Daily GK Updates - 25th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Launches Extension of ‘SVAMITVA scheme’ Across India: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the distribution of e-property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme on National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24, 2021, through video conferencing. SVAMITVA stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas. The launch marked the rollout of the implementation of the SVAMITVA scheme across the entire country. About 4.09 lakh property owners were given their e-property cards during the event, in more than 5 thousand villages. Swamitva Scheme:

(1) The Svamitva Scheme was launched by Prime Minister on 24 April 2020 as a Central Sector Scheme to promote a socio-economically empowered and self-reliant rural India.

(2) It was launched on pilot basis in the 6 states, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh.

(3) The Scheme will ensure the demarcation of inhabited land in rural areas.

(4) It will use drones in surveying and mapping of properties in villages.

(5) This will help in reducing disputes over property.

(6) The Scheme will cover around 6.62 Lakh villages of the entire country during 2021-2025.

 

2. Justice NuthalapatiVenkataRamana takes oath as 48th CJI: Justice NuthalapatiVenkataRamana was sworn in as the 48th Chief Justice of India (CJI) on April 24, 2021. Justice Ramana was administered the oath of office by President Ram NathKovind at a brief ceremony held at the RashtrapatiBhavan. He succeeds Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde who demitted office on April 23, 2021. Justice Ramana will serve as the Chief Justice till 26 August 2022.

 

3. Government Extends ‘Vivad se Vishwas’ scheme Deadline till 30 June 2021: The government has once again extended the deadline for making payment under the direct tax dispute settlement scheme ‘Vivad Se Vishwas’ by two months till June 30, 2021 to provide relief to the taxpayers facing hardships amid the pandemic. This is the fourth time that the deadline is being extended by the Ministry of Finance, since the launch of the scheme. The deadline was extended for the first time from March 31, 2020, to June 30, 2020, followed by December 31, 2020, and then again till March 31, 2021.

What is Vivad Se Vishwas scheme?

(1) The ‘Vivad Se Vishwas’ scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2020, as per which a taxpayer would be required to pay only the amount of the disputed taxes and will get a complete waiver of interest and penalty provided he pays by 31st March 2020.

(2) Those who avail of this scheme after 31st March 2020 will have to pay a 10% additional penalty and interest amount.

(3) The scheme provides for settlement of disputed tax, interest, penalty or fees in relation to an assessment or reassessment order on payment of 100 per cent of the disputed tax and 25 per cent of the disputed penalty or interest or fee.

(4) The taxpayer is granted immunity from levy of interest, penalty and institution of any proceeding for prosecution for any offence under the Income-tax Act in respect of matters covered in the declaration.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India Ranks 87th in WEF Global Energy Transition Index 2021: India is placed at the 87th position among 115 countries in the 2021 Energy Transition Index (ETI). The report is published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), prepared in collaboration with Accenture to track nations on the current performance of their energy systems across various aspects.

Index: (1) Sweden; (2) Norway; (3) Denmark; (4) Switzerland; (5) Austria;

Zimbabwe (115) is the last ranked country in the index.

About the index: The index benchmarks 115 countries on the current performance of their energy systems across three dimensions — economic development and growth, environmental sustainability, and energy security and access indicators — and their readiness to transition to secure, sustainable, affordable, and inclusive energy systems.

 

2. USCIRF Recommends India, Russia for ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ Tag: A US Congress-constituted quasi-judicial body asked the Biden Administration to designate four nations, including India, as “countries of particular concern”, alleging that religious freedom conditions there in 2020 continued their negative trajectory.

The annual report of the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) also recommended the State Department to redesignate 10 nations as “countries of particular concern” (CPC). These are Burma (Myanmar), China, Eritrea, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. In addition to India, USCIRF in its non-binding report recommended the State Department to add three more countries to the list: Russia, Syria and Vietnam

 

3. International Delegate’s Day: 25th April: International Delegate’s Day observed globally on 25 April every year. This day is observed to raise awareness of the role of the representatives and delegates of the Member States to the United Nations. International Delegate’s Day marks the anniversary of the first day of the San Francisco Conference which is also known as the United Nations Conference on International Organization.

History of International Delegate’s Day: On 25 April 1945, delegates from 50 countries came together for the first time in San Francisco. The conference happened after the devastation of the second world war. The delegates aimed to set up an organization that would restore world peace and imposes rules on the post-war world order. On 2 April 2019, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 25 April as International Delegate’s Day.

 

4. World Malaria Day: 25th April: The World Malaria Day (WMD) is observed globally on 25 April each year to recognize the efforts of the people worldwide to control malaria. The Day was established in May 2007 at the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, WHO’s the decision-making body. The theme of World Malaria Day 2021 is ‘Reaching the zero malaria target’.

World Malaria Day History: World Malaria Day was developed from Africa Malaria Day which was first held in 2008. It is basically an occasion that had been observed since 2001 by African governments. They worked towards the progress goal which aimed toward controlling malaria and reduces its mortality in African countries.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI approves Atanu Chakraborty as HDFC Bank’s part-time chairman: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of former Economic Affairs Secretary, Atanu Chakraborty, as the part-time chairman and additional independent director of the private sector lender HDFC Bank. He retired as Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs in April 2020. Prior to that, he served as Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). Chakraborty, a 1985 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre, has been appointed for a period of three years with effect from May 5, 2021 or the date of his taking charge, whichever is later.

