Daily GK Updates - 26th December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Atal Bhujal Yojana launched by Government of India: On the Birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) in an event held in New Delhi. ATAL JAL scheme has been designed with the principal objective of strengthening the institutional framework for participatory groundwater management and bringing about behavioural changes at the community level for sustainable groundwater resource management in seven States (Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh). Out of the total outlay of Rs. 6000 crores to be implemented over a period of 5 years (2020-21 to 2024-25), 50% shall be in the form of World Bank loan and be repaid by the Central Government. ATAL JAL will promote panchayat led groundwater management and behavioural change with a primary focus on demand-side management. Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8350 Gram Panchayats in 78 districts in these States. The remaining 50% shall be through Central Assistance from regular budgetary support.

2. Indian Railways to modernize its signalling system: Indian Railways has decided to modernize its Signalling system on its entire network by implementing Modern Train Control System (MTCS). This is one of the most ambitious modernization projects which envisages up-gradation of a signalling system for improving safety, Line Capacity and to run trains at a higher speed. Four works of the total 640-kilometre route at a cost of 1810 crore rupees have been sanctioned as pilot projects in Supplementary Works Programmes 2018-19 for extensive trials of Modern Train Control System. The work includes revision of Automatic Train Protection System, Electronic Interlocking System and Remote Diagnostic and Predictive Maintenance System.

3. Mumbai: CSMT gets 'Eat Right' station certificate: Iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station in Mumbai has been conferred with 'Eat Right Station' certification with the five-star rating by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for food safety and hygiene. The CSMT is the first station on the Central Railway to get this certification. The CSMT has been judged on the basis of compliance of food safety and hygiene, availability of healthy diet, food handling at preparation, food waste management, promotion of local and seasonal food and creating awareness on food safety and healthy diet.

Note: 'Eat Right Station' initiative is a part of the 'Eat Right India' movement launched by FSSAI and an FMCG major which is aimed at promoting food safety and hygiene at the static catering units at railway stations.

4. Digital Radio to be launched in 2024: According to Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar, the union government is bringing Digital Radio in 2024. The audio of digital radio will be clearer and its reach will be higher. All India Radio is an institution that is a part of people's lives, be it music, news or entertainment. Akashvani has one of the largest news gathering and dissemination apparatus in the world. Prasar Bharti is looking forward to a change in the format of these awards so that it brings out the hidden talent of the people.

Note: Digital radio is the use of digital technology to transmit or receive across the radio spectrum. Digital transmission by radio waves includes digital broadcasting, and especially digital audio radio services.

5. Niranjan Hiranandani takes over as Assocham president: Niranjan Hiranandani has taken over as the new president of The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (Assocham), the country’s apex organisation of industry and trade. He will succeed Balkrishan Goenka, the Welspun Group Chairman. Niranjan Hiranandani is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Hiranandani Group of Companies.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Brazil and China Co-developed Earth Observation Satellite, CBERS-4A, Launched into Orbit: China and Brazil have jointly developed an Earth Observation (EO) satellite, China-Brazil Earth Resource Satellite (CBERS) 4A. The CBERS 4A satellite was launched into space via a Long March 4B rocket from the northern Chinese province of Shanxi. This satellite was the sixth developed under the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) program that began in 1988. It will support the Brazilian government’s monitoring of the Amazon rainforest and changes in the country’s environment.

2. 17th India-EU Summit 2020 to be held in Brussels: PM Narendra Modi will visit Brussels, Belgium in 2020 for the 17th India-EU Summit. The summit will aimed at expanding strategic partnership with Europe. The summit will focus on areas such as Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement, Europol, counter-terrorism, Euroatom, climate change, etc. BTIA is a free trade agreement between India and EU in the year launched in 2007.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Kohli among five Wisden cricketers of the decade: Indian skipper Virat Kohli (31-year) is one of the five players named in the Wisden Cricketers of the Decade. Virat Kohli joins Australian batsman Steve Smith, and South Africans, Dale Steyn, and AB de Villiers. Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry is the only female cricketer in the list.

Note: In 2019, Kohli scored 2,370 across formats at an average of 64.05. Kohli has 5,775 more international runs and 22 more international hundreds than anyone else in this decade.

2. South African seamer Vernon Philander announces retirement: South African all-rounder Vernon Philander announced international retirement from all forms of cricket after the conclusion of the upcoming Test series against England. He has played 97 matches across all three formats, taking a combined 261 wickets with 1784 runs in his international career. He also took 51 wickets in his first seven Test matches which earned him the 2012 SA Cricketer of the Year award.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. SEBI signs pact with Kazakhstan-based AFSA for mutual co-operation: Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has signed a pact with Kazakhstan’s Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) for mutual co-operation and technical assistance. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) will strengthen cross border co-operation in the area of securities regulation, facilitate mutual assistance, contribute towards efficient performance of the supervisory functions, and enable effective enforcement of laws and regulations governing the securities markets. The MoU was signed by SEBI Chairman, Ajay Tyagi and the acting CEO of AFSA Mukhtar Bubeyev.

