Daily GK Updates - 4th December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. EC to implement Political Parties RTMS: The Election Commission of India will implement the political parties Registration Tracking Management System (RTMS). It will be implemented through an online portal to facilitate tracking of the status of the application by applicants. The Commission said, the applicant who is applying for party registration from 1st January 2020 onwards will be able to track the progress of his or her application and will get status through SMS and email.

Note: Sunil Arora is the Chief Election Commissioner of India.

2. UP govt announces 25% subsidy & full stamp duty waiver for defence industry: Uttar Pradesh government has decided to provide a 25% subsidy and 100% stamp duty waiver for setting up the defence industry in the state. State govt. will provide all facilities (like power, road and fencing of land) to the companies that will set up defence industries. The state cabinet has given relief to the home buyers in Noida and Greater Noida region by giving exemption to the builders from penal interest and other dues for the period their project is stalled due to litigation. Builders will only get this exemption if they pass on this benefit to the home buyers. The benefit will apply to builders who are set to provide homes to buyers by June 2021.

Note: UP CM: Yogi Adityanath, Governor: Anandiben Patel.

3. Govt launches 4th round of Regional Connectivity Scheme-UDAN: The government has launched the 4th round of Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) to further enhance the connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country. The focus in this round will be North East Region, Hilly States, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Islands. The scheme was launched in October 2016, which seeks to provide connectivity to un-served and under-served regions through the revival of existing airstrips and airports.

Note: UDAN scheme came under: Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation: Hardeep Singh Puri.

4. TRAI revamps mobile number portability rules: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has revamped mobile number portability (MNP) rules, making the entire process faster and simpler. The TRAI has prescribed three working days timeline for port out requests within a service area. Similarly, the timeline of five working days has been prescribed for requests for port out from one circle to another. The new rules will come into effect from 16th December. The validity of the Unique Porting Code (UPC) has also been brought down to four days instead of a fortnight earlier. It will be applicable to all circles except Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and North East, where the validity of the said code remains unchanged to 30 days.

5. Indian Navy Day: 4 December: The Indian Navy day is being observed every year on 4th December to celebrate achievements and role of the naval force in the country. The Navy day is celebrated to honour the courageous attack on the Karachi harbour during the Indo-Pakistan war (on 4th December 1971) by the Indian Naval Missile boats as well as to reverence all the martyrs of that war. The Day is also celebrated to highlight the role the Navy plays in securing the country’s marine borders during peacetime and carrying out humanitarian missions. As per the recent Data, since 2008, 70 Indian naval warships have been deployed, which safely escorted over 3440 ships with over 25,000 mariners on board.

Note: Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral Karambir Singh. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhosle (Maratha Emperor) of the 17th century is considered as “Father of the Indian Navy”.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Pritivirajsing Roopun elected as new President of Mauritius by parliament: The National Assembly of the Republic of Mauritius has unanimously elected Prithvirajsing Roopun (62-years) as new President of the island nation. He was the former arts and culture minister of Mauritius. The motion for his election as new President was presented by Prime Minister, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Defence, Minister for Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity. In Mauritius, Prime Minister is head of government and holds most political power while the president is head of state but has no executive role and is considered guardian of the constitution.

Note: Capital: Port Louis; Currency: Mauritian rupee; Mauritius Prime Minister: Pravind Kumar Jugnauth

2. India, Sweden sign MoU for India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre: India and Sweden signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre in New Delhi. The objective of the innovation Centre is to develop an ecosystem of open innovation to which start-ups and the healthcare delivery stakeholders can use to collaborate and address current and future challenges in the healthcare sector. The India-Sweden partnership has been the most active as the Joint Working Group has met ten times since 2009.

The MoU focuses on creating new partnerships within the public, private and academic sectors. The Minister further stated that with 22 new AIIMS soon to become fully operational, and 157 new Medical Colleges are at the development stage.

3. Typhoon Kammuri makes landfall at Luzon, Philippines: In the Philippines, typhoon Kammuri has made landfall at Luzon, the country's largest and most populous island. Around two lakh residents have been evacuated from coastal and mountainous areas over fears of flooding, storm surges and landslides. Now, Kammuri is expected the pass to the south of the capital Manila, which is hosting thousands of athletes for the regional Southeast Asian Games.

4. Sundar Pichai promoted as Alphabet Inc. CEO: Indian American business executive Sundar Pichai (Google CEO) promoted as Alphabet Inc. CEO after Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have announced that they are stepping down from the leadership role of the parent company Alphabet. Google CEO Indian-American Sundar Pichai will be assuming the role of Alphabet Inc CEO, making him one of the most powerful corporate leaders of the world. Alphabet and Google no longer need two CEOs and a President and Sundar Pichai will be the CEO of both Google and Alphabet.

Note: Google established: 4 September 1998; Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States.

5. World Bank arm IFC invests $200 million in Mahindra Finance: The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a unit of the World Bank Group, has anchored an investment round of $200million in Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL). Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL) is a Rural NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) with the objective to create a ‘pool’ specifically for financing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in low-income states. IFC is investing $75 million from its own account and mobilizing another $125 million as parallel loans. At the same time, Mahindra Finance has committed to invest $225 million in this fund. At least $ 100 million of this would be for women-owned MSMEs & it will be supported by blended finance from the IFC-Goldman Sachs’ Women Entrepreneurs Opportunity Facility.

