Daily GK Update- 26th Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Election Commission of India launches Garuda App: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the Garuda app for digital mapping of all polling stations, to ensure faster, smarter, transparent and timely completion of election work. Through the Garuda app, Booth Level Officers (BLO) will upload photos and location information of the polling stations, along with data like latitude and longitude of the centre, from their registered mobile numbers. The app will also help in reducing the paperwork.

Note: Election Commission of India Formed: 25 January 1950; Election Commission of India Headquarters: New Delhi; Chief Election Commissioner of India: Sushil Chandra.

 

2. India’s 1st State-Wildlife DNA testing analysis lab inaugurated in Nagpur: Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, inaugurated India’s 1st State government-owned Wildlife DNA testing analysis laboratory at Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) in Nagpur, Maharashtra. On the occasion, he also launched 3 Fast Track DNA testing units in Mumbai & Pune under the Nirbhaya scheme.

At present, there are 2 Wildlife DNA testing laboratories at Dehradun & Hyderabad, which are fully owned by the Central Government, whereas the newly launched is the 1st in India to be owned by a state government. The labs will be exclusively dealing with cases registered under Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The labs were developed at a cost of Rs 53 crore under Central Government’s Nirbhaya Scheme.

Note: Maharashtra Capital: Mumbai; Maharashtra Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari;  Maharashtra Chief minister: Uddhav Thackeray.

 

3. “Writing for My Life” anthology of Ruskin Bond released:  “Writing for My Life”, an anthology of author Ruskin Bond has been released. It contains some of the most exemplary stories, essays, poems and memories of Ruskin Bond. This anthology has been released 25 years after the first anthology of Bond titled, “The Best of Ruskin Bond”. The selections for this anthology have been made by Bond himself and his editor Premanka Goswami. Ruskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. His first novel is The Room on the Roof.

Anthology: An anthology is a collection of literary works chosen by the compiler; it may be a collection of plays, poems, short stories, songs or excerpts by different authors.

 

4. Drama film Koozhangal is India’s official entry for Oscars 2022: The Tamil-language drama film Koozhangal (internationally translated as Pebbles), has been selected as India’s official entry for the 94th Academy Awards (Oscars 2022). The film has been directed by filmmaker Vinothraj PS and produced by Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara. The 94th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, on March 27, 2022.

 

5. Vigilance Awareness Week 2021: October 26 to November 01: The Vigilance Awareness Week 2021 has been organised by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) from 26 October to 01 November 2021. The annual event is celebrated during the week in which the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel falls, which is held on October 31. The theme of Vigilance Awareness Week 2021: ‘Independent India @75: Self Reliance with Integrity‘.

The week-long celebration aims to promote integrity, transparency and accountability amongst public servants and create awareness about the existence, causes and gravity of corruption and the threat posed by it to society as a whole.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Turkey joins Pakistan in FATF Grey list: Global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has retained Pakistan on its ‘Grey List’ of countries. In a briefing, FATF president Marcus Pleyer also said that three new countries Turkey, Jordan, and Mali have also been added to the Grey List. In June this year, the FATF had retained Pakistan on its ‘Grey List’ for failing to check money laundering, leading to terror financing. The FATF asked Islamabad to investigate and prosecute UN-designated terror terrorists including Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar. It also asked Pakistan to work to address its strategically important deficiencies.

Pakistan was placed on the Grey List by the FATF in June 2018. Since then, Pakistan continues to be in the list due to its failure to comply with the FATF mandates. Due to its placing on the Grey List, it has become increasingly difficult for Pakistan to get financial aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Union.

 

2. Economist Gita Gopinath to leave IMF in January 2022: The International Monetary Fund’s Chief Economist and Director of the Research Department, Gita Gopinath will leave the organisation in January 2022. She will return to Harvard University’s economics department. She was on public service leave during her tenure at the organisation, and the leave will end in January 2022. Gopinath, during her tenure, co-authored the “Pandemic Paper”, a document that set globally endorsed targets for vaccinating the world against Covid-19, the IMF said.

Harvard had extended Gopinath’s leave by one year as an exceptional case, which allowed her to serve as the chief economist at the IMF for three years. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said Gopinath’s contribution to the fund was “truly remarkable”.

Note: IMF Headquarters: Washington, D.C. U.S; IMF Managing Director and Chairman: Kristalina Georgieva.

