Daily GK Updates - 2nd February, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Madhya Pradesh grabs first position for implementation of PMMVY: Madhya Pradesh’s Minister for Women and Child Development Imarti Devi and Principal Secretary Anupam Rajan received the award from Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani for the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Indore has been ranked at first place among the districts for better performance of the scheme. Indore district has also bagged the first place for better performance of the scheme. The objective of the Matru Vandana Yojana is to provide incentives of Rs. 5000 for the loss of wages of working women, to ensure their proper rest and nutrition.

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

2. Task force constituted by Government of India to restrict Novel Coronavirus: A task force has been constituted by the Government of India to restrict the Novel Coronavirus outspread in India. Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy and Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri are the members of the task force.

3. Andhra Pradacesh flags off country’s first ‘fruit train’: Railways flagged off a ‘Fruit Train’ from Tadipatri Railway Station (in Anantapur district) carrying a load of 980 metric tonnes of locally grown bananas to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai. These bananas will be exported under the brand name ‘Happy Bananas’. As 150 trucks would have been required to send a consignment of this size by road to JNPT, before the temperature-controlled containers are loaded on ships.

4. Union Govt. appoints M Ajit Kumar as chairman of CBIC: The Union Govt. has appointed M Ajit Kumar IRS (C&CE 84) as chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). The new Chairman’s immediate responsibilities will include accelerating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues and to deal with the changes introduced in customs duties in the Union Budget for 2020. The CBIC is the apex body for administering the levy and collection of indirect taxes of the Union of India.

5. Ramesh Pokhriyal Chairs Meeting of Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO in New Delhi: The meeting of the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU) was held in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.

Note: INCCU:

INCCU is a governmental body formed by the Government of India in 1951. It functions under the Department of Secondary and Higher Education in the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The objective of the commission is to advise the Government in matters relating to the UNESCO.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 12th South Asia Conference by IDSA Held in New Delhi: Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the 12th edition of the South Asia Conference at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) in New Delhi from January 28-29, 2020. The theme of the South Asia Conference 2020 was India’s “Neighbourhood First” Policy: Regional Perceptions. The conference is organised by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi since 2007. The conference deals with a number of important issues such as economic cooperation for development, changing political context in India’s neighbourhood, common challenges of terrorism in South Asia and prospects of regional cooperation among other important aspects. All members of SAARC and Myanmar participated in the conference

2. Bengaluru is Worst Traffic Congested City Globally: TomTom Traffic Index 2019: Dutch multinational developer & creator of location technology and consumer electronics Tomtom has released its 9th edition of Tomtom Traffic Index 2019. As per the index, Bengaluru (Karnataka) emerged as the worst traffic congested cities in the world. The report reveals that drivers in Bengaluru spend an average of 71 percent extra travel time stuck in traffic. Apart from this three other Indian city have also made in to the top 10 of the index. The other Indian cities ranked in the top 10 places were Mumbai (Maharashtra), Pune (Maharashtra) and New Delhi in the 4th 5th and 8th places respectively. Top cities with worst traffic: Bengaluru was followed by Manila (Philippines) and Bogota (Colombia) in the 2nd and 3rd places respectively.  Moscow (Russia), Lima (Peru), Istanbul (Turkey) and Jakarta (Indonesia) were ranked in 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th places respectively. Least congestion level capital: Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the least congested national capital, it had just 10% congestion level in 2019.

3. Bangladesh’s PM Sheikh Hasina inaugurates “Ekushey Book Fair: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the month long Ekushey Book fair at the Bangla Academy premises in Dhaka. The fair is organised annually to commemorate the martyrs of the language movement which helped in establishing Banglaas the official language of the then East Pakistan.

Ekushey Book Fair is the biggest and longest book fair of Bangladesh. The book fair aims to publicize the art, culture and literature of Bangladesh across the globe. The Prime Minister presented the Bangla Academy literary award 2019 to ten eminent poets and writers on this occasion.

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

4. Maldives re-joins Commonwealth: The Maldives has once again become a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, confirmed Maldives’ reinstatement into the organization as its 54th member state. The Commonwealth of Nations is a political association of 54 member states, mostly former territories of the British Empire. The Maldives withdrew from the Commonwealth on 13 October 2016.

5. World Wetlands Day 2020: 2nd February: The world wetlands day is being celebrated every year on 2nd February with activities like catamaran race, rangoli competition, quiz and drawing competition for children, heritage walk and folklore programs. The theme for 2020 WWD is “Wetlands and Biodiversity”. It highlights the importance of healthy and intact wetlands to one of the most pressing challenges of our times: climate change.

