Daily GK Updates – 28th Oct, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi launched 3 projects in Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated three projects in his home State Gujarat, one each related to farmers’ welfare, healthcare, and tourism development, via video conference from New Delhi. The projects inaugurated include:

Kisan Suryodaya Yojna: The ‘Kisan Suryodaya Yojna’ is an Agri scheme which aims to provide power supply during daytime from 5 am to 9 pm (16 hours) for irrigation purposes to farmers. The state government has allocated a budget of Rs 3,500 crores for installing transmission infrastructure under this scheme by 2023. Initially, Dahod, Patan, Mahisagar, Panchmahal, Chhota Udepur, Kheda, Tapi, Valsad, Anand and Gir-Somnath districts have been covered under the scheme for 2020-21. The rest will be included in a phased manner by 2022-23.

India’s biggest cardiac hospital in Ahmedabad: The Paediatric Heart Hospital was inaugurated at U.N Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre at Civil Hospital campus in Ahmedabad and a Mobile Application for telecardiology. The new facilities have been set up at the cost of Rs 470 crore and will be India’s biggest hospital for cardiology. It has increased the existing 450 beds to 1251 beds, 531 cardiac ICU beds, 15 cardiac modular operation theatres and 6 cardiac cath labs.

World’s longest temple ropeway project at Girnar in Junagadh: Girnar hill ropeway at Junagadh is Rs 130 crore project. It would attract more tourists and pilgrims to this historical place which will boost employment opportunities. The 2,320 metres long ropeway has a capacity of carrying 1,000 passengers every hour.

Note: Gujarat Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani; Gujarat Governor: Acharya Devvrat.

 

2. World Bank sanctions Rs 3 crore for Sand Dune Park in Goa: India’s first sand dune parks and interpretation centres are set to be developed in Goa. World Bank has sanctioned around Rs.3 crore under the programme. The Goa state biodiversity board has proposed the project, which will be implemented with financial assistance from the World Bank.

About Sand Dune Park: The Sand Dune park project will have interpretation centres to educate locals and tourists on the importance of the sand dune ecosystem. Park would also have Bridges made of nature-friendly material to reduce trampling on sand dune vegetation. Besides this, nurseries of sand dune vegetation will also be set up, which will enable its replantation on beach stretches where vegetation has gone extinct.

Note: Goa Capital: Panaji; Governor of Goa: Bhagat Singh Koshyari; Chief Minister of Goa: Pramod Sawant.

 

3. NTPC ranks 1st among Indian PSUs in Forbes’ World’s Best Employer 2020: National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has featured on the top on the list of Indian PSUs under the ‘World’s Best Employer 2020’, published by Forbes. The recognition is testimony to NTPC’s commitment towards inculcating best in class practices that are thoughtfully designed and robustly executed, the company stated in a statement. The modules have helped thousands of workers from NTPC to grow and think beyond the professional sphere.

Note: NTPC Founded: 1975; NTPC Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

 

4. Third phase of National Supercomputing Mission to start in Jan next year: The third phase of the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) will kickstart in January 2021, taking computing speed to around 45 petaflops. The NSM is rapidly boosting high power computing in the country through its various phases to meet the increasing computational demands of academia, researchers, medium, small and micro enterprises and start-ups in areas like oil exploration, flood prediction as also genomics, and drug discovery. The Rs 4,500 crore-National Supercomputers Mission (NSM) envisages nearly 50 supercomputers across the country in three phases.

 

5. Indian Army in J&K Celebrates 74th Infantry Day: Every year, October 27 is celebrated as Infantry Day by the Indian Army in Jammu & Kashmir (known by nickname, Chinar Corps). The Chinar Corps celebrated the 74th Infantry Day on October 27, 2020, to honour the supreme sacrifice of the gallant soldiers in fighting the Pakistani invaders, in Jammu and Kashmir, in 1947. Infantry Day is celebrated as a remembrance of the first military event of independent India, when the First Battalion of the Sikh Regiment of Indian Army fought battle to accomplish victory over the first attack on the Indian soil by the Pakistan Army and Lashkar invader on October 27, 1947, in the Kashmir valley, who tried to grab J&K.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bangladesh govt orders ‘no mask, no service’ policy: Bangladesh government has decided that no service will be provided to people who don’t wear a mask. The cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided that no one will be allowed to enter offices without the mask. It decided that all offices must install notice boards saying ‘no mask, no service’ in order to control the spread of COVID 19 virus in the country. Involving community leaders in the campaign to wear a mask, the Cabinet Secretary said that the government has also talked to the Islamic scholars and religious leaders to publicise this at all mosques through the Imams.

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

 

2. Pakistan to remain in grey list of FATF till Feb 2021: The global terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has announced that Pakistan will continue to remain on its grey list till February 2021. This decision has been taken since Pakistan has not been able to fulfil six out of the 27 mandates to check terror funding. FATF has strongly urged Pakistan to swiftly complete its full action plan by February 2021.

About FATF: FATF objective is to combat money laundering, terror financing and other related threats to the international financial system. It currently has 39 members which include two regional organizations, the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council.

Note: The headquarters of FATF is in Paris, France; FATF was founded in July 1989.

Prime Minister of Pakistan: Imran Khan; President of Pakistan: Arif Alvi; Capital of Pakistan: Islamabad.

 

3. India’s Rank in Global Mobile Internet Speeds Falls to 131 While South Korea Tops: Ookla: India has been ranked 131 out of 138 countries in the global mobile internet speed rankings by Ookla, the US based company behind testing the speed and performance of the internet connection of a country. India was at 121 rank in 2019. The Ookla Speedtest Global Index shows the data as of September 2020. As per the index, the global average download speed is calculated to be 35.26 Mbps (megabit per second) but the average download of India is just 12.07 Mbps.  The global average upload speed and latency is 11.22 Mbps and 42 ms, India lags at 4.31 Mbps and a higher latency of 52 ms. South Korea has topped the list with an average mobile internet speed of 121.00 Mbps. Also, India’s global rank in fixed broadband speed has slipped from 68 in 2019 to 70 in 2020 out of 175 countries, with average download speeds of 46.47 Mbps. Singapore has topped this index with the download speed of 226.60 Mbps. The global average download speed is 85.73 Mbps

 

4. Samsung Tops Forbes’ list of World’s Best Employer 2020, HCL Tops among Indian list: South Korea based electronics conglomerate Samsung Electronics has topped the list of ‘World’s Best Employer 2020 published by Forbes’. The global list features 750 multinational and large corporations headquartered in 45 countries. Amazon, IBM, Microsoft LG are among the top 5 in the list respectively. From India, HCL Technologies is top industry in the list. It is placed at 30th position globally. In Banking sector, HDFC Bank is top from India. It is at 176th position. In addition to this, state-run power giant NTPC Ltd. has topped the list among Indian PSUs. Globally it is ranked at 261 position.

