Daily GK Update- 23rd Oct, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Hardeep Puri inaugurated Asia’s largest Compressed Biogas plant: Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri has inaugurated Asia’s largest Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Lehragaga, in Sangrur, Punjab. The plant has been commissioned with a foreign direct investment of approximately Rs. 220 crores by Verbio AG, one of Germany’s leading bio-energy companies. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and senior management from Verbio India Private Limited were also present at the inaugural ceremony. Key Points:

a)      The CBG plant at Sangrur is spread across an area of 20 acres. The plant’s present production is about six tonnes per day but soon it will process 300 tonnes of paddy straw per day to produce 33 TPD of compressed biogas using eight digesters of 10,000 cubic meters.

b)      The CBG plant, are a huge leap in arriving at a win-win situation for farmers and the environment.

c)       The plant will consume 100,000 tonnes of paddy straw, which will be procured from six to eight satellite locations within a 10km radius of the plant.

d)      There shall be daily production of about 600-650 Tons of FOM (fermented organic manure), which can be used for organic farming. The CBG plant will also help provide direct employment to 390 and indirect employment to 585 people.

 

2. Mallikarjun Kharge Elected as The New Congress President: Veteran Karnataka leader Mallikarjun Kharge defeated his rival Shashi Tharoor to become the first non-Gandhi Congress president in 24 years, and the first Scheduled Caste chief of the grand old organization in four decades. Kharge polled 7897 of the 9385 votes cast while Tharoor garnered a meagre 1072. Sources said 416 votes were invalid.

He is the first non-Gandhi to head the Congress in 24 years, after Sitaram Kesri was unceremoniously ousted in 1988 through a Congress Working Committee resolution that invited Sonia Gandhi to become the party chief. Sonia had become a primary member of the Congress only a year ago at the AICC Kolkata plenary in 1997.

 

3. ICAS Bharati Das named as the new Controller General of Accounts: The government of India has appointed Bharati Das, an officer of the Indian Civil Accounts Service of the 1988 batch, as the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. She is the 27th Controller General of Accounts, Ministry of Finance.

She has served as the Principal Chief Controller of Accounts at the Central Board of Direct Taxes, at the Ministry of External Affairs and at the Ministry of Home Affairs. She has also served as the CCA at the Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Director at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways.

 

4. India Gate Basmati Rice Recognized as World’s Number 1 Basmati Rice Brand: India Gate, the flagship brand of KRBL, has been recognized as the world’s No. 1 Basmati Rice Brand in a market study conducted by a leading global research company. The quantitative study by Mordor Intelligence covers research of White and Brown Basmati Rice Category across continents like the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. The research has been done using methodologies like Primary & Secondary Research, Data Triangulation, and Insight Generation. History of India Gate Basmati Rice:

a)      Since its introduction in 1998, India Gate Basmati Rice has been working continuously to deliver its purpose of enriching lives through Basmati Rice, a nutritional wonder of nature.

b)      Over the years, India Gate has developed a successful global consumer franchise, as evidenced by the fact that it is exported to over 90 countries and sells 8+ cr. packs annually.

c)       The grains of India Gate Basmati Rice is aged to perfection, which makes them longer, fluffier, non-sticky, and full of beautiful aroma, setting them apart from the others.

d)      This latest study recognizing India Gate Basmati Rice as the World’s No.1 Basmati rice brand is testimony to our unwavering commitment to get the best quality basmati on consumer plates across the world.

e)      Products in the India Gate Basmati Rice portfolio are available across leading e-commerce platforms as well as offline modern trade and general trade stores.

 

5. Geographical Indication tag sought for nihonshu from Japan: This is the first time a product from Japan has filed for a tag at the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai. The Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, has filed an application seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Nihonshu/Japanese sake, an alcoholic beverage. It is learnt that this is the first time a product from Japan has filed for a tag at the Geographical Indication Registry here. About Nihonshu:

a)      Nihonshu is regarded as a special and valuable beverage made from fermenting rice. People traditionally drink nihonshu on special occasions, such as festivals, weddings or funerals, but it is also consumed on a daily basis. Thus, it is an integral part of the lifestyle and culture in Japan.

b)      The sake market (almost all are nihonshu) is the second largest brewed liquor (such as beer) market in Japan. For making nihonshu three main raw materials – rice, koji-kin (a type of fungal spore) and water – are required.

c)       The production of nihonshu follows an alcoholic fermentation method called parallel multiple fermentation and involves raw material treatment, koji making, starter culture making, mash making, pressing, heat sterilisation and bottling. The rice and koji used should originate in Japan.