6. India & Maldives sign five MoUs for establishing Addu Tourism zone: India and Maldives signed five MoUs for establishing the Addu Tourism zone in five islands of Addu atoll at a cost of 2.49 million dollars. A 6th MoU to set up a bottled water plant in Hoarafushi was also signed today. All six projects are grant projects falling under India’s High Impact Community Development Scheme (HICDP). These projects are driven by the needs of communities on the islands.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Novak Djokovic wins Australian Open 2020 men's title: Serbia's Novak Djokovic has won his record 8th Men's singles title in Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. He beat Dominic Thiem of Austria (6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4). The men's doubles title was clinched by Joe Salisbury of UK and American Rajeev Ram who beat Australia's Luke Saville and Max Purcell. Sofia Kenin has become the youngest woman to win the Australian Open in 12 years.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Gross GST collection for January cross Rs 1 lakh cr: GST revenues during the month of January from domestic transactions showed a growth of 12% over the revenue during the month last year. The IGST collected from imports of goods, total revenue during January this year has increased. It has gone up by 8% in comparison to revenue during same time last year. This is the sixth time during the current financial year that GST revenue has crossed 1 lakh crore rupees.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Vinod Shukla bags first Mathrubhumi Book of the Year 2020 Award: Noted Hindi poet-novelist Vinod Kumar Shukla (83-year) has bagged the inaugural Mathrubhumi Book of the Year 2020 award for his translated book “Blue Is Like Blue”. The stories in “Blue Is Like Blue” has been translated into English by Arvind Krishna Mehrotra and Sara Rai. The award is given by Kerala based Malayalam newspaper Mathrubhumi to the best fictional work released in the previous year.

OBITUARIES

1. Noted Odia Poet Rabi Singh passes away: Eminent Odia poet Rabi Singh (89-years) passed away following a prolonged illness. He was popularly known as “Biplabi Kabi” (the revolutionary poet) for his patriotic writings. Earlier, Mr. Singh was conferred with the Odia Sahitya Akademi award and the Ati Badi Jagannath Das Samman.

Daily GK Updates - 1st February, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union budget 2020-21 presented by Finance Minister: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2020 for the 2nd time in a row. The annual financial statement of a government, the Union budget gives details about the revenue and expenditure of the Centre in the past and estimated spending and projections for the coming year. Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas was the tagline of government mentioned by Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman in her speech. The themes of this Budget: Aspiration, development, compassion.

Some of the highlights of Union Budget 2020-21:

(1) The tax of only 10% will be charged to Rs 5 lakh-7.5 lakh income as against prevailing 20% rate; From Rs 7.5 lakh-10 lakh income, a tax rate of 15% against 20% prevailing rate; For income Rs, 10-12.5 lakh, a rate of 20% will be charged as against 30% earlier; For income between Rs 12.5 lakh-15 lakh will be taxed at 25 per cent as against 30%; For those at Rs 15 lakh plus income, the tax will be 30%.

(2) The government has removed 70 exemptions; deductions with a view to further simplify the tax regime.

(3) Reducing the corporate tax rates for new companies in the manufacturing sector to 15%. Similarly, for existing companies, rates lowered at 22%

(4) Tax on Co-op societies to be reduced to 22% plus surcharge, as against current 30%.

(5) The government has proposed a 100% tax concession to sovereign wealth funds on investment in infrastructure projects.

(6) Concessional tax rate of 15% extended to power generation companies. Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) shifted to individuals instead of companies.

(7) Housing made more affordable, tax holiday to affordable housing developers. Additional Rs 1.5 lakh tax benefit on affordable housing loans.

(8) Customs duty raised on footwear and furniture. FM Sitharaman halves customs duty on import of newsprint, lightweight coated paper to 5%.

(9) The budget has provided an outlay of ₹8,000 crores for quantum computing over five years to break into this technology.

(10) Comprehensive measures for 100 water-stressed districts, PM Kusum schemes removed farmer’s dependence, Solar Power generation units will be set up for farmers to make a living out of the barren land.

(11) For sector comprising of agriculture, allied sector, 2.83 lakh crores have been made for 2020-21; 1.6 lakh crores for agriculture; for rural and Panchayati Raj- 1.23 lakh crores.

(12) The new education policy will be announced soon, IND-SAT exam proposed in Asian and African country for foreign university 3.60 lakh crores for Jal Jeevan mission. New Education policy soon.

(13) About 150 higher education institutes will start Apprenticeship embedded degree diploma courses by March 2021. Steps would be taken to enable sourcing to provide higher quality education. Urban Local Bodies to provide internship opportunities for young engineers. For deprived students, degree level full-fledged online education programme to be started.

(14) National Police University and National Foreign University will be set up. Medical colleges to be set up at district level to produce more doctors.

(15) PM Govt allows tech companies to set up Data Centre parks to provide internet to citizens. It allocates Rs 6,000 crore for BhartatNet.

(16) 5600 crores Allocated to nutrition-related programmes for FY 2020-21. Nutrition of Children, pregnant women, Poshan Abhiyan was launched.

(17) For SC and OBC Classes, 85,000 crores allocated for FY 2020-21 For ST Classes, 53,700 crores allocated for FY 2020-21 For Senior Citizens & Divyangs, 9,500 crores for 2020-21.

(18) Indian Institute of Heritage and Culture to be set up. 5 archaeological sites would be developed as iconic sites with the onsite museum: Rakhi Garhi Haryana, Hastinapur UP, Shivsagar Assam, Dolavira Assam, Adichalanur in TN.

(19) FM announces 2 National Science Schemes Genetic Database for drug innovation & Quantum Computing for advancing our computational and analytical capabilities to join an exclusive global league – Rs 8000 Cr over 5 years.

