Daily GK Update- 10th Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Transnational grid interconnections for "One Sun, One World, One Grid": At the 18th G20 Summit, a one-day conference themed "Transnational Grid Interconnections for One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)" convened in New Delhi Aim:  To enable nations to harness the abundant energy resources of the sun, particularly as the world transitions toward renewable energy sources. It makes round-the-clock renewable energy more cost-effective, reducing the need for energy reserves and ultimately lowering electricity costs for the populace

 

2. 'Bharat: Mother of Democracy' portal launched at G20 exhibition: The culture ministry launched a portal for the mega exhibition—‘Bharat: The Mother of Democracy’—to be held at Bharat Mandapam for global leaders attending the conference. The portal is divided into five sections and 22 sub-sections starting from Sindhu-Saraswati Civilisation, Mahajanapada and Gantantra, Vijaynagar Empire, and Mughal emperor Akbar reign to Constitution of India and Elections in Modern India

 

3. Amazon India inks pact with 5 states to empower PwDs: Amazon India has signed a pact with five state governments to engage with employable Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and enable their participation in the mainstream workforce. These states are Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The memorandum of understanding which extends until 2026 aims to provide skilling and employment opportunities to PwD candidates in the five states. The opportunities will be provided across Amazon’s Operations Network, that is fulfilment centres, sortation centres and delivery stations for various roles, including stowing, picking, packing, and sorting among other roles.

 

4. Jharkhand Cabinet approves 1k pension for transgender community: With an aim to provide social security and bring them into the mainstream of society, the Jharkhand government has decided to add the transgender community under its universal pension scheme. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The government also decided to include them under the backward class category and provide them the benefits. The proposal of Mukhyamantri Rajya Samajik Suraksha Pension Yojana for transgender people under the social assistance scheme. The eligible beneficiary will get Rs 1,000 per month as financial aid. According to the Department of Women, Child Development and Social Security (WCDSS), the transgender population was around 11,900 in Jharkhand in 2011, which currently would be nearly 14,000.

 

5. Phase II of bilateral exercise ‘Varuna 2023’ conducted in Arabian Sea: Phase II of the 21st edition of the Varuna (Varuna-23) bilateral exercise between the Indian and French Navy was conducted in the Arabian Sea. The exercise witnessed the participation of guided missile frigates, tanker, Maritime Patrol Aircraft and integral helicopters from the two sides. Units of both navies endeavored to enhance and hone their fighting skills, improve interoperability and demonstrate their ability to promote, peace, security, and stability in the region. The first phase of ‘Varuna-2023’ was conducted off India’s Western Seaboard from January 16 to 20, this year.

The bilateral exercise of the Indian and French navies was initiated in 1993. The exercise was later christened as ‘Varuna’ in 2001 and has since become a hallmark of robust India-France strategic bilateral relationship.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Suicide Prevention Day is celebrated on 10th September: World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on 10th September 2023 The theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023“ is Creating Hope Through Action  This theme serves as a powerful call to action and a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention. Suicide is a major public health problem with far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences.

 

2. Google Cloud partners with MeitY to train government officials: Google Cloud announced its partnership with the MeitY, computer emergency response unit CERT-In to train 1,000 government officials and provide 1 lakh cybersecurity certificate scholarships to learners. CERT-In is part of the MeitY which deals with cybersecurity threats, hacking and other cyber-related issues. The 'cyber force' of government officials will be trained in cyber defence best practices, including the use of generative AI.

 

3. Switzerland ranked No. 1 in the World Best Countries Report 2023: Switzerland has once again claimed the title of the world's best country in 2023, according to the latest World Report's annual Best Countries rankings.  This marks Switzerland's second consecutive year at the pinnacle and its sixth time overall as the No. 1 nation on the list.  The rankings are Canada at No. 2, Sweden at No. 3, Australia at No. 4, the United States at No. 5, and India at No. 30 The United States has slipped one spot compared to its 2022 ranking.

 

4. WTO to have a fully functional dispute settlement system by 2024: The G20 leadership summit declared it will work towards having in place a fully functional dispute settlement system at WTO by 2024. There are two main ways to settle a dispute once a complaint has been filed in the WTO  First: The countries find a mutually agreed solution, particularly during the phase of bilateral consultations Second: Through adjudication which includes ruling by a panel and if not satisfied, challenging that ruling at the appellate body.

 

5. ‘India-Middle East-Europe' economic corridor, a modern-day spice route: PM Narendra Modi announced the project during the annual Group of 20 summit of the world's top economies to launch the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor including shipping and railway links. Aim: To boost trade, transport energy resources and improve digital connectivity.  The first-of-its-kind economic corridor will be an initiative on cooperation on connectivity and infrastructure involving India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, EU, France, Italy, Germany, and the US

 

6. 10 September – World Suicide Prevention Day: World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an annual event held on September 10 to raise awareness of suicide and its prevention. Theme 2023 – Creating Hope Through Action This day is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). It was established in 2003 in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The day was first established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and is now observed by over 40 countries around the world. Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. According to WHO, there are 700 000 suicides per year worldwide.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian men’s team finishes with bronze medal at Asian TTC: In Table Tennis, the Indian men’s team finished with a bronze medal at the Asian Table Tennis Championships 2023 following a semi-final defeat to Chinese Taipei in Pyeongchang, the Republic of Korea. The Indian men’s table tennis team comprising Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai, and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran lost 0-3 in their final four match. The two losing semi-finalists are awarded bronze medals at the competition. The Asian Table Tennis Championships 2023 was also a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HSBC India became the first foreign bank in India to launch 'ONDC in a Box': Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited became the first foreign bank in India to launch 'ONDC in a Box', a one-stop-shop proposition for corporates towards seamless enablement on ONDC. Aim:  To foster an inclusive, competitive, and open network, amplifying its impact across the business spectrum. The ONDC is an initiative to build an open, interoperable network on which buyers and sellers can transact without needing to be present on the same platform.

 

2. AU small Finance launches Zenith metal credit card, shares up: AU Small Finance Bank Ltd has introduced the Zenith and Super Premium Metal Credit Card, expanding its range of banking solutions. This credit card includes features like premium lounge access, personalized concierge services, and a welcome with Premium Brand vouchers or Reward Points worth Rs 5000. One of the card’s highlights is the Forex markup of 0.99 percent for international travel, making it advantageous for global transactions.

 

3. SBI Life Insurance launches its very first ‘LifeVerse Studio’ on Meta: SBI Life Insurance has launched its very first ‘LifeVerse Studio’, on Metaverse to connect with the next generation of internet users. The objective behind the move is expected to connect, empower, and engage with the new-age consumers and reshape brand interactions. SBI Life’s ‘LifeVerse Studio’ is designed for users to create their avatars to connect with a diverse set of audiences. The users can select from a wide range of interesting avatars and showcase their creative selves on the platform through their avatars. Furthermore, the Avatars can interact in real time.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indore ranked first in Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023: Indore secured the first rank followed by Agra and Thane in the cleanest air in India according to the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 (Clean Air Survey) report released in Bhopal by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. Bhopal stood fifth while Delhi took the ninth spot. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the intent and plan to improve the air quality in more than 100 cities through a holistic approach.