 

5. International Animation Day: 28th October: International Animation Day is observed globally on 28 October every year. The day has celebrated the art of animation and also recognises the artists, scientists and technicians behind animation. This year marks the 19th International Animation Day. The day was created in 2002 by International Animated Film Association (ASIFA), an International Animated Film Association, a member of UNESCO. ASIFA created the International Animation Day (IAD) in 2002, honouring the birth of animation, recognized as the first public performance of projected moving images: Emile Reynaud’s Theatre Optique in Paris, on the 28th October 1892.

Note: President of ASIFA: Sayoko Kinoshita; ASIFA Founder: John Halas; ASIFA Founded: 1960, Annecy, France.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI bars payment system operators from launching any new QR codes: The Reserve Bank of India has barred Payment System Operators (PSOs) from launching any new proprietary QR code for payment transactions. Currently, there are two interoperable QR codes — UPI QR and Bharat QR. The decision to continue with the two existing Quick Response (QR) codes was based on the recommendations of the committee which was set up by the Reserve Bank under the chairmanship of Deepak Phatak to review the current system of such codes in India and suggest measures for moving towards interoperable QR codes.

QR codes are two-dimensional machine-readable barcodes, which are increasingly used to facilitate mobile payments at the point-of-sale. QR codes can store a large amount of information. PSOs that use proprietary QR codes shall shift to one or more interoperable QR codes; the process of migration shall be completed by March 31, 2022.

Note: Governor of RBI: Shaktikanta Das; Deputy Governors of RBI: BP Kanungo, MK Jain, MD Patra and Rajeshwar Rao; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

2. ICICI Bank shuts down operations in Sri Lanka: ICICI Bank has shut down his operations in Sri Lanka after getting approval from the Sri Lankan monetary authority. The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, having considered the request made by ICICI Bank, has granted approval to close down the business operation of the bank in Sri Lanka and cancel the licence issued to it. The Director of Bank Supervision being satisfied with the bank complying with the terms and conditions imposed by the Monetary Board, the licence issued to the bank to carry on banking business in Sri Lanka is cancelled with effect from October 23, 2020.

Note: ICICI Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; ICICI Bank MD & CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi; ICICI Bank Tagline: Hum Hai Na, Khayal Apka.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. BSE inks MoU with ICCI to support SMEs & start-ups: Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has signed an agreement with Inventivepreneur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ICCI) to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, and promote their listing on the exchange. Under the agreement, ICCI will offer assistance to BSE in evaluating SMEs and start-ups for listing on BSE SME board. ICCI will also help to offer industry connections to respective BSE start-ups globally and support entrepreneurship nationwide through knowledge transmission on government announced programs, acceleration fund, international presence and global business relations.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy Missile Corvette INS Prabal launches anti-ship missile: The Indian Navy launched anti-ship missile (AShM) by its Missile Corvette INS Prabal with deadly accuracy at maximum range and sinking the target ship. The missile launched somewhere from the Arabian Sea homed in on its target – an old ship – and hit it with deadly accuracy at its maximum range.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former IAS officer and author of Chola History books passes away: Former IAS officer B. Venkataraman who was an authority on Chola History and Architecture expired in a private hospital in Delhi. He was 95. Mr. Venkataraman, a 1950 batch officer, had served as chief secretary Orissa and then as secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, New Delhi.He had co-authored a book ‘Later Chola Temples’ with his father. Some of the books that he had authored include ‘Laddigam: A Later Chola Temples’, ‘Temple Art under the Chola queens’ and ‘Rajarajeswaram-the pinnacle of Chola art’ on the Thanjavur Brihadeeshwara temple. His doctoral thesis was on the contribution of the Chola queen Sembiyan Mahadevi. 

Daily GK Updates – 27th Oct, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mandi district bags top position for implementation of PMGSY: Union Ministry of Rural Development has declared the list of top-performing 30 districts in the country for implementing the PMGSY programme. Himachal Pradesh’s, Mandi district has bagged top position among 30 districts of the country in the successful implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Himachal Pradesh has also secured the second position at the national level for construction of roads under PMGSY. Mandi district has received top position for constructing roads under PMGSY of maximum length in 2020-21. Six more districts of Himachal Pradesh have also secured a position among top 30 best performing districts, which include Chamba, Shimla, Kangra, Una, Sirmour, Hamirpur and Solan.

The state has also improved its performance under PMGSY programme by constructing 1104 Kilometres roads this year from April till date. PMGSY is a programme funded by the Union government to connect habitations having a population of more than 250 in the state. It was established on 25th December 2000.

Note: Union Minister of Rural Development: Narendra Singh Tomar.

Chief Minister of HP: Jairam Thakur; Governor of HP: Bandaru Dattatraya.

 

2. AYUSH Minister inaugurates Regional Raw Drug Repository at AIIA: AYUSH Minister Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated the Regional Raw Drug Repository at All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi through a virtual function. This RRDR is the second in the series of repositories proposed by National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB). AYUSH Ministry has said that there is an increased demand for the natural healing and herbal products across the globe which has been further pushed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In order to document the diversity in the genetics and chemistry of medicinal plants, eight RRDR and one NRDR have been proposed by Ministry of AYUSH.

 

3. Maharashtra’s Women & Child welfare dept launches initiative to fulfill nutritional requirements of lactating mothers & children: After performing  the most difficult task of providing nutritional food to 74 lakh beneficiaries during Corona pandemic, Maharashtra’s Women and Child welfare department has launched a new initiative to fulfill the nutritional requirements of lactating mothers and children in the state. Women and Child welfare minister Yashomati Thakur inaugurated the platform ‘TARANG SUPOSHIT MAHARASHTRACHA’ which is based on the interactive voice response system. The platform is expected to create more awareness about the nutritional requirements of women and children in the state.

