Daily GK Update- 21st Oct, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Total Balance in PM Jan Dhan Accounts Crosses ₹1.75-Lakh Crore Mark: The total balance in the basic bank accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has crossed the ₹1.75 lakh crore mark. As per the latest Government data, the total balance stood at ₹1,75,225 crore as on October 5, 2022, as the total number of beneficiaries touched 47 crore.

National Mission for Financial Inclusion completes eight years of successful implementation. More than 46.25 crore beneficiaries banked under PMJDY since its inception, amounting to Rs. 1,73,954 crore. FM Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Said: Financial inclusion is a major step towards inclusive growth which ensures overall economic development of marginalised sections of society. PMJDY has become the foundation stone for the government’s people-centric economic initiatives: MoS Finance, Dr. Bhagwat Karad. PMJDY Accounts grow 3-fold from 14.72 crore in Mar’15 to 46.25 crore as on 10-08-2022.

56% Jan-Dhan account holders are women and 67% Jan Dhan accounts in rural and semi-urban areas. 31.94 crore RuPay cards issued to PMJDY accountholders About 5.4 crore PMJDY account holders received direct benefit transfer (DBT) from the Government under various schemes in June, 2022.

 

2. Goa to host 9th World Ayurveda Congress & Arogya Expo: The 9th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC) and Arogya Expo, will be held in Panaji, Goa from 8th to 11th December 2022. The 9th World Ayurveda Congress aims to transformationally push Ayurveda to bring it into global focus. The 9th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC) is going to be hosted in Goa and it aims to create an accessible and affordable healthcare system that is in harmony with modern medical practices. Key Points:

a)      The theme for the 9th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC) this year is ‘Ayurveda For One Health’.

b)      The event is going to be a four-day event that is supported by both central and state governments.

c)       The event is going it be attended by more than 4,500 delegates. The program will start with seven plenary sessions, 16 themes for oral presentation, a string of associated events, and public outreach program.

 

3. Haryana topped the Public Affairs Index 2022 in big states: Haryana has bagged the top position in the category of big states in the Public Affairs Index-2022. The state has emerged at the forefront in social, economic and political justice themes. It has topped among the major states with a score of 0.6948, followed by Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Karnataka among many other states.

In PAI-2022, Sikkim has retained its position as the best-governed small state in India. The index, prepared by a Bengaluru-based non-profit think tank Public Affairs Centre (PAC), was released. In the report, economic justice was measured on indicators such as labour productivity, assurance of standard of living to wage workers, public expenditure on development, coverage of social safety net, and employment opportunities.

Note: Public Affairs Centre Headquarters location: Bengaluru, Karnataka; Public Affairs Centre Founded: 1994.

 

4. Logistics Performance Index 2022 lists: 15 States as achievers: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Gujarat are three of the 15 States and UTs that are categorised as achievers in the logistics index chart for 2022, according to a study released by the commerce and industry ministry. The logistics performance Index 2022 measures the effectiveness of the logistical services required to encourage exports and economic expansion. Key Points:

a)      The other States listed in the ranking of the logistics performance index 2022 as rapid movers include Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Sikkim, and Tripura.

b)      Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Mizoram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Nagaland, Jammu and Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh are among the 15 States and UTs rated in the aspirers category.

c)       Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are among the other States and UTs in the achievers category.

 

5. IInvenTiv, an all-IITs R&D showcase launched by Education Minister: At the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi), IInvenTiv, the first-ever all-IIT R&D exhibition, was officially inaugurated by Union Minister for Education and Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan. The Education minister claimed that IITs are now used as catalysts for change. They serve as both a bridge to the future and a storehouse of information. Key Points:

a)      Pradhan continued by saying that the Covid epidemic has demonstrated the effects of technology-driven research dedicating itself to the benefit of humanity.

b)      In accordance with the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” programme, the R&D Fair is being held in remembrance of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence.

c)       More than 300 industry representatives attended the IInvenTiv.

d)      IInvenTiv event will feature 75 projects, including 6 Showcase projects, on a variety of topics.

e)      The initiatives support the Make in India, Digital India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat visions.

 

6. National Solidarity Day: 20th October: India observes National Solidarity Day on 20th October every year. This day is observed to honour the Armed Forces. In the wake of the mortifying military thrashing because of China, India had started observing National Solidarity Day on October 20—the date on which China began the assaults in 1962. The purpose of the day is to celebrate the memory of the solidarity, unity, and integrity of our people during the war in order to protect the nation.

