Daily GK Updates – 26th Nov, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 5th India International Cherry Blossom Festival cancelled: The 5th India International Cherry Blossom Festival has been cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. The festival is held every year in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, to celebrate the unique autumn flowering of the Himalayan cherry blossoms and mark the beginning of India’s version of autumn. Every year, Shillong hosts a plethora of events like fitness art, fashion show, rock concerts and much more to mark the festival.

Note: Meghalaya Chief Minister: Conrad Sangma; Meghalaya Governor: Satya Pal Malik; Meghalaya Capital: Shillong.

 

2. Ravi Shankar Prasad launches International version of UMANG App: Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad has launched the UMANG mobile app International version in coordination with Ministry of External Affairs for select countries that include USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Netherlands, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. The Union Minister also launched an e-Book which presents major milestones of UMANG and major services available on UMANG App classified into various categories. Mr Prasad also unveiled the newly instituted UMANG Awards for Partner Departments of Centre and States based on the highest number of transactions across services.

About UMANG mobile app: The UMANG mobile app –Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance is a Government of India all-in-one single, unified, secure, multi-channel, multi-lingual, multi-service Mobile App. providing access to high impact services of various Government of India Departments and State Governments.

International Version: It will help Indian international students, NRIs and Indian tourists abroad, to avail Government of India services, anytime. It will also help in taking India to the world through ‘Indian Culture’ services available on UMANG and create interest amongst foreign tourists to visit India.

 

3. 1st cow hospital of Northeast inaugurated in Assam: A cow shelter in Assam’s Dibrugarh inaugurated Northeast’s first-ever cow hospital, on the occasion of Gopashtami. The hospital, Surbhi Aarogyashala, is set up by Shree Gopal Gaushala at a cost of Rs 17 lakh. The hospital will provide services in 30 km radius. There are 368 cows in the shelter.

Note: Chief Minister of Assam: Sarbananda Sonowal; Governor: Prof. Jagdish Mukhi.

 

4. Indian Constitution Day: 26th November: In India, 26 November is celebrated as Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas. On this day in 1949, the constitution was adopted which came into force on January 26, 1950, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of India. On 19th November 2015, during the year-long celebration of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar, Government of India declared November 26th as the Constitution Day. Previously this day was celebrated as Law Day. 26 November was chosen to spread the importance of the constitution and to spread thoughts and ideas of Ambedkar.

 

5. National Milk Day: 26th November: In India, November 26 is celebrated as National Milk Day, since 2014, to commemorate the birthday of the father of India’s White Revolution, Dr Verghese Kurien (also nicknamed as Milkman of India). The day was fixed by all the dairy majors of the country including the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), along with 22 state-level milk federations. The significance of National Milk Day lies in the fact that this day celebrates the importance of milk in a person’s life. The Indian Dairy Association (IDA), in 2014, took the initiative to celebrate this day for the first time. The first National Milk Day was celebrated on 26 November 2014 where various milk producers from 22 states participated.

Note: World Milk Day is observed on 1 June every year by the United Nations.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to host G-20 Summit in 2023: India will host the Summit of the G20 Group in 2023. India was earlier slated to host the summit in 2022. India and Indonesia have swapped their respective hosting year of G20 as Indonesia would also chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2023. However, now the G20 Summit be hosted by Italy in 2021, Indonesia in 2022, India in 2023 and Brazil in 2024.

 

2. Malaysia hosted 2020 APEC Summit: The 2020 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Malaysian Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. This was the first time that all 21 APEC Economic Leaders met virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The APEC 2020 ended with the adoption of the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 and the 2020 Kuala Lumpur Declaration. The APEC Summit 2021 will be hosted by New Zealand. This is the second time Malaysia hosted an APEC meeting, having hosted one in 1998. The theme of the APEC Malaysia 2020 was “Optimising Human Potential Towards a Resilient Future of Shared Prosperity: Pivot. Prioritise. Progress”.

About Putrajaya Vision 2040: The Putrajaya Vision 2040 is a new 20-year growth vision, which will replace the existing Bogor Goals, which was agreed by leaders in 1994 for free and open trade and investment in APEC.

Note: APEC headquarters: Singapore; APEC Founded: November 1989.

Malaysia Capital: Kuala Lumpur; Malaysia Currency: Malaysian Ringgit.

 

3. CAG GC Murmu Elected as External Auditor of Inter Parliamentary Union, Geneva: The Comptroller & Auditor General of India Girish Chandra Murmu has been elected as External Auditor of Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), Geneva for three years. Murmu will assume the position shortly by taking charge from Supreme Audit Institution of Switzerland. The CAG of India has been the external auditor of various international organisations. He has earlier also been on the UN Board of Auditors from 1993 to 1999 and 2014 to 2020. Presently, he is the external auditor of the World Health Organization, Geneva and Food & Agriculture Organization, Rome.