The digital platform Tarang Suposhit Maharashtracha is equipped with the facilities like a helpline, broadcast call, whatsapp chatbot etc. The number 8080809063 will give important guidance about the nutritional food, special care to pregnant women, lactating mothers and parents of the children. Short films containing the information about nutrition and also the video series showing special recipies and preparations of nutritious dishes are available on the platform.

 

4. Karnataka govt gives nod to switch implementing agency for Bhagyalakshmi scheme: The Karnataka cabinet granted approval to implement the Bhagyalakshmi scheme, which provides financial security to girl child of BPL families, through Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana of the postal department instead of LIC. The postal department will be the implementing agency for Bhagyalakshmi scheme, one of the flagship schemes of the Yediyurappa-led BJP government in the state. Since the interest rate offered by the LIC was way less, the state government decided to switch the agency. Under this scheme, a girl child belonging to below poverty line (BPL) families is eligible to receive Rs one lakh after completing 18 years of age. The scheme is aimed at elevating the status of a girl child in the family and society. Re-designing and implementing the Bhagyalakshmi scheme will not result in any loss to the beneficiary.

 

5. Vigilance Awareness Week 2020: 27th Oct - 2nd Nov: The Vigilance Awareness Week 2020, is being celebrated from 27 October to 2 November 2020. Theis observed every year by the Central Vigilance Commission during the week in which the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October) falls.  The theme for 2020 Vigilance Awareness Week is Vigilant India, Prosperous India (Satark Bharat, Samriddh Bharat). The awareness week campaign affirms our commitment to the promotion of integrity and probity in public life through citizen participation. In 2020, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is hosting a National Conference on Vigilance and Anti-Corruption from 27 to 29 October 2020, which will be addressed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Note: Central Vigilance Commissioner: Sanjay Kothari; Central Vigilance Commissioner Formed: February 1964; Central Vigilance Commissioner Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India gets Chairmanship of ILO Governing body after 35 years: India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of International Labour Organization (ILO), after a gap of 35 years. The Labour and Employment Secretary, Apurva Chandra, has been elected as the Chairperson of the Governing Body of the ILO for the period October 2020- June 2021. Chandra is a 1988 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of Maharashtra Cadre. He would preside over the upcoming the Governing Body’s meeting, to be held in November 2020.

About Governing Body of International Labour Organization: The Governing Body is the apex executive body of the ILO which decides policies, programmes, agenda, budget and elects the Director-General. At present, ILO (Headquarter- Geneva, Switzerland) has 187 members. It meets three times a year, in March, June and November.

 

2. Israeli Embassy to have first 'Water Attache' in India from January, 2021: Israel Embassy will have a separate 'Water Attache' from January 2021 to help share their country's best practices and technologies for advancements in India's water management and agriculture sectors. In another significant development, Israel will soon nominate an honorary Consul in the North-East to increase its presence and collaboration in that region.

In January for the first time Israel is going to nominate a ‘Water Attache’ who will join the ‘Agriculture Attache’ who has been here for many years and together. They will go to the centres of excellence for agriculture established as part of Indo-Israel collaboration and bring to India technology and systems in water management and agriculture. As many as 29 such centres of excellence have already been established across India and nearly 1.5 lakh farmers have been trained at these centres in just one year.

 

3. USAID announces $5 m to support India’s initiatives: The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has introduced two new awards totalling $5 million to Catalyst Management Service’s COVID Action Collaborative (CAC) and the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence as a part of the US authorities’s help to India’s Covid-19 response. This financial assistance brings USAID’s COVID-19 assistance to India to over $13 million.The two-year, $3-million partnership with CAC, will profit over 10 million uncared for and susceptible people affected by the pandemic, the discharge stated. This can be executed by strengthening the capability of 100 native organisations, 10 native governments and 15 associations of healthcare suppliers, small retailers, and avenue distributors, and can hyperlink them with authorities and personal sector assets.

 

4. World Day for Audiovisual Heritage: 27th October: The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is observed globally on 27 October every year. The day was chosen by UNESCO to raise awareness of the significance and preservation risks of recorded sound and audiovisual documents. The theme of the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2020: “Your Window to the World”. The 33rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference adopted 33 C/Resolution 53 to proclaim 27 October as World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, in commemoration of the adoption, in 1980 by the 21st session of the General Conference, of the Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images.

Note: UNESCO headquarters: Paris, France; UNESCO Head: Audrey Azoulay; UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lewis Hamilton wins Portuguese Grand Prix 2020: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) has won the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, held at Algarve International Circuit, Portugal. This was the 12th round of the 2020 Formula One World Championship. This is Hamilton’s 8th win of the season and 92nd career race victory. With this win, he has surpassed the record of 91 wins set by German great Michael Schumacher. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes- Finland) came second followed by Max Verstappen (Red Bull – Netherlands) at the third spot.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Mastercard partners with Atlantis to expand Digital First Program in India: Mastercard has entered into a partnership with Atlantis to expand the Digital First Program in India. The partnership aims to provide the users of Mastercard, a technology solution that enables them to enjoy a best-in-class digital banking experience. After the launch in India, the partnership will expand to Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The partnership allows the users of the Mastercard to have immediate account access and convenient payments.

Digital First Program: The Digital First Program aims to renew the relationship of users with more meaningful experiences. It is operational with prepaid, debit and credit cards and account-based payments through any digital device. Advantages for Customers:

(1) Users can use their cards/accounts to make digital transactions within minutes of application, enabled by a completely digital online application and the issuance process including video KYC (in collaboration with Signzy).

(2) Cardholders can use their cards for online shopping or at physical stores, without having to wait to receive a physical card.

(3) Users can control their own spending and set usage alerts from the mobile app.

(4) Users have the option to pay anytime, anywhere at the places where Mastercard cards are accepted globally.

Note: Mastercard Headquarters: New York, United States; Mastercard President: Michael Miebach; Mastercard Chief Executive Officer(CEO): Ajay Banga (Michael Miebach will take over as CEO by January 2021).

