Daily GK Updates - 8th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. J&K has registered highest IPD care in the country: As per the report released by the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), Jammu and Kashmir has registered the highest Inpatient Department, IPD care in the country. As per the report, the 96 percent IPD care in rural areas of J&K is provided by Public Health Facilities which is highest against the country’s average of 85 percent. In 2016, Jammu and Kashmir had surpassed Kerala as the state with the highest life expectancy in India for all ages, barring life expectancy at birth.

Note: Lieutenant (Lt) Governors of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K): Girish Chandra Murmu.

2. Himachal Pradesh launches “Himachal MyGov” portal & “CM App”: The Himachal Pradesh Government has introduced a portal “Himachal MyGov” and become 11th state in India to have this facility. The portal aims to boost public participation in the governance process. With the help of portal, public will be able to communicate their views, suggestions, feedback as well discontentment to the state government. This will help the government to formulate policies and programs and make them more effective and result oriented. State also launched “CM App” which is a platform through which people of the state can write directly to the Chief Minister regarding their complaints.

Note: Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh: Jai Ram Thakur; Governor: Bandaru Dattatraya.

3. International Kite Festival 2020 begins in Gujarat: The 31st International Kite Festival has been launched at Sabarmati river front in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. As a part of the official celebration of 'Uttarayan' or 'Makar Sankranti', Ahmedabad has been hosting the International Kite Festival since 1989. A large number of kite artists from across the world are participating in the festival to exhibit their skills. The festival is also taking place at nine other places across the state including Statue of Unity-Kevadiya, Surat and Vadodara. The festival will continue till January 13 at Sabarmati Riverfront.

Note: Chief Minister of Gujarat: Vijay Rupani; Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat.

4. 4th ‘Buxa Bird Festival’ kicks off in West Bengal: The 4th edition of ‘Buxa Bird Festival’ has started in Buxa National Park in West Bengal’s, district Alipurduar. Over 50 birdwatchers from across the country and abroad have registered for the 2020 edition of the four-day festival. More than 300 rare species including the Great Hornbill, Sultan Tit and Greater Spotted Eagle visit the national park during this period. Bird enthusiasts watch and click photographs of the migratory birds that come from colder regions in the northern hemisphere.

Note: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar; CM: Mamta Banerjee.

5. Vikram Sarabhai Children Innovation Center to be set up in Gujarat: The Gujarat government has announced to set up Vikram Sarabhai Children Innovation Center (VSCIC) in Gandhinagar. Vikram Sarabhai Children Innovation Center (VSCIC) will identify, nurture and promote children’s innovation in the state. Announcement was made by CM Vijay Rupani during Children’s Innovation Festival (CIF) in Gandhinagar.

Note: Children’s Innovation Festival has been organized by Gujarat University Start-ups and Entrepreneurship Council (GUSEC). It is an incubation centre set up by Gujarat University in partnership with UNICEF. CIF initiative was conceptualized to identify, nurture and support children’s innovations in the state.

Chief Minister of Gujarat: Vijay Rupani; Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat.

6. High-Level Committee Approved Rs 5,908 Crore To 7 States as Relief for Damages by Disasters in 2019: The Central government has approved the release of Rs. 5,908.56 crore to seven states as assistance for the damage caused due to various disasters in 2019. The states, include Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tripura. The decision was taken at a meeting of a high-level committee (HLC), chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The relief amount is given under the additional central assistance to seven states from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) in a High-Level Committee meeting in New Delhi. Earlier, the central government has released interim financial assistance of Rs 3,200 crore to four states – Rs 1,200 crore to Karnataka, Rs 1,000 crore to Madhya Pradesh, Rs 600 crore to Maharashtra and Rs 400 crore to Bihar.

7. Book titled ‘Karmayoddha Granth’ on Life of PM released: Union Home Minister released a book ‘Karmayoddha Granth’ on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Home Minister addressed the gathering at the launch and said that the qualities of a Karmayoddha such as a beautiful heart for people, a statesman, a hard taskmaster, an able administrator and an ideal leader who leads by example, are represented by Narendra Modi.

Note: Union Home Minister: Amit Shah.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UAE Cabinet validates Multi-entry Tourist Visa valid for 5 years: The UAE Cabinet has validated the Multi-entry Tourist Visa which would be valid for 5 years. The Multi-entry Tourist Visa facility would be available for all nationalities visiting the UAE. The decision was taken in the UAE’s Cabinet meeting which was held at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. The decision has been made to boost the UAE’s tourism economy. It also aims to stabilise UAE’s position as a global tourist destination. “Visa waiver” for Mexican citizens visiting the UAE was also introduced during the meeting. The above decisions taken during the meeting will be made effective during the first quarter of 2020.

Note: President of UAE: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Capital of UAE: Abu Dhabi; Currency: United Arab Emirates dirham.

2. Indian High Commission organizes “Art Exhibition” in Bangladesh: The Indian High Commission has organized the “Art Exhibition” in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The “Art Exhibition” has been organized to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The art exhibition constituted unique photographs of Mahatma Gandhi from his initial days in South Africa to numerous movements he participated in India.

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

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. World Cup winner Italian Daniele De Rossi retires from football: The 37-year-old Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi announced his decision to retire from football in order to spend more time with his family. Daniele De Rossi earned 117 caps for Italy at the senior level, winning the FIFA World Cup in 2006. He came through the youth ranks at Roma and made his debut for the Serie A side in 2001. In an 18-year of his career, he made 616 appearances and scored 63 goals, winning two Coppa Italia titles.