Note: Formation of International Finance Corporation: July 20, 1956; Headquarters of International Finance Corporation: Washington, D.C., U.S.; Membership of International Finance Corporation: 184 countries; CEO of IFC: Philippe Le Houérou.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Walmart launches credit card in partnership with HDFC Bank: Walmart India, in partnership with HDFC Bank, launched a co-branded credit card exclusively for members of its Best Price Modern Wholesale “B2B Cash & Carry” stores, offering “free credit up to 50 days. The card is being supported by Diners Club International which has acceptance of its own membership card in 185 countries. Simultaneously, the card was launched at 26 other Best Price Modern Wholesale Store locations across the country.

Note: Headquarters of Walmart India: Gurgaon, Haryana; President and CEO of Walmart India: Krish Iyer.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Lionel Messi wins Ballon d’Or for 6th time: Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player for a record 6th time. It is the 32-year-old Argentine’s first Ballon d’Or since 2015 and comes after he scored 54 times for club and country in 2018-19, in which Barca won La Liga. Virgil van Dijk was second-one of four Liverpool players in the top seven, including Sadio Mane in fourth. Juventus and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award five times, was third in the voting.

DEFENCE

1. India successfully test-fires indigenously developed nuke-capable Prithvi-II missile: India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed surface-to-surface nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile off Odisha coast. The Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army conducted the user trial of the 350 km range missile from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur. The missile weighs about 4,600 kg, is capable of carrying 500 to 1000 kilograms of warheads and is thrust by liquid propulsion twin engines. Inducted into the 333-missile regiment of the Indian Army in 2003, the nine-meter-tall, single-stage liquid-fueled Prithvi-II is the first missile to have been developed by the DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. This missile is developed under the joint collaboration of Defence Research and Development Organization and Bharat Dynamics Limited, the missile was first test-fired on 27 January 1996.

Note: DRDO Chairman: G Satheesh Reddy, Established: 1958, Headquarters: New Delhi.

OBITURIES

1. Veteran journalist Bhaskar Menon passes away: Baskar Menon, Veteran Journalist in the Press Trust of India (PTI) passes away. He was the Regional Manager in the south division of the PTI. He has also handled much crucial news like the assassination of former Prime Minister (PM) of India, Rajiv Gandhi in the year 1991.

Daily GK Updates - 3rd December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indigenous Faith Day celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh: Donyi Polo Cultural & Charitable Trust and Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh celebrated ‘Indigenous Faith Day’ on 1st December. The celebrations were held at Pasighat with religious fervour. The day is celebrated to protect and promote the indigenous faith and tribal tradition to keep the ethnic identity of the local tribes.

Note: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister: Pema Khandu; Governor: B. D. Mishra.

2. Labour Ministry to celebrate Pension Week from 30th Nov, 2019 to 6th Dec 2019: Labour Ministry has decided to celebrate Pension Week from November 30, 210 to December 06, 2019. The aims of the Pension Week is to increase enrollments under: Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) – aim to enroll one crore beneficiaries by March 2020 and National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self-Employed Persons (NPS-Traders) 50 lakhs beneficiaries for NPS-Traders by March 2020 For this, Minister of State(I/C) for Labour and Employment Shri Santosh Gangwar inaugurated a function in New Delhi.

3. India and ADB Sign USD 206 million loan to strengthen urban services in 5 Tamil Nadu cities: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India has signed $206 million loan to develop water supply and sewerage infrastructure in 5 cities of Tamil Nadu. The loan amount will also be used to strengthen capacities of urban local bodies (ULBs) for improved service delivery.

4. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Launches “Bharatiya Poshan Anthem” Penned by Prasoon Joshi: Indian Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu launched the “Bharatiya Poshan Anthem”. The anthem has been conceptualised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It has been written by noted lyricist Prasoon Joshi and sung by Shankar Mahadevan. The ‘Poshan Abhiyan or National Nutrition Mission’ was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2018 to make India malnutrition free by 2022 by ensuring holistic development and adequate nutrition for pregnant women, mothers and children.

5. Lt Gen P S Rajeshwar takes over as C-n-C of Andaman & Nicobar Command: Lt Gen Podali Shankar Rajeshwar took over as the 14th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN). He is a graduate of Indian Military Academy and was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in December 1980. A gunner and aviator, he is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Army War College and National Defence College in New Delhi and Philippines. He has actively taken part in Operation Meghdoot and Operation Rakshak.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Global Migration Film Festival organised in Dhaka: The Global Migration Film Festival (GMFF) was organised in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The festival screened 15 films on the theme of “migration and its various aspects”. The GMFF was started in 2016 and this year it is being organised across many cities in the world. The festival was organised by the International Organisation of Migrants (IOM) and Dhaka University Film Society with the support of the European Union. The Global Migration Film Festival is a global initiative simultaneously being run in many countries of the world to draw attention to the issues of internal migration, forced migration and climate change-related migration to engage people in a conversation on the issue of migration.