 

3. Russian filmmaker Klim Shipenko becomes first to shoot film in space: A Russian film crew has scripted record by undertaking the first-ever motion picture shooting session in the International Space Station (ISS). The Russian film director Klim Shipenko and actress Yulia Peresild spent 12 days in the ISS for filming 30 minutes duration scenes for the film “The Challenge”. It took around 30 hours to record the material while in space. “The Challenge” is the first feature film to be shot in space. The film is based on the life of a woman doctor who goes to space to save a cosmonaut’s life.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. FIFA Ranking 2021: India ranked 106th: India has ranked 106th in the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Rankings 2021, the position of team India was increased to one spot. After the victory in the SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) Championship 2021 of team India led by Sunil Chhetri, it has secured the 106th position. The team has defeated Nepal in the summit clash. Under the FIFA Rankings, Belgium is at 1st position. Brazil holds 2nd position, France holds 3rd position.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. AU Small Finance Bank launched QR Sound box for payment alerts: India’s Largest Small Finance Bank AU Small Finance Bank has launched QR (Quick Response) Code Sound Box to boost its digital payments while making it the first bank to launch such a product. The QR Sound Box will help small merchants to run their operations smoothly without the hassle of reading SMS every time when a customer makes a payment. It will be made available in five languages – Hindi, English, Punjabi, Gujarati and Marathi.

Note: AU small finance bank Headquarters: Jaipur, Rajasthan; AU small finance bank MD & CEO: Sanjay Agarwal; AU small finance bank Chairman: Raj Vikash Verma.

 

2. RBL Bank working on a new digital platform Abacus 2.0: RBL Bank is working on a new digital platform named Abacus 2.0, that would help the bank to scale up customer acquisition over the next few years. Using Abacus 2.0, RBL Bank will provide products and services to new as well as existing customers digitally. RBL Bank had earlier launched Abacus 1.0 as a platform to increase its customer base in Tier 1 cities.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. OnePlus appoints Navnit Nakra as India CEO and Head of India region: Chinese Smartphone maker OnePlus has announced the appointment of Navnit Nakra as its India CEO and Head of OnePlus India region operations. Prior to this, Nakra served as the Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Sales of OnePlus in India. He had joined the company in February 2020.

 

2. Kumar Mangalam Birla to invest in UAE’s digibank ‘Zand’: Kumar Mangalam Birla, the Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, is set to invest in Zand, the first digital only independent bank in UAE. For this investment, Birla will partner with Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). Initial investment is projected between $50-$100 million, which is expected to be made from Birla’s private family office. Birla is the first Indian to make an invest in the banking system of UAE.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO Successfully flight-tests Expendable Aerial Target ‘ABHYAS’: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT)- ABHYAS, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Bay of Bengal in Odisha. The target aircraft is equipped with a MEMS-based Inertial Navigation System (INS) for navigation along with the Flight Control Computer (FCC) for guidance and control.

About the ABHYAS: ABHYAS is designed & developed by DRDO laboratory, Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru, for the Indian Armed Forces. The air vehicle ABHYAS can be used as an aerial target for the evaluation of various missile systems. The vehicle is programmed for fully autonomous flight. The check-out of air vehicles is done using a laptop-based Ground Control Station (GCS).

 

2. Indian Navy launches Offshore Sailing Regatta: The Indian Navy has organised an Offshore Sailing Regatta from Kochi to Goa, as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, and above all, boost the spirit of adventure and ocean sailing among the Navy Personnel. The event organised under the aegis of the Indian Naval Sailing Association (INSA) will see the participation of six Indian naval sailing vessels (INSVs), comprising of four 40 footers ad two 56 footers. The vessels will cover a total distance of 360 nautical miles between the starting point at the Naval base in Kochi to Goa.

The six INSVs include:  56 footer: Mhadei and Tarini; 40 footer: Bulbul, Neelkhanth, Kadalpura and Hariyal.

Daily GK Update- 25th Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre further extends Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: Government has decided to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP): Insurance Scheme for Health Care Workers Fighting COVID-19’ for a further period of 180 days with effect from October 21, 2021. The current period of the policy was to end on October 20, 2021. The insurance policy was announced on March 30, 2020, which aims to provide an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh to nearly 22.12 lakh health workers who are deputed to take care of COVID-19 patients.