2. AIIB Approves USD 210 million loan for irrigation & solar energy projects in India: The Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has announced loan worth USD 210 million for irrigation and solar energy projects in India. Of the $210 million, $145 million will be used to improve irrigation services and strengthen flood risk management in West Bengal, while $65 million has been earmarked for a 250-megawatt (MW) solar project in Rajasthan. India is the second-largest shareholder of the multilateral institution and the largest recipient of its loan and equity commitments. The total commitments to the country stand at $3 billion out of total commitment of $10 billion.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Major Anoop Mishra Receives Army Design Bureau Excellence Award: Indian Army officer Major Anoop Mishra has developed a bulletproof jacket named ‘Sarvatra’ that can effectively provide protection to troops from lethal sniper rifle bullets. The officer was awarded the Army Design Bureau Excellence Award by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat for indigenously developing a bullet-proof jacket. As per Maj Anoop Mishra, Sarvatra is level 4 bulletproof jacket, developed at the college of military engineering in Pune and can provide full-body protection against sniper rifle bullets.

Daily GK Updates - 25th December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Petroleum Minister unveils India’s first long distance CNG bus: Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled India's first long-distance Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus fitted with CNG cylinders at a function in New Delhi. It can travel around one thousand kilometers in a single fill. The first long-range interstate CNG bus will play from Delhi to Dehradun. Mahindra & Mahindra along with Agility Fuel Solutions of USA have partnered with IGL for introducing the new concept of lightweight Type IV composite cylinders in buses.

Note: The project has been executed by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) and has been achieved through the design of Type IV Composite Cylinders in buses, replacing traditional very heavy Type-I Carbon Steel cylinders.

2. Rohtang tunnel in Himachal Pradesh named as Atal tunnel: Prime Minister Narendra Modi named Rohtang passageway in Himachal Pradesh as Atal Tunnel to mark the 95th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The tunnel has been named as a tribute to the former Prime Minister who took the historic decision of constructing this strategic tunnel. The strategic Atal tunnel will change the fortunes of this region and will help in promoting tourism in the region. The 8.8-kilometre-long tunnel is the world's longest tunnel above an altitude of 3,000 metres. After completion of the tunnel, it will provide all-weather connectivity to remote areas of Lahaul and Spiti Valley and reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 Kilometres. It is a 10.5-metre wide single tube bi-lane tunnel with a fire-proof emergency tunnel built into the main tunnel itself.

Note: Himachal Pradesh CM: Jai Ram Thakur; Governor: Bandaru Dattatraya.

3. PM Modi unveiled Atal Bihari Vajpayee statue in Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The event coincides with the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the co-founder of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He also laid the foundation stone for the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University in the Uttar Pradesh capital. Atal Bihari Vajpayee served three terms as the Prime Minister of India. He was the first Indian prime minister who was not a member of the Indian National Congress party to have served a full five-year term in office.

Note: CM of UP: Yogi Adityanath; Governor of UP: Anandiben Patel.

4. Good Governance Day: 25 December: Good Governance Day is observed in India annually on the 25th of December. In this day nation celebrates the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Good Governance Day was established in 2014 to honour Prime Minister Vajpayee by fostering awareness among the Indian people of accountability in government. In keeping with this principle, the Good Governance Day has been declared to be a working day for the government.

Note: Atal Bihari Vajpayee had served as the Prime Minister between 1998 and 2004. He was born on December 25, 1924, and died on 16th August 2018 after a prolonged illness. He was conferred India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee in 2015.

5. Tamil Nadu tops ‘Good Governance Index’ launched by GoI: The Central Government has released the “Good Governance Index” on the occasion of Good Governance Day. The “Good Governance Index” was launched to assess the state of governance in Indian States and Union Territories. The prime objective of the GGI is to provide quantifiable data to compare the state of governance in all states and Union Territories, enable them to formulate and implement suitable strategies for improving governance and shift to result oriented approaches and administration. The Index was launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, and the Centre for Good Governance.

Some key results of the day:

Among the “Big States“, Tamil Nadu topped the Good Governance Index. The poor performers are Odisha, Bihar, Goa, and Uttar Pradesh with Jharkhand finishing last in the group.

Among the “North-East and Hill States“, Himachal Pradesh topped the index, followed by Uttarakhand, Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim. The worst performers in this group are Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, with Arunachal Pradesh finishing last in the group.

Among the “Union Territories“, Puducherry topped the index followed by Chandigarh and Delhi. Lakshwadeep is the worst performing UT.