 

4. UK plans to ban sales of diesel and petrol cars from 2030: Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed the UK will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030, before banning new hybrid sales in 2035. The government originally planned to implement the ban in 2040, before deciding to move the deadline forward to 2035. The ban only applies to the sale of new vehicles, and with the average British car boasting a lifespan of around 14 years, it seems likely gasoline- and diesel-powered cars will remain a common sight on UK roads well into the 2040s. It seems likely many plug-in hybrid cars will remain on the road until the 2050s.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Daniil Medvedev beat Dominic Thiem to win ATP Tour 2020: In Tennis, Daniil Medvedev (Russia) beat Dominic Thiem (Austria) to win the 2020 ATP Tour Finals, held in London. This is the biggest title of his career. The 24-year-old will finish the year at fourth position in the world rankings. In the doubles final, Dutch-Croatian duo Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic claimed their first title together after surpassing Jurgen Melzer and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes six-month ban on Manta Urban Cooperative Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has banned the Manta Urban Cooperative Bank in Jalna district of Maharashtra for six months for payment of money and loan transactions. The central bank has given some instructions to this bank, which will be effective for six months since the bank closed on 17 November 2020. According to these instructions, this bank will not be able to make any loan or loan without RBI permission, nor will it be able to renew the old loans and make any investment. Bank has also been banned from accepting new deposits. He will not be able to make any payment nor make any agreement to pay.

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

 

2. ADB approves $50 mn loan to improve resource planning in West Bengal: The Asian Development Bank said it has approved a USD 50 million loan to improve operational efficiencies and resource planning and management in West Bengal. The loan will support the integration of financial and information system and the expansion of automation reforms in the operations of the state government, which are expected to strengthen the delivery of public services and create fiscal savings. The loan will be supplemented by a USD 350,000 technical assistance grant for capacity building, monitoring of IFMS (Integrated Financial Management System) reforms, and strengthening the integration of social and gender aspects in reform areas.

 

3. RBI imposes Rs 1 cr penalty on PNB for unauthorised ATM operations: State run Punjab National Bank said the RBI has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on it for contravention of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act. RBI  has observed that the Bank was operating a bilateral ATM sharing arrangement with Druk PNB Bank Ltd, Bhutan, (international subsidiary of the Bank), since April, 2010 without the prior approval / authorisation from RBI. Meannwhile, in a statement the RBI said it has cancelled the Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) of five Payment System Operators (PSOs) engaged in issuance and operation of prepaid payment instruments.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. BSE StAR MF launches a direct investment portal for corporate: BSE, the leading stock exchange has launched ‘Corp Direct – A Direct Investment Portal for Corporates’, with more features which will further simplify and provide end-to-end value-based services to the asset management companies (AMCs), distributors, investors, and mutual fund industry participants. The StAR MF Corp Direct Portal is loaded with salient new features and is currently live for Corporates. It will soon be available for other non-individuals (HUF, Partnership Firms, Societies, etc.) The key features of StAR MF Corp Direct are as below – End to End Digital Web Module, Corporate Parent-Child Entity Concept, All AMCs and Schemes available under single plat form, SMS & Email Confirmation & approval process and Multiple Transactions at single click.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. ISRO Chairman K Sivan receives Doctor of Science Honorary Doctorate: Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala presented Doctor of Science honorary doctorate upon ISRO Chairman K Sivan. The Visvesvaraya Technological University has conferred the doctorate to him. The Governor highly praised the role of ISRO in defining our Space programme and the social role that it has played in the country.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy gets 9th P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft: Indian Navy has got its ninth 1. India-Singapore Maritime Exercise SIMBEX-20: The 27th edition of India – Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise SIMBEX-20 has been organised from 23 to 25 November 2020 in the Andaman Sea. Indian Navy (IN) is the host for the 2020 edition of SIMBEX. The SIMBEX series of exercises are being held between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), annually since 1994. The exercise aims at enhancing mutual inter-operability and imbibing best practices from each other.

From the Indian side, destroyer Rana with integral Chetak helicopter and indigenously built corvettes Kamorta and Karmuk, IN submarine Sindhuraj and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft will participate in the exercise. RSN will be represented by the ‘Formidable’ Class frigates ‘Intrepid’ and ‘Steadfast’ with integral S70B helicopter and ‘Endurance’ Class Landing Ship Tank ‘Endeavour’ in the exercise.

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Sahitya Academy award winning Telugu Poet Shaik Khaja Hussain passes away: Noted Telugu poet, journalist, scriptwriter Shaik Khaja Hussain, has passed away after brief illness. He was 70. Popularly known as Devi Priya, the renowned poet bagged the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 2017, for his book Gaali Rangu.