Note: Headquarters of HDFC Bank: Mumbai, Maharashtra; MD and CEO of HDFC Bank: SashidharJagdishan (Succeeds Aditya Puri); The tagline of HDFC Bank: We understand your world.

 

2. HSBC India partners with Google Pay for tokenisation on its credit card portfolio: HSBC India announced that it has collaborated with Google Pay (GPay) and VISA to enable secured tokenisation on its credit cards. This new feature will enable HSBC Credit Card customers to link their card to GPay and use it as a payment option to securely and digitally transact using their mobile phones – online and at merchant stores. The move is in line with the bank’s ongoing endeavour towards enhanced security and convenience for its card holders.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. SBI Research Projects India’s GDP Growth Rate at 10.4% for FY22: The State Bank of India (SBI) Research has revised India’s GDP growth rate for FY22 (2021-22) to 10.4%. Earlier it estimated this at 11%. The downward projection has been taken in view of the increasing COVID-19 related curbs across states.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. National Panchayat Awards 2021: The National Panchayat Awards 2021 was conferred by PM Modi. Prime Minister will transfer the award money (as Grants-in-Aid) through the click of a button, ranging from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.50 lakh. The amount will be directly transferred to the bank account of the Panchayats concerned in real-time. This is being done for the first time.

The National Panchayat Awards 2021 are being conferred under the following categories:

(1) DeenDayalUpadhyay Panchayat SashaktikaranPuraskar to 224 panchayats,

(2) NanajiDeshmukhRashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar to 30-gram panchayats, Gram

(3) Panchayat Development Plan Award to 29-gram panchayats, Child-friendly Gram

(4) Panchayat Award to 30 Gram Panchayats and e-Panchayat Puraskar to 12 states.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Gujarati and Hindi Film Actor Amit Mistry Passes Away: Popular Gujarati and Hindi film actor Amit Mistry, who was last seen in the Amazon Prime Video series “Bandish Bandits”, has passed away. The actor was a prominent face in the Gujarati theatre circuit. He was also known for his memorable performances in Bollywood films like Kya Kehna, EkChalis Ki Last Local, 99, Shor In The City, YamlaPaglaDeewana and A Gentleman as well as TV-like Tenali Rama, Ssshhh…Koi Hai, Maddam Sir and ShubhMangalSavadhan, besides OTT shows.

 

2. M Narasimham “The Father of Banking Reforms” Passes Away: The former Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), M Narasimham, who was considered as the “father of banking reforms in India” has passed away due to Covid-19 related illness. He was 94. He served as the 13th Governor of RBI for a short period of seven months between May and November 1977. He was the first and only governor to be appointed from the Reserve Bank cadre.' 

Daily GK Updates - 24th April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Cabinet clears Silk Board-Airport metro line, to complete in 54 months: The Union Cabinet cleared Bangalore Metro Rail’s ambitious Silk Board to international airport line project, which is estimated to cost about Rs 14,788 crore. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) is implementing the project in two phases. While phase 2A covers Central Silk Board Junction to K.R. Puram, the phase 2B runs from K.R. Puram to Airport via Hebbal Junction. The two phases cover a length of 58.19 km. Once completed in the estimated 54 months, this project will play a key role in decongesting the city which contributes 40% to India’s IT exports & is home to a large number of IT parks, hubs and industries.

 

2. Centre extends insurance scheme for health workers under Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Package for one year: Central government has extended the insurance scheme under the Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Package for health workers for a period of one year. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harshvardhan said that Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Package has provided a safety net to the dependents of corona warriors who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic

 

3. ISRO to support eight joint research projects of IIT-D: Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi said that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it will support eight joint research projects mooted by the Space Technology Cell (STC), IIT-Delhi. The ISRO will support the projects under its RESPOND programme with varying duration of 1-3 years, it added. Some of the projects include developing a system for drought and flood forecasting and understanding land-atmosphere interactions, a project that aims to understand the plasma dynamics in electrode-less thrusters, which are used for electric propulsion and have a longer lifespan than their electrode-based counterparts, an indigenous sensor based real time flood warning smart system and other projects.

 

4. AakashRanison launches his E-Book “Climate Change Explained – For One And All”: The climate activist-author, AakashRanison has come out with a new e-book titled “Climate Change Explained – for one and all”, on the occasion of Earth Day. Through the e-book, the author explains the impact of climate change and aims to motivate readers to reduce its outcome with the help of simple sustainable solutions. The book is a mix of facts, data, and information about climate change, having topics like “Greenhouse effect, global warming, Carbon footprint” and their effects on earth in the near future.

 

5. National Panchayati Raj Day: 24th April: Nation celebrates National Panchayati Raj Day on 24 April every year. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj organizes the National Panchayati Raj day or the National Local Self Government Day. India celebrates the first National Panchayati Raj Day or the National Local Government Day on April 2010.

History of Panchayat Raj: 24th April 1993 marks a defining moment in the history of decentralization of power to the grassroots, with the institutionalization of Panchayati Raj, through the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 which came into force with effect from that day. Rajasthan was the first state that carried the Panchayati Raj System in 1959 during the times of late Prime Minister Jawarharlal Nehru.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Participates in Leaders’ Summit on Climate: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the “Leaders’ Summit on Climate”, hosted by the President of the U.S.A. Joe Biden. The two-day conference has been organised virtually on 22-23 April 2021, which coincides with the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Paris Agreement on climate change for signature.