6. National Consumer Day: 24th December: Every Year 24th December is observed as National Consumer Day with a specific theme in India. The theme of this year is “alternate consumer grievance/dispute redressal”. The objective is to highlight the importance of the consumer movement and the need to make every consumer more aware of their rights and responsibilities. On this day the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted. The Act aims to provide consumers with effective safeguards against different types of exploitation, such as defective goods, deficiency in services and unfair trade practices.

Note: World Consumers Rights Day: 15 March.

7. Hemant Soren to take oath as Jharkhand CM on Dec 29: In Jharkhand, Grand Alliance leader Hemant Soren will take oath as Chief Minister on the 29th of this month. He was formally elected the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) legislature party leader. He was projected as the chief ministerial candidate by the JMM, Congress and RJD Alliance that gained the majority in the recently concluded Assembly polls.

Note: Governor of Jharkhand: Droupadi Murmu.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg steps down: Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg has stepped down as the company is facing tough period following two fatal crashes. He will be replaced by Chairman David Calhoun effective January 13, 2020. He became the CEO of the world’s largest aerospace company in July 2015. The company's best- selling commercial jet was grounded worldwide in March 2019 after two fatal crashes killed 346 people.

Note: Headquarters of Boeing: Chicago,  United States.

2. IAF Chief to visit Egypt for bilateral talks: Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria is on a five-day visit to Egypt from December 24 to 28, 2019 to strengthen the long-standing bilateral relations between New Delhi and Cairo. Air Chief Marshal, scheduled to various operational and training establishments of the Egyptian Air Force, interact with senior officials of the Egyptian Armed Forces. Defence cooperation between the two Air Forces, as well as strengthening the long-standing bilateral relations between India and Egypt.

Note: KS Bhadauria is the current Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. He assumed office on 30 September 2019 after superannuation of Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. MS Dhoni named captain of CA’s ODI team of the decade: Former India skipper and wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni been named captain of Cricket Australia’s (CA) ODI team of the decade. CA announced the ODI team of the year and the line-up features three Indian players. Apart from Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have made the cut in CA’s team. Cricket Australia's ODI team of the decade: Rohit Sharma, Hashim Amla, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Shakib Al Hasan, Jos Buttler, MS Dhoni (c), Mitchell Starc, Trent Boult, Lasith Malinga, Rashid Khan.

2. Leander Paes to retire from Tennis in 2020: Indian tennis ace Leander Paes has announced that 2020 will be his last year as a professional tennis player. Leander, who made his Olympic debut in 1992, will look for one final flourish at Tokyo Olympics next year. He has won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles.

3. Indian weightlifter Rakhi Halder creates two new national records: Indian weightlifter Rakhi Halder clinched a bronze medal in the women's 64kg weight category at the Qatar International Cup in Doha. She superseded the senior national record in both snatch and total lift with her personal best effort of 218kg (95kg in snatch + 123 kg in clean and jerk). India ended the Olympic qualifying silver level event with three medals. Former world champion Mirabai Chanu had won the gold on an opening day while teenager Jeremy Lalrinnunga had claimed silver in a power-packed performance.

AWARDS AND HONOURs

1. Kamareddy wins UNICEF-2019 Award for Swachh Bharat implementation: Kamareddy district of Telangana has secured the United Nations International Children’s and Education Fund (UNICEF)-2019 Award. The district has won the award for effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission in water sanitation and hygiene sectors. Kamareddy district was on top in the country among other districts in construction of individual sanitary lavatories, swachh darpan wall paintings, swachh survekshan, swachh sundar shouchalay and many other activities.

Note: Chief Minister of Telangana: K Chandrasekhar Rao; Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan.

2. Manushi Chillar is the 'Sexiest Vegetarian Personality' by PETA: Former Miss World Manushi Chhillar has been voted the Sexiest Vegetarian Personality by American animal rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Manushi is a strong advocate for vegetarianism and has expressed her views on the subject even on global platforms. Manushi has been roped in for Yash Raj Films' biggest historical drama 'Prithviraj' where she will be seen in the lead role opposite Akshay Kumar.

Note: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is an American animal rights organization based in Norfolk, Virginia, and led by Ingrid Newkirk, its international president. Its slogan is "Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way."

OBITUARIES

1. England's football World Cup winner Martin Peters passes away: England World Cup winner Martin Peters (76-years) passed away Peters was part of the 1966 World Cup-winning side and scored in the final against West Germany. Peters is the fifth member of England's World Cup final team to have died, after captain Bobby Moore, Alan Ball, Ray Wilson and Gordon Banks. Peters joined West Ham in 1959 as a 15-year-old, made his debut in 1962 and was a key player in the side who won the 1965 Cup Winners Cup final at Wembley.