Daily GK Updates – 25th Nov, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bhubaneswar, 1st City in Country To Bag ISO Certification for Faecal Sludge and Septage Management: Bhubaneswar becomes the 1st city in the entire country to receive the ISO-9001:2015 certification for effective Faecal Sludge & Septage Management FSSM services. Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) obtained the ISO Certification after successful completion of audit. Bhubaneswar is 2nd in the world and first city in India for FSSM Services. According to BMC, it is the first ULB in the state to pass and adopt FSSM in the state. It has issued a notification in the newspaper for registration of private operators and private cesspool vehicles with an incentive that first 50 vehicles coming forward for registration will be fitted with GPS devices free of cost by BMC.

 

2. New building permission system ‘TS-bPASS’ launched in Telangana: A new online single window system for sanctioning approvals to new buildings based on self- certification by the applicants was launched in Telangana by Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao. Under the Telangana State Building Permission Approval and Self-Certification System (TS-bPASS), no permission was required for constructing a house in plots area up to 75 square yards and building height up to 7 meters. Instant approval for buildings will be provided for plots of above 75 square yards land and up to 600 square yards land, based on self-certification.

 

3. Over 50,000 Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centers set up across country: Aiming at providing Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) services to the communities closer to their homes, 1.5 lakh Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) are to be established by December 2022. With more than 50,000 having been established, one-third of the target has been met. This has led to improved access to affordable primary healthcare services for more than 25 crore people. Ayushman Bharat was launched in 2018 with its twin pillars of Health & Wellness Centers (HWCs) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) for full range of services across the continuum of care.

 

4. Digital museum opens at Maharaj Bada in Gwalior, MP: In Madhya Pradesh, a digital museum has been opened at Maharaj Bada in Gwalior for the public. The museum is developed by Gwalior Smart City and entry for the public is being made free for a few days. It is the first center of its kind in Gwalior and Bundelkhand area and will play a role in educating school students. In the Digital Museum, the architectural styles, objects, costumes, lifestyle, musical instruments, jewelry, handicrafts, cultural tradition, painting and many genres of paintings have been digitally displayed in a modern way.

 

5. GoI releases Rs 3,971 crores for micro-irrigation projects: Government of India sanctioned a loan of 3,971 crores of rupees for micro irrigation projects in Tamil Nadu. This is one of the biggest loans being sanctioned for the state of Tamil Nadu. The loan has been sanctioned at subsidised interest rate under micro irrigation fund. The micro irrigation fund was created within the National bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, NABARD.This fund with a corpus of Rs 5,000 crore was operationalised in FY20 with an objective to facilitate states in availing subsidised loans for expanding coverage of micro irrigation.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. EIU’s Worldwide Cost of Living (WCOL) Index 2020 announced: The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released its biannual ‘Worldwide Cost of Living (WCOL)’ report of the World’s Most Expensive Cities in 2020, based on their cost of living. Hong Kong (China), Paris (France) and Zurich (Switzerland) share the top spot as the most expensive cities in the list, which comprises of 133 cities. Damascus (Syria), Taskent (Uzbekistan), Lusaka (Zambia) ranked the last three spot as the most cheapest cities in the list, which comprises of 133 cities. The report took into account the price of 138 items, used in every day for survival, and the falling or rising value of that country’s currency due to Covid to rank the cities accordingly.

Note: Economist Intelligence Unit Headquarters: London, United Kingdom; Economist Intelligence Unit Founded: 1946.

 

2. ADB Allocates $20 Million to help developing members access vaccines for COVID-19: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allocated $20.3 million in technical assistance to help its developing members access vaccines for Covid-19 and establish systems to enable equitable and efficient vaccine distribution. The funds will be available for ADB developing members to support vaccine-related health system assessments and the development of country readiness plans to strengthen the capacity to access, introduce, deploy, deliver, and monitor vaccines safely and effectively, the multilateral funding agency.

 

3. NASA-ESA successfully launches Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite: The US space agency NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) successfully launched ‘Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite’, to monitor the rising global sea level. The joint US-European satellite lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

About Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite: The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite will help to enhance weather forecasts and provide detailed information on large-scale ocean currents to support ship navigation near coastlines. The US-EU collaboration for the monitoring of sea-level record began in 1992 with the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite and followed by Jason-1 (2001), OSTM/Jason-2 (2008), and eventually, Jason-3 (2016). This Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite will be followed in 2025 by its twin, Sentinel-6B.

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

 

4. International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: 25th November: The United Nations designated International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is celebrated worldwide on November 25. The day is celebrated to raise awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to various forms of violence and the true nature of the issue is often hidden. This year’s theme for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”. In 1981, activists at the Latin American and Caribbean Feminist Encuentros marked November 25 as a day to combat and raise awareness of violence against women more broadly; on December 17, 1999, the date received its official United Nations (UN) resolution.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Jannik Sinner Clinches Maiden ATP Tour Title in Sofia: Italian teenager Jannik Sinner has become the youngest man to capture an ATP Tour title in more than 12 years after his title win at the Sofia Open. Sinner defeated Vasek Pospisil of Canada 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3) in the summit clash to win his first ATP title. Pospisil was also attempting to capture his first ATP Tour crown. The last player to have lifted a tour-level trophy at a younger age than Sinner was Kei Nishikori who had earned his maiden ATP Tour title as an 18-year-old at the 2008 Delray Beach Open.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBL Bank selects Amazon Web Services to drive digital transformation: RBL Bank has selected Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its preferred cloud service to drive digital transformation. At present, around 40 per cent of the bank’s mission-critical applications are on the cloud. The bank first migrated its corporate website to AWS cloud and with the experience gained initiated a 10-in-10 project (a complete migration of 10 applications in 10 days). The bank chose AWS for its commitment to security and highly reliable global infrastructure.