 

7. National Police Commemoration Day: 21st October: October 21 commemorates the sacrifices of ten CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. On October 21, 1959, ten Indian policemen were killed during an attack by Chinese troops in the Hot Springs region close to Ladakh after an argument between the troops. Since that day, 21 October has been observed as National Police Commemoration Day in honour of the martyrs.

National Police Commemoration Day History: This incident started on October 20, 1959, when the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was in charge of patrolling the 2,600-mile border between India and Tibet. Three units of the CRPF’s 3rd Battalion were dispatched on separate patrols to a location known as Hot Springs to keep an eye on the Indo-China border in North Eastern Ladakh. However, one of the three contingents, which consisted of two police constables and a porter, did not return.

On October 21, a new contingent that comprised all available personnel led by DCIO Karam Singh was mobilised to search for the lost troop. As they approached a hillock in Ladakh, the Chinese Army opened fire at the Indian soldiers. Seven Indian police officers were taken as prisoners by the Chinese and ten of them were killed while on duty. It was almost after a month, on November 28, 1959, that the Chinese troops handed the bodies of the martyred police officers to India.

As a result of a resolution made at the Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories in January 1960, October 21 is now recognised as Police Commemoration Day or Martyr’s Day. A parade is held on October 21 at the Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, Delhi every year since 2012.

Note: Central Reserve Police Force Headquarters: New Delhi; Central Reserve Police Force Formed: 27 July 1939; Central Reserve Police Force Director General, CRPF: Dr Sujoy Lal Thaosen, IPS.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Japan to Scrap Remarriage Restrictions on Pregnant Women: Japanese cabinet ministers approved the scrapping of a law that stipulates women pregnant at the time of a divorce must wait 100 days before marrying again. The law, in place for more than a century, does not apply to men and was originally intended as a way to aid the identification of the father who is financially responsible for a newborn baby.

Critics have campaigned for a withdrawal of the 1896 law – which had banned remarriage for six months until being revised in 2016 – calling it outdated and discriminatory. The change will also remove a rule that grants parents the right to “discipline children to whatever necessary extent”.

 

2. US Congressmen Introduce Resolution to Recognise Pakistani Atrocities During 1971 as Genocide: Two American congressmen have introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives urging the Biden administration to recognise the Pakistan Army’s atrocities against ethnic minorities during the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh.

Who Brought The Legislation: The legislation was brought by Congressmen Ro Khanna and Steve Chabot, calling on the Pakistan government, among other things, to apologise to the people of Bangladesh for its role in the genocide of ethnic Bengalis and Hindus during the war.

Why The Resolution: The resolution “condemns the atrocities committed by the Armed Forces of Pakistan against the people of Bangladesh from March 1971 to December 1971; recognises that such atrocities against ethnic Bengalis and Hindus constitute crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide; calls on the President of the United States to recognise the atrocities committed against ethnic Bengalis and Hindus by the Armed Forces of Pakistan during 1971 as crimes against humanity war crimes, and genocide.”

Bi-Partisan Support: Chabot, a Republican Party member, confirmed of bringing in such a resolution jointly with another Congressman Khanna, a Democrat and the US Representative from California’s 17th congressional district, to commemorate the 1971 Bengali Genocide.

 

3. International Chef’s Day: 20th October: Every year on October 20th, International Chefs Day is observed to honour the culinary masters who have protected the value of food and are passing on the same message to future generations. This day celebrates the culinary arts and recognizes the hard work and dedication that chefs put into their craft. The theme for this year is “Growing A Healthy Future.” The idea behind this theme is to ensure a healthy and sustainable planet for future generations. This can happen when we teach them the value of food and its impact on the environment.

International Chef’s Day History: International Chefs Day is celebrated annually on October 20. The day was established in 2004 by the World Association of Cooks Societies (WACS) to recognize the contributions that chefs make to society. The history of International Chefs Day can be traced back to the early days of the WACS, when the organization’s founders recognized the need for a day to honour chefs and showcase their talent to the world. In 1974, WACS held its first International Congress of Culinary Professionals in Geneva, Switzerland. During this congress, it was decided that an International Chefs Day would be held each year on October 20th.