 

2. UIDAI to host ‘Aadhaar Hackathon 2021’: Government agency UIDAI is hosting a Hackathon titled “Aadhaar Hackathon 2021”. The hackathon is starting on 28 Oct 21 and would continue till 31 Oct 21. With new challenged and themes, the Hackathon 2021 will have two topics. The first theme is around “Enrolment and Update”, which essentially covers some of the real-life challenges being faced by the residents while updating their address. The second theme of the Hackathon is around the “Identity and Authentication” solution offered by UIDAI. UIDAI is soliciting innovative solutions to prove Identity without sharing the Aadhaar number or any demographics information. Also, it is looking for innovative applications around face authentication API – the newly launched authentication modality of UIDAI. The objective is to popularize some of the existing and new APIs to solve the needs of residents.

 

3. Microsoft Launches Program To Support AI Startups In India: Microsoft recently announced the launch of Microsoft AI Innovate, a 10-week initiative that will support startups in India leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, helping them scale operations, drive innovation, & build industry expertise. The program will also enable startups to reach out to newer customers and geographies with Microsoft’s sales and partners.

To support the startup ecosystem in the country, the company has launched a programme, Microsoft AI Innovate, for nurturing and scaling startups that are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI). Microsoft AI Innovate was aimed at bringing together startups, corporates, industry bodies, governments, and venture capital firms, to create a shared platform for learning and innovation. The selected startups in each of the cohorts will have access to industry deep-dive sessions and AI masterclasses by industry experts, mentoring by unicorn founders, skilling and certification opportunities, among other benefits.

Note: Microsoft CEO and Chairman: Satya Nadella; Microsoft Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States.

 

4. A book titled “The Origin Story of India’s States” by VS Srinivasan: The book titled ‘The Origin Story of India’s States’ is written by Venkataraghavan Subha Srinivasan and published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI). It is a story about the birth of India’s 28 states and 8 union territories. Also, their continuous changes. Venkataraghavan Subha Srinivasan is a writer, actor and strategy consultant from Bengaluru, Karnataka. This is his first non-fiction book.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Barbados elects its first-ever president, removing UK’s Queen Elizabeth: Barbados has elected its first-ever president as it prepares to become a republic, removing Queen Elizabeth as head of state. Dame Sandra Mason, 72, is set to be sworn in on 30 November, which will mark the country’s 55th anniversary of independence from Britain. The first woman to serve on the Barbados Court of Appeals, Dame Sandra has been governor-general since 2018. The historic election came after a joint session of the House of Assembly and the Senate.  described the vote as a “seminal moment” for the nation.

About the Barbados: With a population of about 285,000, Barbados is one of the more populous and prosperous Caribbean islands. Once heavily dependent on sugar exports, its economy has diversified into tourism and finance. Barbados will not be the first former British colony in the Caribbean to become a republic. Guyana took that step in 1970, less than four years after gaining independence from Britain. Trinidad and Tobago followed suit in 1976 and Dominica in 1978.

Note: Prime Minister of Barbados: Mia Mottley; Barbados Capital: Bridgetown; Barbados Currency: Barbados Dollar; Barbados Continent: North America.

 

2. Donald Trump to launch social media platform called Truth Social: Donald Trump has announced plans to launch a social media platform called TRUTH Social that will be rolled be out early next year. The former US president, who was banned from Facebook and Twitter earlier this year, says his goal is to rival the tech companies that have denied him the megaphone that was paramount to his rise. Truth social will be a product of a new venture called the Trump Media & Technology Group. He wants to create a platform that rivals Twitter or Facebook, but that simply won’t happen.

 

3. India ranks 79th in World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index 2021: India has ranked 79 out of 139 countries and jurisdictions in the World Justice Project’s (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2021. The WJP Rule of Law Index 2021 ranks the countries based on scores ranging from 0 to 1, with 1 indicating the strongest adherence to the rule of law. Denmark, Norway and Finland topped the World Justice Project’s (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2021.

Here is the list of Countries according to their rankings:

Rank	Country
1	Denmark
2	Norway
3	Finland
79	India
139	Venezuela, RB
138	Cambodia
137	Congo, Dem. Rep.