Note: Chief of International Organisation of Migrants (IOM) in Bangladesh: Giorgi Gigouri.

IOM is the UN migration agency established in 1951.

2. NATO leaders meet today to mark 70th birthday of alliance: The leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) meet to mark the 70th birthday of the organization in London. The summit includes receptions at Buckingham Palace and Downing Street plus a working session at a golf resort in outer London. The twenty -nine members alliance is the world's biggest military alliance.

Note: NATO was founded in 1949 for the collective defence of its members, linking the security of the United States with its European allies against the Soviet Union. It witnessed the end of communism, defeating the Soviet Bloc without firing a shot.

3. Ursula von der Leyen takes charge as the European commission president: German Ursula von der Leyen (60-years) took charge as the first female President of the European Commission (EC). Von der Leyen served in the federal government of Germany (from 2005 to 2019) as the longest-serving member of Angela Merkel's cabinet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Ursula von der Leyen. Ms Leyen invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Brussels for the next India-EU Summit.

Note: The President of the European Commission is the head of the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union. The President of the Commission leads a cabinet of Commissioners, referred to as the college, collectively accountable to the European Parliament.

4. Masatsugu Asakawa elected 10th President of ADB: The Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has unanimously elected Masatsugu Asakawa (61-year) as its new President. Currently, he is the Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Masatsugu Asakawa will succeed Takehiko Nakao. Mr. Asakawa will assume office as ADB’s 10th President on 17th January 2020.

Note: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established on 19 December 1966. Now, ADB has 68 members. ADB headquarter– Metro Manila, Philippines

5. International Day of Persons with Disabilities: 3 December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed on the 3rd of December every year to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development and to increase awareness. The theme for this year is ‘Promoting the Participation of Persons with Disabilities and their leadership: Taking Action on the 2030 Development Agenda.’

Note: International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an international observance promoted by the United Nations (UN) since 1992.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Karnataka defeats Tamil Nadu to win Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019-20: Karnataka lifted the Syed Mushtaq Trophy 2019-20 (Cricket) after a thrilling one-run win over Tamil Nadu in the final. This is the second consecutive title win for Karnataka. Karnataka rode on skipper Manish Pandey’s 60 runs (45-ball) to post a total of 180/5 in 20 overs. The encounter went to the last over in which off-spinner K Gowtham was asked to defend 13 runs.

Finals Scores:

Karnataka: 180 (5 wkts, 20 Ov)

Tamil Nadu: 179 (6 wkts, 20 Ov)

2. Indian men’s volleyball team beat Pakistan to clinch Gold at 13th South Asian Games: The Indian men’s volleyball team defeated Pakistan by 3-1 in finals at the South Asian Games 2019 to win gold. The bronze medal went to Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, in the women’s final, Indian team beat hosts Nepal 3-2 to clinch the gold. Here also Sri Lanka won bronze. South Asian Games 2019 is being held in Kathmandu, Nepal from December 1-10, 2019.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Tony Joseph wins 2019 Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize: English author Tony Joseph has won the 12th ‘Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize’. He was awarded for his 2018 book, “Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From“. The book tells the tale of the people of South Asia through research in six disciplines, including path-breaking new DNA evidence. The award was instituted in 2008 and it carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh along with a trophy. Last year, the prize was awarded to Sujatha Gidla for her Ants Among Elephants: An Untouchable Family And The Making Of Modern India.

DEFENCE

1. Defence Minister addresses Armed Forces Flag Day-CSR Conclave: Defence Minister addresses the Armed Forces Flag Day-CSR Conclave in New Delhi. He has expressed confidence that the corporate sector will contribute generously to the welfare of ex-servicemen. He said common people had generously contributed to ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ Fund for the bereaved families of soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty. ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ Fund was established with the help of the corporate sector that assisted the families of martyred Central Armed Police Forces personnel. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conclave was a unique initiative of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence to create awareness about the challenges faced by the Ex-Servicemen and how the corporate sector can play an important part in their resettlement and rehabilitation.

Note: Defence Minister of India: Rajnath Singh.

                                                

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran actor Shelley Morrison passes away: Former Hollywood actress Shelley Morrison (83-years) passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She had a long 50-year career and was best known for playing a memorable maid from El Salvador, in the original run of “Will and Grace” from 1999 to 2006, becoming part of a cast that won a Screen Actors Guild award for best ensemble in a comedy series.

Daily GK Updates - 2nd December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nagaland CM inaugurates Multi Media Exhibition: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is organising a “Multi Media Exhibition” at World War II museum, Kisama in Nagaland. It has been organised to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The event aims to present Gandhian values and principles both to the people and through the people in contemporary idiom. During the event, late Natwar Thakkar was also remembered. Lt. Thakkar, is popularly known as Nagaland’s Gandhi, and has invoked on Gandhiji’s values and principles during his lifetime. He had worked tirelessly for the poor and people affected with disability. He was also awarded the Padma Shri in 1999.

Note: Nagaland CM: Neiphiu Rio, Governor: Shri R. N. Ravi.