Note: Capital of Italy: Rome; Currency: Euro; President: Sergio Mattarella; Prime Minister: Giuseppe Conte.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. 2 Indian banks to end their operations in Sri Lanka: Two Indian banks, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank decided to end their operations in Sri Lanka. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has permitted these two Indian banks to close their operations in the island nation. The licenses issued to them will be canceled once the winding-up operations are complete. The two banks are no longer permitted to carry on banking operations, including accepting deposits from the public in Sri Lanka.

Note: Sri Lanka Capitals: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte; Currency: Sri Lankan rupee; Prime minister: Mahinda Rajapaksa.

2. RBI allows to offer 24×7 rupee trading via select banks: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has enabled select banks in India to offer round-the-clock (24×7) trading in the Indian rupee to allow Indians to safeguard their foreign exchange (Forex) risks at any time. The select banks in India offered Indian customers foreign exchange rates only in inter-bank market hours from 9 am- 5 pm. This decision will also make the offshore currency markets in countries like Dubai & Singapore less attractive for Indian investors.

Note: RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikant Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. NSO projects India’s GDP growth rate for 2019-20 at 5%: According to the first advance estimates released by the National Statistics Office, India’s GDP growth during fiscal 2019-20 is expected at 5% as compared to 6.8% in the previous year. The estimated growth of real Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2019-20 is 4.9% as against 6.6% in 2018-19. The per capita income in real terms (at 2011-12 prices) during 2019-20 is likely to attain a level of ₹96,563 as compared to ₹92,565 for the year 2018-19. The growth rate in per capita income is estimated at 4.3% during 2019-20, as against 5.6% in the previous year.

Note: The Reserve Bank of India in its December policy had also revised GDP growth downwards to 5% for 2019-20 from 6.1% in its October policy.

DEFENCE

1. Indian Navy Launched Maha-Navy Connect 2020: A Tri-Dimensional Expedition: Indian Navy has launched an expedition ‘Maha-Navy Connect 2020: A Tri-Dimensional Expedition’, to promote the maritime heritage of India and spread awareness about Coastal Security amongst the coastal communities in the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai Maharashtra. The Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command flagged off the tri-dimensional expedition consisting of yachting, running and cycling teams of 50 naval personnel along three different axes. The expedition extends from Arnala fort, Northernmost fort of Maharashtra to Sindhudurg fort, the southernmost fort of Maharashtra, covering more than 555 km. The expedition will be held until January 11

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

Daily GK Updates - 7th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Kochi to host Global Investors Meet: ASCEND 2020: Kochi, Kerala will host the Global Investors Meet: ASCEND 2020. ASCEND 2020 will showcase 18 mega projects with over Rs 100 crore investment each and offering direct employment to over 9,000 people. The projects include: Kochi-to-Palakkad integrated manufacturing cluster, an electronic hardware park in Ernakulam district, integrated solid-waste management systems in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Malappuram, a medium density fibreboard plant in Perumbavoor and a defence park at Ottappalam, and many other projects. The meet will be organised by the Industries Department. The Invest Kerala Portal: “invest.kerala.gov.in” will also be showcased at the meet.

Note: Chief Minister of Kerala: Pinarayi Vijayan; Governor: Arif Mohammed Khan.

2. 2nd phase of Mission Indradhanush-2 begins: The 2nd phase of Mission Indradhanush 2.0 rolled out at block level in 35 districts of Uttar Pradesh. The aim of the program launched by the central government in 2017 is to achieve 90% vaccination coverage in children of less than 2 years in the state. Under the program around 66 thousand sessions will be organized for vaccination of more than 5.5 lakh children and around 1.3 lakh pregnant women of the state. The focus of immunization is on urban, underserved population and tribal areas. Intensified Mission Indradhanush will be conducted till March 2020.

Note: UP Present CM: Yogi Adityanath; Governor of UP: Anandiben Patel.

3. Ex-CRPF DG Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar appointed as Advisor to J&K LG: Former Director-General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar has been appointed as Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. With this, the Lieutenant Governor of J&K Union Territory will have three Advisors. The other two Advisors: KK Sharma and Farooq Khan were appointed on November 14, 2019.

Note: Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir: Girish Chandra Murmu.

4. ISRO to set up Human Space Flight Centre in Challakere: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has proposed Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) at Challakere in Chitradurga district of Karnataka. The facility is expected to become operational in 3 years. For this ISRO has proposed 2,700 crores of the infrastructure plan to construct the facility that will become operational in three years. The center aims is to provide training astronauts within the country, which is currently being provided by Russia. Currently, HSP work is split in Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram and the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. Apart from all this work, Challakere will also host work related to crew and service modules of the spacecraft that carries the astronauts and up to mission control. The centre aims at bringing in all the features that are provided by Russia and begin training astronauts within the country.

Note: Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft that is intended to send 3 astronauts to space for a minimum of seven days by 2022. If India’s Gaganyaan mission is successful, it will become the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to send humans to space.

ISRO Chairman: K. Sivan; Headquarters: Bengaluru; Established: 1969.

5. Uttar Pradesh becomes 1st state to shortlist migrants for citizenship: Uttar Pradesh is all set to become the first state in the country to start the exercise of shortlisting migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, eligible for citizenship under the new Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The exercise will also identify those who are living illegally in the state. All 75 district magistrates have been asked to track down migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who have settled here for decades, without citizenship.