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India's foreign exchange reserves touch 555.12 billion dollars: India's foreign exchange reserves have surged by 3.615 billion dollars to touch a fresh lifetime high of 555.12 billion dollars in the week ended 16th October. Foreign currency assets increased by 3.539 billion dollars to 512.322 billion dollars. Gold reserves went up by 86 million dollars in the reporting week to reach 36.685 billion dollars. The country’s special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund remained unchanged at 1.480 billion dollars.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India-assisted hydroelectric project in Bhutan wins UK engineers’ body award: India-assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric project in Bhutan has been awarded the Brunel Medal-2020, an award conferred by the UK’s top engineering body, Institute of Civil Engineers.

About Mangdechhu Hydroelectric project: The 720-MW Mangdechhu run-of-river power project is built on the Mangdechhu River in Trongsa Dzongkhag district of central Bhutan at a cost of Rs 4,500-crore. The project was jointly inaugurated by the prime ministers of the two countries in August 2019, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Bhutan.

Note: Capital of Bhutan: Thimphu; Prime minister of Bhutan: Lotay Tshering; Currency of Bhutan: Bhutanese ngultrum.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-Hee passes away: The chairman of South Korea’s largest conglomerate, Samsung Group, Lee Kun-hee has passed away. Lee helped to transform Samsung from a small trading business to become the world’s largest producer of smartphones and memory chips. The firm’s overall turnover today is equivalent to a fifth of South Korea’s GDP. Lee was also the richest person in South Korea, according to Forbes, with a net worth of nearly $21bn.

 

2. Veteran Gujarati Singer Mahesh Kanodia passes away: Veteran Gujarati film musician, singer and former Lok Sabha MP Mahesh Kanodia (83 years) passed away due to prolonged illness at his residence in Gandhinagar. He was a member of 10th, 11th, 12th and 14th Lok Sabha from Patan constituency of North Gujarat. He was known for singing in 32 different voices including female voices along with working for Gujarat cinema. He was awarded for Best Music for Gujarati films Jigar ane Ami, Tanariri, Jog Sanjog and Laju Lakhan.

Daily GK Updates – 26th Oct, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NITI Aayog panel for reforms in urban planning education: NITI Aayog has constituted a 14-member advisory committee to look into introducing reforms in the urban planning education system. The panel will be headed by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar. The members of the committee include Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog and secretaries of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA), Ministry of Education(MoE) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

Role of the Committee: The committee will examine the current system in terms of multidisciplinarity, curriculum and other related issues at the level of graduates and postgraduates against the challenges of rapid urbanization. The committee will examine the urban planning education system in India and examine the availability, demand and supply of the qualified urban planners in India.

 

2. ITBP launches cycling expedition from its Pegong base in Sikkim: The Eleventh Battalion Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has launched a cycling expedition from its Pegong base in Sikkim to border villages of the state. The Minister of Culture, Road and Bridges Department of Sikkim, Samdup Lepcha flagged off the expedition. Total 218 Kilometers will be covered by the ITBP team in the course of 20 days in difficult terrains. The team will generate more awareness among masses of the border villages on Covid 19 related issues, will organize medical and veterinary camps, distribute hygiene and sanitation items. They will also spread awareness about various government missions for the welfare of society at large. The 18 member team of ITBP will cover difficult terrain in the expedition. Most of the members are highly trained mountaineers and rescuers. The expedition will reach Gurudongmar lake at extremely high altitude as its destination before starting the return journey.

About Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Raised in 1962, the ITBP is primarily a mountain force known for being deployed in harsh Himalayan borders of China since its inception. With more than 215 successful mountaineering expeditions undertaken till now, the force will complete 58 years of its raising on 24 October.

 

3. AAI Plans To Develop 100 Airports, Waterdromes, Heliports Under UDAN By 2024: Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to develop at least 100 airports, waterdromes and heliports by 2024 under the regional air connectivity scheme. The scheme is aimed at providing affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes. “50 unserved and underserved airports (including five heliports) with 285 routes have been added under UDAN across the length and breadth of India.

 

4. MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari launches India’s first-ever high quality Khadi Fabric Footwear: Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises- MSME, Nitin Gadkari launched India’s first-ever high quality Khadi Fabric Footwear, designed by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) through Video Conference. These footwear are made of Khadi fabric like Silk, Cotton and Wool.The footwear have been launched in 15 designs for ladies and 10 designs for men and their prices are in the range of Rs. 1100 to Rs. 3300 per pair. On the occasion, Mr Gadkari also launched the online sale of Khadi footwear through KVIC’s e-portal www.khadiindia.gov.in.

 

5. Vega ropes in Rohit Sharma as brand ambassador: Ace Indian cricketer and Captain of Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma has been signed up by India’s leading beauty accessories brand, Vega, for its men’s personal grooming electronics range under the ‘Vega Men’ brand. Rohit Sharma will feature as the brand ambassador for ‘Vega Men’ range in the upcoming digital campaign.

 

6. Mizoram to observe ‘COVID-19 – No Tolerance Fortnight’ from Oct 26: In Mizoram, the state government has decided to observe ‘COVID-19 – No Tolerance Fortnight’ beginning from 26th October as a containment measure to flatten the curve of Covid-19 in the state. The state government has accorded zero tolerance policy to flouting any COVID-19 containment measures being implemented and enforced. All Unlock Guidelines, all SOPs and all sections of the Mizoram Containment and Prevention of COVID-19 Ordinance, 2020 will be enforced very strictly.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Andorra Joins IMF as its 190th Member: Andorra has joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to become its 190th member. Andorra is a microstate situated between France and Spain. However, it is the largest microstate in Europe. IMF’s Membership allows the Andorran government to benefit from IMF policy advice, especially as the country tackles the crisis caused by COVID-19 and can now receive an annual review or “health check” of its economy by the IMF, tap technical assistance, and access IMF lending if needed.

Note: Capital of Andorra: Andorra la Vella; Currency of Andorra: Euro.

