Daily GK Update- 30th Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Govt extends tenure of Central Board of Direct Taxes chairman: The Union government has extended the tenure of the incumbent chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Nitin Gupta till June 30, 2024. The nine-month extension for Gupta came on the day when he was scheduled to retire and demit from office. As per the Centre's notification, his service period has been extended “on a contract basis". The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the reappointment of Gupta as the CBDT Chairman.

 

2. PM Modi launches Sankalp Saptaah in 500 Aspirational Blocks: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a unique week-long programme for aspirational blocks in the country called 'Sankalp Saptaah' at the Bharat Mandapam on 30 September 2023. It is being implemented in 500 aspirational blocks across 329 districts in the country. 'Sankalp Saptaah' is linked to the effective implementation of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP). The ABPP was launched across the nation by the Prime Minister on 7 January, 2023.

 

3. Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan takes over as Director General Border Roads: Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan took over as the 28th Director General Border Roads (DGBR) on September 30, 2023.

He assumed the charge following the superannuation of Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry. Prior to his appointment as the DGBR, the General Officer was holding the appointment of Commandant, College of Military Engineering, Pune. Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.

 

4. Dharmendra Pradhan launches the Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav and Technology and Bharatiya Bhasha Summit in New Delhi. The two-day summit aims to set a course for a technologically enriched future for Bharatiya languages in education. The summit encompassed 3 pivotal thematic sessions with a special focus on the integration of technology in promoting Bharatiya Bhasha, including its role in teaching, training, examination, and translating educational materials.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ministry of Tourism to host PATA Travel Mart 2023 in New Delhi: Ministry of Tourism will be hosting the 46th edition of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2023 at the magnificent International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi. The Mart is scheduled to take place from October 4th to 6th 2023. Aim: To bring together tourism professionals and business stakeholders from across the world The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) was founded in 1951, with its Headquarters in Bangkok.

 

2. 30th Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise successfully concludes: The 30th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) has successfully concluded in Singapore. Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay, Kavaratti, submarine Sindhukesari, and a long-range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I participated in the exercise. Combined aviation, firefighting, and damage control exercises were conducted during the period. The sea phase of SIMBEX 23 was conducted from 25 to 28 of September.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ICC announces official mascots for Cricket World Cup 2023: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the two official ICC mascots named 'Blaze' and 'Tonk' for the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India. 'Blaze' is a female mascot, bowling at a rapid pace, leaving batters in sheer awe. She is adorned with a belt carrying six power cricket orbs, each meticulously prepared for various game-changing tactics. 'Tonk' is a male mascot, with icy-cool composure, making him a batting champion.

 

2. India's Sarabjot Singh, Divya TS won silver in 10m air pistol mixed team: India's Sarabjot Singh, Divya TS won silver in the 10m air pistol mixed team on Day 7 of the Asian Games 2023. On day 7, India's medal tally reached 38 including Gold (10); Silver (14); and Bronze (14).

Other winners:

·       Arathy Raj 5th in women's 10000m speed skating final.

·       Tennis players, Rohan Bopanna, and Rutuja Bhosala clinch gold in mixed doubles final.

·       Indian men’s team beats Pakistan in thrilling Squash final to win gold medal.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI grants approval to IFC for acquiring 9.7% stake in Federal Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to acquire a 9.7% stake in Federal Bank. Earlier this year, the Kerala-based private sector lender had raised ₹959 crore via preferential issue of shares to the World Bank Group member. ’The Federal Bank Ltd has received an intimation from the Reserve Bank of India on September 28, 2023. After RBI, the stake holding is subject to compliance by other regulatory bodies.

Daily GK Update- 29th Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. MoT recognizes Pembarthi and Chandlapur as Best Tourism Village: In Telangana, Pembarthi in Jangoan district and Chandlapur in Siddipet district have been chosen by the Ministry of Tourism as the best tourism villages in Telangana for the year. Both the villages received awards on the occasion of World Tourism Day during a special function in New Delhi. Central recognized the handicrafts and tourism places in Telangana and had recognized Bhoodan Pochampalli as a tourism village two years ago. Pembarthi is known for brass and bronze products and home decorations, figurines of gods and goddesses, and other handicrafts, which are exported to countries like the U.S., Germany, Belgium, and Japan. About 25 thousand people visit the village annually. Chandlapur village is renowned for the famous Ranganayaka Swamy temple, ‘Gollabama’ sarees, and other crafts of the region. Central government actively promoted Telangana arts and crafts, especially during the recently concluded G-20 summit, where foreign delegates were presented with the Pochampally sarees and scarves.