 

2. ICICI Bank partners Pine Labs to unveil ‘Cardless EMI’: Private lender ICICI Bank has launched a fully digital mode of payment at leading retail stores. Titled as ‘ICICI Bank Cardless EMI’ (Equated Monthly Instalments), the facility will help lakhs of its pre-approved customers in buying their favourite gadgets or home appliances with the help of their mobile phone and PAN. ICICI Bank is the first lender in India to introduce a fully digital, cardless EMI facility at retail stores. For this facility the bank joined hands with Pine Labs, merchant commerce platform, to offer this facility across pan-India outlets of leading retailers namely Croma, Reliance Digital, My Jio Stores and Sangeetha Mobiles. Buyers can simply convert the high-value transactions into easy, no-cost monthly instalments by furnishing their registered mobile number, PAN and OTP (received on mobile number) on the PoS machine at the retail outlets.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Reliance Retail buys Urban Ladder for $24.4 million: Reliance Retail has acquired a majority stake in furniture and decor platform Urban Ladder, making a broader push into e-commerce as the largest retail chain in India gears up to fight Amazon and Flipkart. In a filing to the local stock exchange, Reliance Retail said it had acquired a 96% stake in Urban Ladder for about $24.43 million. The Indian retail giant, which retains the option to acquire the remainder stake in the seven-and-a-half-years-old startup, said it has proposed to invest up to $10.06 million more in Urban Ladder by December 2023.

 

2. NASSCOM Launches New FutureSkills PRIME Platform for Reskilling: As part of its ongoing efforts to foster an ecosystem that enhances India’s digital talent with the right set of skills, the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) launched FutureSkills PRIME Beta Platform. The programme will be offered as a robust online platform to encourage remote and self-paced learning. Many awareness-building modules will be free to access, allowing the maximum number of participations. Under the Programme, 4.12 lakh learners will get subsidised access to certified courses in any of the 10 identified emerging technologies (Artificial Intelligence, Internet of things, Big Data Analytics, Robotic Process Automation, Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing, Cloud Computing, Social & Mobile, Cyber Security, Augmented/Virtual Reality and Blockchain.)

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Naseeruddin Shah honoured with Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikhar Puraskar: Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has been honoured with the 2020 Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikhar Puraskar at annual Sangit Kala Kendra Awards. Alongside, two emerging stars, in the firmament of theatrics – Neel Choudhary and Irawati Karnik were awarded the Aditya Vikram Birla Kalakiran Puraskars. “Theatre” is the central theme, for this year’s awards.

The Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikhar and Kalakiran Puraskar awards, were instituted in 1996 by the Sangeet Kala Kendra (SKK), which was founded in 1973 by Aditya Vikram Birla (former Chairman of Aditya Birla Group), to honor excellence in theatre and performing arts.

 

2. 14-year-old TN girl wins Children’s Climate Prize for designing solar-powered ironing cart: Vinisha Umashankar, a 14-year-old studying in 9th grade at a private school in Tiruvannamalai, has won the prestigious Children’s Climate Prize for designing a mobile ironing cart using solar panels to power a steam iron box rather than conventional charcoal. Vinisha will receive the prize of 100,000 Swedish krona (Rs 8.64 lakh approximately), diploma, and medal from the Sweden-based Children’s Climate Foundation at a digital event. This is the fifth edition of the Children’s Climate Prize — one of the world’s largest international climate awards for young innovators.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former IIS officer M L Dhar passes away: M L Dhar, former IIS officer, passed away in Ahmedabad. He was 72. He started his career as News Editor in News Services Division of All India Radio in 1971 and worked in several media units of Information and Broadcasting Ministry including PIB, Doordarshan News and erstwhile Directorate of Field Publicity. He retired as Director.

 

2. Former CM of Assam Tarun Gogoi passes away: Tarun Gogoi, former chief minister of Assam, passed away in Guwahati after his health condition deteriorated. He was 84. Assam’s longest serving chief minister, was a popular leader and a veteran administrator, who had years of political experience in Assam as well as the Centre. Gogoi was the MLA from the Titabor assembly constituency since 2001. He was also a six-time parliamentarian and a Union minister twice.

Daily GK Updates – 24th Nov, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi laid the foundation stone of rural drinking water supply projects in UP: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone of rural drinking water supply projects in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts of Vindhyachal region in Uttar Pradesh via video conference. The total estimated cost of the projects is around Rs 5,555.38 Crore.

