Daily GK Update- 31st July, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Narendra Modi launched Urea Gold in Rajasthan: Prime Minister  Narendra Modi would launch Urea Gold - a new variety of Urea that is coated with Sulphur in Rajasthan. The implementation of Sulphur Coated Urea will tackle sulphur deficiencies in the soil. This innovative fertiliser is more economical and efficient than neem-coated urea, improves nitrogen use efficiency in plants, reduces consumption of fertiliser. Neem-coated urea is a specialized form of urea fertilizer that has been coated with neem oil.

 

2. Nisha Biswal becomes Deputy Chief Executive Officer of US finance agency: Nisha Biswal, an Indian-American policy expert, has been designated as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of a US finance agency. She has a career of over over 30 years of experience in US foreign policy and international development programs, within the White House She holds the position of Senior Vice President for International Strategy and Global Initiatives at the US Chamber of Commerce and oversees the US-India Business Council and US-Bangladesh Business Council.

 

3. Centre launched ULLAS mobile application: During the inauguration ceremony of Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2023, the Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, unveiled the logo, slogan - "Jan Jan Sakshar," and mobile application of the ULLAS: Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram.  Objective: To change education and literacy throughout the country by cultivating a thorough learning ecosystem that is tailored to each individual and closes gaps in fundamental literacy and important life skills.

 

4. Shivendra Nath Joins EPIL As Chairman And MD: Shivendra Nath has been designated as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Engineering Projects (India) Ltd., a public sector undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. Currently, he holds the position of Senior General Manager at Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), which is also a PSU under the Department of Telecommunications. The Public Enterprises Selection Board panel has endorsed his appointment for the CMD position.

 

5. India’s tiger population estimated to 3,925 with annual growth rate of 6%: According to Minister of State for Environment, Ashwini Kumar, India’s tiger population is estimated to be 3,925 with an annual growth rate of 6.1%per annum. Analysis of data done by the Wildlife Institute of India, from both camera-trapped and non-camera-trapped tiger presence areas. India currently harbors almost 75 percent of the world’s wild tiger population. The largest population of tigers is found to be in Madhya Pradesh followed by Karnataka,  Uttarakhand.

 

6. G. Kannabiran appointed as new NAAC Director: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has recently named Prof Ganesan Kannabiran as its new director. He comes with a experience of over 30 years in the education sector, during which he served as a senior professor of Information Systems at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli. He has held various leadership positions, including the Dean of Research and Consultancy, and Director-in-Charge at NIT Trichy and NIT Puducherry.

 

7. Bengaluru becomes first Indian city to join World Cities Culture Forum: Bengaluru has become the first Indian city to become part of the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF) It is a global network of cities that share research and intelligence and explores the role of culture in future prosperity. The network currently has 40 cities spanning six continents. Bengaluru became the 41st city to join the forum and the network currently includes 40 cities across six continents. The forum includes cities like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai. The global consortium was founded in 2012 by Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture & the Creative Industries.

 

8. PM Modi inaugurates Semicon India 2023 conclave in Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Semicon India 2023 conclave at Mahatma Mandir in Gujarat. The three-day conclave is being organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to showcase India’s semiconductor strategy and development in the field of Semiconductors. The theme of the Conference is ‘Catalysing India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem’. The government has identified more than 300 educational institutes that will provide academic courses dedicated to the semiconductor sector to create skilled engineers.

 

9. Kerala to set up India’s first fisheries Atal Incubation Centre: The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) has secured a grant of ₹10 crore from NITI Aayog to establish India’s first Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) in fisheries at the University. The AIC initiative is part of the Atal Innovation Mission, which seeks to encourage a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across various sectors in the country. The AIC will foster collaborations between academia, industry, and the government, encouraging knowledge transfer and commercialization of research outcomes. Kufos, under the guidance of Radhika Rajasree, professor and head of the Department of Fish Processing Technology, will spearhead the “transformative project as its principal investigator”. Kufos is a pioneering institution dedicated to excellence in education, research, and outreach in the field of fisheries and ocean studies. The university addresses critical challenges faced by marine ecosystems and fishing communities through innovative solutions. NITI Ayog is the government of India’s premier policy think tank and the grant given to Kufos is a significant boost to innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World's largest private satellite Jupiter-3 is launched: Elon Musk exploration company SpaceX launched the world's largest private satellite into space in July 2023. From Launch Complex 39A in Florida, the satellite will be launched on SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket. This will be the seventh launch for SpaceX's triple-booster rocket. Instead of attempting a drone-ship landing at sea, SpaceX will expend its core booster in the Atlantic Ocean following the first-stage separation, which deviates from their usual practice.