(20) Proposed to sell the balance holding of the government of India’s IDBI to private retail and institutional investors through the stock exchange.

(21) The government raised the insurance cover to Rs 5 lakh per depositor, which is currently Rs 1 lakh. This comes after the PMC bank crisis.

(22) India will host G20 Presidency in the year 2022 and the Finance Ministry is set to allocate Rs 100 crore for the preparations.

(23) The Ministry of Finance is set to allocate Rs 28,600 crore for programs meant especially for women. “Beti Bachao Beti padhao” is a highly successful scheme; girls registration in school has surpassed that of boys.

(24) The government has plans to raise money through LIC IPO. The government will thus sell part of its holding in the LIC.

2. Mumbai’s Iconic ‘Kala Ghoda Arts Festival’ Begins from 1st Feb: The 21st edition of the 9-day Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) 2020, one of the biggest open street arts and cultural festival of India, has begun in Mumbai from 1st February 2020. The Kala Ghoda Festival is one of the most-awaited art and cultural festivals which takes place in the Kala Ghoda area of South Mumbai since 1999 in early February and attracts a wide range of crowd from all across the world. The Festival is organised by the Kala Ghoda Association, a non-profit organisation that states its objectives as “physically upgrading the Kala Ghoda sub-precinct and making it the Art District of Mumbai”. The theme for 2020 KGAF is “PAST FORWARD.” The 2020 edition of the event has been organised across 14 categories including dance, food, children activities, theatre, music, movies and films, literature, street events, visual arts, heritage walks, stalls, workshops, urban design and architecture, and standup comedy. This year’s festival is different from the rest of the editions as it has invited general public to raise funds for it through a crowd funding platform, “Ketto”.

3. ISRO working on low-cost satellite launch vehicles: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it is preparing low-cost satellite launch vehicles costing around 30-35 crores rupees each, which can put into orbit satellites weighing 500 kgs. The first such launch is expected to take place in the next four months from the country. ISRO has earmarked 1,600 million Dollars for launch vehicles of which 870 million Dollars will be for PSLV and the remaining for GSLV.

Note: ISRO Director: K.Sivan; Headquarters: Bengaluru; Established: 1969.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Global health Emergency declared over Coronavirus by WHO: World Health Organization has declared an international emergency over the novel coronavirus from China. The organization has declared an emergency as the disease has spread to 18 other countries apart from China where it originated.

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

2. Indian Think Tank ORF ranks 27th on ‘2019 Global Go To Think Tank Index’: Indian think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF) has been placed at 27th position among 176 global think tanks in the ‘2019 Global Go To Think Tank Index’ Report. The report is released by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) of the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. ORF moved up from the 118th position in the 2018 to be ranked among top 30 think tanks globally in 2019. The list has been topped by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace of US, followed by Belgium’s Bruegel at second and French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) at third position. The index ranks these organizations based on their ability to generate policy-oriented research, analysis, and advice on domestic and international issues, thereby enabling policymakers and the public to make informed decisions about public policy.

Other Indian think tanks in list include:

Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) – 41

Indian Council for Research on International Economic Research (ICRIER) – 110

Centre for Civil Society (CCS) – 83

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) – 111

Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) – 149

3. UK Launches 4 mn Pound Innovation Challenge Fund in India: The United Kingdom government has launched 4 million pound (about Rs 37 crore) Innovation Challenge Fund in India to support collaborative research into emerging technologies. Innovation Challenge Fund will encourage industry and academia to collaborate and develop tech solutions for social, economic and environmental challenges in India. The initiative is focused on two major tech clusters: Artificial Intelligence/ Data in Karnataka and Future Mobility in Maharashtra.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Goa 2020 National Games unveils ‘Rubigula’ as official mascot: The 36th edition of the National Games of India will be held from 20 October to 4 November 2020 in Goa. The official mascot for the Goa 2020 National Games was unveiled on 01 February 2020 by the Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Sawant in the presence of Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju. The Flame-Throated Bulbul under the name ‘Rubigula’ has been unveiled as the mascot for the event. The Flame-Throated Bulbul is the state bird of Goa. The event will see participation by 36 states and union territories, 12,000 athletes, officials and will host 37 sports disciplines across 24 venues in Goa.

Note: Chief Minister of Goa: Pramod Sawant; Governor of Goa: Satya Pal Malik.

2. Sofia Kenin wins Australian Open Grand Slam Singles title 2020: American Sofia Kenin (21-years) has won the Australian Open Grand Slam Singles title 2020 (108th edition) at Melbourne, Australia. She defeated Garbiñe Muguruza in the final 4–6, 6–2, 6–2. Kenin was the youngest Australian Open finalist since Ana Ivanovic, and the youngest champion since Maria Sharapova, both in 2008.

3. India set to host Barca Academy Cup, Asia Pacific for second Year in row: The second edition of the Barca Academy Cup – Asia Pacific (APAC) Region has been organised at Barça Academy Delhi NCR at the Heritage School in Gurgaon, Haryana from January 30 to February 2, 2020. This is the second time India is hosting the FC Barcelona’s football tournament. The tournament is organized by FC Barcelona for all its soccer schools in the Asia Pacific zone. The tournament is held in four different categories (U9, U11, U13 and U15) for participants aged 7 to 14 years. The 2020 edition will feature more than 700 boys and girls representing India, Australia, Turkey, China, Singapore, Japan and Spain.