 

2. Saad al-Hariri reappointed as Lebanon Prime Minister: Former Lebanese Prime Minister, Saad al-Hariri has been re-appointed to the post, after winning a slim majority of votes in parliament election. Hariri received 65 parliamentary votes out of 118, giving him the mandate to form his new government. In October 2019, Hariri announced his resignation amid 2019-20 mass-protests. Previously he had served as Prime Minister of Lebanon from 9 November 2009 to 13 June 2011 and then from 18 December 2016 to 21 January 2020. Hariri is the third person to be tasked with forming a government this year, after academic Hassan Diab, who succeeded in forming a government but resigned and then diplomat Mustafa Adib.

Note: Capital of Lebanon: Beirut; Currency of Lebanon: Lebanese pound.

 

3. Dhaka-Siliguri passenger train planned to start in March 2021: Bangladesh Railway Minister: Passenger train services from Dhaka to Siliguri are planned to be started from 26 March next year. The Railway Minister of Bangladesh Md. Nurul Islam Sujan said that the Chilahati-Haldibari line is also expected to be inaugurated on the occasion of the Victory Day celebration in December this year. In the beginning freight trains would run on this route. The Minister said that the work on the Bangabandhu railway bridge would start next month. The bridge would improve rail connectivity between the two countries immensely.

 

4. India recorded highest air pollution exposure globally in 2019: Report: India recorded the highest annual average PM 2.5 concentration exposure in the world last year, according to the State of Global Air 2020 (SOGA 2020) report which was released by US-based Health Effects Institute and Global Burden of Disease (GBD). India was followed by Nepal, Niger, Qatar and Nigeria in high PM 2.5 exposures. This means people in India are exposed to the highest PM 2.5 concentrations globally. Out of the 20 most populous countries, 14 have recorded a gradual improvement in air quality but India, Bangladesh, Niger, Pakistan and Japan are among those that have recorded a modest increase in air pollution levels

India is also among the top ten countries with highest ozone (O3) exposure in 2019. Qatar recorded the highest O3 exposure followed by Nepal and India. Among the 20 most populous countries, India recorded the highest increase (17%) in O3 concentrations in the past ten years.On average, global exposure to ozone increased from about 47.3 parts per billion (ppb) in 2010 to 49.5 ppb in 2019.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Kokrak claims first-ever PGA Tour win at CJ Cup: American Jason Kokrak fired off eight birdies in a flawless final round for his first-ever PGA Tour victory at the CJ Cup in Las Vegas, Nevada, clinching his maiden title on the 233rd try. The 35-year-old outclassed a crowded field of elite performers, carding an eight-under-par 64 at the Shadow Creek Golf Course, draining a 20-foot putt on 10, one of 11 putts he made from further than 10 feet away through 72 holes.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Baroda ties up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor: Bank of Baroda (BoB) has entered into a tie-up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), whereby the bank will be one of the preferred financiers for the entire range of vehicles sold by the latter. India’s third-largest public sector bank, in a statement, stated that under the tie-up, customers can avail customised solutions such as high on-road funding of 90 per cent, long repayment period of 84 months, no prepayment or foreclosure charges. On the other hand, TKM dealers will benefit from ‘digitised supply chain finance’ with competitive interest rates.

Note: Bank Of Baroda Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat, India; Bank Of Baroda Chairman: Hasmukh Adhia; Bank Of Baroda MD & CEO: Sanjiv Chadha.

 

2. RBI pegs minimum NOF for housing finance companies at Rs 25 cr: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) fixed the minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) size for housing finance companies at Rs 25 crore. The housing finance companies (HFCs) holding a Certificate of Registration (CoR) and having an NOF of less than Rs 25 crore will be required to achieve NOF of Rs 15 crore by March 31, 2022 and Rs 25 crore by March 31, 2023.  The RBI further said that it would be incumbent upon such HFCs whose NOF currently stands below Rs 20 crore to submit a statutory auditor’s certificate to the central bank within a month evidencing compliance with the prescribed levels.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Tata Communications Names Former Microsoft Executive Kabir Ahmed Shakir as CFO: Tata Communications was announced appointment of Kabir Ahmed Shakir as Chief Financial Officer with effect from October 21. Shakir will take charge from Pratibha K Advani who has resigned from the company after a stint of over 5 years. Until recently, Shakir was CFO at Microsoft India.

 

2. NHPC designates Rajendra Prasad Goyal as CFO: Rajendra Prasad Goyal, Director (Finance), NHPC Limited has been designated as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with effect from October 1, 2020 in place of Mahesh Kumar Mittal, Ex-Director (Finance) & CFO. Prior to taking over charge as Director (Finance), he was working as Chief General Manager (Finance).

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Eighth grader Anika Chebrolu wins 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her work on COVID-19: A 14-year-old Indian-American girl has won a USD 25,000 young scientist challenge for a discovery that could provide a potential treatment for COVID-19. Anika Chebrolu, an eighth grader from Frisco in Texas, won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, regarded as the US’ premier middle school science competition, for her work using in-silico methodology for drug discovery to find a molecule that can selectively bind to the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus in an attempt to find a cure for the coronavirus pandemic.

 

2. Rakayet Ul Karim Rakim of Bangladesh wins the Greenstorm International Nature Photography Contest: Rakayet Ul Karim Nakim, a native of Chittagong, Bangladesh, has won the 12th edition of the Greenstorm International Nature Photography Contest conducted in association with UNEP in connection with the World Environment Day. Rakayet Ul Karim Rakim won the first prize for his capture of a butterfly poised on a cactus, ready for flight. Mohamed Noufal from Sharjah, UAE, and Kartikeya Grover from Ghaziabad, India, bagged the second and third prizes, respectively. The photographs of Vladlena Lapshina from Russia, Abdul Momin from Bangladesh and Sreedharan Wadakkanchery from Kerala have bagged the consolation prizes.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. ISKCON President Jasomatinandan Das Ji passes away: Shri Jashomatinandan Das Ji, president of The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple, Ahmedabad and Zonal Secretary of ISKCON Gujarat passed away. He was 72 and undergoing treatment following the Covid-19 infection. Shri Jashomatinandan Dasji is known for building ISKCON temples in Ahmedabad, Kathwada and several other places in Gujarat. He had initiated and completed construction of 40 temples and centers of ISCKON. One of major contributions of Jashomatinandan Das Maharaj was his translation of ISKCON Bhagavad Geeta and other religious books in Gujarati language. 

