Daily GK Update- 29th Nov, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Wins Vice Presidency of International Electrotechnical Commission: India wins the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Vice Presidency and Strategic Management Board (SMB) Chair for the 2023-25 term. Shri Vimal Mahendru will be the IEC Vice President representing India. By securing over 90% of the votes cast by full members of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) during its General Meeting held recently in San Francisco, USA, India’s representative, a member of the Indian National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and various technical committees of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS-India), was elected.

Significance Of this: Representation of BIS (India) in policy and governance bodies of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and IEC ensures that Indian viewpoints on the important strategic and policy matters are put forth and it also provides opportunities to align the national standardization priorities with International best practices.

About International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is an international standard setting body that publishes international Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.  Standardization Management Board (SMB) is an apex governance body of IEC responsible for technical policy matters.

 

2. Railways Plans to Export Vande Bharat Trains by 2025-26: The railways are looking at becoming a major exporter of Vande Bharat trains by 2025-26 to markets in Europe, South America and East Asia, a senior official said, adding that the latest version of the indigenous trains with sleeper coaches will be operational by the first quarter of 2024.

He also said the railways is planning to clock 10-12 lakh kilometers on 75 Vande Bharat trains over the next few years, for these to be export ready. “The ecosystem to export trains has to be created over the next two to three years. We are on track to manufacture 475 Vande Bharat trains in the next three years and once they run successfully, there will be confidence in global markets about our product.

The Union Budget for 2023-24 will likely announce 300 more Vande Bharat trains to provide further fillip to the indigenously built semi-high-speed trains. If budgetary support comes through, the country will produce 800 trainsets in the next five years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Railways to produce at least 75 Vande Bharat trains by August 2023 to launch the services connecting 75 key cities as part of the central government’s plans to celebrate 75 years of Independence.

 

3. AYUSH Grows from US$ 3 Billion to US$ 18 Billion: Union Ayush Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal informed that AYUSH has grown by 17 percent in 2014-20 to reach US dollars 18.1 billion. The Minister was speaking at the inauguration of ‘AYUR-UDYAMAH’ at New Delhi, where he also released the RIS report titled ‘AYUSH Sector in India: Prospects and Challenges.

Key Points:

a)      On the occasion, the All-India Institute of Ayurveda – Incubation Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (AIIA ICAINE) the first-of-its-kind incubation center under the Ministry of Ayush to promote Start-ups was also launched.

b)      AIIA ICAINE was launched by the Union Minister of Food and Processing Industries Shri Pashupati Paras Ji.

c)       As per the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) report, despite a slump in economic activity in 2020 due to the pandemic, the industry is projected to reach US$ 20.6 billion in 2021 and US$ 23.3 billion in 2022.

d)      In terms of the global share, India has grown faster in the AYUSH market as compared to the world and accounts for about 2.8 percent of the market, which is likely to hold even though disruptions in production are not ruled out.

 

4. JNPA Launched Continuous Marine Water Quality Monitoring Station: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in association with the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, developed a Continuous Marine Water Quality Monitoring Station (CMWQMS). The monitoring station and vehicle were inaugurated by Shri Sanjay Sethi, IAS, Chairman, JNPA, in the presence of Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Dy. Chairman, JNPA, along with all the HoDs of JNPA. Key Points:

a)      JNPA is committed to achieving leadership in sustainability and creating value for the trade – depicted across the economic, social, and environmental parameters.

b)      The Continuous Marine Water Quality Monitoring Station and launch of E- Vehicles is yet another step towards commitment to sustainable development.”

c)       The Continuous water quality system and electric monitoring vehicle will assist in managing the marine water and air quality in the port area, regulating the environmental quality within the port area.

d)      JNPA will be able to reduce the greenhouse gas footprint of vehicles, in addition to checking compliance with Environmental Quality around the port estate through water quality stations data, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, conductivity, nitrate, salinity, turbidity, and TDS of marine water a database on marine water quality is essential for maintaining hygienic standards in the marine environment.

e)      The E- Vehicle also substantiates the ongoing ambient air and noise monitoring activities at JNPA.

 

5. Lieutenant Governor Inaugurates ‘Sonzal-2022’ at Kashmir: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Annual Youth Festival ‘Sonzal-2022’ at the University of Kashmir. The Lt Governor said that the annual festival is a great opportunity for young artists to showcase their talents and ‘Sonzal’ provides them a much-needed platform to achieve the dream of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. Key Points:

a)      Sonzal means rainbow, which is a symbol of hope, inspiration, and good fortune.

b)      The Lt Governor entrusted on the Educational Institutions to discharge their responsibility to ensure freedom, creativity, and engagement for them to become multi-achievers, and acquire knowledge & skills to thrive and shape their future.

c)       The University of Kashmir has been transformed into a center of excellence and promoting scientific research, new ideas & knowledge, and adapting to rapid change across the world in fundamental aspects of the educational landscape.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UN Human Rights Body Launches Iran Human Rights Probe: The U.N. Human Rights Council voted to condemn the bloody crackdown on peaceful protests in Iran and create an independent fact-finding mission to investigate alleged abuses, particularly those committed against women and children.