Note: Uttar Pradesh becomes Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath; Governor: Anandiben Patel

6. Room ACs to have default temperature setting of 24 degrees Celsius : The Centre has made mandatory the default temperature settings for room air conditioners, of all makes and types, from January 1, which had been formed after consulting with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The 24-degree Celsius default setting has been made mandatory from January 1, 2020, for all room air conditioners covered under the ambit of BEE star-labelling program vide this notification. Additionally, the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) as per the new standards will range from (3.30 - 5.00) for split and (2.70 - 3.50) for window air conditioners, which will be applicable from 1st January 2021 onwards. This would make it mandatory for all brands and types of star labeled ACs to have 24 degrees Celsius as the default temperature from January 1.

7. 5th Global Drosophila Conference held at Pune: The fifth edition of the Asia Pacific Drosophila Research Conference (APDRC5) was held in Pune. The conference was organized in the country for the first time by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER). The last four editions of this conference took place in Taipei, Seoul, Beijing, and Osaka. It is a biennial conference and it aims to promote the interaction of Drosophila researchers in the Asia-Pacific region with their peers in the rest of the world. It brings together scientists from all over the world who use the fruit fly, Drosophila, as a model organism to address basic and applied questions.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. United States officially launches “US Space Force”: United States President Donald Trump has signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. With the signing of the act, US has authorised the establishment of US Space Force. The US Space Force will become the 6th branch of the armed forces. Space Force would become the youngest US military branch, and the first new service since the establishment of the US Air Force back in 1947. The Space Force would be part of the Department of the Air Force. The launch of the Space Force will be funded by an initial $40m for its first year. It will be led by Air Force General Jay Raymond.

Note: President of United States: Donald Trump; Capital: Washington, D.C.

2. India-Russia to sign MoUs on AK-203 assault rifles: The Indian Army is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the procurement of over 7.5 lakh AK-203 assault rifles with Russia. The rifles will be manufactured by the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh. The facility is being set up between the Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) from the Indian side, and Rosoboron Exports and Kalashnikov on the Russian side. The OFB owns 50.5% equity and Russian side holds the remaining 49.5%. The Army has been looking to replace the indigenous INSAS (Indian National Small Arms System) rifles in use with a modern rifle.

Note: President of Russia: Vladimir Putin; Capital: Moscow; Currency: Russian Ruble.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Leo Carter becomes 7th cricketer to hit six 6s in an over: New Zealand‘s batsman Leo Carter has become the seventh batsman in the history of cricket to smash six 6s in an over. He achieved the feat in New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament Super Smash. Representing Canterbury, he smashed Knight’s bowler Anton Devcich for six 6s in the 16th over of the innings. Other 6 players who have achieved the feat are: Gary Sobers (West Indies), Ravi Shastri (India), Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa), Yuvraj Singh (India), Ross Whiteley (England) and Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan). When it comes to T20 cricket, Carter is just the fourth batsman to achieve the feat. Yuvraj is the only batsman to have scored six 6s in an international T20I.

2. India's Magesh Chandran wins Hastings International chess title: Indian Grand Master P Magesh Chandran has won the 95th edition of the prestigious Hastings International Chess Congress in Hastings, England. France's Romain Edouard, who was the only player to end the tournament a half-point behind Chandran, took the second spot. The US-based Chandran posted six wins and secured three draws to take the top spot. The Indian had become a GM in 2006 and moved to the US for higher studies at the University of Texas.

3. Bhubaneswar to host 1st edition of Khelo India University Games: The 1st edition of Khelo India University Games is scheduled to be held at the KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from February 22 to March 1, 2020. The launching ceremony of the event was held in Bhubaneswar on January 06, 2020, where the logo and jersey were unveiled by Union Sports Minister, Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nisank’ and along with the Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik. Khelo India University Games will witness over 4,000 athletes from 100 Universities across India vying for top honours in 17 different disciplines namely archery, athletics, boxing, fencing, judo, swimming, weight-lifting, wrestling, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, rugby and kabaddi.

Note: Odisha Governor: Ganeshi Lal; Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI revises supervisory framework for Urban Co-operative Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has revised its supervisory framework for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs). The revised framework aims to expedite resolution of UCBs experiencing financial stress. The revised framework stipulates the thresholds for various parameters that could trigger a corrective action by the UCBs or a supervisory action by the central bank. A UCB may be placed under supervisory action framework under the following conditions: (1) When its Net Non-Performing Asset (NPA) exceeds 6% of its net advances; (2) When its Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR) falls below 9%; (3) When it incurs losses for two consecutive financial years or has accumulated losses on its balance sheet.

Note: RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikant Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

2. Shivalik Mercantile Co-op. Bank Ltd gets RBI’s approval to become SFB: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted “in-principle” approval to Shivalik Mercantile Co-operative Bank Limited for transition into a Small Finance Bank (SFB). The transition into a SFB will be under the “Scheme on voluntary transition of Urban Co-operative Bank into a Small Finance Bank” issued on September 27, 2018. The “in-principle” approval granted will be valid for 18 months to enable the applicant to comply with the requirements under the Scheme, the Guidelines for ‘on tap’ Licensing of Small Finance Banks in the Private Sector and fulfil other conditions as stipulated by the RBI.

3. Indian Bank sings MoU with WEWA to provide credit: Public sector lender, Indian Bank has signed an MoU with the Women Entrepreneurs Welfare Association (WEWA), Tamil Nadu, to offer training and credit linkage to women members/entrepreneurs of the association for establishing the business. The bank, which has dedicated products specially designed for women customers, will provide loans to WEWA members at special discounted rates. Training will be given to the WEWA members in the INDSETIs (Indian Bank Self Employment Training Institutes) WEWA aims at adding 1,000 members by 2023 and requested the bank to provide the skill training to their members as per the interest and choice of the members.