 

4. Disarmament Week 2021: 24th October to 30th October: Disarmament Week is observed annually to promote awareness and understanding of the issues of disarmament in several countries. The week aims to reduce the use of weapons, specifically nuclear weapons, to bring peace in society. This year, the disarmament week will be starting on October 24. The week-long observance will continue till October 30. Disarmament Week seeks to promote awareness and a better understanding of disarmament issues and their cross-cutting importance.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bharti AXA sign Bancassurance Partnership with Utkarsh Small Finance Bank: Bharti AXA Life Insurance Company Limited (Bharti AXA Life) has entered into a bancassurance partnership with Utkarsh Small Finance Bank to ensure distribution of life insurance products through the bank’s network across India. This partnership will enable the Bharti AXA life to reach Tier II and Tier III markets with insurance solutions and increase the reach of insurance in India. Under this partnership, the Bharti AXA Life’s insurance comprehensive suite of life insurance plans including the protection, health, savings and investment plans will be made available for the customers of the bank across 202 districts of 19 states and 2 Union territories.

Note: Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Headquarters: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh; Utkarsh Small Finance Bank MD & CEO: Govind Singh.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. HDFC Bank, Mastercard, DFC, USAID launched a $100 Million Credit Facility: HDFC Bank, Mastercard, United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and US Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a $100 million credit facility for MSMEs (Micro Small and Medium Enterprises) in India. The credit facility is part of USAID’s global Women Economic Empowerment Fund initiative and its COVID-19 response in India. HDFC Bank will ensure the credit facility to be available for new-to-credit small businesses owners including at least 50 per cent of women entrepreneurs through its branch network across India. To promote and support small businesses in India for digitisation needs and to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19.

Note: HDFC Bank Headquarters: Mumbai; HDFC Bank Founded: August 1994; HDFC Bank CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan; HDFC Bank Tagline: We understand your world.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation wins Earth Heroes Awards 2021: The Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation has bagged the Earth Guardian Award instituted by the NatWest Group. The eight winners of the award were felicitated by the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora secretary-general Ivonne Higuero through a virtual ceremony.

About Earth Guardian Award: These awards were instituted by NatWest Group India. They are part of an initiative which recognises the efforts of individuals and institutions that are working to subvert climate change by conserving & preserving biodiversity in India.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: Parambikulam Tiger Reserve also includes erstwhile Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread across 391 square kilometres. It is a protected area in Palakkad district of Kerala. It was established in 1973. The sanctuary lies in the Sungam range of hills in between Anaimalai Hills and Nelliampathy Hills. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a part of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in 2010. Tiger reserve implements the Participatory Forest Management Scheme (PFMS).

 

2. Martin Scorsese, Szabo to get Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement award: Hollywood veteran Martin Scorsese and celebrated Hungarian filmmaker Istevan Szabo will be honoured with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The 52nd edition of the film festival will be held from November 20 to 28 in Goa. While Szabo is known for his masterpieces like 1966’s “Father” and 1981 movie “Mephisto”, Scorsese is one of the major figures of the New Hollywood era, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential directors in film history.

The opening film of this edition of IFFI will be “The King of all the World”, directed by Carlos Saura. Around 30 titles have been shortlisted for screening at 52nd IFFI from prominent International Film Festivals in the Festival Kaleidoscope and World Panorama Section. The festival will also pay a special tribute to Sean Connery, the first actor to portray fictional British spy James Bond on the big screen.

Daily GK Update- 24th Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. MP Govt announced Implementation of “Mukhyamantri Ration Aapke Dwar Yojana”: The government of Madhya Pradesh (MP) has announced the implementation of the scheme ‘‘Mukhyamantri Ration Apke Dwar Yojana”, which will start from November 2021. Under this scheme, the ration will be provided at the doorstep of the villagers where there are no Fair Price Shops (FPS). To provide ration material to the vulnerable sections such as Divyanga (Specially-Abled) and senior citizens near their homes. To ensure proper ration supply for poor tribal families in each village bin 74 tribal dominated blocks of 16 districts.