About the summit: The theme of the summit: Our Collective Sprint to 2030. A total of 40 national leaders have been invited by Biden to attend this two-day virtual climate summit. The Summit is being held in the run-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) that will take place in November 2021 in Glasglow.

 

2. Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021 held: The opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021 was held in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province. The theme of the conference – “A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation”. The forum, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, has not only played a unique role in pooling consensus and putting forward valuable “Boao proposals,” but also engaged countries in addressing global issues and promoting world development and prosperity.

 

3. World Veterinary Day 2021: 24th April: The World Veterinary Day is observed on the Fourth Saturday of April every year. In 2021, the day falls on April 24, 2021. The theme of the 2021 World Veterinary Day is ‘Veterinarian response to the COVID-19 crisis.’ The day was created by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000 to celebrate the contributions of veterinarians to the health of animals and society.

 

4. International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace: 24th April: The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace observed globally on 24 April. ‘International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace’ was first observed by the United Nations (UN) on April 24, 2019. The day aims to spread knowledge about the advantages of multilateralism and diplomacy for peace, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities. The Assembly proclaimed the day while considering that preserving the values of multilateralism and international cooperation is fundamental to promote and support the three pillars of the UN – Peace and Security, Development and Human Rights.

 

5. World Day for Laboratory Animals: 24th April: The World Day For Animals In Laboratories (WDAIL); also known as World Lab Animal Day or World Day for Laboratory Animals, is observed every year on 24 April. The day was instituted in 1979 by the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS), as an “international day of commemoration” for animals in laboratories. WDAIL aims to end the suffering of animals in laboratories around the world and promote their replacement with advanced scientific non-animal techniques. Apart from this, the “World Week for Animals In Laboratories” (Lab Animal Week) is celebrated from April 20 to 26.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India Claims Historic Win with 11 Medals at 2021 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships: The 2021 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships was held in Kielce, Poland, from 13 to 23 April 2021. A 10-day biennial event witnessed 414 boxers from 52 countries. From India, eight boxers competed in the finals, including 7 female players and one male. Eight out of the eight boxers created history by claiming top spot in their respective category. With this, India ended the tournament with 11 medals (8 gold & 3 bronze) to finish top in the medal table.

List of Winners:

Gold Medal Winners:

(1) Gitika – 48kg Light flyweight

(2) NaoremBabyrojisanaChanu – 51kg Flyweight

(3) Poonam Pinia – 57kg Featherweight

(4) Vinka – 60kg Lightweight

(5) Arundhati Choudhary – 69kg Welterweight

(6) ThokchomSanamachaChanu – 75kg Middleweight

(7) AlfiyaPathan – +81kg Heavyweight

(8) Sachin – 56kg Bantamweight

 

Bronze Medal Winners:

(1) BishwamitraChongtham – 49kg

(2) Ankit Narwal – 64kg

(3) Vishal Gupta – 91kg

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI allows commercial banks to pay up to 50% of pre-Covid dividends: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed commercial banks to pay dividends on equity shares for FY21, from the profits for the fiscal ended March 31, 2021, subject to certain conditions and limits. The new notification of RBI allows commercial banks to pay dividends not more than 50 per cent of the amount determined as per the dividend payout ratio prescribed. This means that banks may pay dividends up to 50% of what they paid before the Covid scenario.

Earlier, RBI had asked all banks not to make any dividend payment on equity shares for FY20 from the profits due to the ongoing stress and heightened uncertainty on account of Covid-19. For co-operative banks, all the restrictions on dividends have been removed and they have been permitted to pay the dividend on equity shares from the profits of the financial year ended March 31, 2021. However, RBI has also instructed all banks to continue to meet the applicable minimum regulatory capital requirements after dividend payment.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Fitch Ratings Affirms India’s Sovereign Rating at ‘BBB-‘: Rating agency Fitch Ratings has kept the sovereign rating of India unchanged at ‘BBB-‘ with a negative outlook. Earlier, Fitch had estimated GDP contraction of 7.5 per cent in 2020-21 and growth of 12.8 per cent in the fiscal year FY22, followed by 5.8 per cent in FY23.

 

2. Ind-Ra Projects India’s GDP Growth Rate at 10.1% in FY22: India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has revised downwards the GDP growth forecast of India in FY22 (2021-22) to 10.1 per cent. Earlier Ind-Ra estimated this at 10.4 per cent. The downward revision is due to the second wave of COVID-19 infections and the slower pace of vaccination. For FY21 (2020-21), the economy is estimated to have contracted by 7.6 per cent. Ind-Ra is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fitch Group.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Rumana Sinha Sehgal won the Nelson Mandela World Humanitarian Award 2021:Rumana Sinha Sehgal, Software engineer turned entrepreneur from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, won the Nelson Mandela World Humanitarian Award 2021 by the Diplomatic Mission Global Peace. She was virtually awarded for her contribution to the field of developing innovative and functional green products by recycling varied materials and non-biodegradable materials. Other Awards:

-Nationwide Award -under 50- Business Leader 2021 of Social entrepreneurship.

-International Influencer of the year 2021’ at the Influencer Summit in January 2021.

-ReXKarmaveer Chakra (silver) and Global Fellowship award 2019 for her work in the zone of women and child empowerment.