Note: Indian Bank MD and CEO: Padmaja Chunduru; Headquarters: Chennai

4. Health insurance policy in the name ‘Arogya Sanjeevani’ mandatory for insurance companies: IRDAI: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) has introduced a standard health cover policy that must be offered by all general and standalone health insurers. As per the guidelines issued by the IRDAI, every general and standalone health insurer should offer a standard health product, the Arogya Sanjeevani Policy, with a minimum sum insured of Rs 1 lakh, with the upper limit of Rs 5 lakh. The policy term will be for one year. The Arogya Sanjeevani policy is a first of its kind standard health insurance product that will help easy availability of health insurance. The minimum entry age will be 18 years with lifelong renewability and there is no exit age. The premium under this product will be the same across India, and no geographic location and pricing will be allowed. The insurers will now come up with product filing to the regulator and will have to offer it from April 1, 2020.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Uber ties up with Hyundai to develop electric air taxis: Uber Technologies Inc and automaker Hyundai Motor have teamed up to develop electric air taxis. The partnership aims to make small self-flying cars to ease urban congestion. The team is heading towards a goal of launching Uber Air by 2023 and urban air mobility service in 2028. Hyundai is the first carmaker to join Uber’s air taxi project. Hyundai will produce and deploy the vehicles while Uber will provide aerial ride-share services. Uber has partnered with eight companies for its air taxi project.

DEFENCE

1. CISF to observe 2020 as ‘year of mobility’: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will observe 2020 as the ‘year of mobility’ that will have a special focus on the creation of more residential units and implementation of various welfare measures for the troops. In the year 2020, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will aim at creating an infrastructure for their families. It will also aim at focusing on sports and physical fitness leveraging modern gadgetry. It is essential to equip the forces with modern instruments as the force plays a major role in the security system of the country. They guard civil airports, nuclear power stations, mines, thermal power stations in the private domain as well.

Note: Director-General of CISF: Rajesh Ranjan; CISF established: 1969.

2. Naval Exercise 'Naseem-Al-Bahr' will be conducted in Goa: 12th edition of the Indo-Oman bilateral naval exercise ''Naseem-Al-Bahr' will be conducted in Goa. To participate in it Two ships of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), RNOV Al Rasikh and RNOV Khassab arrived at Mormugao Port on January 06, 2020. Along with these ships, Indian Naval Ships Shubhadra and Beas will also participate in the exercise.Naseem-Al-Bahr' (or sea breeze) naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the RNO, being conducted since 1993.

Note: India and Oman conduct regular biennial exercises between all three services namely army, navy and air force.

”Al Najah” is the army exercise conducted between the countries.

“Ex Eastern Bridge” is the Air Force exercise that is held between the countries.

Daily GK Updates - 6th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Amit Shah lays foundation stone of 220 km Delhi Cycle Walk project: Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of Delhi Cycle Walk project at Tughlakabad in New Delhi to make the city most walkable and environment friendly. The first phase of the Delhi Cycle Walk project will cover 36 kilometre of the whole network of over 220 km. The project will address environmental issues and traffic problem in the city as well as reduce Delhi’s pollution by about 20 percent in addition to supporting PM Modi’s Fit India project. This cycle walk will be based on green strategies and universal accessibility covering abundant forests, dense residential areas and work places in close proximity in the city.

2. India’s Biggest Defence Expo to be held in UP’s Lucknow in February 2020: The Defence Expo- 2020 will be held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh from February 5 to 8, 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the biennial Defence Expo-2020 on February 5. The theme of the 11th edition of expo is ‘India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub’. The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed that Lucknow Defence Expo-2020 will be the biggest, held in India, in terms of participation of exhibitors, the area of the exhibition and the revenue to be earned. Around 925 exhibitors have so far registered for the expo, which will be held in an approximately over 200-acre area. The event will make the state an important destination for defence equipment as well as aerospace manufacturing. Also, 65 MoUs are expected to be signed.

Note: Before this, the Defence Expo in Chennai in 2018 was the biggest which was held over a 80-acre area, with 702 exhibitors. This will be the only second time that the event will be held outside Bengaluru. In 2018, Chennai hosted the show for the first time ever.

3. Dr. Suresh Chandra Sharma appointed as Chairman of National Medical Commission: The chief of Delhi AIIMS’ ENT head-neck surgery department, Professor Suresh Chandra Sharma, was appointed the chairman of National Medical Commission. Health Ministry bureaucrat RK Vats, who has also been Medical Council of India (MCI) Secretary-General, has been named Secretary General of NMC. The appointments were done for a period of three years, or until the officials turn 70, or until orders are issued to reverse the appointments, whichever is earlier.

4. Piyush Goyal Inaugurates NSE’s AI Powered Knowledge Hub in New Delhi: The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry & Railways, Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Knowledge Hub in New Delhi on 06 January 2020. NSE Knowledge Hub is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered learning ecosystem that will assist the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector to enhance their skills in AI and Machine Learning. The Knowledge Hub created by NSE will help academic institutions in preparing future-ready talent for the BFSI sector. The initiative is also available on mobile as state-of-the-art and future-ready platform to bring together world class content and learners.

5. Rajnath Singh Inaugurates National Traders Convention in New Delhi: The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the three-day National Traders Convention at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on 06 January 2020. The convention has been organised by Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). It will deliberate upon various trade-related issues and the future strategy will be decided for their solution. The convention is a pat of the NDA governments’s initiative to protect the interests of traders and to promote ease of doing business.

