Daily GK Updates - 26th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Centre formed IMCTs to make on-spot assessment of Covid-19 situation:  The government of India has constituted Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs), to make an on-spot assessment of Covid-19 situation. The condition is especially serious in major hotspot districts or emerging hotspots like: Ahmedabad and Surat (Gujarat); Thane (Maharashtra); Hyderabad (Telangana); Chennai (Tamil Nadu).

The IMCTs would be focusing on a range of issues including compliance and implementation of lockdown measures as per guidelines issued under the Disaster Management Act 2005, the supply of essential commodities, social distancing in the movement of people outside their homes, the preparedness of health infrastructure, hospital facilities and sample statistics in the district.

2. AP govt relaunches ‘YSR Zero Interest Loan’ Scheme for SHG women: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy re-launched the ‘YSR Zero Interest Loan’ Scheme for women self-help groups (SHGs) in the state. He released a sum of Rs 1,400 crore to 8.78 lakh SHGs. Under this, each SHG will receive an amount between Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 towards the interest component on their loans. The zero interest scheme was first launched in 2011 by the then Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy in Andhra Pradesh, under which the state government bore the interest burden on loans extended to the women SHGs. The scheme was disbanded in 2016-17.

3. IIITM-K develops AI search engine ‘Vilokana’ for COVID-19 studies: The Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management – Kerala (IIITM-K) has developed a search engine based on artificial intelligence (AI) named ‘Vilokana’ to enable researchers in getting deeper insights into scientific studies on Covid-19. The search engine accessed through the website www.vilokana.in. Vilokana in Sanskrit means ‘finding out’. The user can enter keyword-based queries, the meaning of which the search engine will be able to understand, and find the relevant text from the scientific papers.

4. Assam Government Launches ‘Dhanwantari’ Scheme for home delivery of Medicines: Assam government has launched a new scheme named Dhanwantari. Under this scheme, the locally unavailable medicines due to the lockdown shall be delivered to patients at home, if these are not available within their radius of 10 km. Medicines below Rs 200 will be provided to free of cost to patients, but if it is more than that, it will be charged. The patients can send their prescriptions over the telephone or inform the health workers and the health department will ensure that it is delivered to them even if it is not in the list of available free medicines. Regional News Unit of AIR Guwahati will broadcast a special Covid-19 phone in program on Assam Cares initiative of the state government.

5. BIAL to convert its premises into Devanahalli 'Chakota' orchard: Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has initiated the rejuvenation and conservation of Devanahalli Pomelo by cultivating it within the campus, under its flagship CSR Programme 'Namma Ooru'. ‘Devanahalli Pomelo’ is an endangered citrus fruit with unique, sweet taste, unlike other varieties and has received Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This will not only help conserve the rare indigenous fruit, but also contribute towards carbon reduction.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. First digital geological map of moon released by US Geological Survey: The first ever digital, unified, global, geological map of the moon was released virtually by United States Geological Survey (USGS), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) and Lunar Planetary Institute. The map is a ‘seamless, globally consistent, 1:5,000,000-scale geologic map’. It will serve as a blueprint for future human missions and a source of research-analysis in lunar geology. It is only available in GIS and PDF formats.

2. World Bank organises virtual workshop on Contract Management: A virtual workshop on “Contract Management during Emergency situations” was organized by World Bank in collaboration with AIMA for Project Management Unit of Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project. The project is implementing USD 250 Million Flood Recovery Project funded by World Bank. The objective was to educate participants about adverse impact of COVID-19 on the implementation, contract management and various mitigation measures.

3. NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope Completes 30 Years in Orbit: The Hubble Space Telescope, built by the United States space agency NASA with contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA), has completed 30th year in orbit on 25 April 2020. The Hubble Space Telescope was deployed on 25 April 1990. This space telescope was named after American astronomer Edwin P Hubble, who confirmed that our universe was constantly expanding. Hubble has been placed in space to observe the most distant stars and galaxies, as well as planets in our solar system.

Note: The administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Jim Bridenstine; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States.

4. World Intellectual Property Day: 26 April: The World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on 26 April to raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life and to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the globe. The theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2020 is “Innovate for a Green Future”. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000. 26 April coincides with the date on which the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization entered into force in 1970.

Note: Headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization: Geneva, Switzerland; CEO of World Intellectual Property Organization: Francis Gurry.

5. International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day: 26 April: The International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed every year on April 26 to raise awareness of the consequences of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the risks of nuclear energy in general. The United Nations (UN) proclaimed the day on April 26, 2016 that marked 30th anniversary of the 1986 nuclear disaster. On this day in 1986, a reactor exploded at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine with devastating consequences.

6. World Immunization Week 2020 observed globally: World Immunization Week 2020 will be observed from 24th April to 30th April 2020. World Immunization Week is observed every year in the last week of April to encourage the use of vaccines in order to protect the people of all ages against disease. Immunization is being recognized as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective health interventions but still there are around 20 million children in the world today who are not getting the vaccines as per their needs. The theme of World Immunization Week 2020 is #VaccinesWork for All.

Note: Director-General of World Health Organization: Tedros Adhanom.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Banking Industry declared as Public Utility Service for 6 months: Under the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, the Banking Industry has been declared by the Government of India as a “Public Utility Service”. This step has been taken by the government in purview of the coronavirus pandemic which has deeply impacted the economic activities. As per the notification issued by the Labour Ministry, the Banking Industry has been declared as a “Public Utility Service” for a period of 6 months i.e. till 21st October 2020. Inclusion of the Banking Industry under this provision of the Industrial Disputes Act prohibits any banking sector employees and officer to go on strike. The notification was issued by the labour ministry against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic which has significantly impacted economic activities.

Note: Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment: Santosh Kumar Gangwar.