-She was crowned as the ‘Mrs Universe Successful 2018’.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Padma awardee winning Indian Islamic Scholar MaulanaWahiduddin passes away: Noted Indian Islamic scholar, spiritual leader and author MaulanaWahiduddin Khan has passed away due to Covid-19 complications. He has written over 200 books on several aspects of Islam and is best known for having written a commentary on the Quran and its translation in English, Hindi and Urdu. He was the recipient of several notable honours like Padma Vibhushan (2021), Padma Bhushan (2000) and the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavna Award (2009).

 

2. Music Composer Shravan Rathod of “Nadeem-Shravan” Fame Passes Away: Veteran music composer Shravan Rathod of Nadeem-Shravan fame has passed away due to coronavirus complications. The iconic composer duo Nadeem-Shravan (Nadeem Saifi and Shravan Rathod), were among the most sought-after composers of the 90s. Together they composed some of the iconic hits for movies such as Aashiqui (1990), Saajan (1991), Hum Hain RahiPyarKe (1993), Pardes (1997) and Raja Hindustani (1996), among others. The Nadeem-Shravan duo parted ways in the 2000s, however, they again reunited to compose for David Dhawan-directed Do Knot Disturb in 2009. 

Daily GK Updates - 23rd April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CAG GC Murmu selected as external auditor for Hague: India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), GC Murmu has been chosen as the external auditor by the Hague-based Conference of State Parties of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), for a three-year term starting 2021. India was also selected as a member of the executive council of the OPCW representing the Asia group for another two-year term.

 

2. Rekha Menon takes over as first woman chairperson of Nasscom: Accenture India’s chairperson, Rekha M Menon has been appointed as chairperson of the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), becoming the first woman to take the top role in the software lobby group’s 30-year history. She succeeds U B Pravin Rao, chief operating officer of Infosys as Nasscom’s chairperson. TCS President Krishnan Ramanujam will be the vice-chairperson.

Note: NASSCOM Headquarters: New Delhi; NASSCOM Founded: 1 March 1988.

 

3. Ministry of Tourism signs MOUs with online travel companies to strengthen hospitality and tourism industry: In its ongoing effort to strengthen the Hospitality & Tourism Industry especially in the times of the pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cleartrip and Ease My Trip. The primary objective of this MoU is to provide extensive visibility to accommodation units which have self-certified themselves on SAATHI (System for Assessment, Awareness & Training for the Hospitality Industry) on the OTA platform. The MoU also outlines both parties to encourage Units to register on NIDHI and thereby on SAATHI and encourage local tourism Industry with appropriate safeguards for curbing spread of COVID-19.

 

4. Facebook signs first deal to buy renewable energy in India: Facebook has signed a deal to buy renewable energy in India from a local firm’s wind power project, the social media giant’s first such deal in the South Asian nation. The 32 megawatt wind power project, located in southern Karnataka state, is part of a larger portfolio of wind and solar projects that Facebook and Mumbai-based CleanMax are working together on for supplying renewable power into India’s electrical grid. CleanMax will own and operate the projects, while Facebook will buy the power off the grid using environmental attribute certificates, or carbon credits.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Australia announces partnership with India for Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative: Australia has announced a grant of Rs 81.2 million (AUD 1.4 million) under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). IPOI was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Modi at the East Asia Summit in November 2019 and Australia is co-leading New Delhi in the marine ecology pillar of the initiative.

About the partnership:

(1) The initiative will help to support a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

(2) The Australia-India Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Partnership forms the core of this “shared vision” of both countries.

(3) To apply for the grant, the company or organization should be located in either India or Australia and have partners in either of the two countries.

(4) Up to $350,00 is anticipated to be available for allocation in 2020-21. All applications will be assessed on a competitive basis.

Note: Australia Capital: Canberra; Australia Currency: Australian dollar; Australia PM: Scott Morrison.

 

2. NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover extracts first oxygen from Red Planet: According to NASA a toaster-size experimental instrument aboard Perseverance called the Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE) accomplished the task. Mars’ atmosphere is 96 per cent carbon dioxide. MOXIE works by separating oxygen atoms from carbon dioxide molecules, which are made up of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. MOXIE is expected to extract oxygen at least nine more times over the course of a Martian year (nearly two years on Earth).

This technology demonstration was designed to ensure the instrument survived the launch from Earth, a nearly seven-month journey through deep space, and a touchdown with Perseverance on February 18. The growing list of “firsts” for Perseverance, NASA’s newest six-wheeled robot on the Martian surface, includes converting some of the Red Planet’s thin, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere into oxygen.

Note: Acting Administrator of NASA: Steve Jurczyk; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States; NASA Founded: 1 October 1958.

 

3. World Book and Copyright Day: 23rd April: The World Book and Copyright Day (also known as ‘International Day of the Book’ and ‘World Book Day’), is an annual event organized on April 23 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. April 23 is chosen because it marks the birth and death of several prominent authors. For instance, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and JosepPla died on April 23 and Manuel Mejia Vallejo and Maurice Druon were born on April 23.

World Book Capital: As a part of the Day, UNESCO selects the World Book Capital every year for a one-year period, effective 23 April each year. The World Book Capital for 2021 is Tbilisi, Georgia.

History of World Book and Copyright Day: Originally on 23rd April 1995, it was declared by UNESCO’s General Conference which was held in Paris and after that, every year 23rd April has been declared as World Book Day or World Book & Copyright Day or International Day.

