Daily GK Update- 5th Dec, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Govt appoints Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar as chairperson of NSCI:Prof Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar (Prof emeritus at Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI)) has been appointed as part-time chairperson of National Statistical Commission of India (NSCI) for three years. He has joined CMI as a visiting professor in 2010. He served as director CMI from Jan 2011 to April 2021. It is an autonomous body, was formed in June 2005 after the recommendation by Dr C Rangarajan Commission. The chairperson of the Commission enjoys the status of a MoS. Prof Karandikar, who joined CMI as a visiting professor in 2010 and was its director from January 2011 to April 2021, told TNIE that he would try to modernise the statistics system of the union government. He said delays in decoding data collected from national surveys impacted decision making.

2. Millets-Smart Nutritive Food Conclave starts in New Delhi:The govt of India has organised the 'Millets-Smart Nutritive Food' Conclave in New Delhi on December 5, 2022. This conclave is a pre-launch event of the International Year of Millets - 2023. This event was organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The government has also released e-catalogue on 30 potential importing countries and 21 millet producing states of India.  The conclave is a pre-launch event of the International Year of Millets - 2023 organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through its apex agricultural export promotion body, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). 

3. Ladakh will have India's first Dark Night Sky Reserve: Ladakh is all set to have India's first Dark Night Sky Reserve at Hanle in Changthang region. In about eighteen locations in Hanley, powerful telescopes will be installed for stargazing. Hanle is home for the 2nd highest optical telescope in the world, was established in 2001 by Indian Institute of Astrophysics. After an MoU between UT Administration, Leh Hill council and Indian Institute of Astrophysics, necessary approvals were received from Department of S&T. Ladakh is all set to have India's first Dark Night Sky Reserve at Hanle village in Changthang region. In about eighteen locations in Hanley, powerful telescopes will be installed for stargazing. AIR correspondent reports, Country's prestigious Dark Nighty Sky Reserve in Changthang's Hanley shall start soon.  Union Territory Ladakh administration has distributed eighteen telescopes to the trained youths of Hanley village.

4. Piyush Goyal addressed Millets-Smart Nutritive Food summit in New Delhi:Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has attended the Millets-Smart Nutritive Food Conclave as chief guest in New Delhi. The conclave is a pre-launch event of the International Year of Millets – 2023 organized with the objective to promote the export of millets. At the first-of-its-kind Millets Conclave, the government released e-catalogue on 30 potential importing countries and 21 millet-producing states of India. The conclave is being organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s apex agricultural export promotion body, APEDA with the objective of promoting the export of millets.

5. 5 December 2022 – 65th Foundation Day of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with the Union MoS for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary has inaugurated the two-day-long 65th Foundation Day celebrations of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in New Delhi. DRI is the premier intelligence and enforcement agency on anti-smuggling matters. DRI has also been at the forefront in international Customs collaboration under Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements signed with various countries, where thrust is on information exchange and learning from the best practices of other Customs administrations.  It came into existence on 4th December 1957.

DRI Headquarters – New Delhi

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

1. Paris Club proposes 10-year moratorium on Sri Lankan debt:Paris Club creditor nations (group of 22 countries) has proposed 10-year moratorium on Sri Lankan debt and another 15 years of debt restructuring as a formula to resolve the Sri Lankan debt crisis. The Paris club aims to find sustainable solutions for challenges faced by debtor countries Earlier this year, Sri Lanka had defaulted on its 51 billion dollar external debt in the midst of spiralling political and economic crisis India has provided emergency aid to Sri Lanka Paris Club creditor nations are proposing a 10-year moratorium on Sri Lankan debt and another 15 years of debt restructuring as a formula to resolve the Sri Lankan debt crisis. The Paris club is a group of officials from 22 countries who find sustainable solutions for challenges faced by debtor countries.

2. World Soil Day 2022: 5th December: World Soil Day is observed annually on December 5 to highlight the value of healthy soil and to promote the sustainable management of soil resources. 2022 theme: Soils: Where food begins In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) has proposed to celebrate Soil Day. In June 2013, the FAO Conference endorsed the day and requested UN to adopt the day. This day was officially adopted by UNGA and December 5, 2014 celebrated as the first World Soil Day.  Soil supports life on our planet by providing essential nutrients to plants. It is also home to a large, diversified community of creatures that enhance the soil's structure, recycle vital nutrients, and aid in the management of weeds, plant pests, and diseases. Another crucial factor is that good soil reduces climate change by preserving or even increasing soil organic carbon. All plants used in food production grow on soil, which also serves as the foundation of food systems.