 

6. IRS officer Sahil Seth launches his book ‘A confused mind story’: Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Joint Commissioner GST, Custom & Narcotics and youth influencer, Sahil Seth launched his book titled ‘A confused Mind story’. The book was launched, and the first look was Unveiled in the presence of Union Health Minister Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya.

The book was published by Blue Rose publication house, one of the top fiction, nonfiction, and poetry book publishers in India. The book is based on the contrast between the spiritual and material world. The book depicts the answers behind the confusion of the common man in day-to-day life and explains the rationale behind the meaning of life and belief system.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Apoorva Srivastava named as India’s Ambassador to Slovak Republic: Indian Foreign Service, Apoorva Srivastava has been appointed to serve as India’s Ambassador to the Slovak Republic. An officer of the 2001 batch, she currently serves as Consul-General at the Consulate of India in Toronto. Prior to this, she served in various positions in the Ministry of External Affairs and has been posted in Kathmandu and Paris, among other locations.

Note: Slovak Republic (Slovakia) Capital: Bratislava; Slovak Republic (Slovakia) Currency: Euro; Slovak Republic (Slovakia) President: Zuzana Čaputová.

 

2. Pakistan May Take Out off FATF Grey List: Pakistan is likely to exit the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) after it was placed in the infamous category since 2018 for failing to check money laundering and terrorist financing, a media report said.

Pakistan was included in the increased monitoring list in June 2018 for deficiencies in its legal, financial, regulatory, investigations, prosecution, judicial and non-government sector to fight money laundering and combat terror financing considered serious threat to global financial system.

Pakistan has made high-level political commitments to address these deficiencies under a 27-point action plan. But later the number of action points was enhanced to 34. the country had since been vigorously working with FATF and its affiliates to strengthen its legal and financial systems against money laundering and terror financing to meet international standards in line with 40-recommendations of the FATF.

 

3. Dr Prashant Garg elected as member of Academia Ophthalmological Internationalis: Dr Prashant Garg, executive chair, L V Prasad Eye Institute, has been elected as a ‘Member’ of the prestigious Academia Ophthalmological Internationalis (AOI). Dr Garg becomes the fifth from India to ever receive this honour. His tenure as a Member of Academia Ophthalmological Internationalis will formally commence next year during AOI’s next General Assembly meeting.

About the Academia Ophthalmological Internationalis (AOI): AOI is a university-centred international organization committed to excellence in education, research and culturally appropriate medical services to preserve and restore the vision of people of the world. Its membership is limited to 100 active members, and they represent the most eminent academicians in ophthalmology in the world, each holding a chair of this prestigious body. Dr Garg becomes the fifth from India to ever receive this honour.

Note: Academia Ophthalmological Internationalis President: Marie-José Tassignon; Academia Ophthalmological Internationalis established: April 10, 1976.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Irish prof Bernard Dunne is Indian boxing’s new high-performance director: Former Irish professional boxer Bernard Dunne has been named the high-performance director (HPD) for Indian boxing. Dunne, who had a five-year (2017-2022) stint with the Irish Athletic Boxing Association, replaces Santiago Nieva. During Dunne’s tenure with the Ireland team, Kellie Harrington emerged as World (2018, Delhi) and Olympic (2021, Tokyo) champion, while Amy Broadhurst and Lisa O’Rourke won golds at this year’s World Championships in Istanbul and Aidan Walsh secured a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics. About the Bernard Dunne:

a)      The 42-year-old Dunne, who has bagged 13 national titles, has joined the Indian boxing elite programme at Patiala. He has won the WBA World Championship (2009) and the European Championship (2007), will take over the position which was left vacant after Santiago Nieva’s departure.

b)      During Dunne’s tenure with the Ireland team, Kellie Harrington emerged the Olympic champion in Tokyo as well as the world champion in 2018. He also guided Amy Broadhurst and Lisa O’Rourke to gold medals at the last World Championships and Aidan Walsh to a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympic Games.

c)       Dunne led the Irish high-performance boxing team from 2017 to 2022, and under his leadership they performed at the highest level, winning European, World and Olympics gold medals. Dunne, who has 13 national titles to his name, has joined the Indian boxing elite programme at Patiala.