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

 

4. UN English Language Day & UN Spanish Language Day: 23rd April: The UN English Language Day and UN Spanish Language Day is observed annually on 23 April. For English, 23 April has been chosen to mark both the birthday and date of death of William Shakespeare. For the Spanish Language, the Day was chosen because the day is also observed as Hispanic Day in Spain, meaning the Spanish speaking world.

Why is the Day observed: They are one of the six official languages used by the United Nations throughout the Organization. These are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Each language has been assigned a day of celebration by the UN’s Department of Public Information in 2010 to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six official languages throughout the Organization.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Puma ropes in Washington Sundar, DevduttPadikkal as brand ambassadors: Global sportswear brand Puma has signed long-term endorsement deals with cricketers Washington Sundar and DevduttPadikkal. Puma India, which recently announced its partnership with Royal Challengers Bangalore, has been consistently investing in India’s sports ecosystem. The duo will be joining the company’s roster of brand ambassadors that include Indian captain ViratKohli; wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul; women’s national cricketer, SushmaVerma and veteran cricketer Yuvraj Singh.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to Cancel Licence of SambandhFinserve: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a show-cause notice prior to cancelling the licence of fraud-hit SambandhFinservePvt Ltd. after its networth eroded below the regulatory minimum and financial situation worsened beyond redemption over the recent months. Sambandh is registered as an NBFC-MFI. The Managing Director and CEO of Sambandh, Deepak Kindo, who was allegedly the main perpetrator of the fraud, has been arrested by Economic Offence Wing, Chennai. According to the RBI norms, NBFC is required to maintain minimum capital levels consisting of Tier-I and Tier-II capital, of not less than 15 per cent of their aggregate risk-weighted assets.

Note: SambandhFinserve Private Limited founded: 1992; SambandhFinserve Private Limited Headquarters: Odisha.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. ICRA Slashes India’s GDP Forecast by 0.5% to 10.5% in FY22: The domestic rating agency ICRA has cut the growth estimate of India for 2021-22 by 0.5 per cent on the upper end and now expects the economy to grow 10-10.5 per cent in 2021-22 as against 10-11 per cent estimated earlier. The downward revision in the forecast follows the lockdowns and restrictions which are getting imposed once again due to rising COVID-19 cases.

 

2. S&P Projects India’s GDP Growth Forecast at 11% in FY22: The S&P Global Ratings has estimated the Indian economy to grow at 11 per cent in the current fiscal, i.e. 2021-22 (FY22). In terms of the sovereign rating, S&P currently has a ‘BBB-‘ rating on India with a stable outlook. Earlier, for 2020-21, the S&P estimated the Indian economy to contract 8 per cent.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Chad President IdrissDeby passes away: The President of the Republic of Chad, IdrissDebyItno, has passed away, following a confrontation with rebels after which he suffered wounds on the battlefield. He had ruled the central African nation for more than three decades and was even declared winner of the 2021 presidential election, paving the way for him to stay in power for six more years. Deby first won elections in 1996 and 2001. After this, he continued to win in 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021.

 

2. Veteran actor Kishore Nandlaskar passes away: Veteran actor Kishore Nandlaskar, who was a popular face in both Marathi and Hindi films, has passed away due to COVID-19 complications. The actor made his debut with Marathi film in 1982 titled ‘Navare Sagle Gadhav’ and went to act in movies like ‘BhavishyachiAishiTaishi: The Prediction’, ‘Gaon Thor PudhariChor’ and ‘JaraJapun Kara’. In Hindi films, Nandlaskar is known for his roles in Khakee (2004), Vaastav: The Reality (1999), Singham (2011), JisDesh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain (2000), Simmba (2018) and many more. He was last seen in the Mahesh Manjrekar web series ‘1962: The War In The Hills’.

 

3. Renowned Qawwali Singer FaridSabri Passes Away:Qawwali singer FaridSabri, of the famous Sabri Brothers duo, has passed away. Sabri Brothers (FaridSabri and Amin Sabri) were known for their evergreen numbers like ‘Der Na Ho Jaye Kahin Der Na Ho Jaye’ and ‘EkMulakatZaruri Hai Sanam’. The brothers and their father Saeed Sabri performed qawwali at several events held in Indian and abroad. 

Daily GK Updates - 22nd April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India elected to 3 bodies of U.N. Economic and Social Council: India has been elected by acclamation, to three bodies of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2022. These UN Bodies are:

1. Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice:

(a) India was elected by acclamation to the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2022.

(b) Established in 1992, it is the principal policy-making body of the UN in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice.

(c) Chair (at the 30th session) – Alessandro Cortese of Italy | Headquarters – Vienna, Austria.

2. Executive Board of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women):

(a) India was elected by acclamation to the Executive Board of the U.N. Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (U.N. Women) for a three-year term beginning on January 1, 2022.

(b) It became operational in 2011, it is a United Nations entity working for the empowerment of women.

(c) Executive Director – PhumzileMlambo-Ngcuka | Headquarters – New York, USA.

3. Executive Board of the World Food Programme:

(a) India was elected to the Executive Board of the World Food Programme, along with France, Ghana, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Sweden by acclamation for a three-year term beginning on January 1, 2022.

(b) Established in 1961, WFP is the food assistance branch of the United Nations.