 

2. Scotsman James Skea appointed as new IPCC chair in Nairobi: Professor Jim Skea, a UK national, has been appointed as the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the globally authoritative UN body on climate change science. He is exceptionally well-qualified to serve in this prestigious role and also contributed to the work of the IPCC for nearly thirty years.  He was Co-Chair of the IPCC’s Working Group III on Climate Change Mitigation and co-led the IPCC’s seminal Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C.

 

3. NASA launches streaming service NASA+, app: NASA is revamping its main websites to offer a seamless and enriching browsing experience to its viewers. Aims: To continuously enhance these websites, making them more informative, interactive, and user-friendly. NASA is even launching its on-demand streaming platform, NASA+.  Objective:  To feature brand-new series dedicated to exploring the wonders of the cosmos and will offer unparalleled access to the agency's captivating Emmy Award-winning live coverage.

 

4. World Ranger Day - July 31: World Ranger Day is celebrated worldwide on July 31st to commemorate Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work Rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage. Theme: ’30 by 30‘. A Ranger is a person who is charged with preserving and protecting parklands and natural protected areas. World Ranger Day is an International Ranger Federation initiative promoted together with The Thin Green Line .

 

5. India and Laos sign MOUs for five quick impact projects: India has signed five MoUs with Laos for Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in education, health, water facility, and IT. The MoUs were signed during the 3rd round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held between India and Lao PDR in Vientiane. Both sides discussed ways to bolster cooperation in various domains, including agriculture, health, and trade ties. The next round of Foreign Office Consultations will be held in New Delhi.

 

6. Amazon India to open first floating store in Dal lake: As a part of the last point delivery programme ‘I Have Space’, Amazon India has announced to open its first-ever floating store in famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. The store should be open in a houseboat and will provide deliveries to its customers every day in Srinagar. Murtaza Khan Kashi, owner of houseboat Selec Town, will deliver packages every day to customers at the doorstep of their houseboats as part of the onboarding. This will provide faster and more reliable deliveries to customers across Srinagar, opportunities for small businesses and strengthen Amazon’s delivery network. Launched in 2015, the ‘I Have Space’ programme has 28,000 neighbourhood and kirana partners in about 420 towns and cities in India. It partners with local stores and small businesses for delivering products within a 2-4 kilometres radius.

7. Bhutan announces successful elimination of Rubella: Bhutan has announced the successful elimination of rubella. The World Health Organization recognized Bhutan’s efforts to tackle this highly contagious and potentially devastating disease. In the past 20 years, Bhutan’s health workers have worked tirelessly and fought against rubella, also known as German Measles. This infectious disease poses a threat to those infected and also causes severe complications for pregnant women, resulting in irreversible birth defects in newborns.

 

8. SpaceX launches ‘Jupiter 3’, world’s largest private communication satellite: SpaceX has launched the world’s largest private communications satellite ‘Jupiter 3’ using a Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex-39A of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The ‘Jupiter 3’ satellite, developed by Maxar Technologies in Palo Alto, California, holds the record as the largest commercial communications satellite ever built. This upcoming launch marks the seventh mission of SpaceX’s triple-booster rocket, the Falcon Heavy, which first attracted widespread attention during its debut in 2018. JUPITER 3, also referred to as ‘EcoStar XXIV’, is a satellite of Hughes, an EchoStar company. As the next-generation Ultra High Density Satellite (UHDS), it is designed to provide gigabytes of connectivity to customers across North and South America.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Shooter Aishwary clinches Gold medal at FISU World University Games 2023: At the FISU World University Games 2023 in China, shooter Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar won the Gold medal for India. Competing in men's 50-meter rifle three positions, he achieved the top podium with a total score of 461.7 points in the final. With this, India have now a gold, silver and bronze each in shooting. The Indian trio of Tomar, Sartaj Singh Tiwana and Surya Pratap Singh joined forces to secure Bronze in the men's 50 meter rifle 3 position team event.

 

2. India bags 14 medals at Sri Lanka Athletics National Championships: At the Sri Lanka Athletics National Championships 2023, Indian athletes bagged 14 medals, comprising nine gold, four silver, and one bronze medal. Indian athletes clinched six medals at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo. Amoj Jacob, Aishwarya Mishra, Muhammed Anas, and Himanshi Malik, in the 4x400 meter mixed relay team, earned the first gold medal of the day. Kishore Kumar Jena, the Indian javelin thrower who won the gold medal, received the Best Male Thrower trophy

 