About the project: The projects will provide household tap water connections in all rural households of 2,995 villages and will benefit about 42 lakh population of these districts. Village Water and Sanitation Committees/ Paani Samiti have been constituted in all these villages, who will shoulder the responsibility of operation and maintenance. The projects are planned to be completed in 24 months.

Note: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Aditya Nath; Governor: Anandiben Patel.

 

2. India’s first ‘Moss Garden’ comes up in Nainital district: The Uttarakhand forest department has dedicated the newly-built Moss Garden to the people, claiming that it is the country’s first such garden, spread over 10 hectares in Kumaon’s Nainital district. The moss garden, which took nearly a year to build, was inaugurated by Water Man of India Rajendra Singh. The state forest department had approved research projects to study moss species, considered the most significant indicator of ecosystem fluctuations as they are more sensitive towards habitat and climate changes.

About “Moss Garden”: The Moss Garden built near Khurpatal under the CAMPA scheme was developed under a project approved in July 2019, with the aim to conserve various species of moss and other bryophytes and to make the people aware of ecological and other useful roles of moss in our environment. The country’s first moss garden spread over 10 hectares, with an interpretation centre, 30 representative moss species and other bryophyte species, including two species listed in IUCN Red List (Hyophila involuta and Brachythecium buchananii) and a moss trail nearly 1.25 km long. Of the 2,300 moss species found in India, 339 are found in Uttarakhand according to experts. Mosses are non-vascular plants that belong to Bryophyta division. They are small flowerless plants that typically grow in damp and shady locations. They play a very important role in maintaining and developing the ecosystem and biodiversity including soil formation, water retention, checking erosion and acting as a nutrient sink.

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

 

3. National Pharmacy Week: 16th - 22nd November: The 59th National Pharmacy Week (NPW) was celebrated throughout the country from November 16-22, 2020. The theme of the NPW 2020 is “Pharmacists: Frontline Health Professionals”. The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) organises NPW during the third week of November every year. The main aim to this week is to make all stakeholders aware of the presence of pharmacists in the society and to know the role played by registered pharmacists with respect to medicines, their usage, handling and dispensing.

Note: Indian Pharmaceutical Association President: T.V. Narayana; The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) founded in 1939.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India becomes 4th nation to get IMO nod for navigation satellite system: The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) has been recognised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as a part of the World Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS) for operation in the Indian Ocean Region. India has become the fourth country in the world to have its independent regional navigation satellite system recognised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The other three countries that have its navigation systems recognised by the IMO are the US, Russia and China.

About IRNSS: The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) was designed to provide accurate position information services to assist in the navigation of ships in Indian Ocean waters. The Director-General of Shipping (DGS) had approached the IMO for granting recognition to the IRNSS as a component of the WWRNS, similar to the US-owned Global Position System (GPS) or Russia’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) – a process that took two years. The IRNSS was a modern and more accurate navigation system and at any given time, there are at least 2,500 merchant vessels in Indian waters that will now be able to use the system. The IRNSS will be used to assist in the navigation of ships in ocean waters within the area of approximately 1,500 km from the Indian boundary.

 

2. 15th G20 Summit held under the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia: The 15th G20 Summit was held under the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia chaired the Summit through video-conferencing, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two-day Summit was held under the theme “Realising the Opportunities of the 21st Century for All”.

About the Summit: The focus of the G20 Summit was on an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 and the leaders discussed pandemic preparedness and the ways and means to restore jobs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, participated in the Summit along with the respective Heads of State/ Government of 19 member countries, EU, other invited countries and international organizations. Italy will take over the Presidency of the 16th G20 on 1st December 2020.

 

3. Peru’s congress elects Francisco Sagasti as new interim president: Peruvian lawmaker Francisco Sagasti is set to be sworn in as interim President after being voted for by Congress in a bid to help calm anger on the streets amid deadly protests and the departure of two presidents over the last week. Mr. Sagasti, a legislator from the centrist Purple Party, will be sworn in to fulfil a government mandate until July next year, which would include holding a new presidential election scheduled for April 11.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. LIC launches 1st digital app ‘ANANDA’: Life Insurance Corporation of India has launched a digital application for agents for onboarding to get a life insurance policy. The Digital Application is called “ANANDA”, which is an acronym for Atma Nirbhar Agents NewBusiness Digital Application. The Digital application is a tool for the onboarding process to get the life insurance policy through a paperless module with the help of the agent or intermediary.

Note: Life Insurance Corporation of India Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Life Insurance Corporation of India Chairperson: M R Kumar; Life Insurance Corporation of India Founded: 1 September 1956.

 

2. 14,34,000 loans sanctioned under PM SVANidhi scheme: The Centre has said that over 27 lakh 33 thousand applications have been received under Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s Atma-Nirbhar Nidhi- PM- SVANidhi Scheme. Out of the total applications received, over 14 lakh and 34 thousand have been sanctioned and about 7.88 lakh loans disbursed. The provision of applying for the loan under the scheme has now become hassle-free as one can easily upload the application online on their own by going to a bank or at any common service centre.             Under the scheme, banks have also been reaching the doorsteps of the people for providing them loans to help them start their ventures.