3. 3. 5 December – International Volunteer Day: International Volunteer Day (IVD) is celebrated on 5 December every year. Objective – To promote volunteerism at local, national, and international levels. The United Nations General Assembly notified in its resolution of 20 November 1997 that 2001 will be observed as the International Year of Volunteers (IYV).

Theme 2022 – solidarity through volunteering

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

1. Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh lift mixed team pistol title at 65th NSCC:Team of Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh won the 10m air pistol mixed team title at the 65th National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC), held at the MP Shooting Academy range, Bhopal. Duo of Manu and Sarabjot defeated Karnataka pair, Divya T.S. and Imroz by 16-4 in the gold medal encounter. While, in the junior mixed team pistol, Uttar Pradesh’s Anjali and Sagar defeated Uttarakhand’s Yashsavi and Abhinav to win the final. New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh won the 10m air pistol mixed team title at the 65th National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC) here at the MP Shooting Academy range in Bhopal, venue of the Pistol shooting events.

2. Indian Shooter Rudrankksh Patil won ISSF President’s Cup in Egypt:Indian shooter Rudrankksh Patil has clinched the ISSF President’s Cup held in Cairo, Egypt.He defeated Italy’s Danilo Sollazzo in the 10-metre rifle play-off by 16-8.18-year-old Rudrankksh Patil also bagged India’s first quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics, when he clinched a gold in the men’s 10-metre air rifle in the ISSF Rifle-Pistol World Championships 2022 also held in Cairo in October this year.Olympian, Anjum Moudgil (world No. 4) had secured silver after losing to Anna Janssen (Germany) in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions final.

3. Rohit Sharma becomes sixth-highest run scorer for India in ODIs: Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma has surpassed former batter M. Azharuddin to become the sixth-highest run-getter for India in ODI cricket.The batter accomplished this record during India’s first ODI against Bangladesh at Dhaka.With this, his ODI statistics stand at 234 matches, and 9,403 runs in 227 innings at an average of 48.46. He has scored 29 tons and 45 fifties in his ODI career, with the best individual score of 264, which is also the highest score ever in ODIs.Other leading run-scorers in ODI cricket for India are Sachin Tendulkar (18,426), Virat Kohli (12,353), Saurav Ganguly (11,221), Rahul Dravid (10,768), and MS Dhoni (10,599).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. IDFC AMC to be renamed as Bandhan Mutual Fund:SEBI has cleared Bandhan-led consortium's proposed acquisition of IDFC AMC. Earlier, a consortium of Bandhan Financial Holdings, GIC, and ChrysCapital have signed an agreement to buy IDFC AMC and IDFC AMC Trustee Company from parent IDFC (Deal: Rs 4,500 crore). After the transaction, BFHL will own about 60% and GIC and ChrysCapital will hold 20% each in IDFC AMC. Consequently, each scheme of IDFC MF will be renamed to replace the word ‘IDFC’ with the word ‘Bandhan’. IDFC Asset Management Company Limited (AMC), one of the top 10 AMCs in the country, has received regulatory clearances from regulators for its proposed change in ownership. Securities market regulator SEBI granted the necessary no objection for IDFC AMC’s acquisition by a consortium comprising Bandhan Financial Holdings Limited (BFHL), GIC (GIC), and ChrysCapital (CC). 

2. IIFL launches India’s first passive tax-saving fund:IIFL Mutual Fund has launched the new fund offering of IIFL ELSS (Equity-Linked Savings Scheme) Nifty 50 Tax Saver Index Fund (IN50). A passive scheme allows investors to simply think of their investment as a split between FDs, PPFs, insurance, and ‘equity’ – without having to worry about deep analysis. Being an index fund, the scheme will try to mirror the Nifty 50 and generate returns in line with the movement in the index.  Being a tax saver fund, all investments in this scheme up to Rs 1.5 lakh, along with other eligible contributions, will fetch you deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Like all contributions to ELSS, the units of this scheme too will be locked in for three years from the date of allotment.