3. Syazrul Ezat Idrus becomes first to claim elusive seven-wicket: Malaysia seamer Syazrul Ezat Idrus scripted history in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Asia Regional Qualifier B tournament, becoming the first player to record a seven-wicket against China in a Men’s T20 game. The 32-year-old returned jaw-dropping figures of 7/8 in his four overs, a feat made even more remarkable by the fact that all seven of his victims were bowled. Riding on his stellar showing with the ball, his team posted a comfortable 8-wicket victory at Bayuemas Oval Nigerian Peter Aho held the previous record after returning figures of 6/5 against Sierra Leone in 2021. India’s Deepak Chahar claimed 6/7 against Bangladesh in 2019 in what remains the best figures in a men’s T20 contest between cricket’s Test-playing nations. Overall, 12 bowlers have claimed six-wicket hauls in men’s T20I.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Razorpay Launches Account to Save Exporters on Bank Transfers: Payment and banking company Razorpay has launched an account for Indian exporters, the MoneySaver Export Account (MSEA). With this product, Indian exporters will be now open a smart account in any country of their choice and receive payments locally via bank transfers on the Razorpay platform. The initiative allows exporters to receive international bank transfers from 160 countries. This will be India’s first smart account to offer 50% savings on international bank transfers for exporters and help save them from high transfer costs, chargebacks and payment failures. The account can be opened and accessed via the Razorpay dashboard without any additional paperwork. The account comes with a single-click electronic Foreign Inward Remittance Statement (FIRS), accessible directly from the Razorpay dashboard.

 

2. NS Vishwanathan appointed as non-executive chairman of Axis Bank: Reserve Bank of India has granted approval for the appointment of NS Vishwanathan as the non-executive chairman of Axis Bank for a three-year term. With a career spanning nearly four decades at the central bank, Vishwanathan joined the Reserve Bank of India in 1981 and retired in March 2020 as the deputy governor. He showcased expertise in various areas, such as banking, and non-banking regulation, demonstrating extensive knowledge in central banking.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ratan Tata to get Maharashtra govt’s first ‘Udyog Ratna’ award: The Maharashtra government has decided to confer the first 'Udyog Ratna' award on veteran industrialist and chairman of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata The award is the state's highest honor given to eminent individuals, has led the Maharashtra government to introduce Udyog Ratna Award from this year onward. The first recipient of this award will be the renowned industrialist, Ratan Tata. The award is a recognition of his outstanding achievements in the industrial sector.

 

2. Australian-Tamil lawyer Shankari Chandran has won literary award: Australian-Tamil lawyer Shankari Chandran has won the $60,000 prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award for her novel, “Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens”. The award was announced at a ceremony at The Ovolo Hotel in Sydney. She grew up in suburban Canberra, in constant dialogue with herself about where she fitted in and the terms under which acceptance was granted.

Daily GK Update- 30th July, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amit Shah releases 'Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Memories Never Die' book: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, launched the book titled 'Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Memories Never Die' in Rameshwaram in July 2023, The book is about the history of Indian rocketry, science, technology and innovation, beautiful representation of Indian politics and administrative system and description of many incidents related to wishes and imagination of Dr. Kalam. Amit Shah also paid a visit to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam House and the Mission of Life Gallery Museum.

 

2. Ministry of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship signed MoUs: The Ministry of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship jointly signed 106 MoUs in New Delhi.  Aim: To foster innovation, research, and knowledge exchange in multiple domains, promoting collaboration in education and industry-academia linkages.  15 MoUs were signed with organizations like Atal Innovation Mission, to focus on skill development and education.  National Institute of Open Schooling signed 3 MoUs, one with Indian Sign Language Research

 

3. Nirmala Sitharaman Launched AMC Repo Clearing Ltd and CDMDF: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF) and initiated the muhurat trading in the Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation mechanism — AMC Repo Clearing Limited (ARCL).  Objective: To deepen the functioning of the corporate debt markets.  AMC Repo Clearing Limited aims to provide a settlement guarantee in the repo market, which will help eliminate the need for bilateral counterparty exposure limits. 

 

4. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurates 20th annual conference: Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla inaugurated the 20th annual conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, India Region in July 2023. The conference will focus on discussing natural disasters and management strategies, particularly concerning the northeast region. He also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and connectivity through the Act East policy, as it can lead to enhanced regional integration at economic, and social levels in the North East

 

5. India and ADB signed $200 mn loan deal to enhance urban services: Govt of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $200 million loan as additional financing in Rajasthan Objective: For the ongoing Rajasthan Secondary Towns Development Sector Project to expand water supply and sanitation systems and enhance urban resilience and heritage living in towns A new feature in ADB’s support is the water facility development for urban resilience improvement and heritage-sensitive urban development in eight heritage towns

 

 

                                                                

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Isro PSLV-C56 mission launched with 7 foreign satellites: The Indian Space Research Organisation launched the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C56), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The primary payload of the PSLV-C56 mission is the DS-SAR satellite, a Synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) that creates two-dimensional images or three-dimensional reconstructions of objects. Aims: To fulfill the imagery requirements of various Singapore government agencies and ST Engineering’s commercial clients.