2. Govt launches drive to enroll 1 cr beneficiaries under two pension schemes: The government has launched a drive to enroll one crore beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) and the National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self Employed Persons (NPS-Traders) by March next year. Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar launched the drive to mark the celebrations of Pension week. Stating that both the schemes are simple and hassle-free, an Aadhaar card number along with a savings bank account or Jan-Dhan account are needed for enrollments.

3. 35th anniversary of Bhopal gas tragedy being observed: National Pollution Control Day (NPCD) is observed every year on 2nd December (India) in the memory of those who have lost their lives in the Bhopal Gas tragedy on 2nd December 1984. The main objective is to make people aware, spread awareness in the industries that cause various pollution like water, air, soil, noise and affect the environment and obviously health. Several hundred people were killed, and scores of people were maimed for life when the Methyl Isocyanate gas was leaked from the pesticide plant of Union Carbide.

4. PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds the talk with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The Swedish King and Queen Silvia arrived in New Delhi on a five-day visit to India. The Swedish King is leading a high-level business delegation for engagements with Indian counterparts. Several agreements on furthering bilateral engagement are likely to be signed between the two countries. India and Sweden have a bilateral trade turnover of 3.37 billion dollars and cumulative investments of about 2.5 billion dollars.

Capital: Stockholm; Currency: Swedish krona

5. India becomes the first country to make entire Haj process digital: India has become the first country to make the entire process for pilgrims going on Haj completely digital. This came after the minister signed the bilateral agreement for the pilgrimage with the Saudi Haj Minister in Jeddah. Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi signed the bilateral annual Haj 2020 agreement between India and Saudi Arabia with Haj and Umrah Minister of Saudi Arabia. An online application, e-visa, Haj mobile app, ‘e-MASIHA’ health facility, “e-luggage pre-tagging” providing all information in India itself regarding accommodation and transportation in Mecca and Madina will be provided to 2 lakh Indian Muslims going for Haj in 2020. This year, a 100-line information centre has been established at the Haj House, Mumbai for providing information regarding the entire Haj process.

Note: The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.

6. Nana Patole elected as Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly: Congress leader Nana Patole has been elected as the Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Kisan Kathore withdrew his nomination. Maharashtra BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis was named Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UN Climate Change Conference begins in Spain from Dec 2- 13: UN Climate Change Conference (known as COP25) gets underway in the Spanish capital, Madrid, under the Presidency of Chile. COP 25 is an important conference as countries prepare to move from the pre-2020 period under the Kyoto Protocol to the post-2020 period under the Paris Agreement. India's approach will be guided by principles and provisions of UNFCCC and Paris Agreement particularly the principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capability (CBDR-RC). India has been leading the world in its pursuit of enhanced solar energy capacity through International Solar Alliance (ISA). The Indian delegation led by Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar.

2. Saudi Arabia takes over G20 Presidency from Japan: The G20 Presidency has been taken over by Saudi Arabia from Japan. Saudi Arabia has become the 1st Arab nation to assume the G20 presidency. The Saudi G20 presidency is committed to continue the work from Osaka (Japan) and promote the multilateral consensus. The G20 presidency, which Saudi Arabia has taken over from Japan, will host world leaders for a global summit in its capital Riyadh in 2020.

3. India Ranks 12th among 61 nations in 2019 Global Diplomacy Index: China has overtaken United States in 2019 Global Diplomacy Index, for having more diplomatic posts across the world than any other country, as per the Australian think tank Lowy Institute. According to the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, China has 276 embassies and consulates worldwide, which is three more than the US. India is 12th among the 61 countries with 186 embassies and consulates worldwide. United States (273), France (267), Japan (247), and Russia (242) makes the top five nations in the index.

4. National University of Singapore tops QS World University Asia Rankings 2020: The National University of Singapore has been named Asia’s best university in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Asia Rankings 2020. From India, IIT Bombay is the top-ranked institute at 34th rank. IIT-Delhi (IIT-D) dis ranked at 43. India has 96 universities ranked. Nanyang Technological University is on second and the University of Hong Kong is on third.

5. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: 2 December: The United Nations observes International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on 2nd of December every year. The Day was first celebrated in 1986. The day focuses on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) more than 40 million people worldwide are victims of modern slavery. Also, more than 150 million children are subject to child labour, accounting for almost one in ten children around the world.

Note: The Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others was approved by the United Nations General Assembly on December 2, 1949.

Headquarters of United Nations: New York, USA; Founded: 24 October 1945; Secretary-General of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. 13th South Asian Games Kicked Off in Nepal: The 13th edition of South Asian Games has officially kicked off after the opening ceremony at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal. The President of Nepal Bidhya Devi Bhandari declared the Games open at the three-hour programme, which showcases the rich culture and diversity of Nepal at the newly reconstructed stadium. Nepal is hosting the regional sporting extravaganza for the third time from 01st to 10th December 2019 in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Janakpur.

