Daily GK Update- 6th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1.  ‘Surat’ Becomes The First Navy Warship To Be Named After A City in Gujarat: The crest of the Indian Navy's latest warship 'Surat' will be unveiled by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

This is the first warship to be named after a city of Gujarat and this is also the first time the unveiling of the crest of a warship is being undertaken in the very city after which it has been named Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had launched this indigenously constructed ship, which is a guided missile destroyer, in March last year at Mumbai.

 

2. “AI” Named Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2023: Collins Dictionary has named “AI” as its word of the year, defining it as an “abbreviation for artificial intelligence: the modelling of human mental functions by computer programs.” Considered to be the next great technological revolution, AI has seen rapid development and has been much talked about in 2023. While AI’s capabilities in mimicking human speech fascinated people at first, they were also the source of some anxiety.

 

3. PM Modi re-elected as the chairman of Shree Somnath Trust: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure as the chairman of the Shree Somnath Trust has been extended by five years. During a meeting of the board, various aspects of the temple’s operations were discussed, including how to enhance the pilgrimage experience through the use of technology. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time in the 74-year-long history of the Shree Somnath Trust that a chairman has been elected for a five-year tenure. The trust has launched a video highlighting the history and traditions of the temple.

 

4. RBI appoints Manoranjan Mishra as Executive Director: Manoranjan Mishra has been appointed as Executive Director by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). In his role as Executive Director, Mishra will oversee the Enforcement Department, Risk Monitoring Department, and Department of External Investments & Operations. Prior to being promoted to ED, he was serving as Chief General Manager in the Department of Regulation. Mishra has experience of over three decades in the Reserve Bank having worked in the areas of regulation of banks and NBFCs, supervision of banks, and currency management.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War : The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is a global day observed on November 6 every year.  Aim: To raise awareness about the devastating effects of war on the environment. Theme 2023: Together for a more sustainable and peaceful future This day reminds us of the importance of protecting our environment from the damage caused by war and armed conflicts in different regions of the world.

2. First Australia India Education &Skill Council meeting held at IIT Gujarat: The First Australia India Education and Skill Council (AIESC) meeting is being held at IIT Gandhinagar,Gujarat. AIESC is a bi-national body established in 2011 to guide the strategic direction of the education and research partnerships between the two countries. Aim: To provide a platform for academic and skill experts to discuss a wide range of mutually agreed priorities, with the ultimate aim of shaping the future of education and skilling in both our nations. 

 

3. CBSE to open new administrative Office in UAE: In a significant development for the Indian expatriate community in the United Arab Emirates, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a meeting with the Principals of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliated schools in Dubai. One of the significant announcements made during the meeting was the acceptance of a long-standing demand by CBSE schools to open a regional administrative office in UAE, recognizing the country’s central role in overseeing CBSE-affiliated schools in the GCC region. The new office is set to come in the Emirate of Dubai, UAE. This decision is expected to streamline operations and enhance the educational experience for students and teachers in these schools. The meeting was marked by a sense of unity and inclusion, encapsulated in the phrase “Vasudaiva Kutumbakam,” which translates to “the world is one family.” This move towards greater inclusivity is a promising development for the Indian expatriate community and the education sector in the UAE.

 

4. Vibrant Gujarat International Roadshow held in Dubai: In a bid to showcase the immense potential for business and investment opportunities in the vibrant state of Gujarat, the Government of Gujarat hosted the Vibrant Gujarat International Roadshow in Dubai. The event, a prelude to the upcoming 10th Edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit scheduled for January 10-12, 2024, served as a platform for industry representatives from both Gujarat and the UAE to engage, network, and explore collaborations. The roadshow succeeded in fostering meaningful connections between industry leaders and government officials while shedding light on the myriad opportunities for investment and growth in Gujarat. As the state gears up for the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January 2024, the prospects for business and collaboration in this dynamic Indian state look brighter than ever.

 

5. Minuteman III missile test-launched by US Air Force: The S. Air Force had blown up a Minuteman III missile over the Pacific Ocean after an anomaly was detected following its launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The nuclear-capable Minuteman III, made by Boeing, is key to the U.S. military’s strategic arsenal. The missile has a range of 6,000-plus miles (9,660-plus km) and can travel at a speed of about 15,000 miles per hour (24,000 kph). About 400 of the missiles are located at Air Force bases in Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota. It is key to the U.S. military’s strategic arsenal.

 

6. 5 November – World Tsunami Awareness Day : World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed annually on November 5. The day emphasizes the significance of early warning systems and community preparedness in mitigating the impacts of these catastrophic waves. Theme 2023 – Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future Recognized by the UN General Assembly in December 2015, World Tsunami Awareness Day calls upon nations, international entities, and civil society to amplify awareness efforts and explore innovative strategies for minimizing tsunami-related risks. In December 2015, the UN General Assembly designated 5 November as World Tsunami Awareness Day, calling on countries, international bodies, and civil society to raise tsunami awareness and share innovative approaches to risk reduction.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India lifts Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023 title over Japan: In Hockey, the Indian women’s team dethroned Japan to crown themselves Asian Champions Trophy 2023 winners.  India overcame the two-time champions through goals from Sangita Kumari, Neha, Laremsiami and Vandana Katariya.  India won their maiden Asian Champions Trophy title in 2016 in Singapore, while Japan bagged the crown twice, in 2013 and 2021. sian Games champions China beat South Korea to secure third place.