(c) Executive Director – David Beasley | Headquarters – Rome, Italy.

Note: UN Economic and Social Council President: MunirAkram; UN Economic and Social Council Headquarters: New York, USA.

 

2. Cabinet gives ex-post facto approval for Govt amendments to Finance Bill, 2021: The Cabinet gave ex-post facto approval for the Government amendments to the Finance Bill, 2021 enacted on 28th March this year as the Finance Act, 2021. The amendments were essential to clarify and rationalise the proposals further and address stakeholders concerns arising out of amendments proposed in the Finance Bill. The Government amendments to the Finance Bill, 2021 shall provide equity and inclusiveness to all the taxpayers by addressing stakeholders concerns arising out of amendments proposed in the Bill. The Government amendments to the Finance Bill, 2021 are tax proposals which shall generate timely revenue for the Government and streamline existing provisions by addressing grievances of the taxpayers.

 

3. NGT forms National Task Force to combat air pollution: Noting that about 1.5 million people in India die annually due to air pollution, the National Green Tribunal has formed an eight-member National Task Force (NTF) to monitor remedial steps to improve the status of air quality. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel observed that a holistic and coordinated effort at all levels in the government was required. The NTF will comprise senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs, Petroleum, Transport, Power, Agriculture, Health and the Central Pollution Control Board.

 

4. West Bengal govt forms 4-member Task Force on augmentation of covid beds in private hospitals: The West Bengal government forms a 4-member Task Force on augmentation of COVID beds in private hospitals and nursing homes to mitigate the surging impact of covid19 cases in the state. Sanjay Bansal, Secretary in Health & Family Welfare Dept to chair the task force & act as State Nodal Officer. Besides that, RT-PCR test is made mandatory for the people coming from other states.

Note: Governor of West Bengal: JagdipDhankhar; CM of West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India-Germany enter into agreement to prevent plastic waste entering oceans: The Government of India and Germany have signed an agreement for Technical Cooperation in enhancing practices to prevent plastic from entering the marine environment at a virtual ceremony in New Delhi. The project titled ‘Cities Combating Plastic Entering the Marine Environment’ will be implemented for a period of three and a half years. The outcome of the project is completely in line with the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban focusing on sustainable solid waste management and Prime Minister Modi’s vision to phase out single-use plastic by 2022.

The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India and Deutsche GesellschaftfürInternationaleZusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH India on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. It will be undertaken at the national level (at MoHUA), select states (Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Andaman & Nicobar Islands) and in the cities of Kanpur, Kochi and Port Blair.

Note: Germany Capital: Berlin, Currency: Euro, Chancellor: Angela Merkel.

 

2. India holds National Dialogue on UN Food Systems Summit 2021: The United Nations Secretary General has called for the first ever UN Food Systems Summit to be held in September 2021 to strategize the actions for positive change in Agri-food systems in the World to realize the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Summit will focus on levers and pathways to shape food systems nationally and globally to accelerate progress in the SDGs. The first National Dialogue on Agri-Food System was held. The National Dialogue was facilitated by the Inter departmental Group constituted by Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers Welfare and the representatives from UN Agencies in Delhi.

 

3. International Mother Earth Day: 22 April: Earth Day or International Mother Earth Day is observed globally on 22 April every year. The Day will be celebrated all over the world to spread awareness for Earth’s wellbeing and to encourage people to support environmental protection. World Earth Day 2021 will mark the 51st Anniversary of the day since it started being observed in 1970. Earth Day was renamed officially by the UN in 2009 as International Mother Earth Day. The theme of 2021 International Mother Earth Day is Restore Our Earth.

History of Earth Day: It was in the year 1970 when about 20 million Americans realized that protecting Mother Earth is an absolutely crucial need. Hence, it was this year when Earth Day was observed for the very first time. Every year billions of people across the world participate in different activities such as planting trees, cleaning campaigns, and others to offer their bit to Mother Nature.

Note: UNEP Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya; UNEP Head: Inger Andersen; UNEP Founder: Maurice Strong; UNEP Founded: 5 June 1972, Nairobi, Kenya.

 

4. International Girls in ICT Day: 22 April: International Girls in ICT Day marked annually on the fourth Thursday in April. This year International Girls in ICT Day is observed on 22nd April 2021. International Girls in ICT Day aims to inspire a global movement to increase the representation of girls and women in technology. Today, let’s recommit to the goal of equal access for young women and girls to opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. The United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is highlighting the need to promote technology career opportunities for girls and women in the world’s fastest-growing sector.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Tamil Nadu’s Arjun Kalyan becomes 68th Indian Grandmaster: Tamil Nadu’s, Arjun Kalyan became India’s 68th Chess Grandmaster when he crossed the 2500 ELO mark after beating Dragan Kosic in the fifth round of GM Round Robin “Rujna Zore-3” in Serbia. Arjun is coached by IM Saravanan and Ukrainian GM AleksandrGoloshchapov and began playing chess at the age of nine and got his FIDE rating a year later. Viswanathan Anand became the country’s first Grandmaster, in 1988.

