Daily GK Updates - 10th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian Railways installs IP based Video Surveillance System at stations: Indian Railways is in the process of installing Internet Protocol (IP) based Video Surveillance System (VSS) at stations to enhance security. Railway Board of India has approved works for provision of Video Surveillance System covering 983 stations over Indian Railways under Nirbhaya funds. This year a budget of Rs. 250 crore was allotted to Indian Railways from Nirbhaya fund for installation of the video surveillance system. In the first phase of installation, VSS is being installed at 200 stations and as on date work has been completed at 81 stations across India.

Note: Union Railway Minister: Piyush Goyal.

2. India-2021 census exercise to begin on 1st April: Census exercise India-2021 to begin on 1st April 2020 and will end on 30th of September 2020. Census India-2021 will be conducted through a mobile phone application. The enumerators of the census will seek the information of the mobile number of the head of the family, information related to TV, Internet, vehicles owned, toilets, source of drinking water besides asking other questions during the house listing phase of the exercise.

Note: Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India: Vivek Joshi.

3. Works on laying of submarine cables between Chennai-A&N Islands inaugurates: Union Minister for Communications, Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad inaugurated the submarine cable works on laying between Chennai – Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The submarine cables will be initially laid from Chennai to Port Blair covering a distance of 1,450 kilometres. He also flagged off the ship to lay the cable at Chennai Port. At the initial stage of commissioning of the project itself, the islands can get a data speed of 400-gigabytes per second.

Note: Andaman and Nicobar Island Lieutenant Governor: D K Joshi.

4. Famous chariot festival of Tamil Nadu Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple begins: The famous chariot festival of the Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple in Tamilnadu begins. This 17th-century temple is famous for its architectural grandeur. The temple is especially significant because it is sacred to both the Shaivite as well as Vashnavite sects. There is an Anjaneya statue, which is 22 feet tall is carved of a single granite block. It is one of the tallest statues of its type in India.

Note: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister: Edappadi K. Palaniswami; Governor: Banwarilal Purohit; Tamil Nadu Capital: Chennai.

5. South Asian Trade and Travel Exchange Expo 2020 held in New Delhi: The 27th edition of South Asian Trade and Travel Exchange Expo (SATTE) 2020 was held in New Delhi. The SATTE expo was supported by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and sponsored by Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department. The objective of the expo was to build new business partnerships and hence was an important place for the promotion of tourism. The SATTE witnessed the participation of over 50 countries and 28 Indian states. During the expo, the Tourism Department of Jammu & Kashmir launched publicity campaign to showcase diverse tourism attractions.

6. M Nagaraj appointed as Chairman and MD of Hudco: M Nagaraj has been appointed the company’s Chairman and Managing Director of State-owned Housing and Urban Development Corporation (Hudco). The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has approved his appointment. He has experience in a multitude of sectors such as housing, infrastructure finance, skill development and microfinance in the social sector, and international trading. Hudco provides loans for housing and urban infrastructure projects.

Note: Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs:  Hardeep Singh Puri; Headquarters of Hudco: New Delhi; Founded: 25 April 1970.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World Hindi Day: 10th January: World Hindi Day is celebrated globally on 10th January every year. The day is celebrated every year to promote the use of Hindi language worldwide. The World Hindi Day was observed first time in 2006. The day marked the anniversary of first World Hindi Conference held in 1975 in Nagpur.

2. Henley Passport Index 2020: India ranks 84^th: Indian passport, ranked 84th in the world’s most powerful passport index 2020, can get you visa-free entry to 58 destinations worldwide, according to a new report. Based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Henley & Partners has come out with a passport index where countries are ranked according to the number of destinations their passport holder can access without a prior visa.

World’s top most powerful passports:

(1) Japan: 191 countries

(2) Singapore: 190 countries

(3) Germany, South Korea: 189 countries

Note: Headquarters of Henley & Partners: London, United Kingdom; Founded: 1997;Chairman of Henley & Partners: Christian Kälin; Chief Executive Officer(CEO): Juerg Steffen.