2. Renowned Hindi author Ganga Prasad passes away: Renowned Hindi author Ganga Prasad Vimal passed away in a road accident in Sri Lanka. He was born in 1939 in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. He wrote more than a dozen poetry collections, short story collections and novels. His last novel, Manushkhor, was published in 2013. He received several Hindi literary awards.

Daily GK Updates - 24th December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Prez Kovind releases mobile app of Red Cross Society of India: President Ram Nath Kovind released the mobile app of the Red Cross Society of India in Hyderabad. This app is developed by the Telangana Centre for Good Governance in less than three months, the mobile app is accessible in all languages. The developers informed that the access to blood bank and Red Cross membership will become easy with the launching of the mobile app. So far, 13 lakh members including junior red cross members downloaded the app.

Note: Telangana CM: K Chandrashekhar Rao; Capital: Hyderabad; Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan.

2. Urban India declared Open defecation free: The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry announced that the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban has achieved its target of creating Urban India Open Defecation Free. Urban areas of 35 states and Union Territories have become ODF. In all, 4,320 cities out of 4,372 have declared themselves ODF, of which 4,167 cities have been certified through third-party verification. This has been achieved by the construction of nearly 65.81 lakh individual household toilets against Mission target of 59 lakhs and 5.89 lakh seats of public toilets against Mission target of 5.08 lakh seats. Though it was said that the urban local bodies in West Bengal had not been declared open defecation free (ODF).

Note: Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs: Hardeep Singh Puri.

3. Rajasthan government starts its first Janta Clinic: Rajasthan Chief Minister inaugurated its first “Janta clinic” at in the Malviya Nagar area of Jaipur. This clinic will provide free primary health care to people living in slums. In its first phase, 12 Janta Clinics will be opened in Jaipur where people would get free medicines and free medical examination in some cases. Later, in the second and third phases of this scheme, Janta Clinics will be opened in other areas.

Note: CM of Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot; Capital: Jaipur; Governor of Rajasthan: Kalraj Mishra.

4. Sangita Reddy appointed as the President of FICCI for 2019-20: Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, has taken over as the President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) for 2019-20 at the 92nd Annual Convention of the Chamber. She succeeds Sandip Somany, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, HSIL. President of The Walt Disney Company APAC & Chairman of Star & Disney India, Uday Shankar has been elevated as Senior Vice President of FICCI. Similarly, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), Sanjiv Mehta was appointed as the Vice President of FICCI.

Note: FICCI Established: 1927; FICCI Headquarters: New Delhi.

5. Harsh Vardhan Shringla appointed as new foreign secretary of India: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Harsh Vardhan Shringla (IFS 1984 Batch) as the next Foreign Secretary of India. At present, he is an ambassador to the United States and will become the 33rd Foreign Secretary of the country. He will replace Vijay Gokhale whose term will be completed on January 28, 2020. Harsh Vardhan Shringla served as an ambassador to Thailand from 2014 to 2016 and later as a High Commissioner to Bangladesh for two years. He has also served at UNESCO in France, the UN in New York besides Vietnam, Israel and South Africa.

6. National Farmers Day: 23 December: Kisan Diwas or National Farmers’ Day is observed across India on December 23. The day honours Chaudhary Charan Singh, the 5th Prime Minister of India whose was born on this day. It was in the year 2001, the Government of India decided to observe December 23 every year as Kisan Diwas. Kisan Diwas is being celebrated every year to promote awareness among people about the importance of the farmers to the society and overall economic and social development of the country.

7. ‘Oxygen Parlour’ at Nashik Railway Station to combat air pollution: In a unique initiative to battle rising air pollution in cities, an ‘Oxygen Parlour’ has been opened at Nashik railway station to provide an experience of breathing clean air to the commuters. The initiative comes with the efforts of Airo Guard in collaboration with the Indian Railways. The concept of Oxygen Parlour is based on the recommendation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In 1989, NASA had conducted a study in which they identified some plants that better absorb the five most harmful pollutants from the air. In the same line here most of those plants are planted.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India world’s 3rd largest producer of Scientific Articles: As per the report compiled by the US National Science Foundation (NSF), India has emerged as the world’s third-largest publisher of science and engineering articles. China, which accounts for 20.67 percent of all global publications in scientific articles, is at the top position, followed by the US at 16.54 percent. As per the report in 2008, India published 48,998 science and engineering articles. This increased to 1,35,788 articles in 2018 and the country now accounts for 5.31 percent of the total world publications in science and engineering. India’s emergence as the third-largest publisher is mainly due to a phenomenal double-digit growth rate in the last decade from 2008 to 2018. The other countries which made it to the top 10 list are Germany (1,04,396), Japan (98,793), UK (97,681), Russia (81,579), Italy (71,240), South Korea (66,376) and France (66,352).

