Daily GK Update- 22nd Nov, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Inaugurated Arunachal’s first Greenfield Airport Donyi Polo Airport: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Greenfield airport in Arunachal Pradesh — the Donyi Polo Airport at Itanagar — and dedicated the 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station to the nation. About The Donyi-Polo Airport:

a)      The name of the airport reflects the traditions and rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and the age-old indigenous reverence to the Sun (‘Donyi’) and the Moon (‘Polo’) in the state.

b)      The foundation stone for this airport was laid by the PM in 2019. The airport, which has been developed in an area of over 690 acres, at the cost of more than Rs 640 crore is expected to play a major role in improving connectivity and will also contribute to the growth of trade and tourism in the region, said Dilip Sajnani, Director, Airport Authority of India.

c)       The airport has a 2300 m runway and is well suited for all weather day operations. The airport terminal is a modern building, which promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy and the recycling of resources.

d)      The Donyi Polo airport will be the third operational airport in Arunachal Pradesh and the first in its capital city Itanagar, taking the total number of airports in the Northeast to 16. Arunachal Pradesh currently has two airports, one at Pasighat and the other at Tezu.

Meanwhile, the launch event also witness PM Modi dedicating 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station to the nation. The power station has been developed at a cost of more than Rs 8,450 crore and the project aims to turn Arunachal Pradesh into a power surplus state.

 

2. Tripura CM Dr Manik Saha launched ‘Amar Sarkar’ portal: Tripura chief minister Dr Manik Saha said his government is working to ensure all central and state-sponsored schemes reach every doorstep and launched a new portal, ‘Amar Sarkar’, to act as a bridge between the people and the government. A total of 78 departments, including the panchayat department, has been included in the webportal. The portal will help people to register their problems and complaints through village committee officials. It is worthy to mention here that various problems and complaints of the people will be registered through the village and village committee level workers in this URL https://amarsarkar.tripura.gov.in/.

Note: Tripura Capital: Agartala; Tripura Chief Minister: Manik Sarkar; Tripura Governor: Satyadeo Narain Arya.

 

3. India’s first elephant death audit framework introduced by Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu’s Forest Department has introduced an elephant death audit framework to put in place a more detailed and transparent process for recording and monitoring elephant deaths in the State. Presently, identifying the cause of mortality in the field remains critical for many questions related to population and conservation of elephants. The framework will improve transparency, assist all stakeholders in assessing the results and ultimately facilitate standardisation and more credible comparisons of cause of mortality. Objectives:

a)      The broad objectives of Elephant Death Audit Framework (EDAF), the first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, are threefold, said Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forests.

b)      According to media reports, out of the 131 elephant deaths recorded in Tamil Nadu’s forest divisions between January 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022, only 13 were human-induced. Out of the rest, 118 were due to natural causes; six because of electrocution; four due to train hits; one due to road accident and two because of retaliatory kills.

c)       The framework will be helpful to collect mortality assessment data with high quality and credibility through a transparent process. The framework and procedural steps could assist wildlife managers and ecologists to ensure accountability, says the Tamil Nadu Elephant Death Audit Framework document.

Note: Tamil Nadu Capital: Chennai; Tamil Nadu Chief Minister: M K Stalin; Tamil Nadu Governor: R N Ravi.

 

4. PM Modi inaugurated Bengaluru Tech Summit 2022: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the silver jubilee edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS 22) virtually. The central theme of BTS this year is ‘Tech4NexGen’ and focuses on Electronics, IT, Deep Tech, Biotech, and Startups. The 3-day BTS2022 event witnessed the coming together of global tech leaders, Indian corporates and startups from IT, Deep tech and Biotech, showcasing disruptive technologies, forging partnerships and alliances. Bengaluru Tech Summit 22, which has attracted more than 575 exhibitors, witnessed at least 9 MoUs being signed and the launch of more than 20 products.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IPC Suspends Russian, Belarusian Committees with Immediate Effect: The International Paralympic Committee voted to suspend the National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) of Russia and Belarus with immediate effect, placing their para-athletes’ hopes of competing at the 2024 Paralympics in jeopardy.

Athletes from the two countries had previously been barred from competing in the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics in March over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, for which Belarus has been a staging area. Russia’s suspension was passed by 64 votes to 39, with 16 abstentions, at the IPC’s extraordinary General Assembly in Berlin. The suspension of Belarus’ NPC passed 54-45, with 18 abstentions.