The session in Geneva is the latest international effort to put pressure on Iran over its crackdown, which has already drawn international sanctions and other measures. A resolution put forward by Germany and Iceland was backed by 25 countries, including the United States and many European, Latin American, Asian and African nations. Six countries opposed the move — China, Pakistan, Cuba, Eritrea, Venezuela and Armenia — while 16 abstained.

The United Nations’ top human rights official had earlier appealed to Iran’s government to halt the crackdown against protesters, but Tehran’s envoy at a special Human Rights Council on the country’s “deteriorating” rights situation was defiant and unbowed, blasting the initiative as “politically motivated.” The protests were triggered by the death, more than two months ago, of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police for violating a strictly enforced Islamic dress code.

 

2. 22nd Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers’ Meeting: India participated in the 22nd Council of Ministers’s meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) held at Dhaka in Bangladesh. The Indian delegation was led by Minister of State for External Affairs Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh.

India’s Approach: During his remarks, Mr. Singh reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to strengthening IORA to promote peace, security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region as well as in the Indo-Pacific. He highlighted the country’s contributions as coordinator of the IORA priority areas of Disaster Risk Management and Science, Technology and Innovation towards capacity building and strengthening of IORA Secretariat. On the challenges posed by climate change, the Minister highlighted the initiatives of LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment and International Year of Millet in 2023.

The COM adopted the ‘IORA’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific’ (IOIP) which would guide enhancement of IORA’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. India led the process of development of the IOIP. Dhaka Communique was adopted as the Outcome Document of the 22nd COM Meeting.

About IORA: The idea for IORA first surfaced during the late South African President Nelson Mandela’s 1995 visit to India. IORA is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to fostering regional cooperation and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States bordering the Indian Ocean and 10 Dialogue Partners. It is a regional forum that is tripartite in nature and brings together representatives of Government, Business, and Academia, in order to foster cooperation and closer engagement among them.

It’s Members: Commonwealth of Australia, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Union of Comoros, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Madagascar, Malaysia, Republic of Maldives, Republic of Mauritius, Republic of Mozambique, Sultanate of Oman, Republic of Seychelles, Republic of Singapore, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of South Africa, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, United Republic of Tanzania, Kingdom of Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Republic of Yemen.

 

3. Europe announces name of world’s first disabled astronauts: The European Space Agency has named the first ever “parastronaut” in a major step towards allowing people with physical disabilities to work and live in space. The 22-nation agency said it had appointed British Paralympic sprinter John McFall to take part in a feasibility study during astronaut training to assess the conditions needed for people with disabilities to take part in future missions.

Notably: McFall, who lost his right leg due to a motorcycle accident at the age of 19, won a bronze medal in the 100 metres at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.

Note: European Space Agency Headquarters: Paris, France; European Space Agency Founded: 30 May 1975, Europe; European Space Agency CEO: Josef Aschbacher.

 

4. International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People: 29th November: November 29 is marked as the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People every year. Since 1978, the United Nations has commemorated the day as a way to express solidarity with the people of Palestine while the peace and resolution process remains stalled. The day aims to spread more awareness about the issues faced by the Palestinian people along with promoting a peaceful Palestine-Israel resolution.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People History: In 1977, the General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. On that day, in 1947, the Assembly adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine (resolution 181 (II)). On 1 December 2005, the Assembly requested the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and the Division for Palestinian Rights, as part of the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29 November, to continue to organize an annual exhibit on Palestinian rights or a cultural event in cooperation with the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Axis Bank, Flipkart to Launch ‘Flipkart Axis Bank Super Elite’ Credit Card: Axis Bank, India’s third largest private sector bank, and Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace have partnered to launch the ‘Super Elite Credit Card. To scale the Flipkart SuperCoins reward program and enhance the customer shopping experience, this card will serve extensive value to shoppers. Key Points:

a)      Following the three million milestones recently achieved for the existing Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card, this partnership enables yet another avenue for customers on the platform to unlock and enjoy unique rewards.

b)      The Super Elite Credit Card will offer an activation benefit of 500 Flipkart SuperCoins with 4X SuperCoins earned for every transaction and rewards up to Rs 20,000 across Flipkart, Myntra, etc.

c)       SuperCoins are rewards that customers can earn on each purchase across Flipkart, Myntra, and Cleartrip.

d)      The loyalty program was created with a vision to nurture customer relationships, enhance the digital shopping experience and deliver increased value.

e)      The unique rewards portfolio will serve the nuanced needs of Flipkart’s registered and burgeoning customer base of over 450 million across the country.

 

2. Airtel Payment Bank launched face authentication-based savings account: Airtel Payments Bank has launched a face authentication-based savings bank account opening for customers. The facility will further ease the account opening process making it seamless & convenient for customers. Airtel Payments Bank is the first Payments Bank in the country to offer this facility. The new facility will help Business Correspondents (BCs) of the bank to open an account just by undertaking face authentication e-KYC The authentication is processed by using a newly developed mobile application by UIDAI.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India’s Unemployment Rate Eases to 7.2% in July-September 2022: Unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above in urban areas declined to 7.2 per cent during July-September 2022 from 9.8 per cent a year ago, the National Statistical Office (NSO) said.