2. WHO 1st time approved Biosimilar of “Trastuzumab” for breast cancer treatment: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that for the 1st time it had approved a “biosimilar” medicine of Trastuzumab named “Ontruzant” to make cheaper breast cancer treatment at an affordable rate to women globally. The medicine is derived from living sources rather than chemicals. The biosimilar medicine of the Trastuzumab drug was supplied by Samsung Bioepis co Ltd.

Note: WHO Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland, Director general: Tedros Adhanom.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Qatar to host African Football Super Cup until 2022: Qatar Football Association signed an agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stipulating that Doha will host the African Super Cup for the next three years. The African Super Cup in Doha with the next edition will be held on February 14, 2020. At the beginning of this year, Qatar hosted the African Super Cup for the first time when the Moroccan "Confederation" champion of the Confederation succeeded in beating the Tunisian "champions" Esperance 2-1.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Bank of Baroda partners with Gujarat govt to provide MSME loans: Bank of Baroda signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to facilitate the flow of credit in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector. As per the agreement, the credit will be provided to the MSME for greenfield projects, startups, women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs from backward areas under the Gujarat Single Window Clearance Act 2017 & Ordinance Number 1 of 2019 dated October 24, 2019. To avail the credit, the BoB customers should register their request on the link available single-window portal of the Gujarat government. BoB will take a further step, after the lead generated on the portal submitted to it.

Note: Bank of Baroda Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat; MD & CEO: PS Jayakumar.

DEFENCE

1. India successfully test-fires Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system: India successfully test-fired its Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the Odisha coast. With this mission, the developmental trials of the weapon system are successfully completed and the weapon system is expected to be ready for induction by 2021. The QRSAM weapon system, which operates on the move, comprises of fully automated Command and Control System, Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar, Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar and Launcher.

Note: DRDO Chairman: G Satheesh Reddy; Established: 1958; Headquarters: New Delhi.

OBITUARIES

1. Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Vidushi Savita Devi passes away: Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Vidushi Savita Devi (80) has passed away. Daughter of late Padma Shri winner Siddheshwari Devi, Savita Devi was considered a doyen in the field of classical music field for her mastery on various semi-classical vocal forms, such as thumri, dadra, chaiti, kajri and tappa of the Banaras Gharana (Purabang). She authored a biographical work on her mother, titled "Maa... Siddheshwari" and was the head of the Music Department at Delhi University's Daulat Ram College for many years.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Two Integrated Processing Units of Sikkim IFFCO to come up: Sikkim Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang laid down the foundation stone of two Integrated Processing Units of Sikkim Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Organics Limited, SIFFCO in Rangpo, East Sikkim. Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar was also present on this occasion as the chief guest. Sikkim IFFCO Organics Limited is a joint venture between the world's biggest fertilizer Cooperative, IFFCO, and Government of Sikkim. Its aim is to promote and market the organic produce of the country and especially from Sikkim and other north-eastern states of India. The major commercial crops in which Sikkim IFFCO will operate are ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, and buckwheat.

Note: Governor of Sikkim:  Ganga Prasad.

2. IIT Hyderabad launches India’s first mobile vaccination clinic in Pune: A vaccine on wheels clinic, a first-of-its-kind service in India called ‘VaccineOnWheels.com’  was launched in Pune by Jignesh Patel, who is a fellow at the Center for Healthcare Entrepreneurship (CfHe) at IIT Hyderabad. There are many features which makes it a unique vaccination service, including providing low-cost vaccination service to the low-income group of the population, creating awareness for government’s immunisation programme and selling only those vaccines which are not provided through the government agencies and compliance with cold chain maintenance as per WHO guidelines with state-of-the-art equipment.

3. Integral Coach Factory produces 3000 Coaches in record 215 days: Integral Coach Factory (ICF) of Indian Railways has produced its 3000 Coaches in record 215 days. The 64-year-old production unit beat its own record by reducing the number of working days to achieve the target of making 3,000 coaches in 289 days in 2018-19 to 215 days this year and retained its position as the largest coach- maker in the world.

Note: Headquarters of Integral Coach Factory: Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Established: 2nd October 1955.

4. Vice President releases the book “Turbulence and Triumph: The Modi Years”: The Vice President of India Shri M Venkaiah Naidu has released the book “Turbulence and Triumph: The Modi Years” at Uparashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The book was written by Rahul Agarwal and Bharti S Pradhan and is published by Om Books International. It is a pictorial book which traces the journey of Narendra Modi from his days as a young boy from Vadnagar in Gujarat to New Delhi’s 7, Lok Kalyan Marg as the 14th prime minister of India. It is replete with anecdotes from family, friends, colleagues, associates, testimonials of leaders from India and the world across party lines.