2. Transcorp gets RBI nod to issue co-branded prepaid cards, wallets: The Reserve Bank of India has given its approval to Transcorp International Ltd to issue co-branded prepaid cards. With the approval, the RBI has allowed Transcorp to enter into co-branding arrangements for Prepaid Instruments that can be utilized in over 35 lakh stores and online gateways. After receiving approval from the RBI, the Transcorp International Ltd has become one of the first non-bank companies to receive approval to enter into co-branding arrangements for Prepaid Instruments. Transcorp will be launching API based co-branded partnerships for Digital, Physical and Contactless cards with select marquee clients on its own BINs. Transcorp has also launched Multi-Wallet Prepaid cards becoming the gold standard for expenses, incentives and reimbursements across business houses.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp International Ltd: Amitava Ghosh.

3. RBI brings back bond swapping program ‘Operation Twist’: The Reserve bank of India is all set to bring back its bond swapping programmed billed as India’s Operation Twist with an aim to help monetary transmission. RBI will conduct purchase and sale of government securities under open market operations (OMO) for Rs 10,000 crore each.  RBI conducts OMO sales to absorb excess liquidity in the financial system, or OMO purchases to infuse liquidity in a single day.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. World Bank released Commodity Market Outlook: World Bank’s April 2020 Commodity Markets Outlook has been released. The report forecasts prices for 46 key commodities, including oil. As per the report, most commodity prices are expected to decrease substantially in 2020 due to coronavirus. Commodity Markets Outlook provides market analysis for major commodity groups like energy, metals, agriculture, precious metals, and fertilizers which is published in April and October.

2. CARE Ratings predicts India’s GDP growth rate for FY21 at 1.1 to 1.2%: CARE Ratings has predicted India’s GDP growth for FY21 (2020-21) to be between 1.1% to 1.2%. CARE Ratings said that the estimate has a “downward bias”. The decline in GDP forecast is due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran photojournalist Ronny Roy passes away: Veteran sports photojournalist Ronojoy ‘Ronny’ Roy passed away at the age of 57 years. He was popularly known as ‘Ronny’ and was associated with Bengali daily Aajkaal since 1990s and covered the ICC World Cup in England last year.

Daily GK Updates - 25th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union Cabinet approves Rs. 15,000 Crore for ‘India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package’: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved an investments of Rs. 15,000 crore for ‘India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package’ to be utilized in mission mode.

The funds sanctioned will be utilized in 3 Phases. For immediate COVID-19 Emergency Response, an amount of Rs. 7,774 Crore has been provisioned. Rest of the amount will be used for medium-term support (1-4 years) to be provided under mission mode approach.

2. Government reconstitutes National Shipping Board; Head- Malini Shankar: Central Government has approved the reconstitution of the National Shipping Board. It will now be headed by Malini Shankar, former Director-General of Shipping. The National Shipping Board (NSB) is the highest advisory body on matters related to Indian shipping including the development there of and on such other matters arising out of the Merchant Shipping Act. It has a total of 16 members.

3. PM Modi Launches E-Gramswaraj Portal & Swamitva Scheme for faster development of Villages: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the e-Gram Swaraj portal and launched Swamitva Scheme on 24 April 2020, in an effort to increase the pace of development in India’s villages. PM inaugurated the two initiatives while interacting with the Sarpanchs from across the nation via video conference on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day.

e-Gram Swaraj portal: It will enable complete digitisation of Gram Panchayats. It will be a single platform to keep the records of all the works taken up by the Gram Panchayats. All the details of the development works, the fund allocated for them, all this data will be available on the portal. Through this platform the villagers will be able to access all the data on their mobile phones which will enhance transparency

Swamitva Scheme: It will ensure the demarcation of inhabited land in rural areas. It will use drones in surveying and mapping of properties in villages. This will help in reducing disputes over property.

4. Uttar Pradesh Becomes first state to have in-house facility of virtual courts: Based on an Apex Court directive to develop video conferencing system for hearing cases while maintaining the social distance, Allahabad High Court has launched a new software, through which multiple court proceedings at High Court and district courts across the state can be conducted virtually within the court premises without the need of internet service. With this initiative, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in the country to have software-based in-house facility of virtual courts. The software has been installed in Allahabad High Court and in all the district courts in the state. It will enable the judges to hear the case sitting in a separate room while the lawyers and the petitioners can put forward their submissions from another room on the court campus.

Note: Capital of Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow; Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath; Governor of Uttar Pradesh: Anandiben Patel.

5. Sanjay Kothari Sworn in as Central Vigilance Commissioner: Sanjay Kothari has been appointed as the new Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC), the anti-corruption watchdog of India, on 25 April 2020. Mr Kothari, a 1978 batch (retired) IAS officer of Haryana cadre, was the Secretary to the President of India, before being nominated to the new role. The post of the chief of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was lying vacant since June 2019 after completion of K V Chowdary’s tenure. The CVC is a statutory body and derives its powers from Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2013. Vigilance Commissioner Sharad Kumar was holding the CVC interim charge till now. Ex-Broadcasting Secretary Bimal Julka was also appointed as the next Chief Information Commissioner (CIC).

Note: Central Vigilance Commission formed: February 1964; Central Vigilance Commission Headquarters: New Delhi.

6. MGR Medical University develops ‘vaccine candidate’: MGR Medical University, Tamil Nadu has developed a vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 through ‘reverse vaccinology’. Previously, Reverse vaccinology has been used for developing vaccinations for meningococcal and staphylococcal infections. This compound which is a synthetic polypeptide prevents the virus from entering the human cell or reproduce within the cells. This is done by multiple genome sequences with the aid of computers without culturing microorganism.

7. IIT Delhi develops low cost Probe-free Covid 19 detection assay: IIT Delhi develops COVID 19 probe-free Real-time PCR Diagnostic Kit. This is the first probe-free assay for COVID-19 approved by the ICMR and it will be useful for specific and affordable high throughput testing. It can easily be scaled up as it does not require fluorescent probes. The kit will not only empower healthcare services but also support the government in the time of crisis.

8. e-POP Ceremony of 51st CRPF DAGOs held in New Delhi: The e-POP (Passing out Parade) Ceremony of 51st batch of the Directly Appointed Gazetted Officers (DAGOs) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was held in New Delhi. The event was conducted through video conferencing after completion of basic training of 42 trainee officers. Awards and trophies were also presented to the trainee officers on the occasion.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. The Global Report on Food Crises 2020 edition released: Global Report on Food Crises 2020 has been released by the Global Network Against Food Crises. The report reveals scope of food crises due to COVID-19. Report compares 50 countries showcasing the increase of Food Crisis arose from 112 to 123 million population. Around 183 million people in 47 countries were classified in Stressed conditions and are going into Crisis. Africa had the largest numbers of food-insecure people in need of assistance.