3. GST collection for November stands at Rs 1,45,867 crore:Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for the month of November 2022 stood at ₹1,45,867 crore, according to the data shared by the finance ministry The revenue for the month of November is 11% higher than the GST revenue in the same month last year, which itself was ₹1,31,526 crore This is the ninth straight month when collections from GST has remained above ₹1.40 lakh crore. The gross GST revenue collected in November 2022 came in at ₹1,45,867 crore of which CGST is ₹25,681 crore, SGST is ₹32,651 crore, IGST is ₹77,103 crore (including ₹38,635 crore collected on import of goods) and Cess is ₹10,433 crore (including ₹817 crore collected on import of goods).

                                    

OBITUARIES

1. City of Joy author, Dominique Lapierre passes away: Dominique Lapierre (French writer), the author of best-selling books on India like "Freedom at Midnight" and "City of Joy", has been passed away at the age of 91. His notable work: Is Paris Burning?, O Jerusalem!, Five Past Midnight in Bhopal, Freedom at Midnight In 2008, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan (India's third highest civilian award). He had donated the bulk of his royalties from "City of Joy" to support humanitarian projects in India.

2. Yakshagana artist Kumble Sundar Rao passes away: Well-known Yakshagana and Talamaddale artist and former MLA, Kumble Sundar Rao has been passed away at the age of 88. He was an exponent of Thenkuthittu style of Yakshagana. He had performed as a member of Surathkal, Dharmasthala and Ira Yakshagana Melas. He served as an MLA of Surathkal (present Mangalore City North) constituency from 1994 to 1999. Sundar Rao had served as president of Karnataka State Yakshagana Academy.

Daily GK Update- 4th Dec, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 'Divya Kala Mela' started on Kartavya Path:Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar has inaugurated the Divya Kala Mela in Kartavya Path at India Gate, Delhi The Divya Kala Mela was started on 2nd and will continue till 7th December.  Aim: To provide a great platform for the products and craftsmanship of Divyang artisans, craftsmen and artisans from across the country. The four finance corporations under this ministry, NHFDC, NBCFDC, NSFDC and NSKDFC will provide financial assistance Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurates the Divya Kala Mela in Kartavya Path at India Gate, Delhi. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima Bhowmik was also present on the occasion. The Divya Kala Mela will be held from 2nd to 7th December and it’s aims to provide a great platform for the products and craftsmanship of Divyang artisans, craftsmen and artisans from across the country. On this occasion, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar said that the objective of the fair is to bring self-reliance in the lives of Divyangjan, he said that this type of event will provide a big platform to the Divyangjans as well as display and sale of their products and in future Will also provide an opportunity to connect with big businessmen. With this, he said that Divya Kala Mela will now be organized across the country. The four finance corporations under this ministry, NHFDC, NBCFDC, NSFDC and NSKDFC k provide financial assistance under term loan schemes and micro finance schemes to the artisans through various channel partners.

2. Spocto Introduces India’s First Debt Collection Innovation Lab: The world’s leading full-stack debt support and risk mitigation platform has inaugurated India’s first Innovation Lab (SIL) dedicated to the debt collection segment of banking industries in India and the Middle East. Through an expedited method, SIL is intended to speed development on disruptive technologies such as AI/ML, big data, data security, and so on. SIL is working with all participants in the collecting ecosystem to prepare for the future by taking a digital-first strategy. Spocto will also promote digitalization in the collections ecosystem by leveraging technology that provide hyperpersonalization and data-driven solutions to improve repayments. The ideas will be finalised in cooperation with a ‘borrower’ focus group comprised of persons from various demographics. Because SIL will collect input from both the borrower and lender sectors, spocto hopes to cut the default rate by 10 per cent by 2025.

 

3.  4 December 2022 – Indian Navy Day:Indian Navy Day is celebrated every year on 4 December to recognize the role and achievements of the Indian Navy. It also commemorates the launch of Operation Trident in the Indo-Pakistan War in 1971.On December 3, 1971, Pakistan launched an offensive on Indian airbases during the India-Pakistan war.In response, the Indian Navy launched Operation Trident and sent three  missile boats — Nirghat, Veer and Nipat — towards Pakistan’s Naval headquarters in Karachi at maximum speed.