Daily GK Updates – 25th Oct, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Andhra Pradesh CM launches ‘YSR BIMA’ for BPL families: The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched ‘YSR Bima’, a scheme to provide financial assistance through insurance cover to the beneficiary in case of death or accident of their families members. All families with white ration cards are eligible for YSR Bima scheme. Village/ward volunteers will visit the families and enrol the names of the primary householders.

About “YSR Bima” Scheme:  The claim amount will be directly credited into the beneficiary bank account within 15 days of making the claim. Apart from this, immediate assistance of Rs 10,000 will be provided to the families through village and ward secretariats. The scheme will benefit 1.41 crore BPL families of the state. An amount of Rs 510 crore would be paid by the state government annually as an insurance premium for this scheme. This will also make Andhra Pradesh as the first state in the country to single-handedly fund the insurance scheme.

Category wise insurance amount covered under the scheme:

(1) Accidental death and total permanent disability for people aged between 18-50 years: Rs 5 lakh.

(2) Accidental death and total permanent disability for people aged between 51-70 years: Rs 3 lakh.

(3) Natural death cases (18-50 years): Rs 2 lakh.

(4) Partial permanent disability in an accident case (18-70 years): Rs 1.5 lakh.

Note: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy; Governor: Biswa Bhusan Harichandan.

 

2. Tamil Nadu Govt launches “Smart Black Board Scheme”: The state government of Tamil Nadu has launched the Smart Black Board scheme in 80,000 government schools of the state. The initiative aims to ensure a better teaching environment as well as lead towards Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Under this Smart Black Board scheme, audiovisual teaching material would be possible, that can even be fed into the computer screens in classes using widely available pen drives. The Tamil Nadu Govt has taken an important decision to lessen syllabus for season 2020-21 by 40 per cent.

Note: Tamil Nadu Capital: Chennai; Tamil Nadu Chief Minister: Edappadi K. Palaniswami; Tamil Nadu Governor: Banwarilal Purohit.

 

3. Uttarakhand CM launches Integrated Model Agricultural Village scheme: Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Trivendra Singh Rawat has inaugurated Integrated Model Agricultural Village scheme (Ekikrit Adarsh Krishi Gram Yojana) in the state in partnership with NABARD. Putting emphasis on mechanised farming for boosting productivity, state Agriculture Minister Subodh Uniyal urged National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Chairman G R Chintala to lend a helping hand to farmers to switch over to mechanised farming.

About Integrated Model Agricultural Village scheme: Integrated Model Agricultural Village scheme is a concept which will prove to be a milestone in strengthening the economy of farmers and doubling their income. The limit for the interest-free loan given to farmers is being hiked to Rs 3 lakh from Rs 2 lakh. Farmers to focus on it with emphasis on mechanised and scientific farming to boost productivity.

Note: Uttarakhand Chief Minister: Trivendra Singh Rawat; Governor of Uttarakhand: Baby Rani Maurya.

 

4. ECI constitutes committee to examine issues concerning expenditure limits: The Election Commission of India has set up a 2-member committee to examine the issue of revising the expenditure limit for candidates for Lok Sabha and assembly polls. The committee will comprise of Shri Harish Kumar, Ex. IRS and DG (Investigation), Shri Umesh Sinha, Secretary-General and DG (Expenditure). The need to set up this committee was felt in view of the increase in the number of electors and the rise in the Cost Inflation Index. It will submit its report within 120 days of its constitution.

The committee will be responsible for: To assess the change in the number of electors across the States/Union Territories and its bearing on expenditure. To assess the change in the Cost Inflation Index and its bearing on the pattern of expenditure incurred by the candidates in recent elections. To seek views/inputs of the political parties and other stakeholders. To examine other factors which may have bearings on expenditure. To examine any other related issue.

Note: Chief Election Commissioner of India: Sunil Arora; Election Commission of India Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

5. India Posts releases 75th Anniversary of UN Commemorative Stamp: Department of Posts (DOP), Ministry of Communications released a commemorative postage stamp on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Organisations. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Anurag Srivastava stated India attaches the highest priority to the expansion of the UN Security Council so that it reflects contemporary realities of the world. He stated reformed multilateralism will be a key pillar of the overall approach in the upcoming innings of India as a non-permanent member. It may be noted that the Department of Posts has previously released similar such commemorative postage stamps on the UN’s 9th, 40th, and 50th Anniversaries in 1954, 1985, and 1995 respectively.

Note: Indian Post Headquarters: New Delhi; Director-General of Indian Post: Arundhaty Ghosh.

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

 

6. 59th ITBP Raising Day: 24th October: Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has observed his 59th raising Day on 24th October. The ITBP was raised in the aftermath of the 1962 Chinese aggression and it has a strength of about 90,000 personnel with 60 battalions on the ground. ITBP is one of the five bodies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). It keeps Vigil on the northern borders and prevents border violations. It checks illegal immigration, trans-border smuggling, and maintains peace.

Note: Director-General of ITBP: Surjeet Singh Deswal.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Neena Malhotra appointed as Ambassador to Republic of San Marino: Indian diplomat Dr Neena Malhotra, 1992-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, appointed as next Ambassador to the Republic of San Marino. She will have a residence in Rome. Presently, she is serving as the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Italy.

Note: Republic of San Marino Capital: San Marino; Republic of San Marino Currency: Euro.

 

2. Sushil Kumar Singhal appointed as next Ambassador to Solomon Islands: Sushil Kumar Singhal, a 2000-batch IFS officer, has been concurrently accredited as the next High Commissioner of India to the Solomon Islands. He is presently serving as the High Commissioner of India to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

Note: Solomon Islands Capital: Honiara; Solomon Islands Currency: Solomon Islands dollar.

 

4. LG signs Lewis Hamilton as ambassador of LG Signature: LG Electronics has named Lewis Hamilton a global ambassador for its home solutions brand, LG Signature. Hamilton, the epitome of skill, style and precision will be seen communicating the brand’s philosophy. In the new campaign, he will share with audiences his thoughts on how to lead a stylish, sophisticated life, and what motivates him to be the best in his field.