 

2. World Hepatitis Day is celebrated on 28th July: World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and its impact on global health.  2023 theme: One life, one liver Objective: To promote prevention, testing, and treatment while showing support for those affected by hepatitis. Aims: To increase public awareness about the issue and the necessary steps to enhance efforts in the prevention, screening, and control of viral hepatitis.

 

3. World Day Against Trafficking in person 2023: World Day against Trafficking is observed on July 30 to raise awareness about human trafficking trends as identified by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The theme of World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2023 is ‘Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind’. It seeks to exert pressure on governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society to strengthen their efforts in preventing trafficking and supporting victims.

 

4. Madhya Pradesh to have India's 1st Esports Academy: Madhya Pradesh is set to introduce its maiden online gaming industry, named "MP State Esports Academy,"  Objective: To offer young esports players a platform and opportunity to elevate their skills to a professional level. Goal: To train and nurture aspiring gaming and esports professionals.  Out of the available seats, 80% will be reserved for gamers from Madhya Pradesh, while the remaining seats will be open to gamers from across the country.

 

5. Prime Minister inaugurates Six EMRSs in Rajasthan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated 6 Eklavya Model Residential Schools located in the districts of Udaipur (2), Banswara (2), Partapgarh (1) and Dungarpur (1) in Rajasthan. 2880 tribal students half of which will be girls will benefit with the construction of these schools. In Rajasthan total 31 schools have been sanctioned for year 2022-23 and 8 schools previously in year 2013-14. Each school has a capacity of 480 students of which 240 will be girls.  These schools will have separate hostel for boys and girls, accommodation for staff, dining area and playground. These schools are being constructed at cost of Rs 38 cr in plain areas and 48 cr in hilly areas.

 

6. 30 July – International Friendship Day: International Friendship Day is observed every year on 30 July. The day highlights the power of friendship in promoting peace, understanding, and unity among people and communities worldwide. Theme 2023 – Sharing the human spirit through friendship The concept of Friendship Day was first proposed in Paraguay in 1958. Since then, the day has evolved and gained recognition on a global scale. The International Day of Friendship follows the proposal made by UNESCO. The initiative was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1997.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian women’s team wins 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation: The Indian women's hockey won the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation - International Tournament held in Terrassa, defeating hosts Spain with a scoreline of 3-0. Lalremsiami showcased her remarkable skills, scoring a hat-trick for India. With this win, India took the top spot in the standings, earning five points from three matches. Hosts Spain came second, with four points. England finished their campaign, with four points from four games.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India to become 3rd largest economy by 2027: SBI Research: India is expected to become the world’s 3rd largest economy by 2027, if it maintains its current rate of growth, according to the SBI Research’s Ecowrap Report 2023. Earlier, SBI Research had expected India to become the third-largest economy in the world by 2029. India is currently ranked third, a movement of seven places upward of what it was in 2014. Interestingly, the incremental increase by India between 2022-2027, is expected to be more than the current size of Australia’s economy at USD 1.8 trillion. At this rate, India is likely to add USD 0.75 trillion in every two years, implying that India is all set to touch USD 20 trillion by 2047. India’s global share in GDP will cross 4 percent by 2027. The share of India’s GDP is now at 3.5 percent, as against 2.6 percent in 2014, and is likely to reach 4 percent in 2027. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh will cross USD 500 billion mark by 2027.

 

2. Federal Bank launches NR savings accounts for NRI women: Federal Bank has launched an exclusive NR savings account scheme, specifically curated for NRI women. This scheme, named NRE Eve+, is designed to cater to the unique financial needs of NRI women, offering a range of benefits tailored to enhance the financial journey of NRI women. With NRE Eve+, account holders will enjoy complimentary access to international and domestic airport lounges, providing a seamless and luxurious travel experience. The power-packed NRE Eve+ debit card unlocks a world of customized offers, including exclusive deals on beauty, healthcare, shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment, tailored to suit women’s preferences. Zero balance savings accounts are available for two children below 12 years of age. Complimentary insurance coverage is available up to ₹78 Lakh, including child education benefits, accidental death, hospital cash, and card protection.