4. ICC appoints India’s Anurag Dahiya as Chief Commercial Officer: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed seasoned media professional Anurag Dahiya as its Chief Commercial Officer (COO). He is slated to take charge in early March this year. Anurag is credited to launch India’s first international cricket-only channel Star Cricket. He also oversaw the launch of ESPN STAR Sports’ first 24×7 sports news channel ESPNEWS and OTT platform ESPN Play.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Mo O'Brien, 1st deaf person to row across Atlantic Ocean: Pharmacy worker Mo O'Brien (60-years) has become the first deaf person on record to row an ocean by finishing a 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic.Mo O'Brien and her fellow crew members, including her daughter, landed on the Caribbean island of Antigua 49 days after setting out from the Canary Island of La Gomera in December. Ms O’Brien rowed almost 3,000 miles (4,800km) of Atlantic Ocean with her daughter and their friend Claire Allinson.

DEFENCE

1. 1st indigenous bio-jet fuel aircraft of IAF landed successfully in Leh: The AN-32 aircraft of Indian Air Force powered with 10% blend of bio-jet fuel took off and landed successfully in Leh airport. This is the first time, both the engines of an aircraft are powered with bio-jet fuel. The bio-jet fuel is manufactured from “Tree-Borne oils”. The raw materials for the oil are grown and procured from Chhattisgarh tribal areas. This will help in reducing India’s dependence on crude oil imports and also will assist in reducing carbon emissions.

Note: Air Chief Marshal of India: Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria.

2. Indian Coast Guard Day: 1st February: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrated its raising day on 1st February. Indian Coast Guard is an armed force of India which protects maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with the jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India. It works in close cooperation with the Department of Fisheries, Indian Navy, the Department of Revenue and the Central and State police forces. It operates under the Ministry of Defence.

Note: The interim Indian Coast guard was established on 1 February 1977 to prevent sea-borne smuggling of goods which were hampering India's domestic economy. On 18 August, 1978 Parliament of India passed the coast Guard Act which came into immediate effect. Obituaries

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran feminist writer Vidya Bal passes away: Veteran social activist, feminist writer and journalist Vidya Bal (84-years) passed away at a private nursing in Pune. She was known for her heroic crusade against oppressive practices involving women. Bal was in the forefront in the fight for women’s rights and equality with men. Bal always motivated women to break the shackles of oppression and fight for their rights.

Daily GK Updates - 31st January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad to become World’s Largest Cricket Stadium: The Sardar Patel Stadium in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, also known as Motera Stadium, is being redeveloped to emerge as the largest arena for cricket. The new stadium will have a seating capacity of 1,10,000 spectators. It will overtake the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia which is the largest cricket stadium in the world at the moment with a total seating capacity of 100,024 fans. The stadium is scheduled to be unveiled in February 2020.

2. Economic Survey 2020: Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman presented Economic Survey 2019-20 in the Parliament on 31 January 2020. This year’s Economic survey is being prepared by the Chief Economic Advisor, Krishnamurthy V Subramanian. The report followed by a press conference where the Chief Economic Advisor and his team discuss the economic roadmap for the next fiscal. It is a review of the developments in the country’s economy over the previous year. It presents a summary of the performance of the government’s major development programmes undertaken during that period. It also details the main policy initiatives of the government.

3. IAHE committee headed by YS Malik submits its reports: Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE) has submitted its final report to the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari. The Committee is headed by Yudhvir Singh Malik. The committee in its report says that there is a strong need for enhancement of knowledge, skill and expertise of the engineers to maintain the massive road network of India inefficient, environment-friendly and safe manner at economical costs.

4. Assam tops in budgetary practices: Transparency International: According to the survey conducted by Transparency International, Assam tops in terms of budget formulation followed by Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The states that were ranked lower in terms of the budget formulation are Goa, Maharashtra and Punjab. The survey was conducted by the organization based on four parameters such as budgetary process, public disclosure, post-budget fiscal management and efforts to make budget citizen-friendly.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President Trump inks USMCA North American trade deal: US President Donald Trump has signed the new ‘United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA)’ North American trade pact with Canada and Mexico into law. The USMCA, crafted over years of negotiation between the three countries, will replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that was entered into in 1994 between the three countries. It also makes changes to e-commerce, intellectual property protection and dispute settlement for investors, as well as imposing tougher labour provisions, requiring reforms to Mexico’s laws.