 

2. Intel India appoints Gokul Subramaniam as President: Intel Corporation has appointed Gokul Subramaniam as the new President of Intel India, responsible for overseeing the company’s comprehensive engineering and design operations. He replaced Nivruti Rai, who resigned as the Intel India country head in June 2023. Santhosh Viswanathan, Vice President and Managing Director of Sales, Marketing, and Communications Group (SMG) for Intel India, will continue overseeing Intel’s overall business in the country, focusing on new revenue and growth opportunities Intel is the world’s largest semiconductor producer by revenue, operates its second-largest design and engineering centre in India, after the United States. With advanced design facilities in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, the company has invested over $9 billion in India and remains committed to expanding its research and development footprint. Subramaniam, who is based in Bengaluru, has been with Intel for over 11 years and has occupied various technical and business leadership roles. He currently serves as a vice president in the Client Computing Group (CCG) and is the general manager of the Client Platforms and Systems division.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Google launches Android Earthquake Alerts in India: Google announced an Android Earthquake Alerts System to provide early warning alerts to users about earthquakes in their area. This System is already deployed in many countries but Google is now bringing it to India in consultation with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC). According to Google, this system works by turning your phone into a mini earthquake detector, using the accelerometer as a seismograph.

 

2. RS Deputy Chairman leads parliamentary delegation to BRICS: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh led a parliamentary delegation to the 9th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held in Johannesburg. As the head of the delegation, he makes an Opening Statement and also chairs a session on Climate Change and Legislative Mobilization in BRICS Countries. Members of the delegation Sumitra Balmik and Indra Hung Subba participated in a debate on the theme “Harnessing Multilateralism and Parliamentary Diplomacy to Deepen BRICS and Africa Partnership for Accelerated Implementation of the Africa Free-Trade Agreement and also in other sessions.

 

3. Narendra Modi Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the programme marking 20 years of celebration of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at Science City in Ahmedabad. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit was started 20 years ago on 28 September 2003 under the visionary leadership of the then Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi. It has played a significant role in transforming Gujarat into an attractive investment destination. Over the past two decades, the summit has attracted numerous national and international companies, creating opportunities for collaboration and strategic partnerships.

 

4. India ranked 56th position in World Talent Ranking 2023: Out of 64 economies, India has slipped four spots to 56th position compared to its 52nd position in 2022 in the 2023 World Talent Ranking, according to the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). Despite the drop in the overall ranking, India’s talent pool received praise for its agility, tech-savviness, and readiness for the future. India ranks 29th in future readiness but struggles with its weak educational system, ranked 63rd in quality. The IMD World Talent Ranking considers various factors, including the quality of life, statutory minimum wage, and primary and secondary education. India ranks 29th in future readiness but struggles with its weak educational system, ranked 63rd in quality. In the IMD World Talent Ranking for 2023, Switzerland secured the top position, followed by Luxembourg in second place, and Iceland, Belgium, and the Netherlands rounding out the top five. The United States ranked 15th, China at 41st place, and the UK at 35th. Brazil (63rd) and Mongolia (64th) occupied the bottom two spots.

 

5. 28 September – International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI): International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) is observed every year on 28 September. It is highlighting the advantage of having constitutional, statutory, or policies that guarantee the public to access information for saving lives, building trust, and helping in the formulation of sustainable policies. Theme 2023 – The importance of the online space for access to information. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information on November 17, 2015. In addition, the United Nations General Assembly has designated September 28, 2019, as the International Day for Universal Access to Information, recognizing that numerous civil society organizations and government entities around the globe have embraced and are currently commemorating this day.