Note: Madhya Pradesh Capital: Bhopal; Madhya Pradesh Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel; Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

 

2. Chhattisgarh launched “Shri Dhanwantri Generic Medical Store” Scheme: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has virtually launched a new scheme named ‘Shri Dhanwantri Generic Medical Store scheme’ to provide low-cost generic medicines and enable seamless healthcare services to the vulnerable people of the state. The scheme will be implemented by the Urban Administration and Development Department (UADD). Under the scheme, around 188 medical shops are planned to be opened in 169 cities. Currently, 84 generic medical shops are opened in the inaugural session to distribute medicine. Under this scheme, people will get a discount between 09 per cent and 71 per cent on the MRP (Market Rate Price) of generic medicines.

Note: Chhattisgarh Capital: Raipur; Chhattisgarh Governor: Anusuiya Uikey; Chhattisgarh Chief Minister: Bhupesh Baghel.

 

3. Alok Mishra becomes new MD of India Ports Global Limited: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Captain Alok Mishra as the Managing Director of India Ports Global Limited (IPGL). He is currently serving as the Head of operation and transformation lead at the Gateway Terminals India Pvt Ltd (GTI), Mumbai Maharashtra. Alok Mishra has been appointed for the full-time role for a term of 5 years. Alok Mishra succeeds Harjeet Kaur Joshi, CMD of Delivery Company of India Ltd (SCI), who held the additional charge as the MD of IPGL.

 

4. Defence Minister launched the book on Veer Savarkar: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the book titled “Veer Savarkar: The Man Who Could Have Prevented Partition” authored by Uday Mahurkar and Chirayu Pandit at Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Minister Rajnath Singh described Savarkar as an “icon of Indian history” and also described his contributions to a nation that was not yet considered and highlighted the prolonged controversies from time to time on the great leader Savarkar.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Israel, UAE, U.S. decide to launch quadrilateral economic forum: India, Israel, United Arab Emirates and the United States have decided to launch a new quadrilateral economic forum. Quadrilateral builds on ongoing cooperation between U.S., Israel and UAE after the Abraham Accords last year. This QUAD grouping had decided to establish an international forum for economic cooperation and discussed possibilities for joint infrastructure projects expanding economic and political cooperation in the Middle East and Asia.

India, the United States, Israel and the UAE have decided to form a forum for future economic cooperation and to explore possibilities of joint infrastructure projects in the fields of Transportation, Technology, Maritime security, Economics, Trade as well as for additional joint projects.

 

2. India ranks 71st on 2021 Global Food Security Index: India has achieved the 71st position in the Global Food Security (GFS) Index 2021 from among a list of 113 countries. The GFS Index is designed and constructed by London-based Economist Impact and is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience. The overall score of India is 57.2 points on the GFS Index 2021.

According to the report, India held 71st position with an overall score of 57.2 points on the GFS Index 2021 of 113 countries, fared better than Pakistan (75th position), Sri Lanka (77th Position), Nepal (79th position) and Bangladesh (84th position). But the country was way behind China (34th position). However, over the past 10 years, India’s incremental gains in overall food security score were lagging behind that of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Globally: Ireland, Australia, the UK, Finland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, France and the US shared the top rank. Their overall GFS score were in the range of 77.8 and 80 points on the index.

 

3. World Polio Day: 24th October: World Polio Day is celebrated annually on October 24, to raise awareness for polio vaccination and eradication of polio. The Day was established by Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. 2021 theme for World Polio Day is “Delivering on a Promise.”

 

4. World Development Information Day: 24th October: The United Nations’ World Development Information Day is held on October 24 every year. The day aims to draw the attention of world public opinion to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them for overall growth and development. The World Development Information Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972, to coincide with the United Nations Day.

History of World Development Information Day: The General Assembly in 1972 established World Development Information Day to draw the attention of the world to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them. The Assembly decided that the date for the Day should coincide with United Nations Day, 24 October, which was also the date of the adoption, in 1970, of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade.

 

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

 

6. United Nations Day: 24th October: Every year 24 October is celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. It was on this day in 1945 that the Charter of the United Nations came into force. With the ratification of the UN Charter by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. It was declared to be an international observance in 1971 by UNGA and that it should be observed as a public holiday by United Nations member states.

History of the United Nations: The year 2021 marks the 76th anniversary of the United Nations and its founding Charter. The Charter was signed on 26 June 1945 by the representatives of the 50 countries. Poland, which was not represented at the Conference, signed it later and became one of the original 51 Member States. The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the Charter had been ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and by a majority of other signatories. The name “United Nations” was coined by the United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt and first used in the Declaration by United Nations of 1 January 1942, during Second World War.