Consequences Of This Move: As a result of the suspension, Russia and Belarus cannot enter their athletes into World Para Sport events. Both NPCs have the right to appeal. Should any appeal not be upheld, only the IPC General Assembly can revoke the suspension. Qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Games are scheduled to take place throughout 2023 and 2024. The IPC said that it could not speculate on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at Paris 2024.

 

2. Abu Dhabi Hosted First Global Media Congress: Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company hosted the first edition of the Global Media Congress, in partnership with Emirates News Agency from 15th to 17th November. The conference program delivered in multiple languages, appealing to a global audience. Key Points:

a)      The global media industry gathered in Abu Dhabi to leverage networking opportunities and take part in a conference program sharing ideas and cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of the industry.

b)      The Global Media Congress offered a platform for journalists, tech firms, content creators, digital marketing professionals, streaming giants, entertainment executives, regulators, and key media stakeholders.

c)       The Global Media Congress facilitated critical knowledge exchange and present opportunities for business partnerships for media professionals from across the globe.

d)      Partnerships are built between key media players in the GCC and MENA region. A large government representation from exhibitors and buyers will attend the event.

e)      The event allowed an international transfer of knowledge to the UAE and the wider GCC in the key media sectors.

 

3. World Television Day: 21st November: World Television Day is observed on 21 November, every year. It is a day that recognizes the value and impact of television in our lives.

World Television Day History: On 21 and 22 November 1996 the United Nations held the first World Television Forum, where leading media figures met under the auspices of the United Nations to discuss the growing significance of television in today’s changing world and to consider how they might enhance their mutual cooperation. That is why the General Assembly decided to proclaim 21 November as World Television Day.

This was done in recognition of the increasing impact television has on the process of decision-making. Television was thus acknowledged as a major tool in informing, channelling and affecting public opinion. Its impact and presence and its influence on world politics could not be denied.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Asian Airgun Championship: Shiva Narwal bagged gold medal: Shiva Narwal won the gold medal in the 10m men’s air pistol competition. India’s gold tally at the Asian Airgun Championship in Daegu, South Korea. The first medal event was the 10-meter Air Pistol Women. Key Points:

a)      In the gold medal match in the 10-meter Air Pistol Women Junior event, Manu Bhaker beat Esha Singh 17-15.

b)      The Indian men’s senior and junior 10-meter air pistol teams also claimed gold medals in their respective events.

c)       The seniors’ team of Shiva Narwal, Naveen, and Vijayveer Sidhu registered an upset 16-14 victory over a strong South Korean team comprising 2018 world champions Lee Daemyung and Park Daehun along with Mok Jin Mun.

d)      The junior team of Sagar Dangi, Samrat Rana, and Varun Tomar saw off Uzbekistan’s Mukhammad Kamalov, Nuriddin Nuriddinov, and Ilkhombek Obidjonov 16-2 in the final event of the day.

e)      With the four gold medals and a silver each from Esha Singh and Palak, the Indian shooting team leads the Championship medals table with 34 medals, which include 22 golds, eight silvers, and four bronze.

 

2. Gianni Infantino set to get third term as FIFA president: Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) president Gianni Infantino is getting four more years in charge of football’s governing body after no candidate stepped up to challenge him. Infantino won a five-candidate race in 2016 to replace Sepp Blatter, and was re-elected unopposed in 2019. He’s now set to stay in the job beyond the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Infantino’s upcoming re-election to the $3 million-per-year job may not be his final term in office. FIFA rules allow him to run again to stay in power for another World Cup cycle until 2031.

Note: FIFA President: Gianni Infantino; FIFA Founded: 21 May 1904; FIFA Headquarters: Zürich, Switzerland.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Federal Bank Ties up with JCB India to Finance Heavy Equipment Buyers: Federal Bank announced that it has partnered with JCB India to expand its loan portfolio and fund potential buyers of heavy construction equipment. The private sector lender said it has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with JCB India, a leading manufacturer of earthmoving and construction equipment. Key Points:

a)      With the government’s focus on infrastructure development continuing to remain strong, there will be various opportunities to create synergies between the teams from JCB India and Federal Bank, Deepak Shetty, CEO and Managing Director of JCB India, said.

b)      Shyam Srinivasan, Managing Director and CEO of Federal Bank, said the lender has officially become the financing partner for JCB India.