 

3. Union Bank partners with IBM to co-create Digital Business platform: Union Bank of India has partnered with IBM India Private Limited to create a Digital Business Platform. The platform aims to establish a Digital Bank with cutting-edge capabilities. This strategic partnership signifies a significant milestone in the evolution of the bank and promises to revolutionize the way customers interact with their financial services. The primary objective of this collaboration is to establish a state-of-the-art Digital Business Platform that caters to the ever-evolving needs of modern-day banking By embracing the power of cutting-edge technology, Union Bank of India aims to provide its customers with seamless and efficient banking experiences. This forward-thinking approach focuses on three key elements: omnichannel experiences, data-driven hyper-personalization, and a comprehensive financial services superstore. Union Bank of India will embrace Open Banking capabilities, allowing seamless integration of services across partnerships. The bank aims to create a future-ready banking ecosystem.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Heritage Byculla Railway Station received the UNESCO award 2023: The Byculla Railway station, a heritage site on the Central line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway, has been awarded by UNESCO after its successful restoration to its original glory. The 169-year-old Byculla railway station in Mumbai is one of the oldest railway stations in India still in use. In fact, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) also won the highest award of excellence in the UNESCO Asia Pacific awards 2022, for cultural heritage conservation last year. The project, launched in July 2019 by Shaina NC, trustee of ‘I Love Mumbai’ and in memory of her father Nana Chudasama, aimed to revive the station’s original architectural splendor.

Daily GK Update- 29th July, 2023

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Launch of revamped website of National Pension System Trust: Deepak Mohanty, Chairman, Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA) launched the revamped website of the National Pension System Trust.  The new website features a sleek and intuitive design, optimized for both desktop and mobile devices. 

The key highlights of the website are:

·       Streamlined navigation and menu structure

·       Structured Information

·       Enhanced online services with new features

·       Enhanced user experience

·       Improved search functionality

 

2. 10th meeting of Sub Committee on Military Cooperation: The 10th meeting of the Sub Committee on Military Cooperation between India and Malaysia was held in New Delhi in July 2023.  The Indian Side was headed by, Ministry of Defence Amitabh Prasad, while the Malaysian side was headed by Assistant Chief of Staff, Khairul Anuar bin Abd Aziz The Indian side highlighted the potential of the Indian defense industry with capacity and capability to cooperate with the Malaysian Armed Forces in its shipbuilding and maintenance plans

 

3. National Health Authority launches 100 Microsites Projects: The National Health Authority has launched 100 Microsites Project under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Aim: To establish a small ecosystem within a particular geographic area where there is complete ABDM adoption, and the entire patient journey is digitized. It will be a cluster of small and mid-sized health facilities that would be fully compliant with ABDM. It shall encompass all small and medium-scale clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. 

 

4. Naveen Patnaik becomes 2nd longest-serving CM in India: Odisha’s Naveen Patnaik has become the second longest-serving chief minister in the country, replacing West Bengal’s Jyoti Basu. Former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling still holds the record of being the longest-serving Chief Minister in the country. He was the Chief Minister of the Himalayan state from December 12, 1994 till May 27, 2019 — more than 24 years. Mr Patnaik, the five-time chief minister of Odisha, took charge on March 5, 2000, and holds the post for 23 years and 138 days. Mr Basu served as the chief minister of West Bengal from June 21, 1977 to November 5, 2000, which was 23 years and 137 days.

 

5. Bhupendar Yadav launched Circular Economy Industry Coalition: Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav has launched a Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC), conceptualized under India’s G20 Presidency, to promote the practices of resource efficiency and circular economy globally. The RECEIC would play a pivotal role in promoting alliances, encouraging technological cooperation and knowledge transfer, fostering innovation, and facilitating the exchange of insights to enhance access to finance. The RECEIC is envisaged to be industry-driven and a self-sustaining initiative continuing to function even beyond India’s G20 Presidency. The mission of this coalition is to facilitate and foster greater company-to-company collaboration, build advanced capabilities across sectors and value chains, bring learnings from diverse and global experiences of the coalition members, and unlock on-ground private sector action to enhance resource efficiency and accelerate circular economy transition.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World tiger day is celebrated on 29th July: July 29 is observed as International Tiger Day annually Aim: To promote tiger conservation worldwide. Goal: To safeguard tigers and preserve their natural habitat on a global scale. As an endangered species in various regions across the world, tigers confront multiple threats to their existence, including habitat loss and poaching. International Tiger Day serves as a encouragement for humans and tigers to peacefully coexist

 

2. Nepali and Norwegian climbers set record of climbing 14 peaks in 92 days: A Norwegian woman and her Nepali Sherpa guide climbed K2, the world's second tallest mountain, in Pakistan becoming the world's fastest climber to summit all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters (26,246 feet) in just 92 days. This was their 14th highest peak in just over three months. Other climbers included Pakistan's Shahbaz Khan, the younger brother of renowned mountaineer Sirbaz Khan. Harila and Tenjen set the fastest climbing record by beating Nirmal Purja of Nepal.

 

3. Bhutan announces successful elimination of rubella : Bhutan has announced the successful elimination of rubella. In the past 20 years, Bhutan's health workers have worked tirelessly and fought against rubella, also known as German Measles This infectious disease poses a threat to those infected and also causes severe complications for pregnant women, resulting in irreversible birth defects in newborns. Bhutan's efforts in vaccination promotion and creating awareness have resulted in commendable success.