2. US FDA approves first at-home COVID-19 test kit: US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first at-home COVID-19 test kit, which is expected to bring coronavirus testing to every doorsteps. The test kit has a cost of around 119 dollars in the US. It has been developed by LabCorp. The sample will be collected from the patient’s nose using self-collection kit that contains nasal swabs and saline. Once patients’ self-swab, they can mail their sample, in an insulated package, to a LabCorp lab for testing.

3. NASA Develops high-pressure ventilator ‘VITAL’ to fight COVID-19: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has developed an easy-to-build high-pressure ventilator named VITAL, which has been specially designed for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. VITAL stands for Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally. VITAL will help to treat COVID-19 patients with milder symptoms, so that the limited number of traditional ventilators available in the country can be used for treatment of patients with more severe COVID-19 symptoms. However, unlike the current hospital ventilators that can last years and are designed to address a wider range of issues, VITAL will last for three or four months, with specific tailoring for COVID-19 patients.

Note: The administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Jim Bridenstine; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States.

4. Facebook launches ‘Messenger Rooms’ for group video chat: Social Media giant, Facebook has launched “Messenger Rooms” service that will allow group video calls of up to 50 people. The step has been taken to target the Zoom app which was in controversy recently due to security in privacy issues in Zoom App. Zoom app is also a group video chat app.

5. World Malaria Day: 25 April: World Malaria Day (WMD) is commemorated every year on 25 April since 2008 to spread awareness among people globally to fight against malaria. The theme of the World Malaria Day 2020: “Zero malaria starts with me”. WHO has joined the RBM Partnership to End Malaria in promoting campaign in WMD 2020. In 2007, 60th session of the World Health Assembly of WHO declared Africa Malaria Day which was observed in 2001 as the World Malaria Day.

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

WMD is one of eight official global public health campaigns currently marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Hepatitis Day and World AIDS Day.

6. International Delegate’s Day: 25 April: The first edition of International Delegate’s Day was observed on 25 April 2020. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 2 April 2019, to raise awareness of role of the delegates and representatives of the member states of the UN. The day marks 75th anniversary of San Francisco Conference, a gathering which laid the foundation stone of the formation of the United Nations. After the devastation of second world war, delegates from several countries came together on April 25, 1945, with an aim to set up an organisation that will restore peace and impose rules on post-world order, resulting in creation of the United Nations.

Note: Secretary-General of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Remittances to India likely to decline by 23% in 2020 due to COVID-19: World Bank Report: According to a World Bank report on the impact of the COVID-19 on migration and remittances, the remittances to India are likely to drop by 23 percent in 2020 to USD 64 billion, due to the Corona virus pandemic, which has resulted in a global recession.. This is in contrast with the growth of 5.5 percent and receipts of USD 83 billion in 2019. Similarly, the global remittances are projected to decline sharply by about 20 percent this year, due to the economic crisis induced by the pandemic and shutdowns. Remittances to low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are projected to fall by 19.7 percent to $445 billion, from $554 billion in 2019.

2. Singapore’s Caladium increases its stake in Bandhan Bank to 4.49%: Caladium Investment PTE Ltd, an affiliate of GIC, Singapore, has increased its stake in Kolkata-based private sector lender Bandhan Bank by 1.1% to 4.49% as on March 31, 2020. Caladium Investments held 7.22 crore shares in Bandhan Bank at the end of the fourth quarter of FY20. It had a stake of 3.39 percent in the bank at the end of the third quarter as on December 31, 2019.

Note: Bandhan Bank Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal; Bandhan Bank MD & CEO: Chandra Shekhar Ghosh.

3. RBI permits banks to issue Electronic Cards for Overdraft Accounts: The Reserve Bank of India has allowed banks to issue electronic cards to natural persons having Overdraft Accounts. Such accounts must be of the nature of personal loan without any specific end-use restrictions. Earlier banks were allowed to issue debit cards to customers having Saving Bank/Current Accounts but not to cash credit/loan, account holders. Validity of such electronic card: The card shall be issued for a period not exceeding the validity of the facility and shall also be subject to the usual rights of the banks as lenders. It cannot be used for international transactions and only domestic transactions will be allowed.

4. Vodafone Idea partners with Paytm to launch ‘Recharge Saathi’ programme: Vodafone Idea and Paytm have launched ‘Recharge Saathi’ programme that will help individuals and small businesses to earn an additional income. The programme will enable any Paytm customers after registration to start selling Vodafone and Idea recharges on Paytm app. This will help him earn some amount as commission. Vodafone Idea will also give an assured cashback to merchant partners for multiple recharges. Individuals and small businesses would be able to earn up to ₹5,000 every month under the programme.

Note: MD & CEO of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd: Satish Kumar Gupta; Paytm founder: Vijay Shekhar Sharma; Paytm Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Paytm founded: 2010.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank ranked 5th in ‘Best Large Workplaces in Asia 2020’: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has been ranked 5th in the ‘Best Large Workplaces in Asia 2020’ by the Great Place To Work Institute. There are 3 Indian organisations in the top 5. These are- Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited ranked 3rd and Music Broadcast Ltd. ranked 4th. Last year Ujjivan Small Finance Bank was ranked 16th in the Best Large Workplaces in Asia.

DEFENCE

1. CISF launches 'e-karyalay' app for movement of files: Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched an e-office application named 'e-karyalay' that will enable the movement of files and documents without physical touch for 1.62 lakh personnel to prevent coronavirus infection. This e-office app has been designed by the in-house technical team of the force which can mimics every function of traditional file movement. It embodies the digital signature features and will be hosted at CISF cloud with all security arrangements to safeguard the data.