 

6. 29 September – International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste: International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is observed every year on 29 September. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the issue of food loss and waste, and to promote actions to reduce it. Theme 2023 – Reducing food loss and waste: Taking Action to Transform Food Systems According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), about one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted each year. This amounts to about 1.3 billion tonnes of food, worth approximately US$1 trillion. Food loss and waste occurs at all stages of the food supply chain, from production to processing, transportation, distribution, and consumption. It is caused by a variety of factors, including inadequate infrastructure, poor handling practices, and consumer behavior.

 

7. 29 September – World Heart Day: World Heart Day is observed every year on 29 September.

Objective – To raise awareness about heart disease and promote preventive measures to combat cardiovascular diseases. Theme 2023 – Use Heart, Know Heart The concept of a global World Heart Day was introduced by Antoni Baie de Luna, former President of the World Heart Federation. With collaboration from the World Health Organization, World Heart Day was officially established in 1999. The first official celebration took place on September 24, 2000. For over a decade, World Heart Day was observed on the last Sunday of September.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India bagged Gold medal by Men’s Team in 50m Rifle 3P event: Shooters Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar, Swapnil Kusale, and Akhil Sheoran clinched gold in the men’s 50m rifle 3P team event in the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou. Other Winners The women’s Team of Divya Thadigol, Esha Singh, and Palak won the Silver Medal in the 10m Air Pistol Women's team event  Anush Agarwala won the Bronze Medal in the Equestrian Dressage Individual event at the Asian Games. To date, India secured 31 medals including 8 gold, 11 silver, and 11 bronze

 

2. Leander Paes, 1st Asian man nominated as player to Tennis Hall of Fame: Multiple Grand Slam winner Leander Paes has emerged as the first Asian man to be nominated for the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the player category. The 50-year-old Paes was one of the six nominees announced for the Class of 2024. He will be competing with Cara Black, Ana Ivanovic, Carlos Moya, Daniel Nestor and Flavia Pennetta in the Player Category. Besides Paes, former India player Vijay Amritraj was also nominated in the contributor category. Li Na, the Chinese player who won the women’s singles title at the Australian Open and French Open, became the first Asian player to get nominated to the ITHF in 2019. Paes is a winner of 18 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles, besides being a former doubles world No. 1. In a career spanning three decades, he captured eight Grand Slams in doubles, 10 in mixed doubles and a career Slam in both disciplines.

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Kotak Mutual Fund partners with CBSE to launch investor education: Kotak Mutual Fund launched an investor education and awareness initiative called ‘Seekho Paiso ki Bhasha’ in partnership with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).  Aim: To improve financial literacy by conducting an extensive series of education and awareness programs aimed at empowering teachers across India Objective: To educate and create awareness, to around 75,000 educators with an aim to empower them and foster their growth of financial understanding.

 

2. Kotak MF launches investor education program in partnership with CBSE: Kotak Mutual Fund has launched an investor education and awareness program in partnership with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The program ‘Seekho Paiso ki Bhasha’ will pave the way for financial literacy aimed at empowering teachers across India. To ensure a broad reach and accessibility for teachers across the country, the investor education and awareness programmes will be held in over 100 locations By the end of the programme, Kotak Mutual Fund intends to reach around 75,000 plus CBSE teachers, out of which 50% are expected to be women educators. This initiative aims at educating and creating awareness, to around 75,000 educators with an aim to empower them and foster their growth of financial understanding, and ultimately which can help contribute to India’s journey towards a potentially progressive future. The initiative will include around 1,000 financial literacy programs, scheduled between September and October 2023, ‘Seekho Paiso ki Bhasha’, is geared with an aim to shape a generation of financially informed citizens.

 

3. RBI approved Poonawalla Fincorp to issue credit cards with IndusInd Bank: Reserve Bank of India has approved Poonawalla Fincorp, a Cyrus Poonawalla group-promoted NBFC, to issue a co-branded credit card with IndusInd Bank. The credit card, slated for launch in the next three months, is designed to cater to customers with a favourable credit history. This partnership with IndusInd Bank will be a game-changer adding a new vista to our bouquet of new-age financial products for India’s tech-savvy and financially astute customers. The co-branded credit card is primarily designed to cater to customers who possess a favorable credit history.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Malayalam film ‘2018’ selected as India’s official entry for Oscars: The members of The Film Federation of India have chosen the Malayalam survival drama ‘2018’ as India’s selection for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 96th Academy Awards. Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, the film with the subtitle “Everyone Is A Hero” portrays a survival drama centered on the devastating floods that struck Kerala in 2018. It stands as the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time and one of the top earners in Indian cinema this year. The Malayalam movie will compete in the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars, a category previously known as Best Foreign Film.

