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Thursday, November 16, 2023

Daily GK Update- 16th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. National Press Day is observed on 16th November 2023: National Press Day is observed on November 16, every year, in India to celebrate the importance of a free and responsible press in a democratic society.  The theme for 2023 is Media in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Aim: To commemorate the establishment of the Press Council of India, which acts as a regulatory body for the news media in the country. The day is a reminder of the importance of a free and independent press in a vibrant democracy like India.

 

2. Indian Railways in collaboration with IRCTC to launch Bharat Gaurav Touris: Indian Railways, in collaboration with IRCTC, is set to launch the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train to promote Dekho Apna Desh and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiatives, Aim: To showcase India's rich cultural and religious heritage to both domestic and international tourists.  It informed that halts for boarding and deboarding include major stations like Thane, Pune, Solapur, Kanyakumari, and more.

 

3. Indian Air Force to organize air show at Air Force Station: Indian Air Force will organize an air show on November 23-24 at Air Force Station in Ambala Cantonment.  During the air show, Surya Kiran and Akashganga teams will showcase their skills in the sky alongside the aircrafts of the Indian Air Force. All necessary arrangements for the air show have been made by Indian Air Force. Regarding security, orders have already been issued under Section 144 to prohibit drones flying near the Air Force Station.

 

4. Indian Railways showcasing its progressive journey at Railway pavilion: The Ministry of Railways is participating in the 42nd India International Trade Fair (IITF) – 2023 with the theme of IITF 2023- “VasudhaivaKutumbakam - United by Trade” being organized from 14th to 27th November 2023 in New Delhi. Also, Railways’ commitment toward Net Zero Carbon emission is depicted in the pavilion. Many facets of Indian Railways have been highlighted like technological & structural advances through photos, translites, models.

 

5. K. Singh inaugurates Power Pavilion in New Delhi: The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R. K. Singh has inaugurated a Power Pavilion set up by the Ministry of Power in India International Trade Fair 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The pavilion aims to present the key initiatives in the power sector before the domestic and international industry and to also improve public awareness and participation in the schemes and policies of the government. Policy initiatives and themes highlighted at the pavilion include the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Carbon Capture Technology, One Sun-One World-One Grid, Universal Energy Access through Renewable Energy, Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, Smart Energy (Smart Grid, Smart Meter), Pumped Hydro Storage as a path

 

6. PM Modi launched PVTG Development Mission and Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) Development Mission, a 24,000 crore rupees scheme on the occasion of the third Janjaatiya Gaurav Diwas from Khunti district in Jharkhand. The mission will benefit 75 PVTGs in 18 states and UTs, living in 22,544 villages in 220 districts having a population of around 28 lakhs. Modi has also launched ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ to ensure saturation of flagship government schemes. Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra will inform educate and aware to all beneficiaries. We had also started Gram Swaraj Yojna a few years ago. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra will reach all the villages and ensure benefits of all government schemes reaching to all targeted beneficiaries. Modi has also dedicated to nation and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth around 7200 crore rupees in Jharkhand.

 

7. Ajay Kumar appointed as advisor to USISPF Board: Former Indian Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has been appointed as an advisor to the board of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF). Kumar served as the defence secretary between August 2019 and October 2022. Kumar is the longest-serving secretary in the Ministry of Defence, having also served as Secretary in the Department of Defence Production. President and CEO of USISPF – Mukesh Aghi

 

8. 16 November – National Press Day: National Press Day is observed annually 16 November. This day is celebrated to honour the formation of the Press Council of India in 1966. The objective behind celebrating the day is to pay tribute to the contributions of the Press Council of India. Everyone should celebrate the day with great enthusiasm. The Press Council of India is a statutory body which was established to ensure the freedom of the press and to maintain and improve the standards of journalism. The quasi-judicial body was re-established in the year 1979 under the Press Council Act, 1978.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and US sign MoU to connect dynamic startup ecosystems: India and US have signed an MoU with the objective of connecting both the countries' dynamic startup ecosystems, particularly in critical and emerging technologies (CET).  The understanding named 'Enhancing Innovation Ecosystems through an Innovation Handshake' was signed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal from the Indian side, who is on a 4-day US visit.  Aim: To poised to positively impact economic activity, attract investment, and generate employment.

 

2. Global Media Congress Kicks Off in Abu Dhabi exploring Innovation: The second edition of the Global Media Congress commences at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Organised by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) The opening ceremony was AI infused , with virtual anchors and avatars guiding the proceedings, adding a futuristic touch to the inauguration. Five new features include an innovation and startups platform, a dedicated training and education platform, and sessions discussing challenges and opportunities in the media sector.