2. Gurpreet Singh & Sunil Kumar clinch gold medals in Senior National C'ships: Gurpreet Singh & Sunil Kumar clinched gold medals at the senior national wrestling championships in Jalandhar. Gurpreet defeated Sajan Bhanwal by a 3-1 margin, in the 77-kilogram category. Sunil also managed an easy win over Punjab's Prabhal. The Railway's grappler used all his experience to crush the Punjab wrestler 5-1 in the 87 kg final. In the 55 kg category, Arjun, representing Services, won against Ajay by technical superiority. Punjab's Harpreet Singh (the Asian Games silver medallist) defeated Rajbir Chhikara of Railways 4-1 in the 82 kg category final. Railways finished on the top with 210 points ahead of Services (170 points) and Jharkhand (109 points).

3. Senior Wrestling National C'ships: Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik clinch gold: Star wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik registered convincing wins in the finals to claim gold medals at the Senior Wrestling National Championships in Jalandhar. Phogat beat Haryana’s Anju 7-3 in the 55kg category. Olympic bronze medallist Malik defeated Radhika (Haryana) 4-2 in the 62kg category. In the 68kg category, Haryana wrestler Anita Sheoran stunned Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Divya Kakran. Punjab’s Gursharan Kaur claimed the title in the 76kg category, with a 4-2 win over Pooja of Haryana. In the 50kg category, Meerut's Sheetal Tomar dominated Nirmala to post a 7-3 win.

4. Priyam Garg to lead India at ICC U-19 World Cup 2020: Uttar Pradesh batsman Priyam Garg (19-year) will lead defending champions India in next year's Under-19 ICC Cricket World Cup (13th edition) to be held in South Africa (17th January to 9th February 2020). India (defending champions) are placed in Group 'A' with first-time qualifier Japan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Sixteen teams will be taking part in the tournament, split into four groups of four. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super League stage, with the bottom two teams in each group progressing to the Plate League.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Former RBI deputy governor H R Khan to head micro-finance panel CRL: Shri. H R Khan has been appointed as the first chairman of the steering committee of the Code for Responsible Lending (CRL) in micro-credit. HR Khan is a Former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) and Sa-Dhan had jointly unveiled the ‘Code for Responsible Lending’ (CRL) for the micro-credit industry in September 2019. Members of the steering committee include Harsh Shrivastava of MFIN, P Satish of Sa-Dhan, Srinivas Bonam of IndusInd Bank and Sonia Krishnankutty of L&T Finance among others. A common ‘Code for Responsible Lending’ will restrict more than three lenders offering loans to a single borrower and cap the size of total lending to Rs 1 lakh per borrower.

DEFENCE

1. India-Sri Lanka joint exercise “MITRA SHAKTI” begins: The 7th edition of India-Sri Lanka joint exercise “MITRA SHAKTI” begins at Aundh Military Station, Pune. It aims to build and promote positive relations between armies of both the countries focusing subunit level training on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the urban and rural environment. It is conducted annually as part of military diplomacy and interaction between armies of two nations.

 

Daily GK Updates - 1st December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0 launched across the country: The Union Government has launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 2.0 across the country. The government's flagship scheme is aimed at immunizing children under the age of 2 years and pregnant women against eight vaccine-preventable diseases. The Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) covers vaccines for diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, measles, meningitis and Hepatitis B. Vaccines for Japanese encephalitis and Hemophilus influenzal are also being provided in selected areas. The IMI 2.0 aims to achieve targets of full immunization coverage in 272 districts spread over 27 States between December 2019 and March 2020.

Note: In October 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the IMI. The IMI was built on Mission Indradhanush, using additional strategies to reach populations at high risk, by involving sectors other than health. It was an effort to shift routine immunization into a peoples movement.

2. MMTC to import 11000 MT of Onions from Turkey: Public sector trading firm MMTC has ordered import of 11,000 metric tonnes of onions from Turkey. This has been done on the directions of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The decision has been taken to moderate the rising prices of onion across the nation.

3: Nagaland celebrates 57th formation Day: 1st December: Nagaland state celebrated its 57th formation day. On 1st December 1963, Nagaland became the 16th state of India.

Note: The Nagaland state shares its borders with the state of Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh to the North, Manipur to the South and Burma to the east. The key economic activity of the state is agriculture and the main crops include – rice, corn, millets, pulses, oilseeds, etc.

Governor: RN Ravi; Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio; Capital: Kohima

4. 20th Edition of Hornbill Festival begins in Nagaland on December 1: The annual Hornbill Festival, also known as the Festival of Festivals, began at Naga Heritage Kisama in Nagaland on December 1, 2019. The 2019 marks the 20th Edition of the 10-days Hornbill Festival. Nagaland’s Governor R N Ravi was the chief host and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was the host at the openeing ceremony of the feastival. Cultural troupes from Thailand and Hungary will also perform at the festival.

5. Soma Roy Burman takes charge as new Controller General of Accounts: Soma Roy Burman (1986-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service officer) took charge as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure with effect from December 1, 2019. She is the 24th CGA and the 7th woman to hold this coveted position. She took over from J P S Chawla. Earlier, Burman served as Additional Controller General of Accounts in the office of the CGA.

