Daily GK Update- 24th Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

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

Note: Sports Authority of India Founded: 1984.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

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

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

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

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

 

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

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

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

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

 

OBITUARIES

 

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

Daily GK Update- 23rd Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

Some important facts about Vaccine drive:

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

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

 

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

The list of winners:

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

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

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

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

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

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

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

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

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

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

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

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

Daily GK Update- 22nd Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurates Kushinagar International Airport in UP: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Kushinagar International Airport in Uttar Pradesh. The airport has been built at an estimated cost of Rs. 260 crore, by the Airport Authority of India. Besides, it has the longest runway in Uttar Pradesh. It will facilitate domestic & international pilgrims to visit the Mahaparinirvanasthal of Lord Buddha in Kushinagar.

Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautama Buddha, where he attained Mahaparinirvana after his death. The airport will help in boosting tourism on the Buddhist circuit. The first international flight at the Kushinagar International Airport landed from Colombo, Sri Lanka, carrying a Sri Lankan delegation of over a hundred Buddhist Monks & dignitaries. Now the number of airports handling passenger flights in Uttar Pradesh has increased to 9.

 

2. CII organises International Conference and Exhibition “Future Tech 2021”: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has organised an International Conference and Exhibition on Digital technologies, “Future Tech 2021- a Journey of digital transformation to technology adoption and acceleration” from October 19 to 27, 2021.  The focus theme of the International conference is “Driving technologies for building the future, we all can trust”.

The inaugural session was virtually attended by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics & IT, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The theme will have 5 pillars: Strategy, Growth, Resilience, Inclusiveness, Trust. The International conference will serve as a platform for Indian industry and entrepreneurs to understand the nuances of technologies and identify the right approach and technologies for their business as well as B2B partnerships.

Note: Confederation of Indian Industry President: T. V. Narendran; Confederation of Indian Industry Founded: 1895; Confederation of Indian Industry Director-General: Chandrajit Banerjee; Confederation of Indian Industry Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

 

3. Amit Rastogi appointed new Chairman & Managing Director of NRDC: Commodore Amit Rastogi (Retd) has been appointed as the new Chairman & Managing Director of the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC). Prior to this, he was the Director of Electrical Engineering at Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence for 5 years and Additional General Manager Tech Services at Naval Dockyard for 2 years. NRDC was established in India in 1953 to help develop and promote technologies developed at various national R&D institutions.

 

4. A book ‘Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: Reason, Religion And Nation’ by Prof Shafey Kidwai: Sahitya Akademi awardee Professor Shafey Kidwai has authored a new book titled “Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: Reason, Religion And Nation”. The objective of the book is to analyse Sir Syed Ahmad Khan the founder of Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College that grew into Aligarh Muslim University. The book is published by Routledge India. The foreword of the book is written by professor Irfan Habib. The book was released ahead of the 204th birth anniversary (17th October 2021) of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 4th General Assembly of International Solar Alliance begins: The Fourth General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) has been organised virtually between October 18 and 21, 2021. The Assembly will be presided over by President of the ISA Assembly RK Singh, who is also the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy.

The key initiatives that will be deliberated at the Fourth General Assembly of the ISA include:

(1) Operationalisation of the OSOWOG (One Sun One World One Grid) initiative, the $1-trillion Solar Investment Roadmap for 2030.

(2) Approval for a Blended Financial Risk Mitigation Facility.

(3) Strategic Plan of the ISA for the next five years.

(4) Country Partnership Framework.

(5) Strategy for Private Sector Engagement.

(6) Viability Gap Financing scheme to facilitate affordable finance for solar energy projects across ISA’s membership.

(7) Discuss partnership with Global Energy Alliance (GEA) to scale up technical and financial support to LDCs and SIDS.

 

2. China launches historic Shenzhou-13 crewed mission with 3 astronauts for 6 months: The Chinese space agency has launched Shenzhou-13 crewed mission, the country’s first long-duration stay aboard.          The three-person crew are expected to spend six-months in space, to set up new record for the time spent in space by Chinese astronauts. The members of the crew includes Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guanfu, who will spend the time in space in testing the station’s technology and conducting spacewalks. Wang Yaping is China’s first female astronaut on board the space station. The Shenzhou-13 crewed spaceship launched by a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert, located in Inner Mongolia.