Note: Director-General of CISF: Rajesh Ranjan; CISF established: 1969.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Australian all-rounder Graeme Watson passes away: Former Australia all-rounder Graeme Watson (75 years) passes away. He was a middle-order batsman and a medium-pace bowler who played five Tests from 1967 to 1972 and two ODIs in 1972. Watson slammed a half-century in the 1st innings of second Test of the series. In 1971-72 he moved to Western Australia and played a key role in their Sheffield-Shield triumphs in 1971-72, 1972-73 and 1974-75. He also played two ODIs and finished a 107-match first-class career in 1977.

Daily GK Updates - 24th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UNODC Launches ‘Lockdown Learners’ Series for Indian students & teachers: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) has launched a ‘Lockdown Learners’ series in India for online dialogues between students and educators on COVID-19 and its impact on Sustainable Development Goals, peace and rule of law. The United Nations body has launched the dialogues under its flagship Education for Justice initiative. The aim of this initiative is to sensitise students on concerns of vulnerable groups as well as emerging issues such as cybercrime, misinformation, gender-based violence, discrimination, corruption among others. It will also provide a platform for students to receive mentorship and knowledge support through activity-based learning, and use their talent and skills to promote awareness and share their ideas and solutions to address some of these problems

Note: Note: Director-General of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes: Ghada Fathi Waly.

2. ‘Serve-the-Seniors Initiative’ helpline launches by JKSLSA: Jammu and Kashmir State Legal Services Authority (JKSLSA) has launched a helpline under ‘Serve-the-Seniors Initiative’. The objective of starting this helpline, comprising is to help and facilitate the senior citizens who live alone and are unable to step out to get medicines, groceries and other essentials in this hour of crisis.

Note: Lt. Governors of Jammu and Kashmir: Girish Chandra Murmu.

3. CSIR develops ‘Feluda’, a low-cost paper strip COVID-19 test: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) has developed ”Feluda” a low-cost COVID-19 test strip. The test is developed by 7-member team of researchers at CSIR-IGIB led by Dr Souvik Maiti and Dr Debojyoti Chakraborty.  The test like pregnancy test strips and is expected to cost around Rs 500 against the usual RT-PCR test that costs Rs 4,500 in private labs. The test uses the cutting-edge gene-editing tool- Crispr-Cas9 to target and identify the genomic sequences of the novel coronavirus in the samples of suspected individuals.

Note: Director-General of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research: Shekhar C. Mande.

Director of Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology: Anurag Agrawal.

4. Defence Minister launches First Covid-19 Mobile Testing Laboratory: Raksha Mantri, Rajnath Singh has launched India’s 1st COVID-19 sample collection mobile Lab through video conference. India’s 1st COVID-19 sample collection mobile Lab launched has been named as “Mobile BSL-3 VRDL Lab”. This Lab has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), in collaboration with ESIC, Hyderabad 15 days with due permission of ICMR. The Mobile Viral Research Lab is the combination of a BSL 3 lab and a BSL 2 lab to meet international guidelines with electrical controls, LAN, Telephone cabling, and CCTV.

Note: Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation: G Satheesh Reddy; Headquarters of DRDO: New Delhi.

5. National Panchayati Raj Day: 24 April: In India, the National Panchayati Raj Day (National Local Self-Government day) is observed annually on 24 April by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to celebrate the Panchayati Raj System in the country. The first National Panchayati Raj Day or the National Local Government Day was declared by the then Prime Minister of India Shri Manmohan Singh, on 24 April 2010. PM Modi address Gram Panchayats through video conferencing and launch e-GramSwaraj Portal and Swamitva Scheme, this year.

Note: Union Minister of Panchayati Raj: Narendra Singh Tomar.

Rajasthan was the 1st state with Panchayati Raj in 1959

6. NBT & FICCI organizes WEBINAR on Post-COVID Publishing Scenario: National Book Trust, India and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) has organized a WEBINAR on Post-COVID Publishing Scenario in New Delhi. This webinar was organized on the occasion of WORLD BOOK & COPYRIGHT DAY and featured the participation of Union Minister of HRD Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.

Note: Chairman of National Book Trust (NBT): Prof. Govind Prasad Sharma

Union Minister for Human Resource Development: Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.

7. Union HRD Minister launched #MyBookMyFriend campaign: Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has launched a campaign “#MyBookMyFriend”. The campaign “#MyBookMyFriend” has been launched on social media on the occasion of World Book Day. #MyBookMyFriend campaign will run for 7 days and during this time all people are urged to join this campaign. Citing the importance of books, the minister urged all the students to read some books of interest in addition to course books during the period of lockdown. He also appealed to the students to share the book which they are reading at the moment using #MyBookMyFriend on social media.

8. HP to adopt three-pronged strategy to tackle coronavirus: Himachal Pradesh government is all set to adopt a three-pronged strategy to tackle the menace of coronavirus. Under this, three types of institution will be recognized. Asymptotic people would be kept in Covid care centres, moderate symptomatic people would be kept in Covid Health Centres and severe symptomatic would be kept in Covid Hospitals. Health department had also set up Whatsapp number 01792227328 to provide other health services in addition to Covid19.

9. Manipur govt commemorates ‘Khongjom Day’: Manipur Government commemorated ‘Khongjom Day’ at Khongjom War Memorial Complex, remembering the people who valiantly fought in the Anglo-Manipuri War in 1891 on Arpil 23. This day is commemorated to pay tribute to the war heroes of Anglo-Manipuri War 1891 who had sacrificed their lives fighting against the British to protect freedom of Manipur. The site is about 35 KM south of Imphal in Thoubal district where the battle was fight between Manipuri and British.

10. DRDO designed UV-C Light based sanitisation box and device: DIPAS and INMAS, DRDO laboratories have designed and developed Ultraviolet C Light based sanitisation box and hand held UV-C (ultraviolet light device (with wavelength 254 nanometres). The UV-C box is designed for disinfecting personal belongings like mobile phone, tablets, purse, currency, cover of office files, etc. The hand-held device having 8-watt UV-C lamp disinfects office and household objects like chairs, files, postal delivered items etc.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian High Commission in Bangladesh holds webinar on trade promotion: Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, and India Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) has jointly organized a webinar on trade promotion. Riva Ganguly Das, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh called upon the business leaders of India and Bangladesh to share innovative ideas in response to the emerging economic scenario amid Corona pandemic in the world.