Note: The Controller General of Accounts (CGA), is the Principal Accounting Adviser to Government of India and is responsible for establishing and maintaining a technically sound Management Accounting System.

6. Shri Hari Mohan Appointed as Chairman of Ordnance Factory Board: Shri Hari Mohan, a 1982-batch Indian Ordnance Factories’ Service (I.O.F.S.) officer, has taken over the charge as Chairman of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) on December 01, 2019. He succeeds Shri Saurabh Kumar who superannuated from the services.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Iraq Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi Resigns: Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has submitted his resignation to Parliament amid ongoing anti-government protests across the country. The formal resignation came after an emergency cabinet session in which ministers approved the document and the resignation of key staffers, including Abdul Mahdi’s chief of staff. The Iraqi protesters demand the overhaul of a political system which they say is corrupt and keeps them in poverty and without opportunity.

Note: Iraq Capital: Baghdad; Currency: Iraqi dinar; President: Barham Salih

2. India’s Pavilion inaugurated at International Book Fair in Mexico: Minister of State for Human Resource Development Sanjay Dhotre inaugurated the India Pavilion at International Book Fair in Guadaljara, Mexico. India is the ‘Guest of Honour Country’ in book fair and becomes the first Asian country to participate as ‘Guest of Honour’ in the Fair. This fair is the biggest book fair in the Spanish-speaking world.

3. Mukesh Ambani becomes 9th richest person in the world: As per the Forbes ‘The Real-Time Billionaires List’, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani has become the 9th richest person across the globe, having net worth of $60.6 billion. He was ranked at 13th position with $50 billion wealth in March 2019 and made a gain of over $10 billion in just eight months to be placed at 9th position. This progress comes as Reliance Industries, the country’s most valued firm, became the first Indian company to touch Rs 10 lakh crore market capitalisation (m-cap). Ambani has overtaken Google’s Larry Page ($59.6 bn), Michael Bloomberg ($54.7 bn), Charles Koch ($42.8 bn) and David Koch ($42.8 bn).

Top 5 wealthiest person in the list are:

Jeff Bezos – Amazon ($112 billion)

Bernard Arnault & family – LVMH ($107.2 billion)

Bill Gates – Microsoft ($107.1 bn)

Warren Buffett –  Berkshire Hathaway ($86.9 billion)

Mark Zuckerberg – Facebook ($74.9 billion)

4. World AIDS Day: 1 December: World Aids Day is being celebrated every year on 1st December since 1988 to raise public awareness about Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This year, the theme is "Communities Make the Difference". It is a pandemic disease caused due to the infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The Union Government has developed a seven-year National Strategic Plan from 2017 to 2024 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju Launch 3rd Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati: The launching ceremony of the Composite Logo, Mascot, Jersey and Theme song of the third edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2020 took place at Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium, Sarusajai, Guwahti, Assam on November 30, 2019. The event was jointly inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Sarbanada Sonowal in the presence of Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports. The 2020 Games will be held from 10 January 2020 to 22 January 2020. It will be conducted in partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), School Games Federation of India (SGFI), and Assam as the host State. The event will be held in 20 disciplines with the participation of 37 States and Union Territories. Cycling and Lawn Bowls are the new games that have been added to the list of competing sport events this year.

Note: The inaugural edition of the event was held in New Delhi in 2018, while Pune hosted the 2nd edition in 2019.

2. Sourabh Verma loses to Wang Tzu Wei in men’s singles final of 2019 Syed Modi International Badminton Championships: In badminton, India’s Sourabh Verma lost to Chinese Taipei’s Wang Tzu Wei in the men’s singles final, 21-15, 21-17, to settle for silver at 2019 Syed Modi International Badminton Championships in Lucknow. The 26-year-old World No. 36 Verma was the only Indian shuttler to reach the finals of the competition.

List of Winners

Men’s Singles – Wang Tzu-wei

Women’s Single – Carolina Marín

Men’s Double – He Jiting and Tan Qiang

Women’s Double – Baek Ha-na and Jung Kyung-eun

Mixed Doubles – Rodion Alimov and Alina Davletova

3. Lewis Hamilton wins Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: The Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has won the 2019 Formula 1 season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held on December 1, 2019. He has claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races of this year. With this Lewis Hamilton successfully defended the World Drivers’ Championship title for the second year running and sixth world drivers’ title overall. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished runner-up while Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc came third.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Government to Merge 3 UP RRBs to form Baroda UP Bank: The Ministry of Finance has decided to amalgamate three regional rural public sector banks  of Uttar Pradesh namely Baroda Uttar Pradesh Grameen Bank, Kashi Gomti Samyut Gramin Bank and Purvanchal Bank into a single regional rural bank. These banks will be amalgamated on April 1, 2020 and will be called Baroda UP Bank. The Bank of Baroda will sponsor the new Baroda UP Bank and will be headquartered at Gorakhpur. Currently, Bank of Baroda is the sponsor of Baroda Uttar Pradesh Grameen Bank, Union Bank of India is the sponsor of Kashi Gomti Samyut Gramin Bank and State Bank of India is the sponsor of Purvanchal Bank.