OBITUARIES

 

1. Father of India’s Green Revolution, MS Swaminathan dies at 98: S. Swaminathan, the renowned Indian agricultural scientist and the driving force behind India’s Green Revolution, passed away at the age of 98. Known as the “Father of Economic Ecology” by the United Nations Environment Programme, Swaminathan’s groundbreaking work in the 1960s and 1970s revolutionized Indian agriculture, helping the country to stave off widespread famine and achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Swaminathan’s pioneering efforts involved the development and introduction of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, which significantly increased food grain production across India. In recognition of his monumental contributions, Swaminathan was awarded the first World Food Prize in 1987. He used the prize money to establish the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai, further cementing his commitment to sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices His other notable accolades include the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971 and the Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986 He has been also conferred with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan also the recipient of the H K Firodia award.

 

Daily GK Update- 28th Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ‘India Smart Cities Conclave 2023’ organized in Madhya Pradesh: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has organized the ‘India Smart Cities Conclave 2023’ in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The conclave aims to showcase the excellent work done under the Smart Cities Mission and shape the future of urban transformation in India. The event brought together all 100 smart cities that are leading urban innovation and changing the city development process. President Draupadi Murmu honored the winners of the India Smart Cities Awards Competition (ISAC) 2022, which has been organized by the ministry since 2018.

 

2. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve becomes the 7th tiger reserve of MP: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has declared Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve as the 7th Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh. The reserve covers approximately 2,339 square kilometers, comprising 1,414 square kilometers of core area and 925.12 square kilometers of the buffer zone. The primary objective is to ensure better conservation efforts for the wildlife of the area. There are now a total of 55 designated tiger reserves in India. Earlier the 54th Tiger Reserve was Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh was already home to six tiger reserves: Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Pench, Panna, and Sanjay-Dubri. MP retained the “tiger state” status in the 2022 census with the number of big cats in the state rising to 785 from 526 in 2018.

 

3. Chhattisgarh bags three national awards for Ayushman Bharat: Chhattisgarh state has received three national awards for its outstanding execution of the Ayushman Bharat scheme under the ‘big states’ category, achieving 100 percent utilization of allocated funds and ensuring 90 percent of families possess an Ayushman card. Chhattisgarh has introduced several innovative schemes to enhance access to high-quality healthcare services in the past five years and the initiatives gained national acclaim. One such initiative is the Mukhyamantri Haat Bazar Clinic Yojana, which extends free healthcare services to residents in remote forest areas of the state. This scheme has benefited over 1.4 crore people by providing free medicines, health check-ups, and treatment. Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) equipped with teams of doctors regularly visit 1814 Haat Bazar across the state to attend to the health needs of rural villagers, ensuring that essential medical care reaches those who need it most. The Dai-Didi clinic initiative, exclusively for women and adolescent girls, offers free health check-ups and treatments, boasting an all-female medical team to eliminate any apprehensions.

 

4. Air India enters into codeshare pact with AIX Connect: Air India has entered into a codeshare agreement with AIX Connect (formerly known as Air Asia India). A codeshare agreement allows one airline to sell seats on a flight operated by another airline, with each airline using its own flight number. Through this agreement, Air India will add its code to over 100 flights a day operated by AIX Connect on 21 routes. More routes under the codeshare agreement will be added progressively. The scope of the agreement between the two airlines enables guests to receive their boarding passes at the first point of departure for all the travel sectors on a single ticket and have their baggage checked in through to their final destinations. With the implementation of the codeshare agreement, Air India has expanded its domestic route network to 4 new destinations in India, namely Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, and Surat, in addition to the common destinations between the two airlines’ route networks.