Note: LG Electronics Chairman: Kwang-Mo Koo; Vice-Chairman and CEO of LG Electronics: Jo Seong-Jin; Headquarters of LG Electronics: South Korea.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Indian Bank, IIT-Madras in pact for start-up funding: Indian Bank has introduced an initiative for funding start-ups, ‘IND Spring Board’, in collaboration with the IIT-Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC). The Chennai-headquartered bank seeks to bridge the gap in funding for start-ups through this collaboration with IITMIC. Under the deal, IITMIC will refer start-ups with proven technology and established cash flows to the bank and also extend advisory to the bank on the business model. The bank will extend loans of up to 50 crores to these start-ups for their working capital requirements or purchase of machinery, equipment.

Note: Indian Bank Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Indian Bank CEO: Padmaja Chunduru; Indian Bank Tagline: Your Own Bank, Banking That’s Twice As Good.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Bank of Baroda ties up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor for auto finance: State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) announced a tie up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) to enable finance options for the automaker’s customers and dealers. Following the pact, BoB will be one of the preferred financiers for the entire range of vehicles sold by TKM. The new service facilitates customers to avail customised solutions such as high on-road funding of 90 per cent, long repayment period of 84 months, no prepayment or foreclosure charges.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Dr Jajini Varghese honoured with Outstanding Young Person 2020: UK-based Indian-origin plastic surgeon, Dr Jajini Varghese has been named an ‘Outstanding Young Person of the World 2020’ by a non-profit NGO for her “incredible” scientific contributions to diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Varghese has been recognised in the “Medical Innovation” category for making it her personal mission to attempt to restore the lives of millions of women affected by breast cancer and will be presented with the award at a ceremony at the 2020 Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress in Yokohama, Japan. In the UK, she is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Plastic Surgery (FRCS) and a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS). She is also on the Board of Examiners for the MSc in Plastic Surgery at University College London (UCL).

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO successfully conducts final trial of Nag anti-tank guided missile: Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully carried out the final trial of the third generation, anti-tank guided missile ‘NAG’, from the Pokhran field firing ranges in Rajasthan. The successful final user trial of the missile makes the Nag anti-tank missile ready for induction in the Indian Army. Following the final trial, the missile will now enter into the production phase.

About “NAG”: The Nag anti-tank guided missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in the day and night conditions. It has an operational range of 500 m to 20 km. It will be manufactured by defence PSU Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), of DRDO.

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

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Malayalam Singer, Music Composer and actor Zero Babu passes away: Renowned Malayalam playback singer, music director and actor K J Mohammed Babu, has passed away. He was 80. He was popularly known as ‘Zero’ Babu, ever since he acted the role and performed a song called Open Zero in a play. Babu was a recipient of the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award. Babu has sung in nearly 300 films and various plays.

 

2. Former Telangana Home Minister Narasimha Reddy passes away: Senior TRS leader and Former Telangana home minister Nayini Narsimha Reddy passed away at the age of 76, at a private hospital in Hyderabad. Reddy has served as the first Home Minister of Telangana after its formation in 2014. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly in undivided Andhra Pradesh for three terms in 1978, 1985 and 2004.

Daily GK Updates – 24th Oct, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Uttar Pradesh emerges as top destination in 2019: Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the top destination for attracting the highest number of domestic tourists visiting the state in 2019 as per the Indian Tourism Statistics (ITS) 2020, released by the Ministry of Tourism. About 53.6 crore domestic tourists visited Uttar Pradesh in 2019, which is 23.1% of the total travellers. Tamil Nadu (21.3%) came second followed by Andhra Pradesh (10.2%).

Tamil Top destination for attracting foreign travelers: In terms of foreign tourists, Tamil Nadu has topped the list with nearly 68 lakh foreigners visiting the state in 2019. Maharashtra (over 55 lakh) is at the second position in this list while Uttar Pradesh (over 47 lakh) has secured the third position in attracting foreign tourists visiting in 2019. Goa came last on this list with over 9 lakh foreign tourist visits in 2019.

 

2. IIT Kharagpur’s develops ‘COVIRAP’ Technology for COVID-19: The researchers at IIT Kharagpur have developed ‘COVIRAP,’ the Covid-19 diagnostic test technology, which is fairly easy to conduct and affordable as well and can produce results within one hour. This COVIRAP technology has been successfully validated for its efficacy in COVID-19 detection by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and been granted certification, after rigorous testing with patient samples by an authorized ICMR laboratory. About “COVIRAP”:

(1) This testing technology is comparable to the celebrated RT-PCR tests, and will just cost the common people with a testing cost of around Rs 500.

(2) COVIRAP is a cuboid-shaped portable testing device that can deliver results in an hour, making it an effective tool to scale up coronavirus screening in peripheral and rural areas.

(3) This machine can be developed at a cost of less than Rs 10,000 with minimal infrastructural requirement making the technology affordable to common people. The testing process in this new machine is completed within one hour.

(4) This implies influenza, malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, tuberculosis and many other infectious, as well as vector-borne diseases, can be tested using the same machine.

(5) This will virtually minimise the need for thermal cyclers or real-time PCR machines, without sacrificing the expected high standards of a molecular diagnostic test.

Note: Director, IIT Kharagpur: Prof. Virendra Kumar Tewari; IIT Kharagpur Headquarters: Kharagpur, West Bengal.

 

3. Culture & Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel launches Life in Miniature project: The Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Shri Prahlad Singh Patel launched ‘Life in Miniature’ project via video conferencing on 22 October 2020. The project is a collaboration between the National Museum, New Delhi, Ministry of Culture, and the Google Arts and Culture. Under the ‘Life in Miniature’ project, various miniature paintings from the National Museum can be viewed online on Google Arts and Culture by people around the world. It would include miniature art like the Ramayana, Royal Saga, Pahari style paintings in never before seen ways and in extraordinary detail. The project can be accessed at g.co/LifeInMiniature. It will make use of technologies like machine learning, augmented reality and digitization with high-definition robotic cameras, to showcase these special works of art in a magical new way.

 

4. National Police Commemoration Day: 21st October: In India, the National Police Commemoration Day is observed on 21st October every year. The day is marked to remember and honour the brave policemen who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. On 21 October 1959, twenty Indian soldiers were attacked by Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Hot Spring area, in which, ten Indian policemen lost their lives and seven were imprisoned. Since that day, 21 October has been observed as Police Commemoration Day in honour of the martyrs.