 

 

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Pakistan tops list of nations at risk of violence: Report: According to the US think-tank 'Early Warning Project' (EWP) report, For the third time in a row, Pakistan has topped the list of countries at the highest risk of experiencing mass killings. While, Yemen and Myanmar in placed second and third spots respectively in the list. Afghanistan and India were placed in the seventh and eighth spots respectively. Syria and Iraq were placed in the 11th and 12th spots respectively and China was placed 23rd in the list.

For the third consecutive time, Pakistan has topped the list of nations at the highest risk of experiencing mass killings, according to the latest report by the US think-tank Early Warning Project, as quoted by news agency ANI.

In its 28-page report, the Early Warning Project stated that Pakistan faces multiple security and human rights challenges, including increasing violence by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP.

 

2. Global Aviation Safety Rankings:India ranked 48th; topped by Singapore: India has jumped to the 48th position in the global aviation safety ranking by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), according to the DGCA report. Four years ago, the country was ranked at the 102nd position. Singapore is at the top, followed by the UAE and South Korea at the second and third positions The Indian aviation safety has scored the highest-ever El score of 85.49 percent which puts India in the 48th spot. In 2018, India scored 69.95 percent at the 102nd rank. India has performed better than China which stands in 49th rank in the audit. Israel has been ranked 50th.

The audit was conducted in the areas of – Legislation, Organization, Personal Licensing, Operations, Airworthiness, and Aerodromes. Teams from the UN agency went to Delhi Airport; IGI Airport air traffic control; Airport Authority of India’s communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) wing.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

1. Indian Shooter Rudrankksh Patil won ISSF President’s Cup in Egypt:Indian shooter, Rudrankksh Patil (18) has clinched the ISSF President’s Cup held in Cairo, Egypt from 28th Nov to 4th Dec 2022. He has defeated Danilo Sollazzo (Italy) in the 10-metre rifle by 16-8. He had also bagged India's first quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics in October 2022. Olympian, Anjum Moudgil (world No. 4) had secured silver after losing to Anna Janssen (Germany) in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions final. Indian shooter Rudrankksh Patil has clinched the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) President’s Cup held in Cairo, Egypt. He defeated Italy’s Danilo Sollazzo in the 10-metre rifle play-off by 16-8.

 

2. Saurashtra cricket team wins 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy:Saurashtra cricket team has defeated Maharashtra cricket team by 5 wickets in the final to win the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Awards:

·       Player of the match: Sheldon Jackson (Saurashtra ,133 runs in 135 Balls)

·       Player of the tournament: Ruturaj Gaikwad (Maharashtra, Games: 5; Runs: 660)

·       Most Runs: N Jagadeesan (TN): 830runs, 8 innings

·       Highest Score: N Jagadeesan

·       Most Fours: N Jagadeesan

·      Most Sixes: Ruturaj Gaikwad

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI implements 4 tiered regulatory norms for UCB:RBI has announced a four-tiered regulatory framework for categorisation of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs). It is based on size of deposits of the UCBs and came into force with immediate effect. The extant regulatory

framework classifies UCBs into two tiers -- Tier I and Tier II.

·       Tier 1: Deposits up to Rs 100 cr

·       Tier 2: More than Rs 100 cr and up to Rs 1,000 cr

·       Tier 3: More than Rs 1,000 cr and up to Rs 10,000 cr

·       Tier 4: More than Rs 10,000 cr\

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday announced a four-tiered regulatory framework for categorisation of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs),Besides, the central bank has come out with norms pertaining to the net worth and capital adequacy of these Banks.

2. NSE Indices launches new Nifty Bharat Bond Index:NSE Indices (Subsidiary of National Stock Exchange) has launched new Index under the Nifty Bharat Bond Index series. The Bharat Bond Index series follows a target maturity date structure wherein each index in the series measures the performance of a portfolio of 'AAA' rated bonds issued by government owned entities maturing in a specific year. Nifty Bharat Bond Index — April 2033 - has been launched within the Nifty Bharat Bond Index series. Nifty Bharat Bond Index, April 2033, has been launched within the Nifty Bharat Bond Index series, according to a statement by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) released earlier this week.The Bharat Bond Index series follows a target maturity date structure wherein each index in the series measures the performance of a portfolio of 'AAA' rated bonds issued by government owned entities maturing in a specific year.