6. International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems Challenges and Opportunities 2020 to be held in Kochi: The third edition of the International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems Challenges and Opportunities (MECOS-3) will be held in Kochi, Kerala from 7 to 10 January 2020. MECOS3 is being organized by the Marine Biological Association of India (MBAI) at Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi. Eminent marine scientists, oceanographers, fishery researchers and marine biotechnologists from across the globe will take part in the event to discuss on a wide range of topics, including impact of climate crisis in marine ecosystems and unusual warming of the Arabian sea.

7. Journalist Day Observed in Maharashtra on January 6: Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra state celebrates the Journalist Day on January 6th every year in the memory of late journalist Balshastri Jambhekar. Balshastri Jambhekar, is also known as ‘The Father of Marathi Journalism’, for his efforts in starting journalism in Marathi language. The first newspaper in the Marathi language named ‘Darpan’, was published on January 6, 1832, the date which also marks his birth anniversary.

8. PM Modi Launches I-STEM Portal to Link Researchers with Resources: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Indian Science, Technology and Engineering Facilities Map (I-STEM) portal (https://www.istem.gov.in/) at the 107th edition of the Indian Science Congress at Bangalore. The I-STEM Web Portal is the gateway for users to locate the specific facilities they need for their R&D work and identify the one that is either located closest to them or available the soonest. It is a unique One Nation One Research Web Portal for national collaboration among all institutions and private laboratories. The five-day Indian Science Congress will bring together science and technology enthusiasts, from around the world, to talk about the development, innovation and research in scientific fields.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev resigns: North Macedonia's prime minister, Zoran Zaev, handed in his resignation, with a caretaker Cabinet set to assume control in order to organize the country's elections, due to take place on April 12. Lawmakers accepted Zaev's decision without debate. The Balkan nation is still reeling from the European Union's decision not to consider membership talks, as both North Macedonia and Albania were blocked by France, with support from the Netherlands and Denmark, in October last year. French President Emmanuel Macron said the accession process itself must first be reformed before accepting new members. Oliver Spasovski, North Macedonia's interior minister, has been nominated as caretaker prime minister in the wake of Zaev's resignation.

2. UN declares Malala Yousafzai ‘Most Famous Teenager of The Decade’: The United Nations has declared Pakistani education activist and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai as “Most Famous Teenager of The Decade”. The revelation has been made in its ‘Decade in Review’ report. Malala is working towards children’s rights ever since she was a teenager. In recognition of her efforts, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 and also become the yougest recipient of the award.

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

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Adani Ports to buy 75% stake in Krishnapatnam Port: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest private sector port operator, has agreed to buy a 75% stake in Krishnapatnam Port Co. Ltd (KPCL) at an enterprise value of Rs 13,572 crores. The Krishnapatnam Port is located in southern Andhra Pradesh and is a multi-cargo facility. It handled 54 million tonnes (mt) of cargo in the year ended 31 March 2019. The purchase will accelerate Adani Ports’ plan to expand its cargo-handling capacity to 400mt by 2025.

Note: Chairman and Managing Director of APSEZ: Gautam Adani; Director of APSEZ: Karan Adani.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. ‘1917’ is Best Motion Picture (Drama) in ‘Golden Globe Awards 2020’: The 77th Golden Globe Awards, which honor the movies and American Television were distributed on 6th January 2020 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Desi Girl Priyanka Chopra with husband Nick Jonas presented the Golden Globe for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy - to Fleabag. Tom Hanks was honoured with the Cecil B deMille award for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment, while Ellen deGeneres was honoured with the Carol Burnett Award for lifetime achievement in television.

Note: Golden Globe Awards were started in 1944, by the 93 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, in order to give recognition to the excellence in Film and Television. The revenue, which is generated from this annual ceremony is often donated to entertainment-related charities and is also used to fund scholarships and other programs for future film and television professionals. All the winners of the 77th annual Golden Globes from the world of TV and film are as follows:

Best film – drama: 1917

Best actress in a film – drama: Renee Zellweger, Judy

Best actor in a film – drama: Joaquin Phoenix, Joker

Best film – musical or comedy: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Best score – film: Joker

Best director – film: Sam Mendes, 1917

Best song – film: I’m Gonna Love Me Again, Rocketman

Daily GK Updates - 5th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Kolkata Police begins 3rd edition of ‘Sukanya’ project: The third edition of the ‘Sukanya’ project of Kolkata Police will begin from 06 January 2020. Sukanya is an initiative of the Kolkata Police’s Community Policing Wing to provide self-defence training to girl students of city-based schools, colleges and universities in martial art forms such as taekwondo, judo, kick-boxing and aikido. Girl students of VIII, IX, XI and girls studying in the first year at educational institutions in the city will be part of it. The Kolkata Police had introduced the project in February 2014 in collaboration with state Women and Child Development and Social Welfare department. The Sukanya project covers those schools that come under Kanyashree scheme.

Note: Chief Minister of West Bengal: Mamta Banerjee; Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar.

2. H.K. Joshi appointed as CMD of Shipping Corporation of India: Harjeet Kaur Joshi has been appointed as the Chairperson and Managing Director of Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), the country’s largest shipping company. Harjeet Kaur is currently the Director Finance at SCI and, since September 12, has been holding the additional charge of the Chairperson and Managing Director of the navratna PSU. Harjeet Kaur will become the first lady to head SCI, which is 63.75 percent owned by the government. She will take charge of SCI at a time when the government is planning to privatize the shipping company.