 

2. Qatar to host AFC Asian Cup 2023: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee has confirmed the Qatar Football Association (QFA) as the host association for the AFC Asian Cup 2023. The 11th AFC Executive Committee meeting was chaired by AFC President Shaikh Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa. Key Points:

a)      Qatar is the reigning AFC Asian Cup Champions and will be hosting the most prestigious men’s tournament for the third time.

b)      The AFC Executive Committee also deliberated upon the bidding proposals for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

c)       It shortlisted the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) as the final two bidders.

d)      Football Australia withdrew from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 bidding process on 1st September 2022.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. BookMyShow and RBL Bank collaborate to offer the “Play” credit card: The launch of a new credit card called “Play” by RBL Bank and BookMyShow will significantly increase the entertainment value for Indian consumers. RBL Bank and BookMyShow collaborated to offer the Fun Plus credit card earlier in 2016. Customers will be able to follow the full procedure on BookMyShow, a first for any entertainment platform in India, from application to delivery of the “Play” credit card. Key Points:

a)      Select BookMyShow customers will have access to the “Play” credit card, which will enable them to take advantage of lucrative offers on movie tickets, live entertainment purchases (both online and offline)

b)      The customers will also have access to binge-watching movies and TV shows on BookMyShow Stream by renting or buying a title, all while earning rewards with each purchase.

c)       While consumers of BookMyShow can acquire the “Play” credit card for an annual price of 500 rupees, BookMyShow Superstars will have free access to the exceptional offering.

d)      Customers will be able to follow the entire process from application to delivery of the “Play” credit card on BookMyShow, which will be a first for any entertainment platform in India.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Former Infosys President Ravi Kumar joins Cognizant: Former Infosys president Ravi Kumar S, who resigned from the Bengaluru-based IT company last week, is joining as president of Cognizant Americas. Kumar will take on the position from January 16, 2023, and will be reporting directly to Brian Humphries, chief executive officer (CEO) of Cognizant. Kumar succeeds Dharmendra Kumar Sinha who retired from Cognizant last year. At present, Sinha is the president of the public cloud business unit in Rackspace Technology. Surya Gummadi will continue to hold the post of interim president for Cognizant Americas till Kumar joins, after which he will move to lead Cognizant’s $5-billion health sciences business.

Cognizant has also announced the appointment of former Bain executive Prasad Sankaran as head of the software and platform engineering (SPE) service line.

Note: Cognizant Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Brian Humphries; Cognizant Headquarters: New Jersey, United States of America (USA).

 

2. Kaustubh Kulkarni elevated as JP Morgan India head: JP Morgan has announced the appointment of its new Country Head of India, Kaustubh Kulkarni. Madhav Kalyan the current country head of India will be serving in the Asia Pacific Payments Division from 1st November 2022. Kaustubh Kulkarni is currently serving as the head of investment banking in JP Morgan India and also as the Vice-chair of Asia Pacific for the bank and also as the co-head of investment banking for Southeast Asia.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Alexia Putellas, Karim Benzema win 2022 Ballon d’Or awards: Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, a professional French footballer, has won the Men’s Ballon d’Or (Golden Ball Award) 2022 and becomes the 5th Frenchman to win the prize. Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas, a Spanish professional footballer, has won the Women’s Ballon d’Or award or Ballon d’Or Féminin Award for the 2nd time. The 66th edition of the Ballon d’Or Ceremony (2022) was held 022 at the Théâtre du Châtelet. Paris, France. Karim Benzema becomes only the 2nd player aside from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award since 2008.

Notably: The most number of Ballon d’Or was received by Lionel Messi. He tops the list with 7 awards followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with 5 awards.

The Ballon d’Or: Awards and Winners:

Award	Winner
Ballon d’Or (Men)	Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema
Ballon d’Or (Women)	Alexia Putellas(Barcelona)
Kopa Award	Gavi (Barcelona)
Gerd Muller Award	Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Yashin Trophy	Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Club of the Year Award	Manchester City
Socrates Award	Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

About the Ballon d’Or: The Ballon d’Or is annually presented by the French magazine ‘France Football’, since 1956. The inaugural Ballon d’Or was presented to Stanley Matthews of Blackpool in 1956. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious individual awards for a football play. The Women’s Ballon d’Or was introduced in 2018.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Naval Academy to conduct Indian Navy Sailing Championship 2022: Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala to conduct the Indian Navy Sailing Championship 2022 at Marakkar Watermanship Training Centre in Kerala. The Indian Navy Sailing Championship 2022 is the largest intra-Navy sailing regatta in which nearly one hundred yatchpersons from all three Indian Naval Commands will participate. The sailing championship is one of the events being conducted by the Indian Navy to commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Khelo India.

About Indian Naval Academy: The Indian Naval Academy (INA Ezhimala) is the defense service training establishment for the officer cadre of the Indian Naval Service and the Indian Coast Guard which is located in Ezhimala, Kannur district, Kerala. The Naval Academy (NAVAC) was established in May 1969 and training of Orientation courses commenced in August 2005. It was formally inaugurated on 8th January 2009 and the name was changed to the Indian Naval Academy.