 

3. International Stuttering Awareness Day: 22nd October: Every year October 22 is observed as International Stuttering Awareness Day, since 1998. The day is intended to raise public awareness of the millions of people who have a speech disorder of stuttering or stammering. Theme 2021: “Speak the change you wish to see”.

History of International Stuttering Awareness Day: The International Stuttering Awareness Day, ISAD, (October 22) began in 1998, spear-headed by Michael Sugarman, Oakland, California. ISAD recognizes the growing alliance between SLPs and consumers, who are learning from each other and working together to share, give support, and educate one another and the general public on the impact that stuttering has on individuals’ lives. Online Conferences, organized by Judy Kuster, have been an integral part of International Stuttering Awareness Day since its inception.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. China and Indonesia won Uber Cup and and Thomas Cup Respectively: China beat Japan 3-1 in a thrilling Uber Cup final in Aarhus, Denmark, to reclaim the Uber Cup title. This is China’s 15th Uber Cup title win in 19 finals. The match pivoted on the longest match in the Uber Cup history when Chen Qing Chan and Jia Yi Fan won their doubles match. Indonesia lifted the Thomas Cup trophy for the first time since 2002 after defeating the defending champions China 3-0 in the final match held in Aarhus, Denmark. Uber and Thomas Cup are the biennial international badminton championship played by the women and men’s national teams of the members of the Badminton World Federation.

Note: Badminton World Federation Founded: 5 July 1934; Badminton World Federation President: Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen; Badminton World Federation  Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 

2. Sahdev Yadav becomes new President of IWF: Sahdev Yadav, former Secretary-General of IWLF, was unanimously elected as the President of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF). The election also saw the appointment of S.H. Anande Gowda and Naresh Sharma as the new Secretary-General & Treasurer of IWLF. 10 new Vice Presidents, 4 Joint Secretaries & 7 executive committee members were also elected, in the election conducted by Returning Officer Narinder Paul Kaushik, Delhi District Court.

Note: Indian Weightlifting Federation Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes fine of Rs 1.95 crore on Standard Chartered Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a fine of Rs 1.95 crore on the Standard Chartered Bank for failing to report a cyber security incident within the prescribed time period, and failure to credit the amount involved in unauthorised electronic transactions, among other reasons. Standard Chartered Bank was penalised also for its non-compliance of RBI’s directions on customer protection. Standard Chartered Bank had also allowed direct sales agents to conduct KYC verifications and failed to ensure the integrity of data submitted in the Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC).

Note: Standard Chartered Bank CEO: Bill Winters; Standard Chartered Bank Founded: 1969, London, United Kingdom.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. IndiaFirst Life Introduces ‘Saral Bachat Bima’ Insurance Plan: IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life), a joint venture of Bank of Baroda and Union Bank of India introduced “IndiaFirst Life Saral Bachat Bima Plan”. It is a savings and protection cover plan for the entire family. The plan includes paying for the short term and enjoying long term benefits and it will provide consistent protection through insurance cover.

Benefits of the plan:

(1) An amount equal to the Sum Assured on Death (SAD) will be paid in case of accidental death during the first policy year. In case of death of the life insured, an advanced payment by way of funeral cover. Flexibility to receive the death benefit as a lump sum or regular income for 5 years.

(2) Boost savings with guaranteed additional benefits of 4.75% to 6% per annum. Option to opt for Waiver of Premium Rider.

(3) No medical test and short application form.

Note: IndiaFirst Life MD & CEO: M. Vishakha; IndiaFirst Life Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; IndiaFirst Life Founded: 16 November 2009.

 

2. Ayushmann Khurrana joins CoinDCX for ‘Future Yahi Hai’ campaign: Ayushmann Khurrana has become the latest celebrity to venture into the cryptocurrency space through his association with CoinDCX’s ‘Future Yahi Hai’ campaign. The CoinDCX ‘Future Yahi Hai’ Megadrive is directed towards addressing major questions and doubts and dispelling myths when it comes to crypto investments from the perspective of young India. CoinDCX is India’s largest cryptocurrency exchange valued at $1.1 billion. The campaign, which eventually plans to rope in popular personalities from various spheres, aims to drive home a simple but engaging narrative that breaks through misconceptions surrounding crypto for both new and old investors and, consequently, increases participation in crypto-enabled financial services.