3. Women Science Congress begins in Bengaluru: The Women Science Congress was inaugurated at the ongoing Indian Science Congress in Bengaluru. DRDO Aeronautical Systems Director-General Dr Tessy Thomas who is known as Missile Woman of India graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The women’s science congress aims to provide a single platform for women working in different arena of science and technology to showcase their achievements and experiences. It will also prepare a vision document or a road map for women in science and technology and recommend policies to enhance the role and utilize the full potential of women in science and technology.

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

4. India to Host 36th International Geological Congress in New Delhi in March 2020: The 36th International Geological Congress will be held in New Delhi from March 2-8, 2020. India is the only Asian country to host the Congress twice. The 22nd session of IGC was held in New Delhi in 1964. The International Geological Congress, described as the “Olympics of Geosciences,” is aimed at the development of Earth Sciences. The theme of the 36th IGC is Geosciences: The Basic Science for a Sustainable Future. The event will be jointly funded by the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India and supported by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) along with the science academies of Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Note: The first session of IGC took place in France in 1878.

5. PM Modi Dedicates 5 Young Scientists Laboratories of DRDO to the Nation: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation 5 Young Scientists Laboratories of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Bengaluru. The 5 DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs) are located in five cities namely Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Each lab will work on a key advanced technology of importance to the development of futuristic defence systems such as, Artificial intelligence, Quantum technologies, Cognitive technologies, Asymmetric technologies and Smart materials.

6. MP Government Launches Mukhyamantri Karmachari Swasthya Bima Yojana: The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has approved a health insurance scheme named Mukhyamantri Karmachari Swasthya Bima Yojana as a New Year bonanza for its 12.55 lakh employees. The scheme will be effective from 01 April 2020. Under the scheme every government employee and their families will be eligible for medical treatment worth Rs 5 lakh annually. For some critical diseases, the eligibility will be enhanced to Rs 10 lakh.

7. 2,636 EV Charging Stations sanctioned under Fame II scheme: Department of Heavy Industries under the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India has sanctioned 2,636 charging stations under the FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India) scheme phase II. These stations are spread over 62 cities across 24 States and Union Territories. The objective of this is to increase the electric vehicle users and also encourage Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to launch new electric models. Of these 2,636 charging stations, 1,633 Charging Stations will be Fast Charging Stations and 1,003 will be slow charging stations. In all, 317 EV charging stations have been allotted in Maharashtra, 266 in Andhra Pradesh, 256 in Tamil Nadu, 228 in Gujarat, and 205 in Rajasthan.

Note: To promote the Electric vehicle in the country Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi implemented the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles II (FAME-II) scheme in India. Under the FAME India scheme, the Department of Heavy Industries invited the “Expressions of Interest (EoI) “from various cities across the country and received 106 proposals for 7000 EV charging stations.

Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises: Prakash Javadekar

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India extends $75 million LoC to Cuba for solar parks: India has extended a line of credit (LoC) of USD 75 million (over Rs 500 crore) to Cuba. The line of credit is being provided to finance solar parks in Cuba. The line of credit is as per agreement signed between Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) and Banco Exterior De Cuba for installation of 75 MW Photovoltaic Solar Parks in the Republic of Cuba. Banco Exterior De Cuba is a nominated agency of the Government of Cuba.

Note: Capital of Cuba: Havana; President: Miguel Diaz-Canel.

2. International team of astronomers finds farthest galaxy group EGS77: An international team of astronomers funded in part by NASA has found the farthest galaxy group identified as “EGS77“. EGS77, the trio of galaxies dates to a time when the universe was only 680 million years old, or less than 5% of its current age of 13.8 billion years. EGS77 is the farthest group of galaxies to have ever been sighted. EGS77 was discovered as part of the Cosmic Deep And Wide Narrowband (Cosmic DAWN) survey. The team of astronomers was led by an Indian-origin Goa-born scientist, Vithal Tilvi. Vithal Tilvi is currently a visiting researcher at the School of Earth & Space Exploration, at the Arizona State University, US.

Note: Headquarters of NASA: Washington, D.C.; Established: July 29,1958.

3. Neutral Pronoun ‘They’ Voted Word of the Decade by US Linguists: The US language experts have voted neutral pronoun ‘They’ as the Word of the Decade. The third-person plural pronoun “They” is increasingly being used in English as singular form to refer to people who identify their gender as neither entirely male nor entirely female. The selection of “they” is an indication that how a personal expression of gender identity has become an increasing part of our shared discourse. The recognition comes after US dictionary Merriam-Webster in December named “they” as word of the year.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. All-rounder Irfan Pathan retires from all forms of cricket: Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. He last played for India in October 2012. He played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is. He was part of the victorious Indian team at the 2007 World Twenty20 and was the man-of-the-match in the final against Pakistan. He made his debut at the age of 19 in 2003.

2. Saurabh Chaudhary wins gold at 63rd National Shooting C’ship: Ace Indian shooter Saurabh Chaudhary has won the men’s 10 metres air pistol gold at the 63rd National Shooting Championship in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The 17-year-old from Uttar Pradesh scored 246.4 to finish on top. Second-placed Sarabjot Singh of Haryana was well behind with a score of 243.9, while world number two Abhishek Verma settled for bronze in a high-quality final. Abhishek and Sarabjot together won the team gold for Haryana. Sarabjot also won the junior men's gold for a profitable day.

Note: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Kamal Nath; Governor of MP: Lal Ji Tandon.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. PNB MetLife and RevFin in partnered to offer life cover: India’s leading Digital lending startup, RevFin has joined hands with PNB MetLife India Insurance Company to offer protection to the RevFin’s customers by bundling life insurance cover on their loans. This insurance covers loans up to ₹3 lakh for a term of three years. The product is offered digitally through RevFin’s app (iOS and Android), so there is no additional paperwork needed. The collaboration will help PNB MetLife to reach out to unbanked areas & drive greater financial inclusion in the country by securing the families of the borrowers against loan repayment in case of unfortunate death of the borrower.