5. Virat Kohli tops Forbes India’s 2019 Celebrity list: With Rs 252.72 crore in annual earnings, India's ace cricketer Virat Kohli has become the first sportsman to gain the top spot in the Forbes India list in eight years since the launch of the Forbes India Celebrity 100 List. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar jumped one spot to the second rank, with total earnings of Rs 293.25 crore, a jump of 58.51 per cent from the previous year. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who had ruled at the top for the previous three years, slipped down to the third position in 2019.

"Gully Boy" actress Alia Bhatt broke into the Top 10 on the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list at the 8th spot followed by Deepika Padukone at number 10- the first time ever that two women are in the Top 10.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India constructs Girls’ Hostel for Nepal Armed Police Force: The Govt. of India has constructed Girls’ Hostel for Nepal Armed Police Force School, Kirtipur, Nepal. Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Dr Ajay Kumar inaugurated hostel building. Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) School is an academic institution created under the APF Welfare Service Centre of Nepal Armed Police Force. The school was established in 2005 and it has over 21 per cent of girls students. The new infrastructure constructed with the Government of India’s grant assistance of 40.42 million Nepali Rupees is a two-storied girls’ hostel. It comprises 32 rooms including a dormitory, warden room, bathroom, sanitation facilities for girls on each floor and furniture.

Note: Nepal Prime Minister: K P Sharma Oli; Capital: Kathmandu; President: Bidhya Devi Bhandari; Currency: Nepalese rupee.

2. Ecuador declares emergency after fuel spill in Galapagos Islands: Ecuador has declared an emergency to contain the environmental impact of a fuel spill in the Galapagos Islands, after a barge carrying 600 gallons of diesel fuel sank. The Islands are located 1,000 kilometers east of mainland Ecuador. The accident occurred when a crane collapsed while loading a container onto the barge. The falling container destabilized the ship, causing it to sink. Latin American Galapagos archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to one of the most fragile ecosystems on the planet.

3. Eight West African countries rename common currency to Eco: The eight West African countries namely- Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Niger, Senegal, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau have agreed to change the name of their common currency from ‘CFA franc’ to ‘Eco’ after they jointly severed the CFA franc’s links to former colonial ruler France. The announcement was made during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Ivory Coast, who hailed the decision as a historic reform. Even though the deal took six months in making, common currency Eco will see the light of day in 2020. These countries currently use 'CFA franc' as their currency. All these countries, except Guinea-Bissau, are former French colonies.

4. India-Iran 19th Joint Commission meeting held in Iran: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar co-chaired the 19th Joint Commission meeting with Foreign Minister of Iran. The Joint Commission meeting was held in Tehran, Iran. The meeting reviewed the entire gamut of the cooperation and agreed to accelerate work on the strategic Chabahar project. The Chabahar port is jointly being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan. It is located on the Indian Ocean in the Sistan and Baluchestan province of Iran.

Note: Iran Capital: Tehran; Currency: Rial; President: Hassan Rouhani.

5. Monisha Ghosh named 1st woman CTO at FCC in US: Indian-American Dr Monisha Ghosh has been appointed as the first woman Chief Technology Officer at the US government’s powerful Federal Communications Commission (FCC). She will advise Indian-American Chairman of the FCC Ajit Pai and the agency on technology and engineering issues, and work closely with the Office of Engineering and Technology. Dr Ghosh will take charge on January 13. She replaces Dr Eric Burger.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Maisnam Meiraba Luwang wins Bangladesh Junior International Badminton Series: India's shuttler Maisnam Meiraba Luwang has won the Men's singles Bangladesh Junior International Badminton Series 2019 in Dhaka. Top-seeded Meiraba, who hails from Manipur, beat Ken Yong Ong 21, 14, 21-18 in the final lasting 38 minutes. Meiraba had defeated another Malaysian, M Fazriq Mohamad Razif, in the semifinals. Meiraba had also clinched the boys' singles U-19 title at the Woncheon Yonex Korea Junior Open International Challenge last month.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Anand Mahindra to step down as Mahindra Group Executive Chairman: Mahindra Group has annouced that Anand Mahindra will step down as Executive Chairman from April 1, 2020.  Pawan Goenka will be re-designated as Managing Director and Chief Executive from April 1.  This is in accordance with the Sebi guidelines. However, Anand Mahindra will continue to serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the company.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Malayali boy Aditya bags top bravery award: Aditya K. of Ramanattukara, Kozhikode, has become the first child from the State to bag the Bharat Award for bravery. The most prestigious of the National Bravery Awards, given away by the Indian Council for Child Welfare, the Bharat Award has gone to Aditya for rescuing 20 people from a burning bus that was on the move. Two more children from the State are also recipients of the awards. Muhammed Mohsin has been given the award posthumously for saving the lives of three children. Fatah gets the award for rescuing a woman and a girl from an approaching train. Both belong to Kozhikode.