Note: The World Chess Federation, known as FIDE headquarters: Lausanne (Switzerland).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Indiabulls partners with HDFC Ltd to offer home loans: Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd (IBH) said it has entered into a strategic co-lending partnership with housing finance major HDFC Ltd to offer housing loans to homebuyers at competitive rates. IBH will originate retail home loans as per jointly drawn up credit policy and retain 20% of the loan in it’s books and 80% will be on HDFC books. IBH will service the loan account throughout the life cycle of the loan. A Co-lending partnership with HDFC Ltd will act as a cornerstone to IBH’s new balance-sheet light growth business model.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Care Ratings Projects India’s GDP growth forecast at 10.2% for FY22: Care Ratings has revised downwards the GDP growth forecast of India to 10.2 per cent in 2021-22 (FY22). Earlier this was estimated between 10.7-10.9 per cent. This cut in the GDP is based on the fact that economic activities are getting affected across the country due to curbs imposed by states amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.

 

2. Tech Mahindra acquires DigitalOnUS for $120 million: IT major Tech Mahindra has acquired the entire stake in US-headquartered hybrid cloud and DevOps services provider DigitalOnUS for $120 million, including retention bonus and earnout payments. The acquisition will strengthen Tech Mahindra’s cloud-native development, hybrid cloud infrastructure and site reliability engineering automation. The transaction is expected to close by May 15.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former RBI Governor MaidavoluNarasimham passes away: The former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor MaidavoluNarasimham, has passed away. He was famously known as the “Father of Indian Banking Reforms”. He was the 13th Governor of RBI and served from May 2, 1977, to November 30, 1977.  He was known for being the chair of two high-powered committees on banking and financial sector reforms.

 

2. Former US Vice President Walter Mondale Passes Away: Former American politician, diplomat, and lawyer Walter Mondale, who served as the 42nd Vice President of the United States, has passed away. He served as Vice President from 1977 to 1981 under President Jimmy Carter. He also served as U.S. ambassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996 under Bill Clinton.

 

3. Eminent Bengali poet Shankha Ghosh passes away: Noted Bengali poet, Shankha Ghosh has passed away following COVID-19 complications. He was known by his pen name Kuntak. He was honoured with numerous awards for his contribution to Bengali literature, some of which includes: Padma Bhushan in 2011, the Jnanpith Award in 2016, and the SahityaAkademi Award in 1977 for his book ‘BabarerPrarthana‘, as well as SaraswatiSamman and RabindraPuraskar among other awards. 

Daily GK Updates - 21st April, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurates first-ever online exhibition on Ramayana: The Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (I/C), Prahlad Singh Patel virtually inaugurated the first-ever online Exhibition on Ramayana, the Epic by Maharishi Valmiki, on the occasion of World Heritage Day 2021. The online exhibition has been titled “Rama Katha: The Story of Rama Through Indian Miniatures”. It showcases 49 miniature paintings collections from different art schools of India, from the 17th through the 19th century. The collection of the painting has been taken from National Museum, New Delhi.

 

2. AP launched JaganannaVidyaDeevena Scheme: The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy recently released the first tranche of Rs 672 crores under the JaganannaVidyaDeevena Scheme for the year 2021-22. This reimbursed the fees for 10.88 lakh students. So far, a total of Rs 4, 879 crores have been disbursed under the JaganannaVidyaDeevena Scheme.

The objective of the scheme: The main objective of the JaganannaVidyaDeevena Scheme is to provide scholarships to all the students who are not able to pay their fees because of their financial burden. The scheme mainly focuses on students seeking higher education. It aims to provide fee reimbursement to more than 14 lakh students of the state. The scheme will directly credit the amount into the accounts of students’ mothers. Earlier, the money was transferred to the owners of the colleges.

Note: Andhra Pradesh Governor: BiswabhusanHarichandan; Andhra Pradesh Chief minister: Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy.

 

3. JMM first party to declare name of electoral bonds donor: The Jharkhand MuktiMorcha (JMM) is the first party that has declared the name of the entity which made donations to it through electoral bonds. A declaration of a ₹1 crore donation was made in the party’s 2019-20 contribution report. According to the contribution report of the ruling party in Jharkhand, the donation was made by aluminium and copper manufacturing company Hindalco.

In a new report, the association said the most common and popular source of income for national and regional political parties in 2019-20 were donations through electoral bonds. This raises the question as to whether political parties are aware of the identity of the donors who have contributions through electoral bonds, as can be seen in this case.

Note: Chief Minister of Jharkhand: Hemant Soren; Governor: ShrimatiDroupadiMurmu.

 

4. National Civil Services Day: 21st April: In India, ‘Civil Services Day is celebrated on April 21 every year. It is a day to appreciate the tremendous work done by officers engaged in public administration, in various departments of the central and state governments. The Government of India chose April 21 as the National Civil Service Day as on this day the country’s first home minister, SardarVallabhbhai Patel addressed the newly appointed Administrative Services Officers in 1947. The historic occasion took place at the Metcalf House in Delhi. In his address, he called Civil Servants, the ‘Steel Frame of India’.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Miguel Díaz-Canel to succeed Raúl Castro as the President of Cuba: Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel has been officially sworn in as the ‘First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba’, following the resignation of Raul Castro. The Secretary of the Communist Party is the most powerful position in one party ruling Cuba. Díaz-Canel now holds Cuba’s two most important positions, head of the party and president of the state.

Raúl Castro announced that he would step down from the key position of the party and hand over the leadership to a younger generation. Díaz-Canel is almost 30 years younger than his predecessor and will now hold Cuba’s two most important positions, head of the party and president of the state. Castro had been in the post since 2011 when he took over from his older brother, Fidel Castro.