Note: PNB MetLife India founded: 2001; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; MD & CEO: Ashish Kumar Srivastava.

2. CSC inks pact with Paytm Payments Bank for sale of FASTags: Common Service Centres (CSC) e-Governance Services India Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding with Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) for sale of FASTags. The agreement will facilitate the sale of PPBL FASTags through the last mile network of 3.6 lakh CSCs, helping realize the government's vision of cashless and smooth transit at all toll plazas across the country. For this, CSC will integrate its platform with Paytm Payments Bank to carry out seamless transactions.

Note: FASTags, which work on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology -- have been made mandatory at toll gates on national highways. The FASTag process allows toll payments directly from the prepaid or savings account linked to it, thus doing away with the need for waiting in queues, saving time and fuel.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Common Service Centres (CSC): Dinesh Tyagi.

Chairman of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd: Vijay Shekar Sharma; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Managing Director (MD) Paytm Payments Bank Ltd: Satish Kumar Gupta.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Indian girl Sucheta Satish wins Global Child Prodigy Award 2020: A 13-year-old Dubai-based Indian girl Sucheta Satish has won the 100 Global Child Prodigy Award in Delhi. She was awarded for singing in most languages during one concert and the longest live singing concert by a child.

Note: Global Child Prodigy Award is a platform to showcase the talent of children in dance, music, art, writing, acting, modelling, science, sports etc. The award is supported by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Oscar Award-winning music producer AR Rahman among others.

2. First International Yoga Day Media Award to be Conferred on 30 Media Houses: The first edition of the ‘Antarrashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman’ will take place in New Delhi on 7th January, 2020. The Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Prakash Javadekar will confer the award on 30 Media Houses for their contribution in popularizing of Yoga at national and international level. The Ministry of I&B had instituted the first Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman (AYDMS) in June, 2019 to acknowledge the positive role & responsibility of media in spreading the message of Yoga.

The Samman would be given under the following 3 categories: (1) Eleven Sammans under the category “Best Media Coverage of Yoga in Newspapers; (2) Eight Sammans under the category “Best Media Coverage of Yoga in Television; (3) Eleven Sammans under the category “Best Media Coverage of Yoga in Radio.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi passes away: Former Governor of Karnataka T N Chaturvedi (90-years) passed away at a private hospital in Noida. Chaturvedi was the 14th Governor of Karnataka (from 2002–2007). He also served as of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) from 1984 to 1989.

Daily GK Updates - 4th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. MEA sets up new emerging and strategic technologies (NEST): The External affairs ministry announced the setting up of new emerging and strategic technologies (NEST) division. The division will work to increase investment coordination among the states of the country and also with the foreign countries. NEST will act as the nodal division within the ministry for issues pertaining to new and emerging technologies. It will help in collaboration with foreign partners in the field of 5G and artificial intelligence. The division will also hold responsibility for matters that involve negotiations with multilateral fora like the United Nations, G20. This will help to safeguard India’s interests as such forums govern the rules of access to such technologies.

Note: Union Minister of External Affairs: Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

2. Labour Ministry to launch 'Santusht' portal for the speedy resolution of grievances: The labour ministry has announced to launch a new portal 'Santusht' for the speedy redressal of workers as well as employer grievances and ensuring effective implementation of labour laws at the grassroots level. Initially, ‘Santusht’ would monitor all services provided by retirement fund body EPFO and health insurance and services provider ESIC to formal sector workers. Later, the portal would cover other wings of the ministry as well. It would also have data on a real-time basis to assess the performance of each and every official. Workers and employers can lodge their complaints on the portal, which would be managed by an internal monitoring cell comprising five to six officers.

3. Gujarat CM unveils world’s 2nd tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani unveils world’s 2nd tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the world at Ahmedabad. 50 feet tall bronze statue with a weight of 70 thousand kilograms has been unveiled at the Sardardham campus near Vaishnodevi Circle in Ahmedabad. The statue of Sardar Patel has also been designed by Padma Bhusan Ram V. Sutar, the same sculptor who had designed the Statue of Unity.

Note: Gujarat CM: Vijay Rupani; Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat; Capital: Gandhinagar.

4. ‘Cyber Safe Women’ initiative launched by the Maharashtra Government: Maharashtra Government has launched a ‘Cyber Safe Women’ initiative to ensure that women and children do not fall prey to these cyber-criminal activities. Under the initiative, various awareness camps will be held across all the districts of the state regarding cyber safety to help in educating women about how the web is used by anti-social elements and child predators to commit various types of crimes. The initiative has been launched to mark the 189th birthday of Savitribai Phule (19th-century social reformer).

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

5. Abhinav Kumar gets extension as BSF IG: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the proposal of Ministry of Home Affairs for extending the deputation tenure of IPS Abhinav Kumar, Inspector General, Border Security Force (BSF), up to June 27, 2021, in relaxation of IPS Tenure Policy.

Note: BSF formed: 1 December 1965; DG BSF: V K Johri.

6. Indian Railways launches integrated helpline number 139 for passengers: The Indian Railways has integrated its helpline numbers into a single number 139 for quick grievance redressal and enquiries by passengers during their train journeys. The new helpline number 139 will take over all the existing helpline numbers. It will be easy for passengers to remember this number and connect with Railways for all their needs during train travel. The Helpline 139 will be available in twelve languages. A call can be made on this number from any mobile phone and not just smartphones, thus, providing easy access to all mobile users.