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

2. Eimear Noone Oscars’ first female conductor: Irish composer Eimear Noone will be the first woman to conduct an orchestra at the Oscars guest-segment. She will lead the 42-piece orchestra at the Academy Awards as it plays excerpts from five nominated scores on Sunday 9 February. She’s widely hailed as the world’s leading composer of video game music and at 22 became the first woman to conduct at the National Concert Hall. Teen sensation Billie Eilish has been announced as a performer for the 2020 Academy Awards ceremony. The announcement was made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

3. Gita Sabharwal appointed UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand: Gita Sabharwal of India has been appointed as the Resident Coordinator in Thailand by the United Nations. She was appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres with the host Government’s approval. The UN Resident Coordinator is the highest-ranking representative of the UN development system at the country level. The Resident Coordinators are designated representatives of the UN Secretary-General and they report directly to him.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Rani Rampal named 2019 World Games Athlete of the Year: Indian women’s team captain Rani Rampal became the 1st-ever hockey player worldwide to win the prestigious ‘World Games Athlete of the Year’ award 2019. The 25-year-old Rani has been part of the Indian women's hockey team since she was 15 years old and has made 240 appearances for the national team. Rani played an integral role in the team's successful qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She was the player of the tournament in the FIH Women’s Series Finals in Hiroshima, Japan.

2. Bala Devi first woman footballer to bag a professional contract: Bala Devi from Manipur becomes the first Indian women footballer to bag a professional contract from a foreign club. Bala a former India captain who earlier played in the Maldives for New Radiant sports club is among a group of 14 new players signed by the Scottish giants Rangers FC for 18 months. She is the highest international goal-scorer in South Asia. In 2015 and 2016 she was awarded AIFF Woman Player of the Year title

3. Mizoram defeats Sikkim in the North East Dr T Ao Football Trophy 2020: The Northeast Dr. T Ao Football Trophy 2020 was held at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, Nagaland on 28 January 2020. Two times champion Mizoram defeated Sikkim by 1-0 goal to emerge as the champion. Mizoram midfielder David Lalrinmuana scored the lone goal to secure the title for the team. Nagaland defeated Arunachal Pradesh by 4-2 to claim the third position.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI appoints Janak Raj as member of MPC: The RBI appointed its executive director Janak Raj as member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). Raj replaces M D Patra, who has been elevated as Deputy Governor of the RBI recently. The government had in 2016 constituted MPC to set the benchmark interest rate. The MPC is headed by the RBI governor. Of the six members, three are nominated by the government, while the remaining three are from the RBI (including the governor).

2. Two loan products launched by Indian Bank: On 30th January the Indian Bank announced the launch of two products. First one is ‘Surya Shakthi’ for rooftop solar set up for captive consumption and the second one is a Corporate Loan, a finance product in aid of units under stress for working capital. Extension of corporate loan would be after evaluation and on a case by case basis, at a concessional rate, for a longer-term to help the units tide over their liquidity.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Google grants $1 mn to promote news literacy in India: In an effort to counter fake news and misinformation in India Technology giant Google(Google News Initiative (GNI)) has announced USD 1 million grant to promote news literacy among Indians to avoid spreading of misinformation. The money will be given to Internews, a global non-profit organisation, which will select a team of 250 journalists, fact checkers, academics and NGO workers for the project. A curriculum will be developed by a team of global and local experts, who will roll out the project in seven Indian languages. The local leaders will then roll out the training to new internet users in non-metro cities in India, enabling them to better navigate the internet and assess the information they find. The announcement is a part of Google’s USD 10 million commitment worldwide to media literacy.

Google has also launched a new application called “Tangi” focuses on Do It Yourself videos. The name of the application has been inspired by TeAch aNd GIve.

Note: Google CEO: Sundar Pichai; Founded: 4 September 1998.

2. Indian-origin Arvind Krishna elected new CEO of IBM: Indian-origin technology executive Arvind Krishna has been elected Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of American IT giant International Business Machines (IBM). Krishna is currently IBM Senior Vice President for Cloud and Cognitive Software and will succeed Virginia Rometty. Thus, Krishna joins the club that includes Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga and Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Dr. Partap chauhan honoured with Ayurveda ratan award 2020: Partap Chauhan has been conferred with Prestigious Ayurveda Ratan Award 2020 in Brussels, Belgium The award was announced during Ayurveda Day Celebration at the European Parliament. The All-Party Parliament Group on Traditional Medicines organized a meeting at in Brussels, Belgium with the aim of formulating a roadmap to legalize Ayurveda in Europe.

DEFENCE

1. SAMPRITI-IX: India-Bangladesh joint exercise to be held in Meghalaya: The 9th edition of joint military training exercise between India-Bangladesh ‘SAMPRITI-IX’ will be conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya from February 3 to February 16. Exercise SAMPRITI is an important bilateral defence cooperation endeavour between India and Bangladesh hosted alternately by both countries. During the joint military exercise, a Command Post Exercise and a Field Training Exercise will be conducted.

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

OBITUARIES

1. Padma Shri awardee Tushar Kanjilal passes away: Famous social worker, environmentalist, educationist & writer Tushar Kanjilal passed away. The Government of India awarded Tushar Kanjilal the 4th highest civilian honour of Padma Shri in 1986. He also received the Jamnalal Bajaj Award in 2008.

2. Eminent Assamese litterateur Sashi Sarma Passes Away: Eminent litterateur, writer, academician and intellectual from Assam Shashi Sarma passed away following ailing health conditions. He was 89. As per Sarma’s wish, his body has been donated posthumously at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for research activities.