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

2. Indian Archaeologist honoured in Bangladesh: Noted archaeologist R. Nagaswamy was honoured at the Silver Jubilee International Conference of Art in Dhaka by Bangladesh Culture Minister K.M. Khalid. He is an Indian historian, archaeologist and epigraphist. He served as the founder-director of Tamilnadu Archaeology Department. In 2018 he was awarded India’s third highest civilian award Padma Bhushan.

Daily GK Updates - 22nd December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Jagan launches ‘Nethanna Nestham’ scheme for handloom weavers: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy launched ‘Nethanna Nestham’ at Dharmavaram of Anantapur district. Chief Minister said the scheme will benefit 85,000 handloom weaver families in the State. Under the scheme, Rs 24,000 will be credited directly into the bank accounts of the weavers having own looms every year.

Note: Andhra Pradesh Governor: Biswabhusan Harichandan; Capital: Amaravati

2. Secunderabad Railway Station Gets India’s First ‘Water From Air’ System: The Indian Railways has announced that it has installed a first-of-its-kind ‘atmospheric water generator’ (AWG) system named ‘Meghdoot,’ which converts humid air into potable drinking water, at Secunderabad railway station in Telangana. The minister of railways and commerce, Piyush Goyal informed about the installation of ‘Meghdoot’, which will produce water that complies with the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. The price of the potable drinking water ranges from INR 2 to INR 8. It costs less if the passengers carry their own bottles and containers.

3. EChO Network launched to catalyze cross-disciplinary leadership in India: Prof. K VijayRaghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has launched EChO Network, a national program to provide a template for cross-disciplinary leadership in India was launched in New Delhi. It focuses on increasing research, knowledge, and awareness of Indian ecology and the environment. EChO Network would develop a national network to catalyze a new generation of Indians who can synthesize interdisciplinary concepts and tackle real-world problems in medicine, agriculture, ecology, and technology. With no precedent for such a network anywhere in the world, EChO Network establishes a new platform to change how science is embedded in our modern society.

4. Govt relaxes guidelines for reissue of OCI cards: India has relaxed certain Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) guidelines for reissue of passport for those below 20 years of age and those above 50 years. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has granted this “temporary relaxation” till June 30, 2020.

For OCI cardholder below the age of 20 years: In case an OCI cardholder below the age of 20 years has not got OCI card re-issued on change of passport, he/she may travel on the strength of his/her existing OCI card bearing old passport number subject to the condition that along with the new passport, the OCI cardholder carries old passport mentioned in the OCI card

For OCI cardholder above the age of 50 years: In case an OCI cardholder who has attained the age of 50 years and got his/her passport renewed subsequently but has not got his/her OCI card re-issued on renewal of passport, he/she may travel till June 30, 2020, on the strength of existing OCI card along with the new and old passports.

5. National Mathematics Day: 22nd December: National Mathematics Day is celebrated on 22nd December every year to mark the birth anniversary of legendary mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan and his contributions in the development of modern mathematics. This year nation celebrates his 132nd Birth Anniversary. The main objective behind the celebration of National Mathematics Day is to make people aware of the development of mathematics and its importance in the growth of humanity. He passed away on 6th April 1920.

Note: In 2011, the National Mathematics Day was instituted by the Union Government to celebrate Ramanujan’s 125th birth anniversary.

6. Indian Coast Guard conducts ‘Swachchh Samundra NW-2019’: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted a two-day regional level pollution response exercise named ‘Swachchh Samundra NW-2019’ at sea off Vadinar in Gulf of Kutch. The exercise was conducted to validate and reinforce the response mechanism for oil pollution incidents and enable the Indian Coast Guard to fine-tune the actions required in such eventualities. The exercise was conducted in two phases. The Gulf of Kutch (GoK) region handles 70 per cent of the oil imported by India and 11 Single Point Moorings (SPMs) out of total 27 SPM.

Note: Indian Coast Guard founded: 18 August 1978; Headquarters: New Delhi.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Manuel Marrero Cruz appointed as Prime Minister of Cuba: Manuel Marrero Cruz was named the first prime minister of Cuba by President Miguel Díaz-Canel in more than 40 years. In Cuba, the post of PM was abolished in 1976 when Fidel Castro became president. It was reinstated under the rules of a new constitution for the communist-run island passed earlier this year. Marrero, who has served as tourism minister for 16 years and is an architect by trade, helped boost Cuba's economy by making tourism one of the engines of growth.

Note: Cuba Capital: Havana ; Currencies: Cuban peso.