 

5. Banmali Agarwal appointed as the new chairman of Tata Advanced Systems: Tata Sons has appointed Banmali Agarwal as the new chairman of the group’s aerospace and defense solutions unit Tata Advanced Systems (TASL). He has been appointed in place of Vijay Singh, who has retired. He is also a senior advisor to Tata Sons and chairman of Tata Electronics. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is the strategic aerospace and defense arm of the Tata Group.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Katrina Kaif appointed as Uniqlo India’s brand ambassador: Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo has appointed Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif as its first brand ambassador in India. This collaboration is part of Uniqlo’s strategy to expand its presence in the Indian market and promote its Fall- Winter 2023 campaign. Kaif joins the ranks of tennis star Roger Federer, who was appointed as Uniqlo’s global brand ambassador in 2018.

 

2. 28 September – World Rabies Day: World Rabies Day (WDR) is observed every year on September 28. Objective – To raise awareness about rabies, a deadly zoonotic disease that claims the lives of thousands of people each year. It is also the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur. He was a French chemist and microbiologist who developed the first vaccine against rabies. Theme 2023 – All for 1, One Health for All World Rabies Day was established by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control in 2007 and later endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The purpose of the day is to highlight the progress made in eradicating rabies and to raise awareness of rabies prevention.

 

3. 28 September – World Maritime Day: orld Maritime Day is observed every year on the last Thursday of September. This year it will be observed globally on September 28. The day, which is observed to recognize the contribution of people engaged in the maritime industry, also aims to draw public attention towards various issues related to the industry such as shipping, marine trade and environmental causes, among others. Theme 2023 – MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on World Maritime Day was established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The International Maritime Organization was established in 1948 to regulate the shipping industry. IMO maintains a comprehensive framework that includes technical cooperation, environmental regulation, legal remedies, and safety for all its staff.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sift Kaur Samra won gold medal in shooting at Asian Games 2023: Indian shooter Sift Kaur Samra created history by smashing every record possible on her way to winning gold in the women’s 50m rifle 3 position event at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. This was India’s first individual gold at this Games and the fifth top finish overall. The previous four gold medals came in various team events in shooting, women’s cricket, and equestrian. Ashi Chouksey, the other Indian in the event, bagged bronze in the same event, taking India’s overall medal tally at Hangzhou to 18. The 22-year-old finished with a total score of 469.6 after 15 shots each in the kneeling, prone and standing positions. Her score was 2.6 more than the previous world record held by Seonaid McIntosh in Baku earlier this year China’s Qiongyue Zhang secured the silver medal with a score of 462.3, narrowly edging out India’s Chouksey who finished in the third position with 451.9 points.

 

2. Nepal creates history with the highest-ever T201 score of 314: Nepal batters smashed three world records to become the first team to amass a 300-plus total in T20Is, in men’s cricket event in the Asian Games 2023. Nepal wrote the history T20 Internationals record books by posting the highest-ever total with Kushal Malla scoring the fastest hundred and Dipnedra Singh Airee hitting the fastest fifty in the format’s history. They accomplished this during their match against Mongolia. This match also kickstarts the men’s cricket competition at the continental meet. While batting first against Mongolia in a Group A match of the Asian Games, Nepal piled up 314-3 in 20 Overs, overtaking Afghanistan’s 278/3 against Ireland in 2019. During the run-fest, Dipendra Singh Airee broke Yuvraj Singh’s record fastest fifty off 12 balls, which he recorded against England at the 2007 T20 World Cup. Dipendra reached his fifty-run mark against Mongolia in just 9 balls. He remained unbeaten on 52 off 10 balls, hitting eight sixes with no fours. His strike rate of 520 is also the best in a T20I innings. They also smashed a total of 26 sixes in their innings, the highest by a team in the format’s history in a single inning. They went past Afghanistan’s record of 22 sixes that helped them make 278/3 back in 2019.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PhonePe has launched its own app store to end Google’s monopoly: Bengaluru-based digital payments company PhonePe has launched its own app store platform to attract Android developers in India. The Indus Appstore Developer Platform offers free registration and upload of apps for the first year, no platform fee, and no commission on in-app purchases, possibly making it a more appealing option than Google’s Play Store. The app store also supports many features that are relevant to the local market, such as third-party payment providers, 12 Indian languages, and a phone number-based login system. Indus Appstore hopes to provide app developers a credible alternative to the Google Play store – one that is more localized and offers better app discovery and consumer engagement.