3. Travel and Tourism Competitiveness index: India ranked 34^th: India has moved up six places to rank 34th on world travel and tourism competitiveness index, driven by rich natural and cultural resources and strong price competitiveness. India’s ranking improved from 40th to 34th, the greatest improvement over 2017 among the top 25 per cent of all countries ranked in the report.

Rank    Country

1          Spain

2          France

3          Germany

4          Japan

5          United State

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Ladakh wins 7th National Ice Hockey Championship women trophy: Ladakh women team has won the 7th National Ice Hockey Championship women trophy. In the final match, Ladakh scoring 2 goals against Delhi and won the tournament. The tournament was organised by the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI) in association with the Ladakh winter sports club. 4 women teams representing Chandigarh, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Ladakh participated in the tournament.

Note: President of Ice Hockey Association of India: K. L. Kumar.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI allows “Video based Customer Identification Process”: The Reserve Bank of India has revised the Know Your Customer (KYC) norms for banks and other lending institutions. New amendments in KYC norms by RBI allows banks and other lending institutions to use “Video based Customer Identification Process (V-CIP)”. The V-CIP is a consent based alternate method of establishing the customer’s identity and for customer onboarding from remote areas while leveraging the digital technology. V-CIP will also provide comfortability to banks and other regulated entities while holding to the RBI’s Know Your Customer (KYC) norms. The video files recorded as V-CIP are required to be stored bearing the date and time stamp while ensuring the safety and security of the video files. RBI has also advised banks to capture clear image of PAN card produced by the customer during the Customer Identification Process (CIP).

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. World Bank projects India’s growth rate at 5% for FY2020: World Bank has released Global Economic Prospects report. In its report, the World Bank has projected India’s growth rate at 5% for fiscal year 2020. It has also projected India’s growth rate at 5.8% for fiscal year 2021. The report stated the weakness in credit from Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) as the root cause for lowering the growth rate from 6% to 5%. While the global economic growth is likely to increase to 2.5% in fiscal year 2020.

Note: President of World Bank: David R. Malpass; Headquarter: Washington DC.

2. SBI’s report ‘Ecowrap’ lowers India’s growth rate to 4.6% for FY 2020: The State Bank of India has released its research report ‘Ecowrap’. In the report ‘Ecowrap’, the economic research department of SBI has lowered India’s growth rate to 4.6% in the fiscal year 2020. The report also stated that agriculture and allied activities are expected to grow at 2.8%, while growth in industry projected to grow at 2.5% in fiscal year 2020. The service sector is also expected to increase to 6.9% in fiscal year 2020.

Note: Chairperson of SBI: Rajnish Kumar; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 July 1955.

DEFENCE

1. Visakhapatnam to host MILAN 2020 naval exercise in March: Visakhapatnam is ready to host another International Naval event ‘MILAN‘in March 2020. The theme of the exercise for the year 2020 is ‘Synergy Across the Seas’. MILAN 2020 is a multilateral naval exercise aimed to enhance professional interaction between foreign-friendly navies and learn from each other’s strengths and best practices in the maritime domain.

Note: Andhra Pradesh Capital: Amaravati; Governor: Biswabhusan Harichandan.

2. India’s 1st indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant to be commissioned by 2021: India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant is currently under phase-3 which involves setting to work of machinery and other equipment and to be commissioned by early 2021 in Indian Navy. It will be fully operated by 2022. Vikrant is being built at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) Kochi, Kerala.

Note: Indian Navy Chief of the Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran Odissi Danseuse Minati Mishra passes away: Veteran Odissi Danseuse Minati Mishra passed away. In 2012 she was honoured with the Padma Shri. She was an A-Grade artist at All India Radio (AIR) and a recipient of the Sangeet Prabhakar title for Hindustani vocal music.

Daily GK Updates - 9th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. CCEA approves disinvestment of 4 CPSEs & 2 State PSUs in NINL: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its ‘in principle’ approval for strategic disinvestment of 4 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) & 2 Odisha State PSUs in Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited (NINL). The 4 CPSEs includes Minerals & Metals Trading Corporation (MMTC), MECON, Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC). 2 Odisha State PSUs includes Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL) and Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC).

