of the executive committee of the Air France – KLM Group.

Experience:  Elbers had started his career in 1992 with KLM and, over the past three decades, held several managerial positions in the company in both the Netherlands and overseas in Japan, Greece and Italy. With Elbers assuming the charge, the three-year stint of Dutta as IndiGo’s CEO has formally concluded. The 71-year-old led the carrier through the turbulent period of COVID-19.

 

2. NIESBUD, IIE and ISB Signs MoU to offer Entrepreneurial Programmes to India’s Youth: The National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) and the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) individually with the Indian School of Business (ISB), which is a top-ranking global business school, to offer world-class management education through entrepreneurial programs targeted towards youth and job seeking entrepreneurs. Key Points:

a)      The partnership will enable, the development and implementation of two programs, one is Business Foundation & Entrepreneurial Skills and the other is Behavioral Skills Programme by ISB faculty and other Industry experts.

b)      NIESBUD and IIE will start enrollment of students on the ISB LMS, for the two training programs.

c)       The participants will receive a joint certification on the successful completion of the course.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Mahadevikadu Kattil Thekkethil chundan wins Nehru Trophy Boat Race: Pallathuruthy Boat Club, Mahadevikadu Kattil Thekkethil Chundan has scripted its maiden triumph in the Nehru Trophy boat race for snake boats at the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. The club, led by Santhosh Chacko, completed a hat-trick of wins. A total of 77 boats, including 20 snake boats, competed in this year’s Nehru Trophy. Nadubhagom, rowed by Kumarakom-based NCDC Boat Club, and Veeyapuram, powered by Punnamada club, finished second and third, respectively. Police Boat Club’s Chambakkulam came fourth.

Winners in other categories:

a)      Thekkanodi Thara Vallam (women): Saradhy (Police club, Alappuzha)

b)      Thekkanodi Kettu Vallam (women): Chellikadan (Chaithr-am Kudumbashree club, Pullangady)

c)       Churulan: Kodimatha (Koduppunna club)

d)      Veppu A grade: Manali (Police club, Alappuzha)

e)      Veppu B grade: Chiramel Thottukadavan (SSBC Virippukala, Kumarakom)

f)        Iruttukuthi A grade: Moonu Thaikkal (Arpookara club, Kottayam)

g)      Iruttukuthi B grade: Thuruthip-puram (Thuruthippuram club)

h)      Iruttukuthi C grade: Gothuruthu (GBC, Gothuruthu)

 

2. Lok Nayak Foundation Sahitya Puraskar awarded to Tanikella Bharani: Telugu writer and actor, Tanikella Bharani was presented with the annual Sahitya Puraskar of the Loknayak Foundation (18th Loknayak Foundation Award) at an award ceremony held at Kalabharathi Auditorium, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The Governor of Mizoram, Kambhampati Haribabu, who participated as the Chief Guest, felicitated the award to Tanikella Bharanialong with actor Manchu Mohan Babu and others.

About the Tanikella Bharani: Tanikella Bharani is an Indian actor, screenwriter, poet, playwright and director who mostly works in Telugu films. He has worked in more than 750 films in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi. He has won 3 Andhra Pradesh State Nandi Awards.

About the Award: The award is popularly referred to as ‘Andhra Jnanpith’. It carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. The award is given annually to an eminent Telugu writer or poet or a person credited with service for the cause of Telugu literature.