Key Points:

a)      The unemployment rate in current weekly status terms for all ages in the September quarter (second quarter or Q2) of FY23 is the lowest unemployment rate recorded in more than four years, from the time the NSO launched India’s first computer-based survey in April 2017.

b)      The unemployment rate among men and women has been estimated at 6.6 and 9.4 per cent, respectively. It has been showing continuous decline since the April-June quarter (first quarter, or Q1) of 2020-21, when it was estimated at 12.6 per cent.

c)       Labour force participation rate in CWS (Current Weekly Status) in urban areas for persons aged 15 years and above increased to 47.9 per cent in the July-September quarter of 2022, from 46.9 per cent in the same period a year ago. It was 47.5 per cent in April-June 2022.

 

2. Tata to Acquire Packaged Water Giant Bisleri for About ₹7,000 Crore: Tata Consumer is set to acquire India’s largest packaged drinking water company, Bisleri, for an estimated Rs 6,000-7,000 crore. Chairman Ramesh Chauhan is aiming to disinvest Bisleri International to Tata Consumer Products three decades after selling soft drink brands Thums Up, Gold Spot and Limca to Coca-Cola. The current management will continue for two years as part of the deal. Chauhan’s ill health and daughter Jayanti’s lack of interest in the business is driving him to sell off the company. There have been other interested parties such as Reliance Retail, Nestle and Danone.

About Tata’ Consumer Group: The Tata Group houses its consumer business under Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) which also sells packaged mineral water under the brand Himalayan and with brands as Tata Copper Plus Water and Tata Gluco in the hydration segment. The deal would provide the Tata group FMCG arm a larger play into the fast-growing bottled water segment.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Garuda Shakti 2022: India-Indonesia joint exercise kicks off in Karawang: The Special Forces of India and Indonesia commenced the joint military exercise Garuda Shakti. The exercise is currently underway in Indonesia at Sangga Buana Training Area, Karawang. The eighth edition of Exercise Garuda Shakti focuses on enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the Special Forces of both armies. The goal of the joint exercise is to advance the special forces’ skills. It also aims to share information on new weapons, equipment, tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as lessons learned from previous operations. Focus of the exercise:

a)      Focusing on a high level of physical fitness, tactical drills, techniques, and procedures, both armies have planned a 13-day comprehensive training schedule for joint training. The bilateral exercise will culminate with a 48-hour validation exercise.

b)      The bilateral exercise also covers strikes on terrorist camps, training for special forces operations in jungle terrain, and a validation exercise that combines basic and advance special forces techniques.

c)       Additionally, this Special Exercise also provides an opportunity for soldiers of both armies to explore each other’s culture and lifestyle to strengthen the defence ties.

Note: Indonesia Capital: Jakarta; Indonesia Currency: Indonesian rupiah; Indonesia President: Joko Widodo.

 

2. Indian Air Force Commenced Joint HADR Exercise Samanvay 2022: Indian Air Force is conducting the Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise ‘Samanvay 2022’ from 28 November 2022 to 30 November 2022 at Air Force Station Agra. To assess the efficacy of institutional Disaster Management structures and contingency measures, the exercise will comprise a seminar on Disaster Management, a ‘Multi Agency Exercise’ involving static and flying displays of various HADR assets, and a ‘Tabletop Exercise’.

Key Points:

a)      Along with the involvement of various stakeholders from the country, the exercise will see participation by representatives from the ASEAN countries as well.

b)      Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will be Chief Guest for the Capability Demonstration events planned during the exercise on 29 November 2022.

c)       Samanvay 2022 will promote a synergistic approach towards HADR by various national and regional stakeholders involved in Disaster Management including the Civil Administration, the Armed Forces, NDMA, NIDM, NDRF, DRDO, BRO, IMD, NRS, and INCOIS.

d)      This multi-agency engagement is expected to contribute in the evolution of institutional frameworks for effective communication, interoperability, cooperation, and their application for the successful conduct of HADR.

e)      The exercise also aims to provide a unique platform for the exchange of domain knowledge, experience, and best practices with the participating ASEAN member countries.

 

3. INS Mormugao: Second Ship of Project 15B Delivered to Indian Navy: INS Mormugao is the second ship of Project 15B stealth destroyers being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). INS Mormugao was delivered to the Indian Navy on 24th November 2022. Project 15B was signed on 28th January 2011, which is a contract of four ships. This project is a follow-on of the Kolkata class (Project 15A) destroyers Commissioned in the last decade and the lead ship of the project-INS Visakhapatnam had been commissioned into the Indian Navy on 21st November 2021.

About the INS Mormugao: INS Mormugao was designed by the Warship Design Bureau, the Indian Navy’s in-house organization, and M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai. The four ships are named after four major cities in India, which are Imphal, Surat, Vishakhapatnam, and Mormugao.

Specifications of INS Mormugao: The INS Mormugao is 163 meters long and 17 meters wide. INS Mormugao displaces 7400 tonnes when fully loaded and has a maximum speed of 30 knots.