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. SAI appoints Commodore PK Garg as new CEO of TOPS: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) appointed Commodore PK Garg as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) at the Mission Olympic Cell meeting. He joined the Indian Navy in 1984 and was in charge of many important and prestigious assignments over 34 years of service. Commodore Garg, who was the High-Performance Director with Sports Authority of India till June 2021, is also an Arjuna Awardee recipient (1990) in Sailing and has also won the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awardee in 1993-94.

Note: Sports Authority of India Founded: 1984.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI impose Rs 1 cr penalty on Paytm Payments Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) over certain specified violations, as referred in Section 26 (2) of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. RBI observed that the information submitted during Paytm Payments Bank’s application for the issue of the final Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) did not reflect the factual position. It has also penalised Western Union Financial Services by imposing a penalty of Rs 27.8 lakh for violating the prescribed limit of remittances per year.

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Centre approves hike in DA/DR for central government employees and pensioners: The Union Cabinet has approved a further hike of 3 per cent in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for the central government employees and pensioners. The increase of 3% is over the existing rate of 28 per cent of the basic pay/pension and will be effective from July 1, 2021. Now after this hike, the DA/DR will increase to 31%.

It must be remembered that earlier in July 2021, the government had announced an 11% hike in DA/DR from 17% to 28% of the basic pay/pension. It will cost the exchequer Rs 9,488.70 crore per annum. As a result, the DA and DR instalments are due for four periods including January 1, 2020, July 1, 2020, January 1, 2021, and July 1, 2021. However, the rate of DA/DR for the period between January 2020 to June 2021 shall remain at 17%.

 

2. Reliance Brands acquires 40% stake in designer Manish Malhotra’s MM Styles: Reliance Industries Ltd’s Reliance Brands Ltd (RBL) and famous designer Manish Malhotra have announced a strategic partnership to acquire a 40 per cent stake in Malhotra’s MM Styles Pvt Ltd. According to a Reliance Brands statement, this “strategic partnership” is the first “external investment” for MM Styles Pvt Ltd. Launched in 2005, the Manish Malhotra luxury retail is spanned across four flagship stores in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Hyderabad. Manish Malhotra, the main architect behind the 16-year-old couture house, will continue to be at the helm of affairs of MM Styles Pvt Ltd as managing and creative director.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Alexei Navalny Wins European Union’s Sakharov Prize: The European Parliament has awarded the European Union’s top human rights prize, Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought for 2021, to the imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The 45-year-old activist has been awarded for his immense personal bravery to fight tirelessly against the corruption of Vladimir Putin’s regime.

About the award: Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, commonly known as Sakharov Prize, is European Parliament’s top human rights prize. The prize honours individuals and groups of people who have dedicated their lives to the defence of human rights and freedom of thought.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former hockey international Saranjeet Singh passes away: Former hockey international Saranjeet Singh has passed away. The former State Bank of India hockey player, who played for Coronation Club in the local league, represented Hyderabad juniors and seniors for many years in the late 70s and 80s and also played for India, which toured Germany in 1983.

Daily GK Update- 23rd Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India crosses 100-crore COVID-19 vaccination doses milestone: India completed 100 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines on 21st October, in about 9 months since the drive began. PM Modi called the achievement “the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians”. The Prime Minister visited the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and interacted with healthcare workers and people receiving the vaccine. To mark the occasion, the Union Health Ministry held a series of events and released a two-minute and four-second video with rap and visual representation of the country’s fight against COVID-19.

Some important facts about Vaccine drive:

(1) India took 85 days to touch the 10-crore vaccination mark, 45 more days to cross the 20-crore mark and 29 more days to reach the 30-crore mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

(2) The country took 24 days to reach the 40-crore mark from 30-crore doses and then 20 more days to surpass the 50-crore vaccination mark on August 6. It then took 76 days to go past the 100-crore mark.

(3) The top five States which have administered the highest number of doses are Uttar Pradesh followed by Maharashtra, West Bengal, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

(4) The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with health care workers (HCWs) getting inoculated in the first phase. The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2.