7. KVIC opens 1st silk processing plant in Gujarat: The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) opened its first “Patola Saree” silk processing plant at Surendranagar in Gujarat. The aim of the plant is to make silk readily available to Patola saree manufacturers to boost its production. Patola is the trademark saree of Gujarat. They are highly expensive and were once worn only by royal aristocratic families. The Patola silk was founded by the Salvi caste (Scheduled) in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. They moved to Gujarat in the 12th century in order.

Note: Gujarat CM: Vijay Rupani; Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat; Capital: Gandhinagar.

8. PM Modi Launches Braille Version of his Book ‘Exam Warriors’: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Braille version of his book Exam Warriors on World Braille Day on 04 January 2020. The book is a guide to bust examination related stress, and has illustrations, activities and yoga exercises The braille version is in both Hindi as well as English.

9. India’s Malavath Poorna scales Antarctica’s Highest Peak: Indian mountaineer Malavath Poorna, the youngest girl to have climbed the world’s highest mountain Mt. Everest 5 years ago, accomplished another feat by conquering Mt. Vinson Massif, Antarctica’s highest mountain peak (4,987 mts). With this, the 18-year-old becomes the first and youngest tribal woman in the world to set foot on the six tallest mountain peaks across six continents. She has already scaled Mt Everest (Asia, 2014), Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa, 2016), Mt. Elbrus (Europe, 2017), Mt. Aconcagua (South America, 2019), Mt. Cartsnez (Oceania region, 2019), and now Mt. Vinson Massif (Antarctica, 2019).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Iran names Esmail Qaani as new Commander: Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei named the Deputy Head of the Revolutionary Guards’ foreign operations arm Esmail Qaani to replace Qasem Soleimani as its commander. Soleimani was killed in a pre-dawn US strike in Baghdad. Qaani was one of the most decorated commanders of the Guards during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Note: Iran Capital: Tehran; Currency of Iran: Rial; President of Iran: Hassan Rouhani.

2. WHO designated 2020 as “Year of Nurse and Midwife”: In the honour of 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the World Health Organization designated the year 2020 as the “Year of Nurse and Midwife”. This year, WHO is to focus on nursing and midwifery in order to achieve Universal Health Coverage. The organization is leading the development of “World Nursing Report” that is to be launched in 2020. The report is first of its kind. The year is being dedicated to the midwifery as well as WHO is also a partner of The State of the World’s Midwifery Campaign.

Note: WHO Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland, Director general: Tedros Adhanom.

3. Hillary Clinton appointed as the new chancellor of Queen's University Belfast in Ireland: Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been appointed the new chancellor of Queen's University in Belfast, Ireland for a five-year term. She became the university's first female chancellor. The position of chancellor has been vacant since the death in 2018 of Thomas J Moran, chairman, president, and chief executive of Mutual of America Life Insurance Company.

4. World Braille Day: 4 January: The World Braille Day is observed across the world every year on 4th January to mark the birth anniversary of Louis Braille. He was the inventor of Braille script or Braille code. It is celebrated since 2019 to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people. Braille is a tactile writing system used by people who are visually impaired.

Note: Braille users can read computer screens and other electronic supports thanks to refreshable braille displays. People can write braille with the original slate and stylus or type it on a braille writer, such as a portable braille notetaker (or computer) that prints with a braille embosser.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Best Men’s Player of the Year at Dubai Globe Soccer Awards 2019: Cristiano Ronaldo won the Best Men’s Player of the Year award at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. Ronaldo has won the award six times out of its nine years of its existence. England international Lucy Bronze was crowned Best Women’s Player of the Year. The 2019 Awards were presented in 16 different categories.

Note: The Globe Soccer Awards are the annual awards given for excellence in football, organised by the EFAA (European Association of Player’s Agents) and the ECA (European Club Association).

2. Manav Thakkar becomes world no.1 in ITTF rankings: Indian paddler Manav Thakkar became world no.1 in the latest International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rankings in the Under-21 men’s singles category. With this, Thakkar became the fourth Indian to achieve the feat after Harmeet Desai, G Sathiyan and Soumyajit Ghosh. Manav Thakkar achieved the top spot after clinching the Under-21 men’s singles title at the ITTF Challenge Plus Benemax-Virgo North American Open in Markham, Canada. He was also worlded no. 1 in the Under-18 category in February 2018. He was part of the Indian men’s team which won a bronze medal in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.

Note: President of ITTF: Thomas Weikert; Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; Founded: 1926.

3. 4th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship 2019: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, inaugurating the 4th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship 2019, in New Delhi. The 4th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship organized this year by CRPF is being attended by 34 participating teams consisting of 1207 sportspersons from across the country, with a total of 15 Trophies and 214 Medals, including one Medal for the Best Gymnast, in contention. Earlier, this cluster has been organized by Sashtra Seema Bal (SSB) in 2016, West Bengal Police in 2017 and Odisha Police in 2018.

Note: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs: Nityanand Rai.

DEFENCE

1. General Bipin Rawat proposes the creation of Air Defence Command: Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat has directed various branch heads to come up with recommendations for inter-service synergy and jointness in a time-bound manner. He also directed that a proposal to create Air Defence Command be prepared by 30th of June this year. Earlier, General Rawat held a meeting with important functionaries of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff on Wednesday. Some of the areas identified for jointness and synergy include the creation of common logistics support pools in stations where two or more services have their presence. Emphasizing collegiate system of functioning, General Rawat directed that all three services and Coast The Chief of the Defence Staff stressed that all must work towards accomplishing desired results and coming up with healthy views and ideas.