 

4. Dentsu X India appoints Jose Leon as CEO: Brand and marketing agency, Dentsu X, an agency of Dentsu Aegis Network India Private Limited, has appointed Jose Leon as its chief executive officer. Leon has about 26 years of work experience and has helped brands build revenues across industries. Prior to joining Dentsu X, he was the managing director at Publicis Groupe for over five years. Divya Karani previously served as the CEO for Dentsu X for about a decade till 2021.

 

5. 29 July – World Day against Trafficking in Persons: World Day against Trafficking in Persons is observed every year on 29 July. Objective – To raise awareness about the ordeal of human trafficking victims and the ways to safeguard their rights. Theme 2023 – Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind Human trafficking is a criminal act that involves the exploitation of women, children, and men, forcing them into various forms of labor and sex work. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has gathered data on approximately 225,000 trafficking victims detected worldwide since 2003.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NS Vishwanathan appointed as non-executive chairman of Axis Bank: Reserve Bank of India has granted approval for the appointment of NS Vishwanathan as the non-executive chairman of Axis Bank for a three-year term.  With a career spanning nearly four decades at the central bank, Vishwanathan joined the Reserve Bank of India in 1981 and retired in March 2020 as the deputy governor.  He showcased expertise in various areas, such as, banking, and non-banking regulation, demonstrating extensive knowledge in central banking.

 

2. SBI report: India likely to get the 3rd largest economy tag in 2027: SBI Ecowrap predicts that India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy by FY28.  There is a growing agreement among experts that India's GDP in Q1FY24 is set to exceed 8%, leading to a GDP growth rate surpassing 6.5% in FY24.  The incremental increase in India's economy between 2022 and 2027 is greater than the entire current size of Australia's economy, which stands at $1.8 trillion.

 

3. Jio Financial ropes in BlackRock to disrupt India’s management industry: BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, is teaming up with Mukesh Ambani-led Jio Financial Services (JFS) to enter India's asset management sector.  This collaboration represents BlackRock's return to the domestic market, and it will serve as a strong foothold for JFS, which is a recently separated division of Reliance Industries. This marks BlackRock's second attempt at tapping into the rapidly expanding domestic asset management space.

 

4. M&M buys 3.5% stake in RBL Bank for Rs 417 crore: Mahindra & Mahindra has acquired a 3.5% stake in RBL Bank for Rs 417 crore.  The company might consider making further investments, but it will be subject to a ceiling of 9.9%. As per RBI norms, any entity looking to acquire over 5 per cent stake in a bank needs to seek prior approval from the regulator. The Mahindra group is in the financial services sector primarily through its arm Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services – a non-banking finance company.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Journalist Prem Prakash receives Lifetime Achievement Award: Renowned veteran journalist and Asian News International (ANI) founder Prem Prakash was honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The Global Education Mentor Awards program was organized at Ambedkar International Center in Delhi. The award aims to foster collaboration and partnership among education stakeholders. ANI chairman Prem Prakash has dedicated over 70 years in the world of journalism. Throughout his illustrious career, he has established new dimensions to journalism from time to time and emerged as a great inspiration to society. The Global Education Mentor (GEM) Awards aims to celebrate the achievements of those who have dedicated their lives in improving education or its associated social sector and promoting innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

Daily GK Update- 28th July, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi to inaugurate Semicon India 2023 conclave in Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Semicon India 2023 conclave at Mahatma Mandir in Gujarat. The three-day conclave is being organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to showcase India's semiconductor strategy and development in the field of Semiconductors. The theme of the Conference is ‘Catalysing India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem’. Representatives from major companies like Micron Technology, Applied Materials, Foxconn, and AMD have participated.

 

2. 4th Environment & Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting: 4th Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting (ECSWG), a three-day event held in Chennai in July 2023 Objective: To reach a consensus on the Ministerial Outcome and the Presidency Documents, both of which are vital in shaping policies and actions towards addressing environmental and climate challenges.  PM Narendra Modi showcased the importance of environmental protection. Bhupendra Yadav is the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

 

3. Ministry of Earth Sciences celebrates its 17th Foundation Day: The Ministry of Earth Sciences celebrated its 17th Foundation Day 2023 at its Prithvi Bhavan headquarters in New Delhi. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju launched several citizen-centric initiatives to mark this occasion.  He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions the country becoming a developed nation by 2047. Earth Sciences Ministry is mandated to provide services for weather and climate, ocean and coastal state, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards.