DEFENCE

1. Border Security Force celebrates its 55th raising day: 1 December: The Border Security Force (BSF) celebrated its 55th formation day on 1st December 2019. The ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State Affairs Nityanand Rai at BSF headquarters in New Delhi. India's Border Security Force (First Line of Defence of Indian Territories) was formed on 1st December 1965, after the Indo-Pak and India-China wars. With 186 battalions and over 2.57 lakhs military personnel, the BSF is the largest border security unit in the world.

Note: BSF Jawans have lived up to their motto of Duty Unto Death; Director-General of BSF: V K Johri; Headquarter: New Delhi.

2. Joint Military Training (JMT) between India and Singapore held in West Bengal: The 10th edition of joint military training (JMT) between Indian Air Force (IAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is being held at Kalaikunda Air Force Station, West Bengal from Oct 31 to Dec 12. Sea training component has been introduced for the first time in the joint military training (JMT). The Training aims to improve the operational skills of the two Forces and enhance interoperability through drills such as air combat and mission-oriented training.

3. Joint military exercise ‘SURYA KIRAN – XIV’ between India and Nepal will be conducted in Nepal: Joint military exercise ‘SURYA KIRAN – XIV’ between India and Nepal will be conducted at Salijhandi, Rupendehi district of Nepal from 03 to 16 December 2019. The exercise will comprise of 300 soldiers from both Indian and Nepal Army who would be sharing their experience in conduct of various counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations as also various humanitarian assistance missions by both the Armies. Exercise SURYA KIRAN - XIV is an annual event which is conducted alternatively in Nepal and India.

 

Daily GK Updates - 30th November, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Central Govt extends deadline for FASTags to 15th December: The Transport Ministry has extended the 01st December deadline for 100% electronic toll collection across National Highways in the country by two weeks (15th December). This comes as the government wants to allow a 15 days’ breather for vehicle owners to switch to FASTags. FASTag is a sticker that has to be put at the front windshield of your vehicle. This sticker becomes the radio frequency identity of your car which is automatically read by the sensors placed at the toll plazas. The Ministry also said NHAI FASTag will continue to be provided free of cost till 15th December.

Note: Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Nitin Jairam Gadkari

2. EC recognizes JJP as state party of Haryana: The Election Commission has recognized the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) as a State Party of Haryana. Currently, It was a registered unrecognized party in the state. In a letter to the JJP, the Commission said, it has alloted Key Symbol for the party. The decision in this regard was taken based on the poll performance of the party in the recent Assembly elections in Haryana.

3. Hallmarking to be mandatory for gold jewellery from 2021: According to Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, Hallmarking for Gold jewellery and artefacts will be mandatory from 15th January 2021. He said, Notification in this regard will be issued by 15 of January next year Jewellers and Retailers will get one-year time for clearing their old or existing stock. More than 26 thousand jewellers have taken the Bureau of Indian Standards, BIS (Hallmarking) registration till now. If anyone is found violating the set rules after 15th January 2021, they may attract a fine of minimum one lakh rupees or five times the value of the items or a jail term of one year.

4. UNDP launched Accelerator Lab in India to tackle pollution: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched Accelerator Lab in India to address the pollution in the country through innovation. The project was launched in collaboration with the government’s Atal Innovation Mission and the laboratory will be housed in the UNDP India office. Along with pollution other issues that the laboratory will seek to address include sustainable water management and client-resilient livelihoods. The UNDP India after the launch of the Accelerator Labs also organised a #DateForDevelopment. It is one-of-a-kind "matchmaking platform" aimed at connecting local innovators with development practitioners.

Note: The Accelerator Lab is an innovative new initiative by the UNDP, Germany and Qatar, to find 21st-century solutions to today's complex new challenges. The Accelerator Labs located in various developed countries, including Iraq, Jordan, Argentina, Colombia, Serbia, Nepal, Mexico and Vietnam. The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations' global development network.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi announces 400 million-dollar line of credit to Sri Lanka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a 400 million-dollar Line of Credit of to Sri Lanka to boost the island nation's development. PM Modi said India will also extend a 50 million dollars Line of Credit to Sri Lanka to fight terrorism. India gives priority to its relations with Sri Lanka under its Neighbourhood First' Policy. This is Mr Gotabaya's first overseas visit since assuming office. The Sri Lankan President said in his statement that the discussions were cordial and reassuring and a major focus area of the deliberations was on security cooperation.

Note: Capitals: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte; Currency: Sri Lankan rupee; Prime minister: Mahinda Rajapaksa

2. India to set up 12 hi-tech parks in Bangladesh: India will set up 12 hi-tech parks in Bangladesh at a cost of USD 193 million. According to High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, these hi-tech parks will provide training to 30,000 youth of Bangladesh as skilled IT professionals. She also inaugurated Swami Vivekananda Bhawan at Rangpur which houses a Computer Center, Charitable Medical Centre, Coaching centre and student's home.

3. Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare: 30 November: The Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention decided that a memorial Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare would be observed on 30 November each year. This commemoration provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare, as well as to reaffirm the commitment of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to the elimination of the threat of chemical weapons.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Australian Steve Smith becomes fastest Cricketer to reach 7,000 Test runs: Steve Smith became the fastest crickter to score 7,000 Test runs, shattering a record that had stood since 1946, while moving past Donald Bradman to become Australia’s 11th highest scorer. The 30-year-old took a single off Muhammad Musa during the second Test against Pakistan in Adelaide to reach the milestone and take possession of a record held for 73 years by English great Wally Hammond. Hammond reached the mark in 131 innings, while Smith, who played his first Test nine years ago, made the grade in his 126th. India’s Virender Sehwag is the third fastest in 134 innings.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI Imposes Rs 1.50 crore penalty on Corporation Bank: i. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.50 crore on Corporation Bank for non-compliance with certain provisions of directions issued by RBI. The penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in the RBI under the provisions of Section 47 A (1) (c) read with Section 46 (4) (i) and 51 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. This action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Corporation Bank: PV Bharathi; Headquarter: Mangalore.

2. Aditya Birla Finance becomes first NBFC to list commercial paper on bourses: Non-bank lender Aditya Birla Finance became the first company to list its commercial papers borrowing of Rs 100 crore on the bourses. The Kumarmangalam Birla-led company listed its CPs on NSE with a value date of November 28, 2019 and maturity date on February 7, 2020 on BSE and NSE, both the bourses. ABFL is a diversified non-banking finance company (NBFC) with a long-term credit rating of AAA (Stable) from both Icra as well as India Ratings.

Note: CP is an unsecured money market instrument issued in the form of promissory notes. It can be issued for maturities between a minimum of 7 days and a maximum of up to one year from the date of issue. CP is usually issued at a discount from face value and reflects prevailing market interest rates.

3. India’s GDP growth further dips to 4.5% in July-Sept: India’s GDP growth hit an over six-year low of 4.5 percent in July-September 2019, dragged mainly by deceleration in manufacturing output and subdued farm sector activity. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was recorded at 7 percent in the corresponding quarter of FY 2018-19. In the previous quarter of the ongoing fiscal, the economic growth was 5 percent. This GDP growth data for the September 2019 quarter is the lowest since January-March of 2012-13, when it was registered at 4.3 per cent.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Noted Malayalam poet Akkitham wins Jnanpith Award 2019: Noted Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboodiri (known as ‘Akkitham’- 93 years) has been declared the recipient of the 55th Jnanpith Award (country’s highest literary honour) for the year 2019. His work includes Irupatham Noottandinte Ithihasam, or the legend of the 20th century, which is considered to have brought modernism into Malayalam poetry. Akkitham is the 6th Malayalam writer to be conferred this award. Akkitham Achuthan Namboodiri is the recipient of the Padma Shri (in 2017), Kerala Sahitya Academy Award (in 1971), the Sahitya Academy Award (in 1973), and the Vayalar Award i(n 2012). Writer Amitav Ghosh was the recipient of Jnanpith Award in 2018.

Note: The Jnanpith Award is an Indian literary award presented annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to an author for their 'outstanding contribution towards literature'. The award was given to the authors for their most outstanding work and consisted of a citation plaque, a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh and a bronze replica of ‘Saraswati’.

DEFENCE

1. Indian Navy commissions’ sixth Dornier aircraft squadron: The sixth Dornier aircraft squadron ‘Indian Naval Air Squadron 314’ has been commissioned at Naval Air Enclave- Porbandar on Gujarat coast. Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral M S Pawar was the chief guest on this occasion. According to Defense Sources, the INAS 314 derives its name Raptors from the Bird of Prey family. This squadron will operate the Dornier aircraft, a multi-role SRMR aircraft, with twin turboprop engine manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, Kanpur. The aircraft can be used for electronic warfare missions, maritime surveillance, search and rescue and to provide targeting data to weapon platform.

2. India, Japan hold Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi: India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue started in New Delhi. Rajnath Singh (Defence Minister) and Dr. S. Jaishankar (External Affairs Minister) will head the Indian delegation, while the Japanese delegation will be led by Toshimitsu Motegi (Foreign Affairs Minister) and Mr. Taro K (Minister of Defence). The meeting would provide an opportunity for the two sides to further strengthening defence and security cooperation to provide greater depth to the ‘India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership’. The two sides will also exchange views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and their efforts for achieving their shared objective of peace, prosperity and progress for a better future for the people of the two countries and the region.

OBITUARIES

1. Japan Former PM Yasuhiro Nakasone passes away: Yasuhiro Nakasone (101-years), one of the longest-reigning Prime Ministers and known for his friendship with Ronald Reagan passed away at a Tokyo hospital. Nakasone (Prime Minister from 1982 to 1987) shared the world stage with Reagan and Margaret Thatcher while battling with bureaucrats over domestic reforms. Nakasone also broke an unwritten rule on limiting the annual defence budget to 1% of Gross National Product. In 1983, he became the first Japanese Premier to officially visit South Korea, mending fences with a country that Japan had brutally colonized from 1910 to 1945.

Note: Shinzo Abe is the Current Prime Minister of Japan: Shinzo Abe; Currency: Yen.