Khurrana joins A-listers like Amitabh Bachchan, Ranveer Singh and Salman Khan to be associated with various crypto exchanges and crypto trade platforms like Chingari and Coin SwitchKuber.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Sri Lanka’s first Test captain Bandula Warnapura passes away: Sri Lanka’s first-ever Test captain Bandula Warnapura passed away, following a brief illness. He was 68. A right-handed batsman, he led his country when it faced England in its first-ever Test match in 1982 and played three more Tests, scoring 96 runs overall at an average of 12. He also played 12 ODI matches, scoring 180 runs at an average of 15.

Daily GK Update- 21st Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Home Minister Amit Shah flags off ‘Modi Van’: The Union Home Minister Amit Shah has flagged off “Five Mobile Medical Vans” dubbed as Modi Van on October 19, 2021, in the Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh. These vans have been launched under the ‘Seva Hi Sangathan’ programme of BJP to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 20 years as the Head of Government. The Five Mobile Medical Vans will operate in five Assembly Constituencies in Kaushambi. These vans will work under the aegis of Kaushambi Vikas Parishad run by BJP’s National Secretary Vinod Sonkar.

 

2. Rajasthan launched ‘Prashasan Gaon ke Sang’ Campaign: Rajasthan Government has launched a mega campaign named ‘Prashasan Gaon Ke Sang’ till December 17, 2021, to provide local access to government services in the remotest villages of the state. Officials from 22 Departments of the local administration will reach out to the rural parts of every gram panchayat to offer on-spot solutions to the applicants.

About the campaign:

(1) The campaign will be conducted on the observation of the respective district collector, for on spot disposal of applications.

(2) While the campaign is intended to bring departments closer to residents, large-scale awareness efforts are being held ahead of time to guarantee that citizens can take full use of the services provided at the camps.

(3) The campaign is likely to be extremely beneficial to those who are unfamiliar with digital procedures as well as those who have difficulty travelling to government offices for physical verification.

(4) Along with services such as land deed allotment, land deed transfers, and the issuance of various certificates, the campaign will also include public health initiatives such as seasonal illness control and public awareness.

Note: Chief Minister of Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot; Governor: Kalraj Mishra.

 

3. India signs Landmark MoU with Russia on Collaboration in Coking coal sector signed: India has opened up yet another door in cooperation with its strategic energy partner Russia. Union Minister of Steel, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia’s minister of energy Nikolay Shulginov, for collaboration in the mining and steel sectors, with special focus on coking coal. The move is part of India’s National Steel Policy 2017 under which the country is aiming to reach 300 million tonne steel production by 2030 while simultaneously working on forward and backward integration.

The MoU between the two countries signed in Moscow envisages implementation of joint projects and commercial activities in coking coal, including long-term supplies of high-quality coking coal to India, development of coking coal deposits and logistics development, sharing of experience in coking coal production management, technologies of mining, beneficiation and processing as well as training.

 

4. National Police Commemoration Day: 21st October: In India, the Police Commemoration Day is observed on October 21 every year. The day is marked to remember and honour the brave policemen who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Police Commemoration Day commemorates the day in 1959, when twenty Indian soldiers were attacked by Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Hot Spring area, in which, ten Indian policemen lost their lives and seven were imprisoned. Since that day, 21 October has been observed as Police Commemoration Day in honour of the martyrs.

 

5. Gulzar pens book titled “Actually… I Met Them: A Memoir”: Legendary Indian poet-lyricist-director Gulzar has come out with his new book title “Actually… I Met Them: A Memoir”. In a memoir published by the publishing group Penguin Random House India. In this book, Gulzar has shared many interesting unknown facts about legends like Kishore Kumar, Bimal Roy, Ritwik Ghatak, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Mahasweta Devi, among others.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. China launched 1st Solar Exploration Satellite: China has successfully launched its 1st solar exploration satellite into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern Shanxi Province aboard a Long March-2D rocket. The satellite was named as ‘Xihe’ (Xihe is the goddess of the sun who created the calendar in ancient Chinese mythology), also known as the Chinese Hα Solar Explorer (CHASE). The satellite has been developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

Note: China Capital: Beijing; China Currency: Renminbi; China President: Xi Jinping.