2. Donald Trump officially launches US “space force”: Donald Trump has launched space force, the first new US military service in more than 70 years. Trump signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act that includes the space force. It is part of a $1.4tn (£1.1tn) government spending package – including the Pentagon’s budget – that provides a steady stream of financing for Trump’s US-Mexico border fence and reverses unpopular and unworkable automatic spending cuts to defence and domestic programmes. It is not intended to put troops into orbit, but will protect US assets – such as the hundreds of satellites used for communication and surveillance. Space Force will build on the work of the existing US Space Command (SpaceCom), which was created in August to handle the US military’s space operations.

3. India Emerges as World’s 3rd Largest Producer of Scientific Articles: Based on the statistics compiled by the US-based National Science Foundation (NSF), India has emerged as the world’s third largest publisher of science and engineering articles. China is on top of the list with the number of global scientific publications increased from 2,49,049 in 2008 to 5,28,263 in 2018 (growth rate of 7.81 percent per annum). United States stands second with the total global publications in science and engineering articles grew at a rate of 0.71 percent from 3,93,979 in 2008 to 4,22,808 in 2018. The other countries in the top 10 list are Germany (1,04,396), Japan (98,793), UK (97,681), Russia (81,579), Italy (71,240), South Korea (66,376) and France (66,352).

4. First Global Refugee Forum held in Geneva, Switzerland: The first-ever Global Refugee Forum was held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland to strengthen the collective response to refugee situations as well as achieve the objectives of Global Compact on Refugees, affirmed on 17 December 2018 by the United Nations General Assembly. The forum focused on the following areas: arrangements for responsibility-sharing, education, jobs and livelihoods, energy and infrastructure, solutions and protection capacity. Global Refugee Forums will henceforth take place every four years, meaning the next is scheduled for late 2023.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Liverpool wins FIFA Club World Cup champions: Liverpool beat Brazil's Flamengo 1-0 to win the FIFA Club World Cup. The final was held in Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar’s capital city of Doha. It is the first time Liverpool have won the competition, which features each continent's champions, and they became only the second English team to lift the trophy after Manchester United in 2008. Brazilian Firmino drilled home the winner in the ninth minute of extra time to secure victory for Jurgen Klopp's European champions and Premier League leaders.

Note: FIFA President: Gianni Infantino; Headquarters: Zürich, Switzerland; Founded at: Paris, France; Founded: 21 May 1904

2. Ashleigh Barty and Rafael Nadal named ITF World Champions for 2019: Ashleigh Barty (Australia) and Rafael Nadal (Spain) have been named International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) World Champions for 2019. They will be rewarded for stellar seasons in which they finished at the top of women's and men's rankings respectively. These awards will be given at the 2020 ITF world champions 2nd June, in Paris. Nadal, who’s currently the world number one, this year, won his 12th French Open and a fourth US Open. Barty, who’s also on top in women’s rankings, won her maiden Grand Slam title this year after defeating Marketa Vondrousova in French Open.

Other winners:

Category	Winner
Women Doubles	Timea Babos (Hungary) and Kristina Mladenovic (France)
Men Doubles	Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah (Colombia)
Men’s Wheelchair	Gustavo Fernandez (Argentina)
Women’s Wheelchair	Diede de Groot (Netherland)
Quad	Dylan Alcott (Australia)

Note: ITF Headquarters: London, United Kingdom; President of ITF: David Haggerty.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Fitch reduces India’s GDP growth forecast to 4.6% in FY20: Fitch Ratings has cut its GDP growth forecast for India to 4.6% for the 2019-20 fiscal from its earlier prediction of 5.6%.  Fitch has reaffirmed India’s rating at ‘BBB-‘with a Stable Outlook. In FY2020-21 the growth rate is predicted at 5.6 per cent and 6.5 per cent in FY2021-22 as per Fitch.

2. Harsh Kumar Bhanwala’s tenure as Chairman of NABARD: The tenure of NABARD chairman Harsh Kumar Bhanwala has been extended by six months as per an order issued the Personnel Ministry. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved a six-month extension to the tenure of Bhanwala, with effect from December 18, 2019. He was appointed as the Chairman of NABARD in December 2013.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Wipro partners Nasscom to train students on emerging technologies: IT giant Wipro has partnered with industry body NASSCOM to start a training platform on emerging technologies. The Platform will train students on artificial intelligence, data science, the internet of things, cybersecurity etc. Through this platform, Wipro will train 10,000 students from more than 20 engineering colleges in India. This is a part of Wipro’s corporate social responsibility programme, TalentNext, which aims to enhance the quality of engineering education by preparing faculty and academic leaders to train students. The programme has now been extended to students directly through Future Skills, a new age Nasscom platform built to bridge the industry-academia skill gap and help students learn new-age technologies.