3. NPCI extends UPI market cap deadline by 2 years: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced that deadline for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) players to limit to a market cap of 30% has been extended by two years (December 31, 2024).The deadline given by NPCI was of December 31, 2022. In November 2022, the NPCI had proposed a 30% volume cap for third-party app providers (TPAP). Currently, there is no cap on volume of transactions and about 80% share of market hold by the private players. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Friday announced that deadline for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) players to limit to a market cap of 30 per cent by two years to December 31, 2024.

4. World Bank provide financial aid of USD 250 million to Bangladesh:The World Bank has approved the financial aid of USD 250 million to Bangladesh to strengthen the environment management and promote private sector participation in green investment. Bangladesh Environmental Sustainability and Transformation (BEST) Project will help the country tackle key pollution issues. The project will help to construct four vehicle inspection centres using private-public partnership modality to inspect about 46,000 vehicles annually. The World Bank on Friday approved USD 250 million financing to help Bangladesh strengthen environment management and promote private sector participation in green investment. Successful implementation of the Bangladesh Environmental Sustainability and Transformation (BEST) Project will help the country tackle key pollution issues, benefitting over 21 million people living in Greater Dhaka and beyond.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. A book Chipko Movement won Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize 2022:The Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize 2022 has been awarded to The Chipko Movement: A People’s Movement. The book is authored by historian and activist Shekhar Pathak translated from Hindi by Manisha Chaudhry. The award is given for non-fiction on contemporary India by writers of any nationality and carries a cash award of 15 lakhs. This is the fifth iteration of the prize launched by the New India Foundation in 2018.

2. SS Rajamouli won Best Director at New York Film Critics Circle:Filmmaker SS Rajamouli won the Best Director Award for RRR at the New York Film Critics Circle. The group is one of the first critics’ groups to weigh in on the awards season. At the New York Film Critics Circle, Todd Field’s Tar has won the Best Picture of the year, also nabbing Best Actress for Cate Blanchett’s leading performance. Colin Farrell won Best Actor for two of his performances this year – After Yang and The Banshees of Inisherin.

3. International Day of Banks celebrates on 4th December: International Day of Banks is celebrated on December 4 to recognise the importance of multilateral and international development banks in financing sustainable developments. United Nations also observes the day in recognition of the vital role of banking systems in Member State in contributing to the improvement of the standard of living. The International Day of Banks was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly as a way to draw attention to the role that international development banks can play in supporting sustainable development. Banks support the international community’s goals by financing the sustainable development of member nations and providing information for achieving these goals.

 

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran documentarian, Julia Reichert passes away:Veteran documentarian, Julia Reichert, who won an Oscar in 2020 for her feature ‘American Factory,’ has been passed away at the age of 76 due to cancer. She has received four Academy Award nominations and one win, two Primetime Emmys, a Director’s Guild Award and two Peabody Awards nods. Her documentaries including: Union Maids, Seeing Red: Stories of American Communists, and The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant. According to Variety, a US-based news outlet, across her more than 50 years as a filmmaker, Reichert received four Academy Award nominations and one win, two Primetime Emmys, a Director’s Guild Award and two Peabody Awards nods. Her documentaries, including the Oscar-nominated “Union Maids,” “Seeing Red: Stories of American Communists,” and “The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant,” addressed issues of gender, class, race, and the world economy.

2. Veteran Odia, actress Jharana Das passes away: Veteran Odia actress, Jharana Das has been passed away at the age of 77 due to old age-related aliment. She was awarded the state government’s prestigious Jaydev Puraskar for her lifetime contribution to Odia film industry.  Her films - Shree Jagannath, Nari, Adinamegha, Hisabnikas, Pujafula, and Heera Nella. She had also worked as a child artist with AIR, Cuttack. She was also honoured with Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award for lifetime achievement in 2016.

Daily GK Update- 3rd Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1 Amara Raja Batteries to set up lithium-ion battery unit in Telangana:Amara Raja Batteries Ltd will be setting up a state-of-the-art research and manufacturing facility for lithium-ion batteries in Mahbubnagar district, Telangana. It intends to invest over ₹9,500 crore over the next 10 years in the lithium cell giga factory.The facility will be set up with an ultimate capacity up to 16 GWh and a battery pack assembly unit up to 5 GWh.The upcoming facilities are expected to provide employment opportunities to about 4,000 people. 