c)       Under the arrangement, Federal Bank is the preferred finance partner of the construction equipment manufacturer, where JCB’s customers can avail loans from the lender at competitive interest rates.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Wipro the First Indian Company to Set Up European Work Council: IT company Wipro has reached an agreement with employee representatives on setting up a European Works Council, the company said. The creation of Wipro’s EWC is the first to be established by an Indian headquartered company. Key Points:

a)      Wipro’s EWC is the first to be established by an Indian headquartered company, and builds upon a number of years of successful, constructive working with Works Councils at local and national level across several European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Finland.

b)      The creation of an EWC follows a request by employees under an EU directive establishing the opportunity in companies with more than 1,000 employees across multiple European locations. Wipro’s EWC agreement was successfully negotiated with employee representatives from 13 different countries.

 

2. Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer Thierry Bolloré Resigns: Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover chief executive officer Thierry Bollore announced his resignation from the luxury car company citing personal reasons. He will leave the company on 31st December 2022. Adrian Mardell will take over as Interim. Adrian has been part of Jaguar Land Rover for 32 years and a member of the Executive Board for three years.

 

3. Retired BPCL chairman Arun Kumar Singh to be next chief of ONGC: BPCL’s former chairman Arun Kumar Singh is likely to be the new chairman of India’s top oil and gas producer Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). He retired from BPCL after attaining the superannuation age last month and was already selected to head the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) before the August 27 interviews. The will be first time that a person aged over 60 will be heading a top PSU board-level position.

Note: ONGC Headquarters: Vasant Kunj, New Delhi; ONGC Founded: 14 August 1956.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Trikand participated in ‘Sea Sword 2’ counter-terrorism drill: INS Trikand has participated in the Combined Maritime Forces led Operation “Sea Sword 2” in the Northwest Arabian Sea. The operation was held to prevent narcotics trade & stop smuggling entities from using the seas for their nefarious activities. This edition also marked the 30th anniversary of the exercise and was hosted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The ship participated with other multinational forces and regional partner navies to counter terrorism, prevent narcotics trade and stop smuggling entities from using the seas for their nefarious activities. The Indian Navy’s long range maritime patrol aircraft also participated in the operation and provided air support. This effort is part of the Indian Navy’s commitment to ensuring safety of the seas and collective security in the region as espoused by the SAGAR vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

Note: 25th Navy Chief: Admiral R. Hari Kumar; Indian Navy Founded: 26 January 1950; Indian Navy New Delhi.

 

2. Indian Army Registered IPR for ‘Combat uniform’: Indian Army registered for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of the new design and camouflage pattern uniform to establish the ownership. The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademark, Kolkata completed the registration process. Key Points:

a)      The new Digital Pattern Combat Uniform for Indian Army soldiers was unveiled on 15 January 2022 which was also Army Day.

b)      The improved uniform has a contemporary look and functional design. The fabric has been made lighter, stronger, breathable, quick-drying, and easier to maintain.

c)       The uniform’s uniqueness is evident with the inclusion of gender-specific modifications for women’s combat uniforms.

d)      The Defence Ministry has informed that the exclusive ‘Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)’ of the Design and Camouflage Pattern rests solely with the Indian Army, and therefore manufacturing by any vendor who is not authorized to do so will be illegal and is liable to face legal repercussions.

e)      Indian Army can enforce exclusive rights to the design and can file infringement suits by way of a civil action before a competent court of law. Remedies against infringements include interim and permanent injunctions as well as damages.

 

3. Army Chief General Manoj Pandey received guard of honour at Paris: Army Chief General Manoj Pande received a Guard of Honour at the Les Invalides in Paris on 17 November 2022. He is on a four-day visit to France. General Manoj Pande during his visit held talks with his French counterpart General Pierre Schille and discussed issues of mutual interest during his visit to the European country. Key Points:

a)      Gen Pande left for France on November 14 on a four-day visit to further strengthen the “bond of trust” between the Indian and French armies.

b)      General Pande held extensive talks with the top military brass of France including the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Chief of the Army Staff, and the Commander of the Land Combat Forces.

c)       General Pande is on a four-day official visit to Nepal from the 5th to the 8th of this month. This is his first visit to Nepal as Chief of Army Staff.

d)      General Manoj Pande also handed over non-lethal military aid including Artillery Equipment, Mine Protected Vehicles, Medical Stores, and Horses to Nepal Army, to enhance the Military Cooperation between the two Armies.