 

2. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launches improved Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi-NCR: The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune has developed a new ‘Decision Support System’ (DSS) and enhanced the existing ‘Air Quality Early Warning System’ (AQEWS) for Delhi-NCR region, to have better air-quality management in the region. IITM Pune is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The institute has also developed a dedicated website for DSS, to deliver quantitative information about the contribution of emissions from Delhi and surrounding districts to the air quality. The new and improved systems were launched by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences, as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav week organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

 

3. J&K sign MoU with Dubai Govt for real estate development, industrial parks and more: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Dubai for rapid development and growth in the Union Territory. Under the MoU, the government of Dubai will help in development of real estate sector, industrial parks, IT towers, multipurpose towers, logistics, medical college, super specialty hospital and various more business enterprises in Jammu and Kashmir. The development will help the Union Territory to reach new heights in Industrialization and sustainable growth.

 

4. Imtiaz Ali appointed ambassador of Russian Film Festival: Director-producer Imtiaz Ali has been roped in as the ambassador of the Russian Film Festival in India. As part of the festival, ten notable Russian films of various genres are being premiered for Indian audiences on Disney+ Hotstar from October 16 to November 27. Russia and India are cooperating in the field of cinematography through the BRICS.

About the festival: The festival brings celebrated and popular romances, dramas, and comedies from Russia like Ice, On the Edge, Tell Her, Doctor Liza, The Relatives, Another Woman!, Jetlag among others. The first-ever online Russian Film Festival in India is organized by ROSKINO with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Cinema Fund, the Moscow City Tourism Committee, Discover Moscow, Rossotrudnichestvo, and with the assistance of Kartina Entertainment. The festival was launched in 2020 and has already been successfully held in 14 countries, with more than 200 thousand viewers.

 

5. A new book titled ‘Stars In My Sky’ by Divya Dutta: National Award-winning actress Divya Dutta has come up with her second book titled, “The Stars in My Sky: Those Who Brightened My Film Journey”. The book, published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI), will be released on October 25, 2021. In her new book, Divya Dutta shares her experiences with some of the stalwarts of Bollywood who played a significant role in her film career.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ecuador declares state of emergency over crime wave: Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso has declared a 60-day state of emergency in the South American country, due to the rise in violent drug crimes. President Lasso has pointed to drug trafficking and consumption as the main drivers behind an increase in murders, home burglary, thefts of vehicles and goods, and muggings.

Under the emergency measures, the armed forces and police would work together to carry out “arms checks, inspections, 24-hour patrols, and drug searches, among other actions. Ecuador is a transit country for cocaine smuggled from neighbouring Peru and Colombia and much of the crime wave is thought to be drug-related.

Note: Ecuador Capital: Quito; Ecuador Currency: United States Dollar.

 

2. India ranks 40th in 2021 Mercer CFS Global Pension Index survey: Mercer Consulting, a leading global management consulting firm, has released the 13th edition of the Mercer Global Pension Index (2021 MCGPI). India has been ranked at 40th position out of 43 countries in the 2021 Mercer CFS Global Pension Index survey. In 2020, India was ranked at 34th position out of 39 pension systems.

Iceland has topped this ranking with an index value of 84.2 followed by the Netherlands with 83.5 and Norway with 82.0. India had an overall index value of 43.3. Thailand had the lowest overall index value at 40.6. The 2021 MCGPI, has added 4 new retirement systems: Iceland, Taiwan, UAE and Uruguay.

About Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index (MCGPI): MCGPI is an annual survey by Mercer Consulting, which aims to benchmark the retirement income system. ii. MCGPI uses three sub-indices, adequacy, sustainability and integrity to measure each retirement income system against more than 50 indicators. The Index is published by Mercer, in collaboration with CFA Institute and the Monash Centre for Financial Studies.

 

3. International Snow Leopard Day: 23rd October: Every year, October 23 is observed as International Snow Leopard Day since 2014. The day commemorates the anniversary of the Bishkek Declaration and to celebrate this endangered cat and raise awareness for its conservation and protection. It was on October 23, 2013, when political leaders from 12 countries came together to endorse the ‘Bishkek Declaration on the conservation of snow leopards. Snow Leopard is found in 12 countries. They are India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

 

4. Mole Day: 23rd October: On 23rd October every year mole day is celebrated which is popular amongst all chemistry enthusiasts. This day is marked to commemorate and honour the Avogadro‘s number. The celebration of this day happens from 6:02 a.m. to 6:02 p.m commemorating the chemistry is measuring unit. This occasion aims to make the students interested in chemistry and its concepts. The theme for the occasion, inspired by the mascot – A Mole. This year the theme is DispicaMole Me.