 

3. Yes Bank launches co-branded prepaid card with Neokred for cashless payments: Yes Bank said it has launched a co-branded prepaid card named ‘Yes Bank Neokred Card’, in partnership with Neokred Technologies to facilitate cashless payments. The card offerings can be personalised to suit the requirements of corporates seeking salary cards or expense cards for their employees. The prepaid card will be offered to Neokred’s corporate partners across various sectors, including healthcare, financial institutions, NBFCs, oil companies, educational institutions, FMCG and infrastructure.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Barclays revises India’s FY21 GDP growth estimate to -6.4% from -6%: Barclays has modestly revised its FY21 GDP forecast downwards to -6.4 per cent from -6 per cent earlier, to reflect the marginally weaker incoming data than it had earlier anticipated. However, Barclays has raised its FY22 growth forecast to 8.5 per cent from 7 per cent to reflect a faster recovery in services amid continued policy support. On a calendar year basis, Barclays has now estimated a 7.1 per cent contraction in GDP in 2020 (previously: -6.5 per cent), followed by a stronger bounce in 2021 to 8.9 per cent growth, from 7.1 per cent previously.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Department of Fisheries presents first Fisheries Awards: Department of Fisheries presents Fisheries Sector Awards for the first time on the occasion of the ‘World Fisheries Day’, to recognise their accomplishments in the field and their contribution into the growth of the sector. The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying awarded best performing States, Organisations and Districts for 2019-20.

Top States: Marine states: Odisha

Inland states: Uttar Pradesh.

Hilly and NE states: Assam.

Top Organisations: Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd. (for Marine).

Telangana State Fishermen Cooperative societies Federation Ltd (for Inland).

Assam Apex Cooperative Fish Marketing and Processing Federation Ltd. (for Hilly region).

Top Districts: Best Marine District: Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh.

Best Inland District: Kalahandi, Odisha.

Best Hilly and NE Distric: Nagaon, Assam.

Note: Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying: Giriraj Singh.

 

2. Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ conferred with Vatayan Lifetime Achievement Award: Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ was conferred with the 2020Vatayan Lifetime Achievement Award on 21 November 2020 at a virtual ceremony for his excellent contribution to the literary works of India. Vatayan International Awards are given by the Vatayan-UK organization in London to honour poets, writers and artists for their exemplary work in their respective fields. Past recipients of the award includes Prasoon Joshi, Javed Akhtar for their literary contribution.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy gets 9th P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft: Indian Navy has got its ninth Boeing P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, part of the nearly $1 billion deal with the US for four additional planes signed in 2016. India, which had first signed a contract for eight such aircraft in 2009, is also negotiating a deal for six more P-8Is with the US under the government-to-government route. While the ninth aircraft was scheduled to be handed over to the Indian Navy in July this year, the Covid pandemic delayed plans. The remaining three are scheduled to be handed over to India in 2021. Incidentally, the aircraft, the latest of which landed at INS Hansa in Goa.

The aircraft is also being used by India in Ladakh for surveillance besides the Indian Ocean Region. It was deployed during the 2017 Doklam standoff as well. The Indian fleet of P-8I aircraft, a variant of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft that Boeing developed as a replacement for the US Navy’s ageing P-3 fleet, has surpassed 25,000 flight hours since it was inducted in 2013. India had become the first international customer for the P-8 aircraft with the conclusion of the nearly $2.1 billion contracts on 1 January 2009 for a total of eight aircraft. India is also the second-biggest operator of the aircraft in the world.

About The P-8I: The P-8I is equipped for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of the broad area, maritime and littoral operations. Incidentally, its communication and sensor suite includes indigenous equipment developed by defence PSUs and private manufacturers.

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Sahitya Academy award winner Shaik Khaja Hussain passes away: Noted Telugu poet, journalist, scriptwriter, and Kendra Sahitya Academy award winner Shaik Khaja Hussain, popularly known as Devi Priya, passed away. He was born in Tadikonda in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. He bagged the Sahitya Akademi Award 2017, for his book Gaali Rangu. His “Running Commentary” on contemporary politics in Udayam Telugu daily was very popular and thought-provoking. Apart from penning poetry, he has also written several lyrics for Telugu movies. His song Jambhal Bhari Bhai penned for Maa Bhoomi was very popular among all. He authored several books including Gareebi Geetaalu, Amma Chettu Chepa Chiluka, and others. During his journalism stint, Devipriya was instrumental in making noted Telugu poet Sri Sri to write his autobiography. 