 

2. NASA launches Lucy Mission to study the Jupiter Trojan asteroids: The US space agency NASA has launched a first-of-its-kind mission called ‘Lucy Mission’ to study Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids. The mission life of Lucy is 12-year, during which the spacecraft will fly by a total of eight ancient asteroids to study about solar system’s evolution. These will include one main-belt asteroid and seven Jupiter Trojan asteroids.

About the Lucy mission:

(1) The Lucy mission will mark NASA’s first single spacecraft mission in history to explore so many different asteroids.

(2) The Lucy probe was launched on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on October 16, 2021.

(3) Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids are two large clusters of space rocks that scientists believe are remnants of the primordial material that formed the solar system’s outer planets.

Note: NASA administrator: Bill Nelson; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States; NASA Founded: 1 October 1958.

 

3. Hubble finds evidence of persistent water vapour in Jupiter’s moon ‘Europa’: The Hubble Space Telescope Observatory of NASA have revealed the presence of persistent water vapour in ‘Europa’, the icy moon of Jupiter. However, the presence of a water vapour atmosphere is found only in one hemisphere. The findings may further help to explore whether Europa’s atmosphere could support life. The result is based upon Hubble observations spanning from 1999 to 2015

 

4. Canadian Actor William Shatner becomes oldest person in history to fly to space: Legendary Canadian actor William Shatner has become the oldest person to go to space. The 90-year-old Shatner blasted into the space on Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket on October 13, 2021. The Canadian was joined by three other fellow passengers, Chris Boshuizen, William Shatner, Audrey Powers and Glen de Vries on the 11-minute journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere and back again. The four of them reached an altitude of 66.5 miles (107 kilometers) over the West Texas desert in the fully automated capsule ‘New Shepard’.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Nagaland to host South Asian Cross Country Championship: Nagaland will host the South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Cross Country Championship in the state capital Kohima on January 15 next year. Making the announcement during a press conference, Nagaland Athletic Association (NAA) President Abu Metha said the biggest international event ever hosted by the state will be held along with the 56th National Cross Country Race on January 15.

 

2. Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Panneerselvam wins La Nucia Open: Nineteen-year-old Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Panneerselvam has won the La Nucia Open held in Spain. The Grandmaster remained remained unbeaten with an Elo rating of 2529 at La Nucia, which is a 9-round Swiss tournament.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI authorised Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) to collect Direct taxes: The Reserve Bank of India has authorised Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) to collect direct taxes on behalf of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). After obtaining the approval, KVB has started the integration process with the CBDT to collect direct taxes. The integration would enable the bank to allow its customers to remit the direct taxes through any branch/net banking/ mobile banking services (DLite Mobile application).

Note: Karur Vysya Bank Establishment: 1916; Karur Vysya Bank Headquarters: Karur, Tamil Nadu; Karur Vysya Bank MD & CEO: B. Ramesh Babu; Karur Vysya Bank Tagline: Smart Way to Bank.

 

2. Amitabh Chaudhry reappointed Axis Bank CEO: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the re-appointment of Amitabh Chaudhry as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of private lender Axis Bank for a period of three years. Amitabh had taken charge as Axis Bank’s new MD and CEO in January 2019 after as outgoing MD and CEO Shikha Sharma retired, effective December 31, 2018. The extended three-year term will be effective from January 1, 2022.

Note: Axis Bank Headquarters: Mumbai; Axis Bank Founded: 3 December 1993, Ahmedabad.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Vodafone Idea teams up with L&T for trials of 5G-based smart city solutions: Telecom operator Vodafone Idea (VIL) and smart world and communication business of engineering and construction conglomerate Larsen and Toubro (L&T) have joined hands for a pilot project to test 5G-based smart city solutions. This is part of the ongoing 5G trials on government-allocated spectrum. The pilot project would be set up in Pune on government-allocated 5G spectrum to visualise and analyse smart city applications.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Colin Powell, first Black US secretary of state, passes away: Colin Powell, the trailblazing soldier and diplomat whose sterling reputation of service to Republican and Democratic presidents was stained by his faulty claims to justify the 2003 US war in Iraq, died of Covid-19 complications. He was 84. He instead joined President George W. Bush’s administration in 2001 as secretary of state. He was the first Black person to represent the US government on the world stage.