 

2. SIDBI signs with DLAI to boost fintech sector: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed an agreement with the Digital Lenders Association of India (DLAI) to boost the country’s fintech sector. The MoU aims for collaborations with SIDBI to develop standard protocols to expedite the adoption of digital lending partnerships including alliances between banks and Lending Service Providers (LSPs), co-lending collaborations among others. SIDBI will also provide resource support to eligible DLAI member NBFCs and also explore Assignment and Securitization transactions. Under the agreement, SIDBI and DLAI will explore partnerships for its “Prayaas” Scheme for informal enterprises, co-lending, GST Sahay, Express loans, green financing, and other direct credit schemes.

 

3. RBI Imposes Monetary Penalty On SBI, IB, Punjab & Sind Bank: The RBI has imposed monetary penalties on three banks, State Bank of India, Indian Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank, and Fedbank Financial Services for rule violations. The central bank imposed Rs 1.30 crore on SBI, Rs 1.62 crore penalty on IB, Rs 1 crore on Punjab & Sind Bank, and Rs 8.80 lakh on Fedbank Financial Services. RBI has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.30 Crore on SBI for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions’ and ‘Guidelines on Management of Intra-Group Transactions and Exposures’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI conferred under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 51(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

 

4. RBI cancels licence of Mumbai-based ‘The Kapol Co-operative Bank’: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Mumbai-based “The Kapol Co-operative Bank Limited. The bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in full; and public interest would be adversely affected if the bank is allowed to carry on its banking business any further. On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of ₹5 lakh from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) subject to the provisions of DICGC Act, 1961. As per the data submitted by the bank, 96.09 per cent of the depositors are entitled to receive full amount of their deposits from DICGC. As on July 24, 2023, DICGC has already paid ₹230.16 crore of the total insured deposits under the provisions of Section 18A of the DICGC Act, 1961 based on the willingness received from the concerned depositors of the bank, according to the central bank.

Daily GK Update- 27th Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Infosys ties with Microsoft for industry-wide adoption of generative AI: IT major Infosys is collaborating with Microsoft to jointly develop industry-leading solutions that leverage Infosys Topaz, Azure OpenAI Service and Azure Cognitive Services.  Both organizations are bringing together their respective AI capabilities to enhance enterprise functions with AI-enabled solutions across multiple industries.  The integrated solutions will accelerate rapid democratization of data and intelligence that will help businesses increase productivity

 

2. RK Singh inaugurated ‘India Energy Summit 2023’ in New Delhi: Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy RK Singh has inaugurated the ‘India Energy Summit 2023′ at FICCI Federation House in New Delhi. Two-day Summit aims to focus on the development of an enabling Green Hydrogen ecosystem in the country. He stressed that India is committed to living behind a healthy and safe plant for the next generation. In the inauguration session of the summit, Ambassador of Kindom of Belgium Didier Vanderhasselt and Germany Ambassador Dr Philipp Ackermann along with senior dignitaries were also present.

 

3. Haryana govt ban on ‘Hookah bars’ in state: Haryana government has announced that all hookah bars in the state will be shut. The ban includes serving hookah to customers in hotels, restaurants, bars, and commercial establishments across the state. However, this will not apply to traditional hookahs used in rural areas. He announced during a state-level ‘Cyclothon’, organized as part of a drug de-addiction campaign in Karnal.

 

4. Amit Khare gets extension as advisor to PM Modi: Former bureaucrat Amit Khare has been given extension as advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension in Khare’s tenure beyond 12 October 2023, for a period co-terminus with the term of Prime Minister. He was appointed to the post for two years in October 2021. Khare, a 1985-batch (retired) Indian Administrative Service IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, had superannuated on 30th September 2021. He also served as the higher education secretary. In another order, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has also approved the extension in tenure of Rajesh S Gokhale as secretary, Department of Biotechnology, for a period of two years, with effect from 1st November 2023.