Note: NINL is a Joint Venture company, in which four CPSEs namely MMTC, NMDC, BHEL and MECON and 2 State PSUs of Odisha Government, namely IPICOL and OMC are shareholders. The proposed strategic disinvestment of NINL would unlock resources to be used to finance the social sector/developmental programmes of the Government benefiting the public.

2. Institutions at GAU to get status of Institution of National Importance: The Union Cabinet has approved conferring the status of Institution of National Importance to a cluster of Ayurvedic institutions at the Gujarat Ayurved University campus in Jamnagar. With the (INI) status, Jamnagar Ayurveda University will become the first Ayurveda institute to join the ranks of the IIT’s and AIIMS. The elevation of the status of the institution will provide it with the autonomy to upgrade the standard of Ayurveda education, frame various courses in Ayurveda as per national and international demand. It will help the institute to develop tertiary care in Ayurveda and to secure inter-disciplinary collaborations to give a contemporary thrust to Ayurveda.

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

3. Government authorizes Rs 5559 cr for Indradhanush gas grid project: The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to provide Rs 5,559 crore viability gap funding for building a 1,656 km gas grid in the Northeast region. The funding will be provided to Indradhanush Gas Grid Ltd for setting up the North-East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid. The gas pipeline would be developed in 8 states of the northeast; this will lead to the development of an industrial climate in these states and improvement in the standard of living of people in the region. The 8 North Eastern states includes: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.

Note: The Indradhanush Gas Grid project is expected to provide natural gas to different types of customers and will also reduce the dependence on liquid fuels.

4. Maharashtra to organize ‘Advantage Maharashtra expo 2020’: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will inaugurate 'Advantage Maharashtra Expo 2020' in Aurangabad. The four-day mega industrial exhibition has been organized by the Marathwada Association of Small Scale Industries and Agriculture (MASSIA). Growth of Marathwada industries in technology and innovation and the products produced and exported from the region will be showcased in this exhibition. Over 450 exhibitors from within the state as well as outside the state are participating in this exhibition. This exhibition will provide the opportunity for ambitious businesses and will serve as the platform for small entrepreneurs.

Note: Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray; Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

5. A Sakthivel appointed as the new chairman of AEPC India: Apparel Export Promotion Council of India (AEPC) has appointed A Sakthivel as the new chairman of the organization. He is appointed for the period 2020-2021. He will replace HKL Magu. He is also the first person in the history of AEPC, who is sworn-in for the fourth time as Chairman of the AEPC. Sakthivel along with some exporters had founded Tirupur Exporters Association in 1990.

Note: AEPC Founded: 1978; Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana.

6. 16th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas: 9 January: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every year. This year the 16th edition of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is celebrated across the country. The day is celebrated every year to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community in the development of India. It also commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India on 9 January 1915. In this occasion, President of India conferred Pravasi Bharatiya Samman to NRIs or PIOs (Person of Indian Origin) or an organization established by NRIs or PIOs, who have made a significant contribution in supporting, promoting and building India’s links overseas.

Note: Union Minister of External Affairs: Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

7. India listed as 5th biggest Geo-political Risk of 2020: The political risk consultancy, the Eurasia Group has listed India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the fifth biggest geopolitical risk of 2020. The Eurasia Group has said that Modi has spent much of his second term--since winning the April-May poll--promoting controversial social policies at the expense of an economic agenda and its impact will be felt in 2020. The Eurasia Group list is topped by the elections in the US and followed by events and developments like the US-China technology tug of war on 5G as well as the trade war between Beijing and Washington.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Iran designate US armed forces and Pentagon as ‘terrorist entities’: The Iranian Parliament has approved a triple-urgency bill that designates the US army and the Pentagon as a terrorist entity. The Bill further requires the government to allocate 200 million euro to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force to take revenge for the US killing of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani. 233 MPs repeated the words of the speaker, Ali Larijani, warning US President Donald Trump to await the consequences of his actions.