 

5. Parle agro ropes in Priyanka Chopra Jonas as brand ambassador: Parle Agro has roped in Priyanka Chopra Jonas as the national brand ambassador to maximise reach and awareness of its fruits plus fizz portfolio ‘B-Fizz’. The campaign will be aggressively promoted across IPL on Hotstar and YouTube. B-Fizz is a unique and refreshing apple juice-based malt flavoured carbonated drink that is set to revolutionize the taste experience of consumers across age groups.

Note: Parle Agro CEO: Schauna Chauhan; Parle Agro HQs: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India participates in 18th meeting of Prosecutors General of SCO: The 18th meeting of Prosecutors General of SCO was held on 20 October 2020, via video conference. India was represented by the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. During the meeting, all the prosecutors agreed to strengthen cooperation in preventing and combating corruption, mutual legal assistance and exchange of regulatory legal acts. India will host the SCO Prosecutors General Meeting in 2021. SCO is an important regional grouping which gives India an opportunity to engage its extended neighbourhood especially central Asian countries.

 

2. International Stuttering Awareness Day: 22nd October: International Stuttering Awareness Day is observed globally on 22nd October every year. The day is intended to raise public awareness of the millions of people who have a speech disorder of stuttering or stammering. This year’s theme is “Journey of Words – Resilience and Bouncing Back”. The International Stuttering Awareness Day, ISAD, (October 22) began in 1998, spear-headed by Michael Sugarman, Oakland, California.

 

3. United Nations Day: 24th October: 24th October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. The United Nations was founded in 1945 to support collective action to realize peace, development and human rights for all. With the ratification of the UN Charter by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.

Note: United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA; Mr Antonio Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

 

4. World Polio Day: 24th October: The World Polio Day is celebrated annually on October 24, to raise awareness for polio vaccination and eradication of polio. World Polio Day provides an opportunity to highlight global efforts toward a polio-free world and honour the tireless contributions of those on the frontlines in the fight to eradicate polio from every corner of the globe. The Day was established by Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. 2020 theme for World Polio Day is “A win against polio is a win for global health.” As of August 2020, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two nations which remain with the continued transmission of wild poliovirus.

 

5. World Development Information Day: 24th October: The United Nations’ World Development Information Day is held on October 24 every year. The day aims to draw the attention of world public opinion to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them for overall growth and development. The General Assembly in 1972 established World Development Information Day to draw the attention of the world to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them. The Assembly decided that the date for the Day should coincide with United Nations Day, 24 October, which was also the date of the adoption, in 1970, of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade.

 

6. International Day of Diplomats: 24th October: The International Day of Diplomats is celebrated on 24 October every year. The day aims to commemorate the contributions made by diplomats in shaping the world since ancient times and in making our planet a better place. It also aims to bridge the gap in perception and reality of diplomats’ lives among the general public. The first International Day of Diplomats was celebrated in Brasília on 24 October 2017. It was proposed by Indian poet-diplomat Abhay K and saw participation from the diplomats of Bangladesh, France, Ghana, Israel, Italy, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Zenpay, RBL Bank joins hands to digitalise Salary Accounts for SMEs, MSMEs: Zenpay Solutions announced its partnership with RBL bank and YAP to drive financial inclusion to issue salary cards to its customers across India. The corporate expense and salary payment solution will help blue collared employees working with SMEs and MSME to receive digital payments via a salary account. Zenpay will also offer customers a digital salary card and mobile application, which will help them manage their finance efficiently with the help of the interactive dashboard.

 

2. IRDAI sets up panel to examine need for Standard Cyber Insurance Product: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has set up a panel to explore possibility of a basic standard product structure to provide insurance cover for individuals and establishments to manage their cyber risks. The panel, headed by P Umesh, has been asked to study various statutory provisions on information and cybersecurity, and to evaluate critical issues involving legal aspects of transactions in cyber space. It will also examine various types of incidents involving cybersecurity in the recent past and possible insurance coverage strategies for those, and the cyber liability insurance covers available in Indian market and in other developed jurisdictions.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Global trade likely to fall by 7 to 9% in 2020: UNCTAD: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has said that the value of global trade is set to fall by seven to nine per cent in 2020 from the previous year. The UNCTAD’s new global trade update said that global trade recorded a 5 per cent drop in the third quarter of 2020 compared with the same period last year. India’s export growth saw a decline of 6.1 per cent in the third quarter of 2020 as compared to third quarter of last year. However India recorded export growth of four per cent in September.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. MD of TRIFED Pravir Krishna bags CEO of the year and visionary leadership award: Managing Director of TRIFED Pravir Krishna (IAS) has been awarded CEO of the Year and Visionary Leadership Award in the virtual edition of National Awards for Excellence in PSU for Investment in Start-UPS. The team of TRIFED Warriors led by Krishna has actually won three awards. The third one is a collective award in the Investment in Start-Ups Category. The awards are recognition of Pravir Krishna’s contribution towards livelihood generation of the entire tribal community and making them self-reliant – a mission right from his days as a district collector in Bastar, Madhya Pradesh and of the commitment of the team of TRIFED Warriors.

 

DEFENSE

 

1. “INS Kavaratti” commissioned into Indian Navy: The Chief of Army Staff, General MM Naravane has commissioned the ‘INS Kavaratti’, the last of four indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare (ASW) stealth corvettes, into the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam.

About INS Kavaratti: The ship has been designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation, Directorate of Naval Design (DND), and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The anti-submarine warfare (ASW) stealth corvettes have been undertaken under ‘Project 28’, also called Kamorta-class corvettes of the Navy. INS Kavaratti has state-of-the-art weapons and sensor suite capable of “detecting and prosecuting” submarines and good endurance for long-range deployments.

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Assam Economist Dr Jayanta Madhab passes away: The renowned Assamese economist, Dr. Jayanta Madhab, has passed away due to heart ailments and diabetes. He was 91. Dr Madhab served as the economic advisor from 2003-2009, to the Government of Assam during the tenure of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. He was also the founder and first Chairman of North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi). He had served as a director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB).