Daily GK Update- 24th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kerala’s Responsible Tourism makes it to UNWTO list: Kerala’s Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission has made it to the Global List of Case Studies of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), earning yet another laurel for the State’s innovative programme for grassroots development. The UNWTO cited that Kerala Tourism has succeeded in upholding the world body’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while promoting the travel industry in the State. Kerala has been cited for employing local resources and products while boosting RT destinations, thus finding resources to implement its objectives towards realising the SDGs.

 

2. Meghalaya’s launches ‘Water Smart Kid Campaign’ to foster water conservation awareness among young minds: With the aim to sensitizing the young minds on the importance of water conservation, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday launched the ‘Meghalaya Water Smart Kid Campaign’. The campaign is an initiative under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to create awareness about water conservation amongst the children.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Geert Wilders New PM of Dutch: Geert Wilders, leader of the Freedom Party (PVV), secured a landmark win in the recent Dutch elections, signaling a growing shift towards far-right ideologies in Europe. Wilders, known for his anti-immigration stance and admiration for leaders like Donald Trump and Viktor Orban, is eyeing the position of the Netherlands’ next prime minister.

 

2. CAG Girish Chandra Murmu elected vice-chair of UN external auditors’ panel: Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Girish Chandra Murmu, has been elected vice-chair of the UN Panel of External Auditors. Murmu participated in the sixty-third session of the Panel of External Auditors, held at the UN headquarters in New York from 20-21 November 2023.

 

3. 25 November-International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women 2023: November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a pivotal day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness and address the global issue of violence faced by women. Theme-“UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.”

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy deploys INS Sumedha in Mozambique to boost interoperability: Under the ongoing extended operational deployment to Africa, the Indian naval ship Sumedha reached Maputo, Mozambique on November 21. Aims-“The port call is aimed at strengthening long-standing diplomatic relations, reinforce maritime co-operation and boost interoperability between both the navies. Professional interactions, cross-deck visits, planning conferences and joint EEZ surveillance from November 23-25, 2023 are scheduled during the visit.”

 

SPORTS

 

1. Anahat Singh Becomes Second Youngest To Win National Squash Championship Title: 15-year-old Anahat Singh scripted history by becoming the second youngest title winner in the history of Senior National Squash Championships. The young prodigy faced off against Tanvi Khanna in the final, where Khanna was unfortunately forced to retire midway through the match due to a knee injury. Anahat’s victory marked a historic moment, as she triumphed against her opponent who is 12 years her senior.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Imposes Fine Of ₹10.34 Crore On BoB, Citibank, And IOB: The Reserve Bank of India, on 24 November, took stringent measures against Citibank, Bank of Baroda, and Indian Overseas Bank, imposing penalties totaling ₹10.34 crore. Indian Overseas Bank bore the brunt of a ₹1 crore penalty for non-compliance with specific directions issued by the RBI on ‘loans and advances – statutory and other restrictions.’ Citibank, a major player in the banking sector, faced a hefty penalty of ₹5 crore for failing to comply with various directives. Bank of Baroda found itself in the regulatory crosshairs as the RBI imposed a penalty of ₹4.34 crore.

 

2. ADB unleashes USD 170 million wave to transform Kochi’s water landscape: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has given the nod to a USD 170 million loan aimed at modernizing water supply services in Kochi, a bustling city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. According to ADB, this move is expected to play a pivotal role in elevating urban living standards, ensuring clean water access, and bolstering climate resilience.