 

4. President laid foundation of 'Divine Light House' of PBKIVV 2023: The President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone for “Divine Light House” of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya (PBKIVV) at Dasabatia in July 2023. Theme: “The Year of Positive Change”  According to the president (PBKIVV) is paving the way for spirituality through a disciplined lifestyle. She appreciated Brahma Kumaris organization’s efforts for making humanity aware and helping people move forward in a positive direction.

 

5. Madhya Pradesh has the highest crime rate against SCs: Madhya Pradesh had the highest crime rate against people belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community in 2021, according to the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) data. In the same year, Kerala topped the list for crimes against individuals from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, the data shows.

 

6. PM Modi inaugurates new ITPO complex ‘Bharat Mandapam’: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex ‘Bharat Mandapam’ in Delhi. The International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex has been developed at a cost of about ₹2,700 crore. With a campus area of approximately 123 acres, the IECC complex has been developed as India’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. The newly developed IECC complex at Pragati Maidan comprises multiple state-of-the-art facilities including Convention Centre, Exhibition halls, amphitheatres etc. It is a grand architectural marvel, designed to host large-scale international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, conferences, and other prestigious events. It is equipped with multiple meeting rooms, lounges, auditoriums, an amphitheatre and a business centre, making it capable of hosting a wide range of events. Its majestic multi-purpose hall and plenary hall have a combined capacity of seven thousand people, which is larger than the seating capacity of the famous Sydney Opera House in Australia. Its magnificent Amphitheatre is equipped with a seating capacity of 3,000 individuals.

The architectural design of the Convention Centre building is inspired by Indian traditions and showcases India’s confidence and conviction in its past while also embracing modern facilities and way of life.

 

7. Rajesh Kannan appoints as President of Tata Motors: Rajesh Kannan has been appointed as President and Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) of Tata Motor. Prior to joining Tata Motors Limited, he was working with Tata Consultancy Services Limited. Kannan has 28 years of experience delivering transformative, end-to-end digital and IT engagements for global organizations across multiple sectors.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. G-20 Conference on Green & Sustainable Growth Agenda for Global Economy: NITI Aayog convened a two-day G20 conference on the Green and Sustainable Growth Agenda for the Global Economy in New Delhi. Aim: To examine prospects and challenges for green and sustainable growth globally.   First day will focus on themes related to energy, climate, policy, and reshaping global finance for sustainable growth.  Second day will focus on several themes related to multilateralism as well as adjustment, resilience, and inclusion in an uncertain world.

 

2. Bengaluru becomes first Indian city to join World Cities Culture Forum: Bengaluru joined the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF), in July 2023, and becomes the first Indian city to achieve the feat. Aim: To curate, facilitate and catalyze activities that will enable the citizens and communities of Bangalore to engage better with their city WCCF is a global network of nearly 40 cities, which provides a way for policy makers in these cities to share research and intelligence, and explore the vital role of culture for their future prosperity

 

3. Cambodia PM Hun Sen steps down and hands over power to son: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, resigned and handed power to his eldest son Hun Manet after almost four decades of hardline rule in 2023 His Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won a landslide victory in an election on Sunday with no meaningful opposition, taking 82 percent of the vote. Cambodia ranks 150th out of 180 in Transparency International's corruption perception index. In Asia, only Myanmar and North Korea rank lower.

 

4. Goa to host the world’s biggest national male pageant: Goa will host the world’s biggest national male pageant “The Rubaru” Mr. India competition. It is the biggest and most respected competition for men in the world. The candidates will undergo several preliminary activities like the formal wear round, the health and fitness round, & the individual interviews. This renowned event will take place this August with the national finals taking place at the Bogmallo Beach Resort on August 5. In the month of August, Goa will welcome 32 of the most handsome, charismatic and talented men from different parts of India for the 19th season of the Rubaru Mr. India competition. The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, will be at the event as the chief guest.

 

5. 28 July – World Hepatitis Day: World Hepatitis Day is celebrated every year on 28 July. Objective – To raise awareness about the disease and make more people take tests and seek treatment for the same. Theme 2023 – We’re not waiting Viral hepatitis is a silent killer that is responsible for numerous deaths every year. The problem is that the symptoms only appear once the disease is advanced. In the Americas, nearly 80,000 new cases of hepatitis B and C arise each year but mostly go undetected which results in about 100,000 hepatitis-related deaths every single year. Dr Baruch Samuel Blumberg, also known as Barry Blumberg, a physician, and geneticist, discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and developed the first vaccine for hepatitis B and was awarded the Nobel Prize for the same. 28 July marks his birthday and has been chosen as World Hepatitis Day to honor his achievements and contributions. In 2008, World Hepatitis Alliance in coordination with different patient groups declared May 19 as the first global World Hepatitis Day but later, a resolution was passed during World Health Assembly in 2010 to change the date to July 28 to commemorate the work of Dr Baruch Samuel Blumberg.

