Daily GK Update- 7th Jan, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. REC limited signs with RVN to finance multi-modal.: REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Power, has signed a MoU with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to extend financial support of up to Rs. 35,000 crore for infrastructure projects over the next five years. The agreement encompasses a wide spectrum of projects, including multi-modal logistics hubs, rail infrastructure, road development, port facilities, and metro projects that RVNL is venturing into. REC Limited, established in 1969, is a “Maharatna” Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) that operates under the Ministry of Power. REC has traditionally focused on the power infrastructure sector, covering generation, transmission, distribution, renewable energy, and emerging technologies like electric vehicles, battery storage, and green hydrogen.

 

2. Ayodhya to host International Kite Festival ahead of Ram Temple consecration: Ahead of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22, the Uttar Pradesh government will host an International Kite Festival here. The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has initiated preparations for the festival, which is likely to take place between January 19 and 21, providing renowned kite flyers from both within the country and around the world with an opportunity to showcase their art. To organize this festival on a grand scale, inspiration is being taken from various kite festivals being held in the country and abroad. A visitors’ area would be designed with seating arrangements for 750 people along with a VVIP lounge to accommodate 50 special invitees to the event.

 

3. P Santhosh appoints as MD & CEO of NARCL: Chief General Manager of Canara Bank, P Santhosh has been appointed as the Managing Director of National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL). He succeeds Natarajan Sundar, who resigned from the post. Canara Bank is the sponsor bank of NARCL with over a 10 percent stake. Public sector banks are major shareholders of NARCL. A total of 10 Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have transferred Non-Performing Assets of over Rs 11,617 crore to NARCL between January and November last year. Sundar was with State Bank of India before taking charge at NARCL.

 

4. 5 January – National Birds Day: The United States of America (USA) declares January 5 as National Bird Day to raise awareness of the significance of birds to our ecosystem. The day is set apart to make all of us understand that birds are not made to be caught or had as showpieces in our homes, rather, they are nature’s lovely creatures that deserve to live with complete freedom.

Theme 2023 – Right To Fight The day was first observed by the Avian Welfare Coalition, which is involved in the cause of promoting awareness about birds that are caught or end up in captivity for either monetary profit or for human entertainment. National Birds Day has been celebrated in America since 2002. This date was picked in light of the fact that it likewise is the day for the yearly Christmas Bird Count.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Inaugural Meeting of Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC): The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Shipping Ministry is hosting the first meeting of recently constituted Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) on January 8th, 2023 in Kolkata. The day-long meeting on board vessel MV Ganga Queen will ..

 

2. Acclaimed Actress Glynis Johns Dies at 100: Glynis Johns, the multi-talented Welsh actress renowned for her six-decade career gracing Hollywood films, Broadway musicals and British cinema, passed away peacefully at age 100 in Los Angeles on January 12th, 2023. Early Life and Career Beginnings Born in South ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Vice Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi appointed as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff: Vice-Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi took over as the Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS). Vice-Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh took over from him as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOCINC), Western Naval Command, at INS Shikra in Mumbai. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R. Hari Kumar, is set to step down on superannuation on April 30 when Vice-Admiral Tripathi will be the senior-most Naval officer.

 

2. iDEX to Showcase Cutting-Edge Defence Technologies at Vibrant Gujarat 2024: Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) under India’s Ministry of Defence is participating at the 10th edition of prestigious Vibrant Gujarat Summit being held from January 10-12, 2024 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. About Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit Vibrant Gujarat Global .

 

SPORTS

 

1. Raghuram Iyer appointed as CEO of Indian Olympic Association: The Indian Olympic Association has appointed Raghuram Iyer as the Chief Executive Officer. The appointment, long-awaited and in response to reminders from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), brings a wealth of experience to the forefront. Iyer was selected unanimously for the post by the IOA Nomination Committee after thorough interviews and careful consideration of the shortlisted candidates. Raghuram Iyer comes with a rich experience in the sports management field, having served as the CEO of Indian Premier League (IPL) sides Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants and Rising Pune Supergiant.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. REC Limited and Bank of Baroda join hands to finance Power, Infra, and Logistics Projects: State-owned REC Ltd has inked an initial pact with Bank of Baroda to jointly offer loans for power, infrastructure and logistics projects in India over the next three years. Both entities endeavour to champion initiatives that will invigorate economic development and enhance accessibility to essential services nationwide. The MoU was signed in the presence of Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Chairperson and Managing Director of REC, and Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO of Bank of Baroda, along with Lalit Tyagi, Executive Director at Bank of Baroda.