Note: Prime Minister of Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina; Capital: Dhaka; Currency: Taka.

2. International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace: 24 April: The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is marked on 24 April since 2019. The day was declared by the UN General Assembly in December 2018 and was observed for the first time on 24 April 2019. The Assembly proclaimed the day while considering that preserving the values of multilateralism and international cooperation is fundamental to promote and support the three pillars of the UN - Peace and Security, Development and Human Rights. The Day is a reaffirmation of the UN Charter and its principles of resolving disputes among countries through peaceful means.

Note: Secretary-General of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres.

3. SpaceX successfully launches 60 Starlink satellites: SpaceX successfully launched a new batch of 60 Starlink satellites into orbit and nailed a rocket landing at sea to cap the mission with Falcon 9 rocket. It was launched from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The launch marked the 84th Falcon 9 flight, making SpaceX's workhorse rocket the most flown U.S. rocket in use.

4. Iran Successfully Launches Military Satellite ‘Noor’ into Orbit: The Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the country’s armed forces, successfully launched a small military spacecraft into orbit named Noor on 22 April 2020. Noor can be translated to Light, in Farsi. The small military craft flew into orbit on top of a multi-stage Qased rocket. This successful launch is likely to increase Tehran’s capability to strike enemy targets.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. World Games unveil new logo for 2022 edition: The 11th edition of World Games which is to be held in Birmingham, Alabama, US (United States) has unveiled an updated logo and title after being delayed a year because of the Coronavirus pandemic. The Olympic-style competition for sports and events that are not on the Summer Games program will now be known as The World Games 2022. The event was initially scheduled for July 2021, but it will now be held in July 2022 to accommodate the one-year postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Note: International World Games Association Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; International World Games Association President: Jose PerurenaLopez; International World Games Association Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Joachim Gossow.

2. Iran’s Alireza Firouzja beats Magnus Carlsen in Banter Blitz Cup final: 16-year-old Iranian refugee, Alireza Firouzja beats World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen in the final of the Banter Blitz Cup 2020 and to claim the $14,000 prize. Firouzja, an Iranian now living in Paris, is the second-youngest player to reach a rating of 2700 from Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), the body that governs international chess competition. He is ranked 21st in the world.

Note: FIDE Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; FIDE President: Arkady Dvorkovich; FIDE Founded: 20 July 1924.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Fitch Ratings predicts India’s GDP growth for FY21 at 0.8%: Fitch Ratings has reduced the GDP growth rate prediction for India for FY21 (2020-21) to 0.8%. For FY22 (2021-22), Fitch Ratings has predicted the GDP growth for India at 6.7%. The predictions were made in the latest Global Economic Outlook (GEO) report released by Fitch Ratings.

2. Fitch Ratings Expects Global Economy to Shrink by 3.9% in 2020: The Rating agency Fitch Ratings has slashed the global growth forecast and expects the world GDP to fall by 3.9 percent in 2020, citing COVID-19-induced recession is crushing the global economy. The sharp downward revision is driven by a massive decline in Asian economies, led by China and India, both of which are estimated to post growth rate of less than 1 percent this year.

3. India’s GDP growth likely to range between -0.9 to 1.5 pc in FY21: CII: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has projected India’s GDP to range between -0.9 percent to 1.5 percent in the current financial year 2020-21. The industry body released a paper titled ‘A plan for economic recovery’ in which it has laid out its growth expectation under three scenarios and suggested “urgent” fiscal interventions. In the baseline scenario, GDP is expected to grow at just 0.6 percent on an annual basis due to restriction on economic activities. In the optimistic scenario, GDP is forecast to register a growth of 1.5 percent in the best case, based on faster pick-up post the lockdown period. In case of a more prolonged outbreak, where the restrictions in existing hot-spot regions get extended, while new regions are identified as ‘hot-spots’ leading to intermittent stop and start in economic activity, GDP is likely to decline by -0.9 percent.

OBITUARIES

1. Renowned thespian Usha Ganguly passes away: Eminent theatre director, actor and activist, Usha Ganguly passed away at her residence in south Kolkata due to massive cardiac attack. She was 75. She was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for direction in 1998. She has also been honoured by the West Bengal Government as the best actress for the play Gudia Ghar. She was credited for introducing an alternative Hindi theatre in West Bengal, in the 1970s and 1980s.

2. Former Rajya Sabha MP Basanta Das passes away: Former Rajya Sabha member from Odisha Basanta Das passed away following a prolonged illness. He was Rajya Sabha member from 1990 to 1996 as Janata Dal nominee. He was also chairman of Bhawanipatna Municipality from 1985 to 1990.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd April 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Ordinance to Amend Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 receives Cabinet’s approval: The promulgation of an Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 has received the Union Cabinet’s approval. It has been approved by the cabinet, keeping in view the recent instances with the most critical service providers i.e. members of healthcare services being targeted and attacked by miscreants, thereby obstructing them from doing their duties during the current COVID-19 pandemic. It intends to make such acts of violence cognizable and non-bailable offences and also ensure that during any situation akin to the current pandemic, there is zero tolerance to any form of violence against healthcare service personnel as well as damage to property.

2. Union HRD Minister launches national program VidyaDaan 2.0 in New Delhi: The Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal’Nishank’ has launched VidyaDaan 2.0 program on 22 April via video conferencing in New Delhi to invite e-learning content contributions. VidyaDaan is a content contribution tool, launched as a national program, for individuals & organizations, across the country to donate or contribute e-learning resources, for both school and higher education, to ensure continuity of quality learning. The programme has been launched due to the increasing requirement for e-learning content for students (both school and higher education) in the backdrop of situation arising out of Covid- 19. The content will be used on the DIKSHA app of MHRD to pass on the resource to millions of children across the country to continue their learning anytime and anywhere. Contents may range from, explanation videos, presentations, competency-based items, quizzes etc., for any grade (from grade 1 to 12), for any subject as specified by the states/UTs. Contributions can be made by educationists, subject experts, schools, colleges, Universities, Institutes, government and non-government organisations, individuals, etc.