 

5. Rajnath Singh inaugurated Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 at Hindon Airbase: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at the Hindan Air Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad. The mega drone show is being hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Drone Federation of India (DFI). Approximately 75 drones are on static display, with more than 50 set to be showcased in aerial displays throughout the event. The Defence Minister formally inducted the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force in the presence of top military officials, including IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari India has formalized the acquisition of 56 Airbus C-295 aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force AVRO fleet.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Tourism Day being celebrated across globe: World Tourism Day is being observed on September 27. Aim: To promote tourism all over the globe.  Objective: To foster awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value.  The theme for this year's World Tourism Day is 'Tourism and Green Investments'.  Tourism helps provide employment to millions of people to the extent that few countries are completely dependent on the tourism sector

 

2. Katrina Kaif appointed as first Indian brand ambassador of Uniqlo: Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo has appointed Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif as its first brand ambassador in India and attempts to woo affluent shoppers and plans to add to more stores. The 40-year-old actor will be seen in Uniqlo's campaign films across digital and offline channels. Kaif joins the ranks of tennis star Roger Federer, who was appointed as Uniqlo's global brand ambassador in 2018. Uniqlo is part of Japan’s largest fashion group Fast Retailing.

 

3. Mumbai hosts global turmeric conference: Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde has inaugurated the first Global Turmeric conference in Mumbai. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), traders, processors, exporters, researchers and other stakeholders of turmeric ecosystem will come together to discuss various issues related to the crop. The conference is being organized by NICR, an arm of the NCDEX Group company in collaboration with Tefla’s. The conference is expected to be an important event, concentrating on various aspects of the turmeric industry, such as production, marketing, and international trade. It will investigate new developments in agricultural practices, present an overview of the Turmeric Export industry, and investigate global quality standards.

 

4. 27 September – International Day for Universal Access to Information: International Day for Universal Access to Information is observed every year on 27 September. This day emphasizes the significance of an informed citizenry and highlights the theme of the online space’s pivotal role in ensuring access to information. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) took a significant step on 17 November 2015, by declaring September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information. This declaration recognized the global importance of access to information and paved the way for international cooperation on this vital issue.

 

5. 27 September – World Tourism Day: World Tourism Day is observed every year on 27 September. Objective – To raise awareness about the vital role tourism plays in economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development. Theme 2023 – Tourism and green investment World Tourism Day tracs its origins to a special assembly held in Mexico City on the same date in 1970. During this gathering, the International Union of Official Travel Organizations (IUOTO) adopted the Statutes of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Following this milestone, the UNWTO officially established World Tourism Day on September 27, 1980.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India won gold after 41 years in equestrian in Asian Games 2023: India's dressage team cantered to its first-ever Asian Games 2023 gold and only second medal in the history of the sports. The participants were Sudipti Hajela, Divyakriti Singh, Vipul Hriday Chheda and Anush Agarwalla living up to expectations. They grabbed the top place on the podium leaving behind China and Hong Kong. The last time the sport of equestrian contributed to India's Asian Games tally was in 1986 when the country won a dressage bronze.

 

2. India’s Sift Kaur Samra wins gold in women’s 50m Rifle 3-P individual event: India’s Sift Kaur Samra won gold in the women’s 50m Rifle 3-P individual event at the Asian Games 2023 to give India its fifth gold at Hangzhou. In women's 25m pistol shooting event, Indian team comprising of Manu Bhaker, Rhythm Sangwan and Esha Singh also claimed gold medal.  This brings the overall medal tally for India to 21 - 5 gold, 6 silver and 10 bronze.  Meanwhile, Esha Singh in an individual women's 25m pistol event won Silver, behind the china's Rui Liu. 

 

3. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar wins bronze in men’s 10m air rifle: Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar won a bronze medal in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle event at the ongoing Asian Games 2023. This was India’s fourth medal in shooting. Tomar was also part of India’s Men’s team that won gold and broke the world record in the 10m Air Rifle team event. Tomar finished behind China’s Sheng Lihao and Hajun Park of South Korea. Sheng Lihao broke the world record with an effort of 253.3 points and won the gold medal, while Hajun Park won silver with 251.3 points. Meanwhile, India’s Rudrankksh Patil narrowly missed out on a podium finish, coming in fourth spot with a score of 208.7. After 20 attempts, Tomar and Rudrankksh were tied at 208.7 points. Following Rudrankksh’s elimination, Tomar notched up 228.8, having had two more attempts on the target. India women’s team, featuring Ashi Chouksey, Mehuli Ghosh, and Ramita Jindal, secured a silver medal in the 10m air rifle team event.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI deputy governor M Rajeshwar Rao gets term extension by one year: The central government extended the term of M Rajeshwar Rao as the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Deputy Governor by one year.  The re-appointment has been approved by the Cabinet's Appointments Committee. RBI has four deputy governors – two from within the ranks, one commercial banker and another an economist to head the monetary policy department. Currently, those 4 Deputy Governors are BP Kanungo, Dr. M.D. Patra, M Rajeshwar Rao, and MK Jain.