History of the day: Mole Day originated in 1980 when an article came into the hype in the science teacher which was about a high school chemistry teacher celebrating this day with her ideas. This day was internationally accepted when the National Mole Day Foundation was established on 15 May 1991.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Australia’s James Pattinson retires from international cricket: Australian fast bowler James Pattinson has retired from international cricket after realising that he won’t be in the reckoning for the Ashes series due to fitness issues. The 31-year-old, who has played 21 Tests and 15 ODIs, though will continue to play domestic cricket. Pattinson claimed 81 Test wickets and 16 ODI scalps in his career after making his Test debut in December 2011 alongside Mitchell Starc and David Warner against New Zealand in Brisbane. His last Test was against New Zealand in Sydney in January 2020 while he last played an ODI way back in September 2015 against England at Leeds.

 

2. Overview of 2021 BNP Paribas Open held at Indian Wells: The 2021 BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, also known as the 2021 Indian Wells Masters, was held from October 04 to 18, 2021 at Indian Wells, California, US. This marks the 47th edition of the men’s BNP Paribas Open (ATP Masters) and the 32nd Edition of the women’s BNP Paribas Open (WTA Masters).

The list of winners:

(1) Cameron Norrie won his maiden ATP Masters 1000 by winning the Men’s singles title at the 2021 BNP Paribas Open

(2) Paula Badosa defeats Victoria Azarenka to win the Women’s Singles Title

(3) Elise Mertens and Su Wei Hsieh won the Women’s Doubles title

(4) John Peers and Filip Polasek won the Men’s Doubles title

About BNP Paribas Open: The BNP Paribas Open is the largest combined ATP Tour Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tennis event. It is annually held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, the USA.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NPCI launches card tokenisation platform ‘NTS’: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched the NPCI Tokenization system (NTS) to further enhance the safety of customers and provide a seamless shopping experience to consumers. The NPCI Tokenization System (NTS) will support the tokenisation of RuPay cards, to provide an alternate for storing card details with merchants.

NPCI’s Token Reference On File(TROF) service will help RuPay cardholders, to maintain the security of their financial data. With NTS, acquiring Banks, Aggregators, Merchants & others can get themselves certified with NPCI & can play the role of Token Requestor to help save the Token reference number (Token Reference On File) against all card numbers saved.

Note: National Payments Corporation of India MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe; National Payments Corporation of India Headquarters: Mumbai; National Payments Corporation of India Founded: 2008.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Nabard subsidiary ‘NABSanrakshan’ sets up Rs 1000 cr credit guarantee fund trust: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced the creation of an Rs. 1,000 crore Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for FPOs (CGFTFPO), a dedicated fund for providing credit guarantees to FPOs. The fund has been launched under the trusteeship of NABSanrakshan Trustee Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NABARD.

For this, NABSanrakshan has signed a trust deed with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The Trust has been registered at Mumbai. The credit guarantee offered through the trust will enhance the creditworthiness of FPOs besides facilitating cost-effective production and productivity leading to higher net incomes to the farmers who are members of FPOs.

Note: Chairman of NABARD: G R Chintala; NABARD Founded: 12 July 1982; NABARD Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

2. A Balasubramanian becomes new Chairman of AMFI: A Balasubramanian has been elected as the new Chairman of the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). He replaces Nilesh Shah, the Managing Director of Kotak Mutual Fund. Balasubramanian is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Management. Meanwhile, Radhika Gupta, the MD and CEO of Edelweiss AMC, has been appointed as vice-chair of AMFI.

Note: Association of Mutual Funds in India Founded: 22 August 1995; Association of Mutual Funds in India Headquarters: Mumbai.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Kung Fu Nuns wins UNESCO’s Martial Arts Education Prize 2021: The well known Kung Fu Nuns of the Drukpa order of Buddhism has won the inaugural UNESCO’s Martial Arts Education Prize 2021, for their brave and heroic acts of service and championing of gender equality across the Himalayas. The Nuns empower young girls through martial arts, to defend themselves, build confidence, and take on leadership roles in their communities.

About the award: The award has been launched by UNESCO ICM (International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement), to collect and promote good practices of martial arts education (MA Edu.)