3. Karnataka govt launches Mobile app “Apthamitra” as well as helpline number to fight COVID-19: Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has inaugurated a helpline number and a mobile app named ‘Apthamitra’ to empower the people of the state in the fight against COVID-19. The Apthamitra helpline is an exclusive toll free Number 14410 dedicated to deal with only Covid-19-related queries including telemedicine, counselling and facilitating testing and treatment for those in need. It will work from 8 AM to 8 PM. Similarly, the app is for those, seeking advice for telemedicine from doctors directly. The two platforms will help to reach out to people, especially those staying in Corona hotspot areas, to identify those having influenza-like illness (ILI), Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), COVID-19-like symptoms or having high risk of getting infected. The initiative will enable to identify persons with low risk but having some symptoms similar to COVID-19 and provide them telemedicine support with over-the-counter medicines and counsel them about the need to go through self-quarantine.

Note: Governor of Karnataka: Vajubhai Vala; Chief Minister of Karnataka: B. S. Yediyurappa.

4. IIIT-Delhi Develops Mobile App ‘WashKaro’ to warn about COVID-19: Researchers at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-Delhi) have developed an app named ‘WashKaro’ to warn people about a coronavirus containment zone nearby as well as help them to check whether a news item about the pandemic is genuine or fake. The app has been developed by a team led by professor Ponnurangam Kumaraguru and Dr Tavpritesh Sethi along with five students. The app uses Bluetooth technology for communication and does not need internet or location services. The containment zones are mapped on the app and if you enter the area, it will alert you that you are entering a zone. The app also has a feature ‘onAIr’, which makes use of the Artificial Intelligence technology to cross-reference news with WHO documents.

Note: Director of IIIT-Delhi: Ranjan Bose

5. NIF boost New variety of Anthurium developed by Kerala’s innovator: D Vasini Bai, Kerala's women innovator has developed 10 varieties of Anthurium, a flower with high market value by cross-pollination. National Innovation Foundation has facilitated mass multiplication and large scale production through tissue culture technique at IIHR to meet the demand. Anthurium is one of the best domestic flowering plants that purify the surrounding air removing harmful airborne chemicals like formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, xylene, and allergens.

6. BRO builds bridge to connect Kasowal enclave with rest of India: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed new permanent bridge on the river Ravi connecting Kasowal enclave in Punjab to the rest of the country replacing pontoon bridge. The 484-meter bridge is built by 141 Drain Maintenance Coy of 49 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) of Project Chetak. The bridge is built at a cost of Rs 17.89 crore excluding the approaches. The pontoon bridge used to be dismantled every year prior to the Monsoon due to the limited load capacity.

Note: Chief Minister of Punjab: Capt. Amarinder Singh; Governor of Punjab: V.P. Singh Badnore.

Director General Border Roads (DGBR): Lt Gen Harpal Singh.

7. ARCI develop NanoBlitz 3D for mapping material’s nano-mechanical property: Scientists from International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) and Nanomechanics Inc., Oak Ridge, USA have jointly developed an advanced tool “NanoBlitz 3D” which can be used for the mapping of nano-mechanical properties of materials such as multi-phase alloys, composites, and multi-layered coatings. It will also help in carrying out advanced data analysis like identifying and quantifying the mechanical properties of constituent phases, features or components of multi-phase alloys, composites as well as multi-layered coatings.

Note: Director of International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI): G. Padmanabham.

8. Ministry of Home Affairs issues SOP for seafarers: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has specified a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for sign in and sign-off of seafarers on ships. MHA has also issued graded relaxations of Indian seafarers at Indian ports. As per the SOP, Indian seafarers on the vessel would have to undergo the COVID-19 test before returning to their home. After the test, seafarer shall be kept in the quarantine facility by the Port State Health Authorities till the time test report is not received.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. TCS to power Israel's first fully digital bank: India's largest software services firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will launch Israel's first fully digital bank. TCS is the first to receive a banking license in Israel in over 40 years and is to be launched in 2021 with industry leading TCS BaNCS Global Banking Platform that helps banks offering innovative products and services. The fully digital bank will have no physical branches and provide Israeli citizens with all the services that regular banks offer. The TCS BaNCS universal financial solution is designed to help financial services institutions enhance end-customer experience, enabling them to embrace open and innovative technologies that embody true digital customer engagement.

Note: Israel Capital: Jerusalem, Currency: Israeli new shekel; Prime Minister of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu.

2. World Press Freedom Index 2020 released: The World Press Freedom Index 2020 has been released by the media watchdog group Reporters Without Borders (RWB). It is compiled by means of a questionnaire in 20 languages that is completed by experts all over the world. India has been ranked at 142nd position out of 180 countries. India has dropped two places from last year’s ranking. Norway ranks first for the fourth consecutive year and Finland and Denmark in second and third place. The index is released annually since 2002 measuring the level of media freedom in 180 countries.

3. UN English Language Day & UN Spanish Language Day: 23 April: The UN English Language Day and UN Spanish Language Day is observed annually on 23 April. They are one of the six official languages used by the United Nations throughout the Organization. Each language has been assigned a day of celebration by UN’s Department of Public Information in 2010 to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six official languages throughout the Organization. For English, 23 April has been chosen to mark both the birthday and date of death of William Shakespeare. For Spanish Language, the Day was chosen because the day is also observed as Hispanic Day in Spain, meaning the Spanish speaking world.

Note: Director-General of UNESCO: Audrey Azoulay; UNESCO formation: 4 November 1946; UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France.

4. World Book and Copyright Day: 23 April: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organises the World Book Day every year on 23 April to promote reading, publishing, and copyright in the society. The day is also known as World Book and Copyright Day or International Day of the Book. The theme of 2020 World Book Day is ‘SHARE A STORY’. April 23 was approved by UNESCO’s General Conference 1995 held in Paris to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors. It is also the date on which several prominent authors like William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. In United Kingdom, the day is observed on first Thursday of March.