2. RBI Imposes Monetary Penalty On SBI, IB, Punjab & Sind Bank: The RBI imposed monetary penalties on three banks, State Bank of India, Indian Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank, and Fedbank Financial Services for rule violations. The central bank imposed Rs 1.30 crore on SBI, Rs 1.62 crore penalty on IB, Rs 1 crore on Punjab & Sind Bank, and Rs 8.80 lakh on Fedbank Financial Services. This penalty has been imposed under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 51(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949

 

3. RBI clears K N Madhusoodanan as part-time chairman of Dhanlaxmi Bank: The RB  appointed KN Madhusoodanan as a part-time chairman of Dhanlaxmi Bank. He will be part-time chairman of the Kerala-based bank for a period of three years with effect from September 26, 2023. Madhusoodanan has been an independent director with the bank since 2022.  This appointment also follows the RBI's rejection of a proposal to appoint G Rajagopalan Nair as its part-time chairman. Nair has also been an independent director with the bank since August 2020.

 

4. RBI asks banks to display information on borrowers linked to SARFAESI Act: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that the Regulated Entities (REs) that are secured creditors as per the Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002, will display information in respect of the borrowers. The SARFAESI Act is a law that allows banks and financial institutions to recover bad loans effectively.  The bank can recover the loan by taking possession of the security and selling it to recover the dues.

 

5. SBI General Insurance certified as ‘Great Place To Work’: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurers, has been recognized as a Great Place To Work Certified in India from September 2023 to September 2024 period. The Company was certified after a comprehensive evaluation and assessment process. Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. It reflects the brand’s values and belief that a happy workforce leads to more creativity, ensures customer satisfaction, and drives business success. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. The Institute serves businesses, non-profits, and government agencies in more than 60 countries and has conducted pioneering research on the characteristics of great workplaces for over three decades. The Great Place to Work Certification serves as a confirmation of SBI General’s s commitment to supporting its workforce and delivering top-notch service to its customers.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Chhattisgarh bags three national awards for Ayushman Bharat scheme: Chhattisgarh received three national awards for its outstanding execution of the Ayushman Bharat scheme under the 'big states' category. CM Bhupesh Baghel said that Chhattisgarh has introduced several innovative schemes to enhance access to high-quality healthcare services in the past five years. One such initiative is the Mukhyamantri Haat Bazar Clinic Yojana, which extends free healthcare services to residents in remote forest areas of the state.

 

2. Odisha Scientist Swati Nayak wins Norman Borlaug Field Award 2023: Indian agricultural scientist Swati Nayak became the third Indian agriculture scientist to win the prestigious Norman Borlaug Field Award 2023. The Norman Borlaug Field Award 2023 is presented by the World Food Prize Foundation for outstanding achievements in international agriculture and food production by individuals under 40.  Nayak speaks to businessline about the importance of the award, her work with the agricultural community and more.

 

3. AIIMS New Delhi bags first prize for creation of ABHA ID tokens: The Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDM) celebrated its second anniversary with the institution of the Arogya Manthan platform. The National Health Authority honoured AIIMS, New Delhi with an award for “Top facility” in generating the highest number of ABHA Scan and Share tokens. AIIMS New Delhi has contributed significantly to the cause of ABDM by generating 6 lakh scan and share tokens till date. This makes AIIMS the forerunner in scan and share generation all over India. This award was presented by MOS for Health, SP Singh Baghel to M Srinivas at the inaugural ceremony of Arogya Manthan 2023 organized by the NHA. This recognition underscores AIIMS’ pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare. These achievements stand as testimony to its unwavering dedication in advancing healthcare technology and improving patient healthcare.