Daily GK Updates - 30th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World’s biggest meditation centre in Hyderabad: The World’s largest meditation centre was inaugurated at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, Telangana. This centre is built to mark the 75th anniversary of the formation of Shri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM) and Heartfulness Institute. The centre is dedicated to the first guide of Heartfulness Lalaji Maharaji. The centre that can accommodate one lakh meditation practitioners at a time was unveiled in the presence of Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and other dignitaries.

Note: Chief Minister of Telangana: K. Chandrashekar Rao; Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan.

2. Surajkund Mela 2020: The 34th edition of the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela, the largest crafts fair in the world will be held from 1st February to 16th February 2020 at Surajkund, District Faridabad, Haryana. President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the mela. The fair aims to showcase the unique richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India. Theme State for the Year 2020: Himachal Pradesh. Partner Nation for the Year 2020: Uzbekistan. The Mela is organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs. About 20 countries & all the states of India will be participating in the Mela.

Note: Haryana Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar; Governor: Satyadeo Narayan Arya.

3. World Sustainable Development Summit 2020 Begins in New Delhi: The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2020 is being held in New Delhi from 29 to 31 January 2020. The theme of the 2020 edition of the Summit is ‘Towards 2030 Goals: Making the Decade Count’. SDS is the annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), being organized since 2001 to provide an international platform to facilitate the exchange of knowledge on all aspects of sustainable development. In its 2020 edition, the Summit will be addressing the broad themes of- circular economy, water, energy, industry transitions, and e-mobility.

Note: Director-General of TERI: Dr Ajay Mathur; Headquarters of TERI: New Delhi; Founded of TERI: 1974; Founder of TERI: Darbari S Seth.

4. SC allows centre to introduce African cheetah to suitable wildlife habitat in India: The Supreme Court (SC) allowed the Centre to introduce the African cheetah to suitable habitat in India. The apex Court's decision followed a petition filed by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) seeking permission for the introduction of the African cheetah as rare Indian cheetah is almost extinct in the country. The government's plan is to import the Cheetah from African countries like Namibia and reintroduce them in India.

5. 16th Mumbai International Film Festival begins: The 16th Mumbai International Film Festival-2020 for Documentary, Short Fiction and Animation films), inaugurated at Nehru Centre Auditorium, Worli, Mumbai. The oldest and largest film festival for non-feature films in South Asia, which began in 1990, is organized by the Films Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and Government of India.

6. Martyrs' Day 2020: Martyrs' Day is celebrated every year on January 30 and March 23 to pay homage to the victims who fought for the freedom of India. On January 30, 1948, the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated at Birla House, New Delhi. So, the Government of India announced the day as Martyr's Day. March 23 is also celebrated as Martyr's Day because on this day Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were hanged by the British.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Brexit deal approved by the European Parliament: The European Parliament overwhelmingly approved Britain’s departure terms from the EU.  The vote was 621 to 49 in favour of the Brexit deal that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson negotiated with the other 27 EU leaders. Britain is the first country to leave the EU. With this its members reduced to 27. The EU Parliament backed Britain’s departure in the wake of the country’s vote to leave in a referendum in June 2016.

Note: European Union Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium; European Union Founded: 1 November 1993.

2. NTPC engaged as PMC by Togo for 300 MW solar projects: African country Togo has appointed NTPC as its project management consultant (PMC) for about 300 MW of solar power projects. Togo has identified 2 different plots of land- one each of 70 and 500 acres in Dapaong & Mango that will combine to produce 283 MW. With this, Togo becomes the 1st ISA nation to get the services of NTPC. NTPC will undertake various activities for the selection of the Solar Project Developers on a competitive basis.

3. Nepal Sets Guinness World Record for Highest Altitude Fashion Show Event: Nepal has created a new Guinness World Record for the highest altitude fashion show event ever held.  The Mount Everest Fashion Runway was held at the 5340 metres (17515 ft) elevation at Kala Patthar, near the Everest base camp. The event was organized by RB Diamonds and KASA Style in support of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), as a part of the Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign of NTB. 18 supermodels from 10 different countries including Finland, Italy, Sri Lanka and Singapore walked the ramp to create history. The fashion gala aimed to raise awareness about climate change as well as to promote sustainable fashion.

Note: Nepal Prime minister: KP Sharma Oli; President: Bidhya Devi Bhandari; Capital: Kathmandu; Currency: Nepalese rupee.

4. World Leprosy Day 2020: 30 January: World Leprosy Day is observed around the world on the last Sunday of January every year to raise global awareness of this deadly ancient disease and call attention to the fact that it can be prevented, treated and cured. This year World Leprosy Day 2020 fall on 26 January 2020. But in India, World Leprosy Day is celebrated on the 30th January each year to coincide with the death of Mahatma Gandhi, who passed away on that day in 1948. This year’s theme 2020: “Leprosy isn’t what you think”.

Note: The day was initiated in 1954 by French philanthropist and writer, Raoul Follereau, as a tribute to the life of the Mahatma Gandhi who had compassion for people afflicted with leprosy.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Indian Cyclist Esow Alben Wins gold in men’s Keirin individual event: In Cycling, India’s Esow Alben has bagged a gold in the men’s Keirin individual event of the Six Day Berlin Track Cycling Tournament. The 18-year-old finished on top of the podium after defeating Czech Republic’s Tomas Babek, while Maximilian Lev of Germany won bronze. The Six Days of Berlin is a six-day track cycling race held annually in Berlin, Germany.