 

6. 28 July – World Nature Conservation Day: World Nature Conservation Day is recognized annually on 28 July. The main purpose of celebrating this day is to create awareness among people about the importance of the natural environment and its resources. Nature plays an essential role in supporting life on Earth, besides maintaining overall balance of the planet. Reckless use of natural resources has raised an immediate need to adopt conservational measures and achieve sustainability.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Anurag Thakur inaugurates Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting 2023: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2023 in Greater Noida.  The international event will see the participation of more than 30 Indian weightlifters, including many Khelo India Athletes who won 61 medals at  Weightlifting Commonwealth Championships. More than 15 nations from the Asian region, 200 athletes are participating.  It will conclude on the 5th of August.

 

2. Aditya Samant becomes India's 83rd chess Grandmaster: Aditya Samant became India’s 83rd Grandmaster after earning his third GM norm at the Master Tournament (MTO) in the Biel International Chess Festival 2023 The Maharashtra player had earned his first norm to become a grandmaster at the Abu Dhabi Masters in August  2022 To become a GM, a player has to secure three GM norms and cross the live rating of 2,500 Elo points and his live rating going into the ninth round game is 2525.4.

 

3. Kamaljeet bagged two golds in Junior Shooting World Championships 2023: India’s Kamaljeet clinched Gold Medal in Men’s individual 50-metre Pistol Event at ISSF Junior Shooting World Championship 2023 at Changwon Shooting Range, Korea. India went in with a strong contingent of 90 shooters in the tournament and bagged 17 medals including 6 Golds, 6 Silvers and 5 Bronzes. Over 550 shooters from 44 countries participated in the Championships. China stayed on top with 12 gold, nine silver, and seven bronze medals. In the women’s free pistol, Tiyana Phogat won the silver, one point behind Khanna Aliyeva of Azerbaijan.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Razorpay Launches Account To Save Exporters On Bank Transfers: Razorpay, the payment and banking company, has introduced the MoneySaver Export Account(MSEA), catering specifically to Indian exporters.  The account enables Indian exporters to open a smart account in their preferred foreign country, facilitating local receipt of payments through bank transfers on the Razorpay platform. Aims: To alleviate the burden of high transfer costs, chargebacks, and payment failures, making it a valuable asset for exporters.

 

2. RBI: Digital payments rise 13% YoY at March-end 2023: According to the RBI's index measuring the adoption of online transactions, digital payments in the country witnessed a year-on-year growth of 13.24% until March 2023.  The RBI's Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) showed a rise from 377.46 in September 2022 and 349.30 in March 2022 to 395.57 by the end of March 2023.

The increase in the RBI-DPI index across all parameters indicates substantial growth in payment infrastructure.

 

3. Union Bank of India joins forces with IBM for digital transformation: Union Bank of India has joined forces with IBM India Pvt Ltd to embark on a comprehensive digital transformation and to revolutionize the way customers interact with their financial services. Aims: To establish a Digital Bank equipped with state-of-the-art capabilities, focusing on omni-channel experiences and data-driven hyper-personalization Objective:  To enable smooth digital journeys, offering customers unmatched convenience and efficiency. 

 

4. HDFC Bank partners with Dvara KGFS for microloans: Chennai-based non-banking financial company Dvara KGFS has signed an MoU with private sector lender HDFC Bank to provide credit to micro-enterprises operating primarily in the unorganized sector facing challenges in accessing formal credit sources. Dvara KGFS has entered into a co-lending partnership with HDFC Bank to provide business capital to micro business units operating primarily in rural areas and the unorganized sector across 10 States. Dvara KGFS had launched its enterprise loan vertical in 2020, focusing on three value chains viz., grocery, dairy, and agri. The company has assisted numerous beneficiaries with working capital and business growth loans, improving their livelihood generation capabilities and facilitating their inclusion in the Indian economy.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Veteran journalist Prem Prakash receives Lifetime Achievement Award: Veteran journalist and Asian News International (ANI) founder Prem Prakash was honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of journalism in New Delhi. ANI chairman Prem Prakash has dedicated over 70 years in the world of journalism. Throughout his illustrious career, he has established new dimensions to journalism from time to time and emerged as a great inspiration to society.

 

2. Shankari Chandran Wins Miles Franklin Literary Award 2023: Shankari Chandran has won the Miles Franklin Literary Award 2023 for her novel Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens. The novel is set in the Cinnamon Gardens Nursing Home in the suburb of Westgrove, Sydney – populated with residents with colourful histories. Ten years ago, her first novel was rejected by several Australian publishers for not being sufficiently “Australian”. It was published in 2017 in Sri Lanka with the title Song of the Sun God. The Miles Franklin Literary Award is an annual prize given to “a novel which is of the highest literary merit and presents Australian life in any of its phases”.