Note: Cuba Capital: Havana; Cuba Continent: North America; Cuba Currency: Cuban peso.

 

2. India Ranks 142 in World Press Freedom Index 2021: India has been placed at 142nd position among 180 countries in the latest World Press Freedom Index 2021, released on April 20, 2021. India was at 142nd position in 2020 as well. Norway has retained its top spot for the fifth year running, followed by Finland and Denmark at second and third place respectively. Eritrea is at the bottom of the index at 180th place. The index is published every year by the international journalism not-for-profit body, “Reporters Without Borders (RSF)”, to evaluate the press freedom situation in 180 countries and territories.

Index:

Rank 1: Norway

Rank 2: Finland

Rank 3: Denmark

Rank 177: China

Rank 179: North Korea

Rank 180: Eritrea

 

3. NASA’s Ingenuity Helicopter Takes Flight on Mars: NASA successfully flew its tiny helicopter Ingenuity on Mars, the first powered flight on another planet and a feat a top engineer called “our Wright brothers’ moment.” Data and images from the autonomous flight were transmitted 173 million miles (278 million kilometres) back to Earth where they were received by NASA’s array of ground antennas and processed more than three hours later.

About the Ingenuity: Ingenuity was on autopilot for its entire flight, out of sight, direct control, or contact with the men and women on Earth who had ordered it aloft—because radio signals take too long to travel between the planets for any human operator to intervene. The mini 4-pound (1.8-kilogram) copter even carried a bit of wing fabric from the Wright Flyer that made similar history at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903.

Note: Acting Administrator of NASA: Steve Jurczyk; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States; NASA Founded: 1 October 1958.

 

4. World Creativity and Innovation Day: 21st April: World Creativity and Innovation Day is observed globally on 21 April every year. This day is celebrated to raise awareness around the importance of creativity and innovation in problem-solving with respect to advancing the United Nations sustainable development goals, also known as the “global goals”.

History of World Creativity and Innovation Day: World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) was founded on 25 May 2001 in Toronto, Canada. The founder of the day was the Canadian Marci Segal. Segal was studying creativity in 1977 at the International Center for Studies in Creativity. The United Nations on 27 April 2017 resolved to include World Creativity and Innovation Day on 21 April as a Day of observance to raise importance among people about the use of their creativity in problem-solving for all issues that may be related to achieving the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India to host first ever World Boxing Council India Championship on May 1: In what is being billed as a game changer for professional boxing in the country, the World Boxing Council (WBC) has endorsed the Indian Championship fight between ChandniMehra and Suman Kumari on May 1 in Jalandhar. The fight for the Lightweight 140lb belt is scheduled to take place as part of the LZ Promotions India Unleashed-Fight Night — the country’s first ever Professional USA boxing event. This is the first time ever that India will be hosting a title card sanctioned by the global body and contested by the two female fighters.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. LIC ties up with Paytm to handle digital payments: State-run Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has appointed homegrown payments player Paytm to facilitate its digital payments. Following a tie-up with another payment gateway earlier, the country’s largest life insurer has sought a new deal as the majority of its payments have moved to digital modes. The new agreement requires an easy payment process, a broader range of payment options, and more players (wallets, banks, etc) in payment channels. LIC has witnessed an upsurge in e-payments following the COVID-19 pandemic. The PSU insurer collects premiums worth Rs 60,000 crore via digital mode, which doesn’t comprise payments made through banks.

Note: LIC Chairperson: M R Kumar; LIC Headquarters: Mumbai; LIC Founded: 1 September 1956.

Paytm HQ: Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Paytm Founder & CEO: Vijay Shekhar Sharma; Paytm Founded: 2009.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. SBI Caps to be transaction advisor for privatisation of JNPT’s container terminal: State-run Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) has hired SBI Caps Ltd to act as transaction advisor for the privatisation of the container terminal run by the port authority itself. The plan to privatise the terminal through the public-private-partnership (PPP) route was cleared by the port’s board of trustees in December and is currently being vetted by the standing finance committee (SFC) in the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways. After clearance from the SFC, the PPP project will have to be signed off by the minister after which JNPT will issue a global tender.

 

2. Flipkart acquires Cleartrip for $40 million: Walmart-backed e-comm giant Flipkart has acquired 100 per cent stake in Cleartrip for $40 million, which is one of the oldest online travel technology companies in India. The acquisition of Cleartrip will strengthen Flipkart’s digital commerce offerings for customers.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. National Award-winning filmmaker Sumitra Bhave passes away: Acclaimed Marathi filmmaker, Sumitra Bhave has passed away. Sumitra Bhave was popular as a duo with filmmaker Sunil Sukthankar in Marathi cinema and Marathi theatre. She was known for her out-of-the-box content and also for the way she handled social issues in her films. The duo of Sumitra and Sunil together directed several popular films like Doghi, Dahavi Fa, Vastupurush, Devrai, Badha, Ek Cup Chya, Samhita, Astu, Kaasav, among others. They have won National Film Awards in Best Non-Feature Film on Family Welfare, Best Educational / Motivational / Instructional Film, Best Film on Other Social Issues, Best Feature Film categories.

 

2. Former Union Minister Bachi Singh Rawat Passes Away: The senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Bachi Singh Rawat has passed away. He was a four-time MP from the Almora-Pithoragarh constituency in Uttarakhand. He had served as the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.