Daily GK Update- 20th Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Punjab CM Charanjit Channi launches ‘Mera Ghar Mere Naam’ scheme: In Punjab, Chief Minister Charanjit Channi launched a new scheme titled ‘Mera Ghar Mere Naam’, which aims to confer proprietary rights on the people living in the houses within the ‘Lal Lakir’ of villages and the cities. The land area which is a part of the village habitation and is used for non-agriculture purposes only is known as Lal Lakir.

The state government will undertake drone surveys of residential properties, both in rural and urban areas for digital mapping, following which all eligible residents would be given the property cards, after proper identification or verification, to confer proprietary rights upon them in a time-bound manner. The property card will serve the purpose of registry against which they can avail loans from the banks or even sell their properties.

Note: Governor of Punjab: Banwarilal Purohit.

 

2. WHO Global TB report for 2021: India worst-hit country in TB elimination: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released the ‘Global TB report for 2021, where it highlighted the effects of COVID-19 which led to a huge reversal in the progress of Tuberculosis (TB) elimination. The report also mentioned India as the worst-hit country in TB elimination, where the detection of new TB cases saw a huge impact in 2020. A dramatic reduction of 20% TB cases were witnessed in 2020 as compared to 2019, ie; a gap of 4.1 million cases. The progress in TB detection has gone back to the levels of 2012, with India accounting for 41% of the total case drops in 2020.

Note: WHO Established: 7 April 1948; WHO Director General: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; WHO Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

 

3. NITI Aayog joins hand with ISRO to launch Geospatial Energy Map: NITI Aayog has launched the Geospatial Energy Map of India which will provide a holistic picture of all energy resources of the country. The map has been developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Energy Ministries of the Government of India.

About the Map: The comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) Energy Map of India was jointly launched by Dr Rajiv Kumar (Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog), Dr V K Saraswat (Member, NITI Aayog), and Shri Amitabh Kant (CEO, NITI Aayog) on 18 October 2021. The map will help to identify and locate all primary and secondary sources of energy and their transportation/transmission networks to provide a comprehensive view of energy production and distribution in a country, which would further help in planning and making investment decisions.

Note: NITI Aayog Formed: 1 January 2015; NITI Aayog Headquarters: New Delhi; NITI Aayog Chairperson: Narendra Modi; NITI Aayog CEO: Amitabh Kant.

 

4. NITI Aayog-UNDP India Launches Handbook On Sustainable Urban Plastic Waste Management: NITI Aayog and UNDP India have collaborated to launch a handbook titled ‘NITI Aayog-UNDP Handbook on Sustainable Urban Plastic Waste Management’, to promote sustainable management of plastic waste in the country. The Handbook is a repository of 18 case studies/best practices and examples from cities in India, including 4 from Southeast Asia, which face similar infrastructure and plastic waste challenges. It is divided into four major components:

(1) Technical models for recycling

(2) Material Recovery Facilities (MRF)

(3) Governance for effective plastic waste management

(4) IEC and Digitization

The book will enable the urban local bodies to learn from the successful business and service models covered under this handbook to plan for efficient plastic waste management in their cities.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sri Lanka seeks 500 million dollar as loan from India: The Government of Sri Lanka has sought a USD 500 million credit line from India to pay for its crude oil purchases, as the country is facing a severe foreign exchange crisis in the island nation after the pandemic hit the nation’s earnings from tourism and remittances. The USD 500 million credit line is part of the India-Sri Lanka economic partnership arrangement. The facility would be used for purchasing petrol and diesel requirements.

The country’s GDP contracted by a record 3.6 per cent in 2020 and its foreign exchange reserves plunged by over a half in one year through July to just USD 2.8 billion. This has led to a 9 per cent depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee against the dollar over the past one year, making imports more expensive.

Note: Sri Lanka Capitals: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte; Currency: Sri Lankan rupee; Sri Lanka Prime Minister: Mahinda Rajapaksa; Sri Lanka President: Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

 

2. World Statistics Day: 20th October: World Statistics Day is celebrated around the globe every year on 20 October to highlight the achievements of the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics. The celebration of World Statistics Day 2021 is a global collaborative endeavour, organized under the guidance of the United Nations Statistical Commission.

History of World Statistics Day: The United Nations Statistical Commission proposed celebrating 20 October 2010 as World Statistics Day. The General Assembly adopted on 3 June 2010 resolution 64/267, which officially designated 20 October 2010 as the first-ever World Statistics Day under the general theme “Celebrating the many achievements of official statistics. In 2015, with resolution 96/282, the General Assembly decided to designate 20 October 2015 as the second World Statistics Day under the general theme “Better data, better lives,” as well as to celebrate World Statistics Day every five years on 20 October.