Daily GK Updates – 23rd Nov, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Vijayanagara becomes 31st District of Karnataka, carved out of Ballari district: The Karnataka Government has approved to carve out Vijayanagara as new district of the state. Vijayanagara will be the 31st district of the State. The new district would be carved out of Ballari and named after the Vijayanagara Empire that ruled from this region. Hospete, Kampli, Hagaribommanahalli, Kottur, Hadagali and Harapanahalli will form the new district of Vijayanagara with Hospete as the district headquarters. Ballari, Kurugodu, Siraguppa, Sandur and Kudligi taluks will continue to be part of Ballari district, with Ballari city as headquarters.

 

2. World Bank Signs $120 Million Project to Improve Connectivity in Meghalaya: The World Bank has inked USD 120 million project with the Government of India and the Government of Meghalaya on 19 November 2020, which will help to improve and modernize the transport sector of Meghalaya. The loan has been sanctioned for the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP). This will improve about 300 km of strategic road segments and stand-alone bridges by using innovative, climate resilient, and nature-based solutions and eventually help Meghalaya to harness its vast growth potential for high-value agriculture and tourism.

 

3. L&T delivers India’s first launch hardware for human space programme: Larsen & Toubro has delivered the first hardware, a booster segment, for the Gaganyaan Launch Vehicle to the Indian Space Research Organisation ahead of schedule, in a virtual flag-off ceremony presided by Isro chairman K Sivan. The segment was produced at L&T’s Powai Aerospace Manufacturing Facility and meets the enhanced quality and timeline requirements for India’s maiden manned mission. The critical booster segment, with a diameter of 3.2 metres, length of 8.5 metres and weighing 5.5 tonnes.

 

4. Arunachal records best sex ratio, Manipur the worst: Arunachal Pradesh recorded the best sex ratio in India with 1,085 females born per thousand males, followed by Kerala at 963 and Karnataka at 957.The report was released by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner. A 2018 report on the ‘vital statistics on India based on the Civil Registration System‘ has revealed this.  Besides Arunachal Pradesh, two other Northeastern states topped the list. Nagaland (965) took the second spot and Mizoram (964), the third. Manipur, which recorded the lowest sex ratio, was followed by Lakshadweep at 839 and Daman & Diu at 877, Punjab at 896 and Gujarat at 896.

 

5. Mumbai becomes the 1st Indian city with designated infrastructure for women in its urban plan: Mumbai has become the first city in India to design a plan for development of designated spaces for women’s needs. The city has designed an urban plan with gender-focus on reserving physical and social infrastructure for women. The plan provides about 90 land reservations to address women’s needs including education, health, housing and safety. It has been designed under the Revised Draft Development Plan 2034. Among the planned developments, construction of a child-care centre in Goregaon and a skills development facility in Sion-Koliwada is almost complete.Project designs which have been finalised and await bids include two homes for the elderly in Bhandup and Goregaon, and rental housing for women in Antop Hill, Bhandup and Goregaon.

 

6. Punjab Govt. launches Punjab Divyangjan Shaktikaran Yojna: In  a bid to empower persons with disabilities, the Punjab Cabinet approved a new scheme Punjab Divyangjan Shaktikaran Yojna (PDSY), to be implemented in a phased manner across the state. The first phase of the scheme will involve strengthening the existing programmes to ensure that their benefits reach the persons with disabilities in a more effective manner, while in the second phase 13 new interventions are proposed to be undertaken for the empowerment of such persons. For overall guidance and policy support for the scheme, a consultative group headed by the Minister of Social Security and Women and Child Development is proposed to be constituted with all Cabinet Ministers concerned as members.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. WHO rolls out global strategy to eradicate cervical cancer by 2050: The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the global strategy to fast track the eradication of cervical cancer. WHO aims to reduce more than 40% of new cases and 5 million related deaths by 2050, with a combination of vaccination, screening and treatment. For the first time, 194 countries, including India, committed to eliminate cancer, following the adoption of a resolution at the World Health Assembly 2020 in Geneva. The countries should vaccinate 90% of girls aged 15 years with the HPV vaccine by 2030, while 70% of women up to the age of 35 years should be screened using a high-performance test and 90% of women of up to 45 years diagnosed with cervical cancer must receive treatment.

 

2. India Ranks 77 in TRACE Bribery Risk Matrix 2020: India is placed at 77th position in the TRACE Bribery Risk Matrix 2020. India has achieved the score of 45 in a global list that measures business bribery risks of 2020. India’s rank stood 78th position in 2019. North Korea, Turkmenistan, South Sudan, Venezuela and Eritrea had the highest commercial bribery risk. Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and New Zealand showed the lowest bribery risk. India fared better than its neighbours- Pakistan, China, Nepal and Bangladesh. Bhutan, meanwhile, secured 48th rank with a score of 37, the data showed.  The TRACE Matrix list is released by TRACE International, an anti-bribery standard setting organisation, which measures business bribery risk in 194 countries, territories, and autonomous and semi-autonomous regions.