5. International Girls in ICT Day 2020: 23 April 2020: Every year the International Girls in ICT Day is observed on the fourth Thursday of April. It is an initiative backed by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Member States. In 2020, the day was observed virtually on 23rd April. 2020 theme: ‘Inspiring the Next Generation’. It provides an initiative to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider studies and careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies (ICT).

Note: International Telecommunication Union (ITU) headquarter- Geneva, Switzerland

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. P.V. Sindhu selected as ambassador for BWF’s “I Am badminton” awareness campaign: Indian badminton champion, P.V. Sindhu has been selected as one of the ambassadors for Badminton World Federation (BWF)’s “I am badminton” awareness campaign. Other people who have been selected as ambassadors by BWF are- Michelle Li from Canada, Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong  from China, Jack Shephard from England, Valeska Knoblauch from Germany, Chan Ho Yuen from Hong Kong and Marc Zwiebler from Germany’s Germany, who is Athletes’ Commission Chair. The campaign provides a platform for players to express their love and respect for badminton by advocating and committing to clean and honest play.

Note: Headquarters of Badminton World Federation: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Badminton World Federation Founded: 5 July 1934; President of Badminton World Federation: Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI increases deployment time limit under TLTRO 2.0 to 45 days from 30 days: RBI has extended the time available for banks for deployment of funds under the TLTRO 2.0 scheme from 30 working days to 45 working days from the date of the operation. Under TLTRO 2.0 the banks which have borrowed the funds are required to deploy this fund in specific sectors as advised by RBI. The time limit for this deployment of the fund is now 45 days from the date of borrowing. Funds that are not deployed within this extended time frame will be charged interest at the prevailing policy repo rate plus 200 bps for the number of days such funds remain un-deployed.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Facebook buys 9.9% stake in Reliance Jio for Rs 43,574 crore: Social Media giant Facebook on April 22, 2020 has bought 9.9% stake in Reliance Jio for $5.7 billion (Rs 43,574 crore). With this investment, Facebook has become the largest minority shareholder of Reliance Jio, the telecom unit of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL). This is also the largest investment for a minority stake by a technology company anywhere in the world as well as the largest FDI in the technology sector in India. Following the Facebook’s investment, the Jio Platform has been valued at Rs 4.62 lakh crore ($65.95 billion). Jio Platform is the parent of phone and data unit Reliance Jio Infocomm including various other digital app platforms like JioMart, Jio-Saavn and JioCinema.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg; Facebook Headquarters: California, US.

2. Bajaj Auto’s Rakesh Sharma Appointed as President of IMMA: Rakesh Sharma, the Executive Director (ED) at Bajaj Auto, has been appointed as the new President of International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA) on 22 April 2020. Sharma succeeds Johannes Loman, Director of PT Astra International Tbk and Executive Vice President Director PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM) Indonesia and will hold the office of IMMA President for two years. He had been holding office as vice-president in IMMA, since May 2019.

Note: IMMA Founded: 1947; IMMA Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Daily GK Updates - 22nd April 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Launches ‘COVID INDIA SEVA’ to Address COVID-19 Related Queries: The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan has launched an interactive platform called ‘COVID INDIA SEVA’ to provide real time solutions to Covid-19 related queries. The interactive platform aims at providing transparent e-governance service to citizens by answering their queries swiftly in real-time at large scale, especially during crisis situations like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. People can pose their queries to the COVID INDIA SEVA twitter handle @CovidIndiaSeva, and get them responded to in almost real time. The initiative will establish a direct channel of communication between the government and the public to interact and exchange information.

2. Rajasthan govt launches “Aayu & Sehat Sathi” app:  The state government of Rajasthan has partnered with healthcare startup MedCords to launch ‘Aayu & Sehat Sathi app to fight against COVID-19. This app helps state people to consult doctors online 24x7 and place orders for their medicine requirement in the wake of a lockdown due to COVID-19. Indian startup “MedCord” is fully adopted 7 districts of Rajasthan (Kota, Udaipur, Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Ajmer, Pali and Jaipur). The app also contains a built-in comprehensive coronavirus guide for the users. The service is provided through the app and the helpline number – 7816811111 supports Hindi and English language. The helpline number helps the feature phone users to consult doctors from anywhere in India.

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

3. Gujarat govt gives green signal to “Sujalam Sufalam Jal Sanchay Abhiyan”: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has given the green signal for the third edition of his government’s ‘Sujalam Sufalam Jal Sanchay Abhiyan’ amid Coronavirus lockdown. It is a conservation plan to deepen water bodies in the state before the monsoon. The scheme will see the deepening of lakes, check dams and rivers by removing silt. This will be done till June 10, 2020 with people’s participation as well as under MNREGA. The scheme was started in 2018 after a weak monsoon.

Note: Governor of Gujarat: Acharya Dev Vrat; Capital: Gandhinagar

4. NBRI creates alcohol-based herbal sanitizer:  In the wake of growing demand for sanitizers amid COVID-19 outbreak, the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) has created an alcohol-based herbal sanitizer. An alcohol-based herbal sanitizer has been developed under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR-Aroma Mission following the guidelines of World Health Organisation. This newly made herbal sanitizer constitutes Tulsi essential oil as herbal constituent and isopropyl alcohol. The Tulsi essential oil is a strong natural antimicrobial agent while the isopropyl alcohol will be helpful in killing germs. The alcohol-based herbal sanitizer will be available under the brand name of ‘Clean Hand Gel’. The impact of herbal sanitizer will last for about 25 minutes, preventing skin from dehydrating.

Note: Director of National Botanical Research Institute: Dr. S.K. Barik.

5. Pune Municipal Corporation Develops Mobile App ‘Saiyam’ to track Home Quarantined Citizens: The Pune Municipal Corporation a mobile application named ‘Saiyam’ under Smart Cities Mission (SCM), to effectively track the home-quarantines citizens and ensure they are actually staying in the home. The city administration has appointed dedicated teams for five zones to check on people who have recently returned from international trips and those discharged after treatment for COVID-19. All the Home Quarantined citizens have been mandated to download the app and install it. Citizens’ movements has been marked as Red, Yellow or Green where: (1) Red signifies that the person has ventured out for longer duration; (2) Yellow signifies that the person has limited movements and (3) Green signifies that the person is confined to house limits

6. MoRTH launches dashboard with list of Dhabas & Truck Repair Shops: A dashboard containing list of Dhabas and Truck Repair Shops has been launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on its website. The dashboard consists of list as well as details of Dhabas and Truck repair shops available across the country during the nationwide lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic. NHAI’s centralized call number 1033 has also been enabled.