Note: World Association of Cooks Societies Headquarters: Paris, France; World Association of Cooks Societies Founded: October 1928.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. D Gukesh becomes youngest to beat World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen: India teenager Donnarumma Gukesh scripted history in the ongoing Aimchess Rapid online tournament as he defeated Magnus Carlsen, thereby becoming the youngest player ever to beat him as world champion. The 16-year-old Donnarumma defeated Carlsen with white in the 9th round and hence he defeated the Norwegian during his reign as world champion.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India may draw $475 billion in FDI in next 5 years: Report: India may draw $475 billion in FDI: India has promising growth prospects for foreign direct investment (FDI) and has the potential to draw $475 billion in FDI flows over the next five years, according to a CII-EY report. Despite the effects of the pandemic and geopolitical developments, foreign direct investment (FDI) in India has steadily increased over the past ten years, reaching $84.8 billion in FY 2021–22. Key Points:

a)      71% of multinational corporations (MNCs) with operations in India view it as a key market for their international expansion. Prospects for the long run and the short term are what are fueling the optimism.

b)      According to the report titled “Vision – Developed India: Opportunities and Expectations of MNCs,” the majority of MNCs believe that the Indian economy will perform significantly better in the next three to five years.

c)       With 96% of respondents being optimistic about the overall potential of the country.

d)      The robust momentum in India’s domestic consumption, services, digital economy, and infrastructure is dictating the country’s growth trajectory.

e)      Behind only the US and China, the forecasted actual growth in consumption is the third greatest, and by 2025, the rapidly growing digital economy is predicted to reach $1 trillion.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India’s Defence Exports at Rs 8000 Cr in H1 Of FY23: India registered defence exports worth Rs 8,000 crore in six months of the current financial year and aims to achieve the annual export target of Rs 35,000 crore by 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said. He was speaking at the curtain raiser event of DefExpo, scheduled to be held from October 18 to 22, in Gandhinagar.

“Before 2014, we used to achieve (defence) exports of Rs 900-1,300 crore. After all these years, we have achieved exports worth more than Rs 30,000 crore to date. We can add another Rs 8,000-9,000 crore of the export target (this year),” Singh said. “We target to achieve (annual defence) exports worth Rs 35,000 crore by the end of FY 2025. We have achieved exports worth Rs 8,000 crore in six months (of FY 2022-23),” Singh said.

Defence Exhibition: Gandhinagar is hosting India’s biggest-ever defence exhibition to date – DefExpo 2022. This 12th edition of the event has been organised on the theme ‘Path to Pride’. Singh said India in the last few years covered a transformational journey from a (defence) importer to an exporter. DefExpo will add pace to this journey, he added. “India which was until a few years back considered the world’s biggest (defence) importer is now standing in the queue of 25 top exporting countries,” the defence minister said in his address. He said more than 13,000 companies are participating in the DefExpo. “India had achieved exports of defence items and technology worth a record Rs 13,000 crore in 2021-22, which is likely to rise to Rs 17,000 crore in 2022-23,” Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said. Officials said so far 451 agreements related to the defence sector with proposed investment of Rs 1.50 lakh crore have been signed in run up to the DefExpo. Of these, Gujarat-based companies have signed MoUs with an investment pledge of Rs 5,000 crore, they said.

Kumar said the ‘Bandhan’ event at the expo is about signing business agreements. In the last DefExpo held in Lucknow, 201 agreements were signed. This time, so far 451 agreements have been inked committing Rs 1.50 lakh crore investment, he added.

 

2. DefExpo 2022: India-Africa Defence Dialogue held in Gandhinagar: India-Africa Defence Dialogue held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The dialogue aims to explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, including areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. Key Points:

a)      The theme of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue is India-Africa: Adopting Strategy for Synergising and strengthening Defence and Security Corporation.

b)      Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosted the Defence Ministers of African Nations.

c)       India and Africa share close historical relations. India’s approach towards Africa is guided by the Kampala Principles enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.

d)      The first ever India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in 2020, in conjunction with DefExpo.

e)      In continuance of the ‘Lucknow Declaration’ and in consultation with stakeholders, IAAD has been Institutionalised to be held once every two years on the sidelines of DefExpo.

 

3. “PowerEX-2022” joint Cyber Security Exercise conducted by CERT-IN and Power-CSIRTs: PowerEx-2022: 193 invited Power Sector Utilities to participate in the Cyber Security Exercise “PowerEX” that was successfully designed and carried out by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) and Power-CSIRTs. On the exercise day, the CERT-In team collaborated with the Power-CSIRT authorities’ Exercise Planner Team as Exercise Coordinators. Key Points:

a)      “Recognize, Analyze & Respond to Cyber Incidents in IT & OT Systems” was the exercise’s stated goal.

b)      “Defending Cyber generated interruption in IT & OT infrastructure” was the exercise’s objective.

c)       CERT-IN hosted exercise “PowerEX” on its platform for simulating exercises.

d)      A total of 350+ representatives from different power sector utilities took part in the event.

e)      The “PowerEX” exercise was successful in achieving its goals and assisting the participants in understanding, practising, and responding to cyber security problems.