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

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. BSE signs licensing agreement with ICE Futures Europe: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has signed a licensing agreement with Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Futures Europe. Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Futures Europe is an operator of global exchanges and clearinghouses.

Note: Managing Director and CEO of BSE: Ashish Kumar Chauhan; Chairman of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE): Vikramajit Sen; BSE Established: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Founded: 9 July 1875.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee conferred D.Lit degree by Calcutta University: Nobel laureate Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee conferred the honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by Calcutta University at its annual convocation in Kolkata. The Vice-Chancellor of the University Ms Sonali Chakraborty Banerjee presented the Degree to him. Banerjee, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2019 along with two others for “their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty”, is one of the directors of Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) which he had founded in 2003.

DEFENCE

1. Assam Rifles Builds War Memorial in Nagaland to Honor 357 Martyrs: The Assam Rifles has constructed a combined war memorial in Nagaland for the 357 Army and Assam Rifles personnel killed while fighting insurgency in the northeastern state of Nagaland. The memorial named as “Veer Samriti”, is spread over 13,500 sq ft and was built by 44 Assam Rifles at Mokokchung, the Assam Rifles Battalion location in Nagaland. Since 1955 Nagaland has seen in-numerous insurgency, taking lives of 357 personnel from the Army and Assam Rifles. The names of all the 357 martyrs have been carved on a single granite stone each.

Note: DG of Assam Rifles: Lt Gen Sukhdeep Sangwan; The Assam Rifles came into being in 1835.

2. Indian Coast Guard commissions’ high speed interceptor boat: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has commissioned a high-speed interceptor boat C-448 in Mangaluru, Karnataka on January 29. The water-jet-propelled vessel will be deployed for patrolling and rescue operations. It has an endurance of 500 nautical miles at 20 knots and is capable of doing speeds of up to 45 knots. This interceptor boat built by L&T shipyard will have a crew of 12 and is commanded by Assistant Commandant Apoorva Sharma.

Note: Indian Coast Guard founded: 18 August 1978; Headquarters: New Delhi

Daily GK Updates - 29th January, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Jitendra Singh launches Bhuvan Panchayat V 3.0 Web portal: Union Minister of State for PMO Jitendra Singh launched the Bhuvan Panchayat V3 web Portal in Anthariksh Bhavan, ISRO Head Quarters in Bengaluru. This web Portal will enhance network application of gram panchayats. The Portal will function with the help of satellite technology developed by ISRO. The Web portal is an easy to use Geo portal developed for database visualization, data analytics, model-based products and services for the benefit of Gram Panchayat members and other stakeholders.

Note: ISRO Director: k. Sivan; Headquarters: Bengaluru, Established: 1969.

2. West Bengal becomes fourth state to pass resolution on CAA in house: West Bengal became the fourth state to pass an assembly resolution against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). The Kerala and Congress-ruled Punjab passed similar resolutions on December 31 and January 17. The CAA was given last month to fast-track the citizenship process for non-Muslims who have entered India from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh before 2015, and triggered protests across the country. The resolution demanded that the NRC and NPR process be withdrawn immediately.

Note: Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 passed by the Parliament of India within 2 days on 11 December. The act seeks to relax the requirement of residence in India for citizenship by naturalization from 11 years to 5 years for migrants covered under the Act.

3. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray inaugurates Nagpur Metro’s Aqua line: The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated 18.5 kilometre-long stretch of Nagpur Metro Aqua line of Maha Metro Rail Network. The newly inaugurated Nagpur Metro Aqua line passing over the Ambazari Lake in the city will connect the east and west parts of the city. This Metro line will facilitate the commuters coming from Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation’s Hingana area and adjoining areas of the outskirts of the city. This Line will have six stations starting from Lokmanya Nagar to Sitabuldi Interchange Metro Station. Nagpur Metro is the Greenest Metro deriving 65 per cent of its power consumption from Solar Energy. Nagpur Metro network is now operational up to 24.5 kilometres.

Note: Governor of Maharashtra: Bhagat Singh Koshyari; Capital: Mumbai.

4. Odisha launches virtual police station: Odisha govt. has launched a virtual police station where people can lodge complaints from their respective districts regarding the theft of their vehicles without visiting Police Station. The e-police station will function from the State Crime Records Bureau in Bhubaneswar. CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the facility along with road accident case documents module and medico-legal opinion system projects of Odisha Police.

Note: Odisha CM: Naveen Patnaik; Governor: Ganeshi Lal.

5. India’s first underwater metro expected to be complete by March 2022: The country’s first underwater metro project is set to complete its East-West Project of Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation, which runs partly under the Hooghly River, West Bengal, by March 2022. The new line is expected to carry about 900,000 people daily and will take less than a minute to cross the Hoogly River. Currently, it takes 20 minutes in the ferry to cross the river and an hour to cross the Howrah Bridge.