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

2. Zoran Milanovic wins Croatia presidential Election: Zoran Milanovic of Croatia has won the presidential election of the country held on January 05, 2020. He defeated incumbent conservative leader Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic. Zoran Milanovic is the former Prime Minister of Croatia, who has pledged to make Croatia a tolerant country. The Social Democrat candidate, Milanovic took 52.7 percent of the vote, while President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic garnered 47.3 percent. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic was the first female President of Croatia.

Note: Capital of Croatia: Zagreb; Currency of Croatia: Croatian Kuna; Prime Minister of Croatia: Andrej Plenkovic.

3. Ukrainian aircraft boarding 176 people crashes in Iran: The Ukrainian aircraft “Boeing 737” boarding 176 people crashed in Tehran, Iran. The aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport located in Tehran, Iran. Flight data from the airport indicated the obstruction in communication with the aircraft as fire strucked one of its engines and pilot lost the control of the aircraft.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Women weightlifter Sarbjeet Kaur banned for 4 years: Indian women weightlifter Sarbjeet Kaur has been banned for 4 years from the sport by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA). The sample of Sarbjeet, who won the 71kg event at the women’s national weightlifting championships in February last year, was collected during 34th Women Senior National Weightlifting Championship held at Vishakhapatnam.

Note: The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is the national organization of India to promote, coordinate and monitor the doping control programmes of sports of all forms in line with the World Anti Doping Code in the country. It works under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It was constituted under the Societies Registration Act in 2006 in the aftermath of the 2004 Copenhagen Declaration on Doping in Sports to which India is a signatory.

CEO of NADA: Navin Agarwal;  NADA Headquarters: New Delhi.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. SBI announces 'residential builder finance with buyer guarantee' scheme: The country's largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI) has announced the 'Residential Builder Finance with Buyer Guarantee' (RBBG) scheme to give a push to residential sales and improve homebuyers' confidence. Under this scheme, the SBI will issue a guarantee for the completion of select residential projects to customers who have availed home loans from it. The scheme will focus on affordable housing projects priced up to 2.50 crore rupees in 10 cities initially. Under RBBG, the guarantee would be given by the bank until the project gets the Occupation Certificate (OC).

Note: Chairperson of SBI: Rajnish Kumar; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 July 1955.

2. Deutsche Bank projects India’s economy to reach $7 trillion by 2030: According to the Deutsche Bank report Imagine 2030, the Indian economy is likely to become $7 trillion by 2030. The Indian economy is expected to grow almost two and half times from about $3 trillion now and thus it becomes the world’s third-largest economy. According to the report, India will grow with the Nominal GDP growth rate of just over 10% in the next decade.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Jasbinder Bilan wins 2019 Costa Children’s Award: India-born author Jasbinder Bilan has won the UK based Costa Children’s Award 2019. She has won the award for her debut novel ‘Asha and the Spirit Bird’. She will receive 5,000 pounds as prize money associated with the award.  Jasbinder’s novel “Asha and the Spirit Bird” was shortlisted from 144 other entries. The Costa Children’s Award is awarded annually in 5 categories: First Novel, Novel, Biography, Poetry and Children’s Book.

2. Kanhaiya Kumar and Prashant Kishor in Forbes’ 20 people list to watch in the 2020s: Two youth leaders from Bihar Kanhaiya Kumar and Prashant Kishor included in the Forbes India list of 20 people to watch in the 2020s. Poll strategist Prashant Kishor is Janata Dal (United) National Vice President while Kanhaiya Kumar is former President of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union. Kanhaiya Kumar finds 12th position in the list while Prashant Kishor is at 16^th Indian origin US-born political commentator Hasan Minhaj is on the 1st position while Keyna’s Marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge in on the 20th place. Other Indians who find a place in the list is Dushyant Chautala (deputy chief minister, Haryana), Mahua Moitra (Lok Sabha member, Trinamool Congress), the Godrej family (of Adi Godrej) and Garima Arora.

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