 

3. London tops list of World’s Best Cities 2021, Delhi ranked 62: Vancouver-based Resonance Consultancy Ltd., which deals in real estate, released its “World’s Best Cities for 2021” list, naming London as the best city.  London was followed by USA’s New York. Only one Indian city Delhi made it to the list, taking the 62nd position. Paris (France), Moscow (Russia), Tokyo (Japan), Dubai (UAE), Singapore, Barcelona (Spain), Los Angeles (USA), and Madrid (Spain) took the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth rank respectively.The other cities that were named are Rome (Italy) and Toronto (Canada).

 

4. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week: 18th to 24th November: Every year, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week observed from November 18 to 24. The aim of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week to increase awareness of global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and to encourage best practices among the general public, health workers and policy makers to stop the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. The slogan for 2020 will be “Antimicrobials: handle with care” applicable to all sectors. The theme for the human health sector for WAAW 2020 is “United to preserve antimicrobials”.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank launches ‘Mooh Band Rakho’ campaign to create awareness on Cyber Frauds: HDFC Bank Ltd.announced the launch of “Mooh Band Rakho,” a campaign to increase awareness on cyber frauds and preventing them. The Bank will be conducting 1,000 workshops in the next 4 months across the country. Following simple steps such as not sharing card details, CVV, Expiry Date, OTP NetBanking/ MobileBanking Login ID & Password over Phone, SMS, email and social media can help general public keep their money safe.  It supports the International Fraud Awareness Week 2020, the global movement to minimise the impact of fraud which is being held from November 15 – 21.

 

2. RBI names 2 startups as a part of its regulatory sandbox programme: Reserve Bank of India has announced the names of two startups that have been selected as a part of its regulatory sandbox programme. RBI said, it has shortlisted six companies out of 32 entities that had applied for the ‘Test Phase’ of the first cohort. The two companies are Jaipur based Natural Support Consultancy Services Private Limited and New Delhi based Nucleus Software Exports Limited.  While the former has named its product ‘eRupaya’, which will facilitate offline Person-to-Merchant transactions and offline digital payments in remote locations. The second company’s product ‘PaySe’, proposes to help in digitisation of payments in rural areas, starting with Self Help Groups, through an offline payment solution and a digitised SHG-centered ecosystem.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Flipkart Acquires AR Startup Scapic to Enhance Immersive Shopping Experience: Flipkart Group has announced acquisition of Augmented Reality (AR) startup called Scapic for an undisclosed sum. The move is part of the company’s efforts to provide “deeper camera experiences, virtual storefronts and new opportunities for brand advertising” on its platform. It has also been investing in online technology to engage first-time users on its platform.

 

2. Retail inflation jumps to 7.61% in October, highest in six years: India’s retail inflation rose to the highest in more than six years on account of elevated food prices. According to Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation, inflation stood at 7.61% in October — the highest since May 2014. Retail inflation recorded at 7.27% in September, according to data. The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) jumped to 11.07% in October, up from 10.68% in September. In October, inflation in meat and fish rose to 18.7% while vegetable prices increased to 22.51%. Clothing and footwear inflation stood at 3.17% in October.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Delhi Airport becomes first airport in Asia-Pacific region to get Level 4+ carbon accreditation: Delhi Airport has become the first airport in Asia Pacific Region to achieve Level 4+ accredited airport under Airport Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation program. This means Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in the national capital has been adjudged as the best airport in carbon emission reduction management in the Asia Pacific region. Back in 2016, Delhi Airport became the first Carbon Neutral Airport in the Asia Pacific region 2016. The GMR-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has said that it aims to become Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport by 2030.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 2nd Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX-20 held in Andaman Sea: The 2nd edition of India, Singapore and Thailand Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX-20 was conducted from in the Andaman Sea. The 2020 edition of the exercise is being hosted by Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Indian Navy (IN) Ships including indigenously built ASW corvette Kamorta and missile corvette Karmuk participated in the exercise.

About SITMEX: The SITMEX series of exercises are conducted to enhance mutual inter-operability between IN, RSN and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and also strengthen mutual confidence and develop common understanding and procedures towards enhancing the overall maritime security in the region. The first edition of SITMEX was hosted by Indian Navy in 2019 off Port Blair.

Note: Prime Minister of Thailand: Prayut Chan-o-cha; Thailand Capital: Bangkok; Thailand Currency: Thai baht.

Singapore Currency: Singapore dollar; Singapore Capital: Singapore; Prime Minister of Singapore: Lee Hsien Loong.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Ex-Navy Officer, Vice Admiral John Thomas Goslin Pereira passes away: Vice Admiral John Thomas Goslin Pereira (retd), Indian Navy’s former Chief of Materials, died after a brief illness. He was 97. Pereira was among the last surviving naval officers who served during the Second World War, Vice Adm I C Rao (retd), who served with him on board warship INS Delhi in 1958. ‘JTG” as he was known in Navy circles, was the Chief Staff Officer (Tech) of the Western Naval Command during the 1971 war. He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) for distinguished service during the war.