This was announced by Jayadev Galla, Chairman and MD, Amara Raja Batteries, in the presence of KT Rama Rao, State’s Minister for Industries, after signing a formal MoU here on Friday. “This strategic partnership with the Government of Telangana is a giant leap for Amara Raja and will bring in the impetus for innovations in sustainable technologies for the whole region, in addition to generating employment opportunities,’‘ Galla said.

2. India to assume chairmanship of Wassenaar Arrangement on 1 Jan: India will assume the chairmanship of the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) on 1 January 2023, for a period of one year. Wassenaar Arrangement is a multilateral technology control agreement. The primary goal of the organisation is to restrict access to sensitive technologies for terrorist outfits.The Wassenaar Arrangement came into being in 1996 and has 42 members. India joined the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) in 2017 and became its 42nd member.“WA is a multilateral export control regime, which, through regular information exchange among members on transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies, seeks to promote transparency and greater responsibility in such transfers and prevent destabilising accumulations," according to a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs. The primary goal of the organisation is to restrict access to sensitive technologies for terrorist outfits.

3. Odisha transforming women SHGs into SMEs: Odisha Govt announced to transform the SHGs into Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and turn them into vibrant financial hubs.It is to be noted that six lakh SHGs are working in Odisha. The government’s decision to provide interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh to the women under Mission Shakti will benefit lakhs of women. Mission Shakti intiative started in 2001 has now become a huge force of 70 lakh empowered women in Odisha. “In Odisha, six lakh SHGs are functioning. The objective of our government is to transform women SHGs into SMEs. We are prepared to run the extra mile to make this happen and will do everything required for this,” asserted Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while addressing the ‘Make in Odisha’ conclave here.

4. 3 December 2022 – Gita Mahotsav: Gita Jayanti is the day when Lord Shri Krishna explained the Gita Gyan to Arjuna. It is observed on Ekadashi tithi (11th day) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha. In 2022, Gita Jayanti is celebrated on 03 December 2022. The conversations between Arjuna and Shri Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra on the days of Margashirsha, Shukla Paksha, and Ekadashi Tithi are chronicled in the Hindu holy book known as the Bhagavad Gita (waxing phase of the Lunar cycle). Also known as Gita Mahotsav, this day commemorates the creation of the Gita. It’s interesting to note that Hindus commemorated the 5,159th anniversary of the Bhagavad Gita this year, a date that ordinarily comes in Gregorian December.It is believed the Bhagavad Gita was revealed to Arjuna by Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

1. List of countries at risk of mass killings: India ranked 8th; Pakistan topped: Pakistan has topped the list of countries at the highest risk of experiencing new mass killings, according to a new report by a US think-tank, Early Warning Project. The list included other Asian countries namely Yemen and Myanmar in the second and third spots respectively, while Afghanistan and India were placed in the seventh and eighth spots respectively. India was placed ahead of Syria, Iraq, China, and Iran on the list of countries at the highest risk of experiencing mass killings. While Syria and Iraq were placed in the 11th and 12th spots respectively, China was placed 23rd and Iran has the 30th spot in the list.

What is Early Warning Project (EWP)?

·       The Early Warning Project (EWP) is a research organization that identifies countries at risk of mass violence.

·       The Early Warning Project assesses the risk of mass atrocities in countries around the world using state-of-the-art quantitative and qualitative methods and a range of widely available data,’ as per its website.

2. Global Aviation Safety Rankings: India ranked 48th; topped by Singapore: India has jumped to the 48th position in the global aviation safety ranking by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), according to the DGCA report. Four years ago, the country was ranked at the 102nd position. Singapore is at the top, followed by the UAE and South Korea at the second and third positions The Indian aviation safety has scored the highest-ever El score of 85.49 percent which puts India in the 48th spot. In 2018, India scored 69.95 percent at the 102nd rank. India has performed better than China which stands in 49th rank in the audit. Israel has been ranked 50th. The audit was conducted in the areas of – Legislation, Organization, Personal Licensing, Operations, Airworthiness, and Aerodromes. Teams from the UN agency went to Delhi Airport; IGI Airport air traffic control; Airport Authority of India’s communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) wing.