 

3. Russia seals deal to supply Igla anti-aircraft missiles to India: Russia has signed a contract to supply Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles to India and allow production of the Igla there under licence. The Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) that can be fired by an individual or crew to bring down an enemy aircraft. India is the world’s largest arms importer and Russia remains its largest supplier despite the damage to the reputation of its army and weaponry from the war in Ukraine. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia accounted for 45% of India’s arms imports between 2018 and 2022, with France providing 29% and the United States 11%.

 

4. 16 November – World Philosophy Day: World Philosophy Day is observed annually on the third Thursday of November. This year celebrated on 16 November. This day emphasizes philosophy’s inspiring influence as both a discipline and an everyday practice capable of transforming societies and fostering intercultural dialogue. Theme 2023 – Philosophical Reflection in a Multicultural World This theme highlights the importance of philosophy in promoting understanding and dialogue between different cultures and perspectives. In 2005, recognizing philosophy’s significant contributions to shaping future societies, UNESCO institutionalized World Philosophy Day. The proclamation occurred during the 33rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris, with the publication of a multilingual program document. UNESCO emphasized the importance of philosophy for the younger gener

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Mohammed Shami becomes fastest to 50 wickets in ODI World Cup history: With the seven wickets, Mohammed Shami successfully became the fastest Indian bowler to clinch 50 wickets in the history of ICC World Cup as the pacer achieved the milestone during his 17th innings. Earlier, Mitchell Starc was holding this record in 19 innings.  Mohammed Shami is again bowling a magical spell for India and is very close to getting another fifer for Team India.

 

2. Kohli surpassed Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries in ODI matches: Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket captain, achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first batter in the world to score 50 One Day International (ODI) centuries. He has not just scored his 50th ODI century but has also exemplified the spirit of excellence and perseverance that defines the best of sportsmanship.  Kohli surpassed Tendulkar’s 673-run mark set during the 2003 World Cup, showcasing his consistency and dominance on the world stage.

 

3. Rohit Sharma Now First Batsman To Hit 50 Sixes In World Cup: Rohit Sharma created a unique record at the semi-final game against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma became the first batsman in the World Cup to hit 50 or more sixes and breaking Chris Gayle’s record of hitting 49 sixes. Rohit Sharma has already 51 sixes in this tournament. Rohit Sharma has also got another record to his name for hitting the most number of sixes in a single edition of the World Cup. Rohit Sharma has already hit 28 sixes in the 2023 edition of World Cup. Rohit Sharma also completed his 2,000 runs as captain of India in 44 matches.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IndusInd Bank Pioneers as First Live Financial Information Provider: IndusInd Bank announced that it has gone live as a ‘Financial Information Provider’ (FIP) under the new ‘Account Aggregator Framework’ of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), making it the first bank in the country to do so. The initiative is a path breaking step taken by the RBI which will enable individuals as well as small and mid–sized businesses to avail services that will help them fulfil their financial requirements in a seamless way.

 

2. India’s WPI records 7th consecutive month of deflation in October: India’s wholesale inflation continued to decline for the seventh consecutive month in October 2023. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the wholesale price index (WPI) recorded a 0.52 percent decline in October compared to the same period last year. Wholesale inflation recorded a contraction of 0.26 percent in September. The negative rate of inflation in October 2023 is primarily due to fall in prices of chemicals and chemical products, electricity, textiles, basic metals, food products, paper and paper products, etc. as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. Data showed that retail inflation, based on Consumer Price Index (CPI), eased to 4.87 percent in October compared to 5.02 percent in September this year. The retail inflation is within the Reserve Bank of India’s upper tolerance limit of 6 percent. The Government has mandated the apex bank to maintain retail inflation at four percent with a margin of two percent on either side.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Salman Rushdie receives first-ever ‘Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award’: World-renowned author Salman Rushdie has been awarded the first-ever 'Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award' by the Vaclav Havel Center The 'Disturbing the Peace Award to a Courageous Writer at Risk' was conferred upon Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah. He also received another accolade, reflecting on the irony of being awarded for "disturbing the peace. He pondered which side of "the fence" this placed him on.

 

2. GAIL wins two awards at the Asian Oil and Gas Awards event: GAIL (India) Limited has won two prestigious awards at the Asian Oil and Gas Awards event held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“The Innovation Award – India” was given to GAIL for the reduction in LNG shipping cost and emissions through Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer of LNG with backhauling. Another top-notch award “Midstream Project of the Year – India” has been given for the installation of the first floating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station at Varanasi. The award recognizes the outstanding players in Asia’s oil and gas sector.


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