Note: Managing Director of Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director (MD): Manas Sarkar; Chairman of Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation: Suneet Sharma.

Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation founded: 2008.

6. Anand appointed secretary of National Commission for Minorities: B. Anand was appointed as the secretary of National Commission for Minorities. He is also holding additional charge of financial advisor, department of biotechnology and ministry of earth sciences. Also, Sanjay Kumar Singh has been appointed as additional secretary, department of agricultural research and education and secretary. Mr. Singh is currently additional secretary, the ministry of panchayati raj.

Note: list of Secretary

New Cabinet Secretary-Rajeev Gauba

New Defence Secretary- Ajay Kumar

New home secretary- Ajay Kumar Bhalla

New Information and Broadcasting Secretary- Ravi Mittal

New foreign secretary- Harsh Vardhan Shringla

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Diplomat Joao Vale de Almeida is appointed as first post-Brexit UK ambassador: Portuguese diplomat Joao Vale de Almeida was appointed as the head of future EU diplomatic mission to the UK after Brexit on 24 January. The UK's exit was scheduled for 31 January 2020. Almeida will head the first EU delegation to the UK as of the first day of February. Joao Vale de Almeida is an experienced EU diplomat. He has experience as the European Union’s U.S. ambassador in 2010-2014. Prior to his appointment to London, he was the EU ambassador to the United Nations.

2. “Samvidhaan” announced as the Oxford Hindi Word of the Year 2019: Oxford University Press (OUP) named “Samvidhaan” (Constitution) the Oxford Hindi Word of 2019. The word was chosen as 2019 saw the values of democracy, secularism, justice, liberty, equality and fraternity being tested on the touchstone of the Constitution or “Samvidhaan”.

Note: The Oxford Hindi Word of the Year is a word or expression that has attracted a great deal of attention and reflects the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of the past year.

The Oxford English Dictionary is the principal historical dictionary of the English language, published by Oxford University Press; Headquarters: United Kingdom.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Nethra Kumanan becomes first Indian woman sailor to win World Cup medal: Chennai’s Nethra Kumanan clinched a bronze medal in the Sailing World Cup to become the first woman from the country to achieve the feat. Participating in the Hempel World Series in Miami, Unites States of America, Nethra won bronze in round two of the tournament to create history. Erika Reineke of the USA and Vasilieia Karachaliou of Greece claimed the gold and silver respectively in the laser radial event.

2. Indian Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra qualifies for Tokyo Olympics: Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra qualified for the Tokyo Olympics with a throw of 87.86 meters at the Athletics Central North East meeting in South Africa. The 22-year-old Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medallist breached the Olympic qualification mark of 85 meters in his fourth attempt. Neeraj missed the IAAF World Championships, the Diamond League and the Asian Championships due to an elbow injury.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Sachin Bansal steps down as director of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank: Sachin Bansal has resigned as independent director of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, a role he took up in May 2019. Bansal said he was stepping down in the interest of propriety and to prevent conflict of interest arising out of the fact that his wholly-owned firm Navi Technologies has applied for a banking license.

Note: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Founder: Samit Ghosh; Founded: 1 February 2017; Headquarter: Bengaluru

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. India’s Pavan Sukhdev wins 2020 Tyler Prize: Indian environmental economist Pavan Sukhdev was awarded the 2020 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. He received the award jointly alongside conservation biologist Gretchen C Daily. Pavan Sukhdev was honoured with the 2020 Tyler Prize for his outstanding work in the sphere of the green economy. While receiving the award, Sukhdev stated that one does not have to be an environmentalist to care about protecting the environment. Sukhdev was the head and special adviser of UNEP’s 'Green Economy Initiative'. The initiative was a major project launched by the then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

2. Noted theatre personality Sanjna Kapoor to be conferred French honour: Noted theatre personality Sanjna Kapoor, the daughter of Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor, will be conferred prestigious French honour, Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, for her outstanding contribution to theatre. French Culture Minister Franck Riester, currently on an official visit to India, will confer the insignia of the distinction on Sanjna Kapoor in a special investiture ceremony.

DEFENCE

1. Indian Navy launches 'Operation Vanilla' to help cyclone-hit Madagascar: The Indian Navy has launched ‘Operation Vanilla’ to provide assistance to the affected population of Madagascar post devastation caused by Cyclone Diane. An Indian Navy Shardul-class amphibious warfare vessel, INS Airavat (L24) has been diverted to Antsiranana based on a request received from Madagascar, whilst mission deployed in the Southern Indian Ocean. The ship will undertake the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission as part of ‘Operation Vanilla’. During the port call, the ship, in coordination with Embassy of India and Government of Madagascar is planned to undertake relief operations to provide succour to the flood-affected populace. The Indian Navy ship is also geared to set up medical camp and provide food, water and other necessary relief material. At least 26 people have died in Madagascar after almost a week of heavy rain in the north-west of the island, according to reports.

OBITUARIES

1. Former women’s hockey team captain Sunita Chandra passes away: Former Indian women’s hockey team captain Sunita Chandra passed away. She was awarded prestigious Arjuna Puraskar. She had played for the Indian women’s hockey team between 1956 to 1966 and served as skipper from 1963 to 1966.