Daily GK Update: 15th August 2020

National Affairs

India celebrated its 74th Independence Day on 15th August this year.
On this very day in the year 1947, India broke away from the shackles of the British Raj and became a free and independent country.
Every year, Independence Day is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm and Indians from all over the country pay homage to its freedom fighters and brave martyrs.
Every year on this day Prime Minister addresses the Nations.

Banking & Finance

Leading stock exchange Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has joined hands with iHub of Gujarat govt to encourage and support start-ups in raising capital.
Besides, the exchange will offer multiple benefits in terms of gaining visibility, branding, credibility and unlocking the value.
Also, the BSE will provide a favourable ecosystem for the startups in the state to get funding and succeed in the venture.
iHub is an incubation set-up established by the Gujarat government.

Banking & Finance

A Group of State Finance Ministers has agreed to the suggestion of bringing the e-Way bill for intra-State movement of gold.
However, It will be up to a State whether it wants to introduce it or not.
An e-Way bill is a kind of electronic challan which shows that tax has been fully paid before goods are moved from one place to other, within the State (intra-State) or outside the State (inter-State).

International Affairs

India sent 58 MT of emergency humanitarian aid, including crucial medical and food supplies to Lebanon.
Lebanon suffered from a deadly explosion that ravaged the Lebanese capital of Beirut.
The government has sent a separate consignment of personal protective equipment, including surgical gloves and surgical gowns.
The aid was dispatched in a C-17 heavy-lift aircraft of the Indian Air Force in response to an assessment of requirements by the Lebanese authorities.

Science & Technology

The Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune developed a Nanofibres of Ayurvedic based Biodegradable Face Mask which is named as "Pavitrapati".
An anti-microbial bodysuit has also been developed by the name of ‘Aushada Tara’.
As per the ToT pact signed between DIAT and a textile company from Kolhapur, this has been manufactured in order to contain the spread of the COVID 19.
The company has launched its first-ever ayurvedic face mask for sale.

Banking & Finance

HDFC Bank has launched 'Shaurya KGC (Kisan Gold Credit) Card' for the armed forces.
A first-of-its-kind product for over 45 lakh Indian armed forces personnel.
It is based on the Kisan Credit Card guidelines by the govt.
The credit card comes with a life cover of Rs 10 lakh as against Rs 2 lakh for an average card.
The tri-colour themed card is for Army, Navy, Air Force and paramilitary forces.
This is a part of the bank's 'Har Gaon Hamara' initiative.

Banking & Finance

State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced “Kisan Credit Card Review option” on its digital platform, "YONO Krishi".
This will enable farmers to access their KCC limit in four clicks.
It is expected to benefit more than 75 Lakh Farmers who have Kisan Credit Card accounts with SBI.
The Farmers will no longer need to visit the bank branch physically to apply for a revision in their KCC limit.

Banking & Finance

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened the norms for Core Investment Companies (CICs).
The regulator took this step on the basis of the recommendations of the Working Group (WG) to Review the Regulatory and Supervisory Framework for Core Investment Companies (CICs), constituted under the Chairmanship of Tapan Ray
As per the revised guideline CICs with assets of over Rs 5,000 crore will have to appoint a Chief Risk Officer (CRO).

National & International Appointments

Former RBI deputy governor Subhash Sheoratan Mundra has been appointed as its non-executive chairman of Indiabulls Housing Finance (IBH).
Mundra had joined the board of IBH in 2018 as an independent director.
He served as the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from July 31, 2014 -July 31, 2017.
He was conferred Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil.), Honoris Causa by Amity University in 2015.

National & International Appointments

Electric mobility startup eBikeGO has appointed cricketer Harbhajan Singh as its brand ambassador.
Through the association, the company is aiming to build mass appeal, positive voice and widespread adoption for electric mobility.
eBikeGO provides electric bikes on rental to individual commuters for rent of Rs 4,000 per month.
The startup offers its fleet to new age e-commerce companies like Big Basket, Zomato, Myntra, Burger King, Nandos, Grab.in, Delhivery, Fasoos.

Schemes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag and delivered his seventh consecutive Independence Day speech from the iconic Red Fort on 74th Independence Day.
On the occasion, he announced the launch of National Digital Health Mission.
Under the scheme, all Indians will get health IDs.
Every test, every disease, medicines prescribed by doctors, reports and related information will be contained in this one health ID.

State Affairs

With an aim to provide financial assistance to around 17 lakh families, the Assam government is all set to roll out Arunodoi scheme.
Under this scheme an amount of 830 rupees will be given to eligible families per month to buy essential food items.
This will be the largest Direct Benefit Transfer scheme in Assam.
The scheme will be rolled out from 2nd of October, 2020.
15 to 17 thousand families would be benefited per Assembly constituency by this scheme.