 

2. Bangladesh to host 24th Asian Archery Championships in 2025 : Bangladesh will host the 24th Asian Archery Championships in 2025 after winning votes in the bid at the World Archery Asia Congress held  in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of twenty four member countries of the Asian continent participated in the congress.  Bangladesh and China applied for bids as host countries for the 24th Asian Archery Championship The 23rd Asian Archery Championship will begin on Sunday (Nov 5) in Bangkok, Thailand.

 

3. Kohli equals Tendulkar's record of highest number of ODI centuries: Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 101 runs equaling Sachin Tendulkar's record of highest number of 49 centuries in One Day Internationals. Virat touched the milestone in 277 innings as against Tendulkar's 452 innings. He was adjudged Player of the match. The next batter on the list of most ODI centuries is current captain Rohit Sharma, who has scored 31 centuries. India is currently at Number one position with 14 points followed by South Africa at 2nd place with 12 points.

 

4. Indian Navy Sailing Championship 2023 begins in Mumbai: The Indian Navy’s most awaited and largest sailing regatta, the Indian Navy Sailing Championship, started in Mumbai. The Championship will hold from 05 Nov to 09 Nov 23. The Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre (INWTC), Mumbai, one of the finest sailing facilities in the country, is geared up to host more than 100 pan-Navy participants who will test their sailing skills in five different classes of boats in three different formats of racing. INSC is an annual event conducted under the aegis of the Indian Naval Sailing Association (INSA) based at Naval Headquarters to encourage the participation of naval personnel in competitive sailing. This edition of INSC will see the participation of teams from the three Naval Commands comprising of officers, cadets, and sailors (including Agniveers). Racing will take place in three most popular formats of sailing. Fleet Racing will be in ILCA-6 class boat for women, ILCA-7 class boat for men and BicNova class board for windsurfing open. Team Racing will take place in Laser Bahia class boat and the Match Racing in J24 class boat.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Rohit Rishi Appointed As Executive Director At Bank Of Maharashtra: Bank of Maharashtra announced the appointment of Rohit Rishi as Executive Director on the company’s Board, with effect from November 1, 2023. He replaced A.B. Vijayakumar. Rohit Rishi started his banking career as Industrial Development Officer in Indian Bank in July 1995 and has over 28 years of experience working in diversified areas of banking.  During his tenure, he worked in all key banking functions in various capacities mainly in credit management.

 

2. RBI imposes penalties on Punjab National Bank, Federal Bank: Reserve Bank of India imposed monetary penalties on Punjab National Bank, Federal Bank, Kosamattam Finance, and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India for rule violations The central bank has imposed a penalty of Rs 72 lakh on PNB, Rs 30 lakh on Federal Bank, Rs 13.38 lakh on Kosamattam Finance

PNB received the penalty due to several violations, including levying SMS charges on certain accounts despite maintaining invalid mobile numbers in the Core Banking Solution

 

3. Reliance Retail to acquire Arvind Fashions’ Beauty Retail Business : Reliance Retail Ventures (RRVL) is buying Arvind Beauty Brands Retail, a subsidiary of Arvind Fashions that runs the Sephora India business for ₹99 crore. Reliance Retail has entered into the fast-growing beauty business with Tira, an omnichannel beauty retail platform. This acquisition follows earlier reports in local media suggesting that Sephora and Reliance Retail had terminated discussions regarding a potential retail partnership in the Indian market. Reliance Retail, in response, launched its own beauty retail platform, Tira, in April, positioning itself to compete with established players like Nykaa and the Tata Group.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. UST wins 2023 Mahatma Awards for impactful CSR initiatives: Leading digital transformation solutions company UST has won the 2023 Mahatma Awards for sustainable and impactful contributions to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in areas such as education, health, livelihood, environment, and disaster relief. An initiative of the Aditya Birla Group, the award was presented on Gandhi Jayanti. A highlight of the company’s CSR drive is its Adopt-a-School programme which impacts over 32,000 students in India and Mexico. UST supports over 104 schools, promoting accessible, quality education for all. Its initiatives include medical support for those with disabilities and habitat restoration projects in Kerala. The nature conservation and sustainable livelihood project sourced 75,000 medicinal saplings in 2022 alone. In response to global crises, UST has demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian causes, including a $100,000 pledge to support victims of the conflict in Ukraine. UST associates from the UK, Ukraine, and Poland volunteered to help distribute essentials in the refugee camps.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. NASA Apollo astronaut Thomas Kenneth Mattingly II passed away: Apollo astronaut Thomas Kenneth Mattingly II, known for helping the crew of Apollo 13 safely return to Earth after an explosion doomed their lunar mission, has died at the age of 87. Starting his career with the US Navy, Mattingly, who went by Ken and TK, eventually joined the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School as a student, before being chosen by NASA to be part of the astronaut class in 1966.