Note: United Nations Statistical CommissionFounded: 1947; United Nations Statistical Commission Parent organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council; United Nations Statistical Commission Chair: Shigeru Kawasaki (Japan).

 

3. International Chef’s Day: 20th October: International Chefs Day is observed every year on 20 October. The day aims to celebrate and honour the noble profession and educate people around the world about eating healthy. It is also the day for experienced chefs to pass on their knowledge and culinary skills to the next generation with a sense of pride and commitment. The theme of the International Chefs Day 2021 campaign is Healthy Food for the Future. International Chefs Day was created by Dr Bill Gallagher, a renowned chef and the former president of the World Association of Chefs Societies (World Chefs), in 2004.

 

4. World Osteoporosis Day: 20th October: The World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) is observed annually on October 20. The day aims to raise global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. WOD is organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), by launch of a year-long campaign with a specific theme. In 2021 the Global WOD Campaign theme is “Serve Up Bone Strength”.

What is osteoporosis: Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and fragile so that they break easily – even as a result of a minor fall, a bump, a sneeze, or a sudden movement. Fractures caused by osteoporosis can be life-threatening and a major cause of pain and long-term disability. Osteoporosis is a growing global problem worldwide. It affects one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50.

Note: International Osteoporosis Foundation Headquarters location: Nyon, Switzerland; International Osteoporosis Foundation President: Cyrus Cooper; International Osteoporosis Foundation Founded: 1998.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India’s Bhavani Devi wins Charlellville National Competition in France: Fencer Bhavani Devi, who made history at the Tokyo Olympics by becoming the first Indian to compete in the sport at the Games, has won the Charlellville National Competition in France in the individual women’s sabre event. She is currently ranked 50th in the world and is the top-ranked fencer from India. She is eyeing a good show at the 2022 Asian Games and has started preparing for the multi-discipline sporting extravaganza.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes Rs 1 crore penalty on State Bank of India: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1 crore on India’s largest public lender State Bank of India (SBI). The penalty has been imposed for non-compliance with the directions contained in “RBI (Frauds classification and reporting by commercial banks and select FIs) directions 2016”. The penalty has been imposed in the exercise of powers vested in RBI under the provisions of section 47A (1) (c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 51(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Note: SBI Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara; SBI Headquarters: Mumbai; SBI Founded: 1 July 1955.

 

2. Pradeep Kumar Panja appointed as Chairman of Karnataka Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Pradeep Kumar Panja as the Chairman of Karnataka Bank Ltd. He will begin his role as the part-time non-executive Chairman with effect from November 14, 2021, for a period of three years. He will succeed P Jayarama Bhat, who will retire on November 13, 2021.

Note: Karnataka Bank Headquarters: Mangalore; Karnataka Bank Founded: 18 February 1924.

 

3. Navrang Saini gets additional charge as Chairperson of IBBI: Navrang Saini has been given the additional charge as the Chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI). The post fell vacant after M.S. Sahoo retired after a five-year tenure on September 30. Saini is a Whole Time Member of IBBI. The government has assigned additional charge of Chairperson to Mr Saini in addition to his existing duties. This will be for three months or till the joining of a new incumbent to the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier, it said in a release on October 13.

Note: Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Headquarters: New Delhi; Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Founder: Parliament of India; Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Founded: 1 October 2016.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India’s “Takachar” Wins Prince William’s inaugural ‘Eco-Oscar’ Award: New Delhi-based 17-year-old entrepreneur Vidyut Mohan is among the five global winners for the inaugural ‘Earthshot Prize’, also known as the ‘Eco-Oscars’, that honours people trying to save the planet. Vidyut has been awarded in the Clean our Air category, for his technology called ‘Takachar’, a small and portable device that uses crop residue to convert it into bio-products like fuel and fertilisers to reduce smoke emissions and combat air pollution. Each of the five winners will receive £1 million for their project.

About the award: The ‘Eco-Oscars’ is an environmental award established by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and renowned British historian David Attenborough in 2020, to be awarded annually from 2021 to 2030 to 5 winners. The awards were announced in five categories namely: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean our Air, Revive our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix our Climate.