Note: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways: Nitin Jairam Gadkari.

7. Audio Book Titled “How the Onion Got Its Layers” by Sudha Murty to be Released on April 23: Veteran author Sudha Murty’s first book in an audio format titled “How the Onion Got Its Layers” is all set to be released on April 23, on the World Book Day. The book is a latest offering for children to help them in knowing answers of several questions related to the bulb like many layers of onions and why it brings tears to the eyes when cut. It is an initiative to use this lockdown time to do something new or even learn something. The book will also be available as an e-book.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Lebanon legalizes cannabis farming for medicinal use: The Lebanese parliament has passed the legislation to legalize the cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial purposes. Earlier, the farming of cannabis was illegal in Lebanon, but now the cannabis farming would be regulated within the country. Legalizing the cultivation of Cannabis is expected to produce high value-added medicinal products. It is also a potentially lucrative export for Lebanese economy which is in dire need of foreign currency as it is grappled with a financial crisis.

Note: Prime Minister of Lebanon: Hassan Diab; Capital of Lebanon: Beirut; Currency: Lebanese pound.

2. Saudi Arabia organizes G-20 Extraordinary Agriculture Ministers Meet: The G-20 Extraordinary Agriculture Ministers Meeting was held through Video Conferencing. The meeting was held on the issue of COVID-19 as well as its impact on food security, safety and nutrition. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar participated in the Extraordinary virtual meeting of G-20 Agriculture Ministers organised under the presidency of Saudi Arabia.

3. Earth Day: 22 April:  Earth Day or International Mother Earth Day is observed globally on 22 April every year. Earth Day 2020 will be celebrated all over the world to spread awareness for Earth’s wellbeing and to encourage people to support environmental protection. World Earth Day 2020 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the day since it started being observed in 1970. Earth Day was renamed officially by the UN in 2009 as International Mother Earth Day. The theme of Earth Day 2020: Climate Action.

4. WhatsApp partners WHO to create 'Together at Home' sticker pack: WhatsApp partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to create a new sticker pack titled ''Together At Home” designed to reflect the moments and emotions people are going through in the coronavirus pandemic. The sticker pack is available within WhatsApp, including with text localized for 10 languages - Arabic, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. SAI & BAI hold online badminton coaching development programme: In accordance with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Badminton Association of India (BAI) held the 1st session of its Online Coach Development Programme. The highly enriching session saw an overwhelming response from over 800 participants from making it one of the highest-participated online coach development conferences ever held. The online programme will be held 5 days a week for three weeks. The entire course has been divided into 39 topics.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. N Kamakodi reappointed as MD & CEO of City Union Bank:  N Kamakodi will be reappointed as the MD & CEO of City Union Bank Ltd. City Union Bank has received approval for this reappointment from the Reserve Bank of India. His reappointment is for a further period of three years. The reappointments will be effective from 1 May 2020. Kamakodi joined the bank as Deputy General Manager in 2003 and was later elevated as General Manager in 2005. In 2006, he was appointed as Executive Director and since 2011, he was serving the bank as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

 Note: City Union Bank Founded: 31 October 1904; City Union Bank Headquarters: Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu; City Union Bank Chairman: R. Mohan.

2. Paytm Payments Bank inks partnership with Mastercard: Paytm Payments Bank has partnered with Mastercard for the issuance of virtual and physical debit cards for secure online transactions. Customers will also be able to request a physical card to perform contactless in-store transactions. Along with this, customer will also be able to withdraw cash at more than 1 m million ATM terminals. With this latest addition to the suite of services, the Bank can bring more than 500 million Indians into the mainstream economy.

Note: MD and CEO of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd: Satish Kumar Gupta; Paytm Payments Bank Ltd Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

3. Paytm Payments Bank launches DBT scheme: Paytm Payments Bank Ltd. (PPBL) now implemented the option to avail benefits of Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), which is Government of India scheme to transfer the subsidies of various social welfare schemes like LPG gas subsidy, MNREGA payments, Old Age Pension, Scholarships directly into the beneficiary’s bank account. Paytm Payments Bank Ltd. (PPBL) has crossed Rs1,000 crore in deposits and has total of 57 million savings account holders at present during covid-19.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. David Li becomes new CEO of Huawei India: David Li has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Telecommunications India. He has replaced Jay Chen who has been promoted to handle Asia Pacific level business role. Li joined Huawei in 2002 and has experience of working in the India market, including in roles like Vice President of sales and HR during different phases of his career. He was serving as CEO of Huawei Cambodia before returning to India to take on his new role.

Note: Headquarters of Huawei: Shenzhen, China; CEO of Huawei: Ren Zhengfei.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Adam Higginbotham Wins 2020 William E. Colby Award for ‘Midnight in Chernobyl’: Adam Higginbotham has been awarded with the 2020 William E. Colby Military Writers’ Award for his book “Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World’s Greatest Nuclear Disaster”. The $5,000 prize is presented annually by the Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont for an outstanding book on military or intelligence history. The award was established in 1999 and recognizes “a first work of fiction or non-fiction that has made a major contribution to the understanding of intelligence operations, military history, or international affairs”.

 OBITUARIES

1. Former Fiji Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase passes away: Former Fiji Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has passed away after a short illness. He was 79. He was the sixth Prime Minister of Fiji and served from 2000 to 2006. He was a civil servant before becoming a politician and the prime minister of Fiji in 2000. He became the prime minister of Fiji after the removal of Mahendra Chaudhry’s government. In 2006, he was removed from power in military coup by Frank Bainimarama and later imprisoned.

Note: Prime Minister of Fiji: Frank Bainimarama; Capital of Fiji: Suva; Currency: Fijian dollar.