 

3. Wearables brand Noise signs Virat Kohli as brand ambassador:Wearables technology company, NOISE has roped in cricketer Virat Kohli as its new brand ambassador for its smartwatch range. Kohli was earlier the brand ambassador of Boltt Games Pvt. Ltd owned Fire-Boltt. The former Indian cricket captain saw his brand value drop by 21% to $185.7 million in 2021. However, he still topped the rankings in a survey of most valuable Indian celebrities by consultant Kroll Inc.  Nexxbase Marketing Pvt Ltd-owned Noise, a wearables technology company, has roped in cricketer Virat Kohli as its new brand ambassador for its smartwatch range. Over the tenure, the cricketer will be involved in a campaign that entails all touchpoints, the company said.

 

4.  French baguette is added to UNESCO's 'intangible cultural heritage' list: Baguette, the staple French bread was inscribed into the UN’s list of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). UNESCO is a international body which aims at promoting peace and cooperation among nations through education, arts, sciences and culture. The baguette is a long and thin loaf made of flour, water, salt and yeast, and is consumed as a staple in France. In March 2021, France nominated the baguette as its candidate for consideration within the UNESCO ICH list.  While he was giving a speech in the U.S., French President Macron threw shade on baguettes that are made anywhere outside of France. He called the French baguette "250 grams of magic and perfection."

5. 3 December – International Day of Persons with Disabilities: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed every year on 3 December.Objective – To spread awareness about the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.The observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities began in 1992 after the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 47/3 proclaiming it as an international day.Theme 2022 – Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

1. 3rd T20 World Cup cricket tournament for Blind to be held in India:The third T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind will be held from December 5 to 17, 2022 in India. The participating nations for World Cup 2022 are Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the host, India. The tournament is being organised to mark the World Disability Day celebrations universally. Former India batter Yuvraj Singh is the brand ambassador of the tournament.

The third T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind will be held from December 5 to 17, 2022 in India. The participating nations for World Cup 2022 are Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the host, India. Around 150 players will be participating from all the countries and the tournament, which has a total of 24 matches, will take place in nine cities in India. The tournament is being organised to mark the World Disability Day celebrations universally.

2. Saurashtra cricket team won Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022: Saurashtra beat Maharashtra by 5 wickets in the final to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The team won its first Ranji Trophy title in 2019-2020. Sheldon Jackson was named the Player of the Match thanks to his unbeaten 133 off 136 deliveries, while opposition batter Ruturaj Gaikwad was awarded the Player of the Tournament title for his exceptional performances throughout the event. The Vijay Hazare Trophy is also known as the Ranji One-Day Trophy.

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Canara Bank won Banker’s Bank of the Year Award: Canara Bank has received the Banker’s Bank of the Year Award 2022 for the India segment at the Global Banking Summit held in London, UK. The MD and CEO of Canara Bank, L V Prabhakar attended the award ceremony held in London, United Kingdom. The public sector lender has been adjudged as the Best Bank in India for 2022. The Bankers’ Bank of the year awards are considered to be like Oscar awards for the banking sector.

About Canara Bank

Founded – 1906

Headquarters- Bengaluru, Karnataka

MD & CEO – Lingam Venkata Prabhakar

Tagline – Together with Can

 

2. Reserve Bank of India implements 4 tiered regulatory norms for UCB: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a four-tiered regulatory framework for categorisation of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs). Besides, the central bank has come out with norms pertaining to the net worth and capital adequacy of these banks. The Reserve Bank of India had constituted the Expert Committee on Urban Co-operative Banks, under the Chairmanship of Shri N. S. Vishwanathan, former Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank to examine the issues in urban cooperative banking sector and to review regulatory/ supervisory approach for strengthening the sector.

Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee, RBI had released the Revised Regulatory Framework for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) on July 19, 2022. The four-tiered regulatory framework, based on size of deposits of the UCBs, will come into force with immediate effect.

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India's Greenhouse-in-a-Box startup Kheyti wins 2022 Earthshot Prize: A Greenhouse-in-a-Box sustainable solution for small farmers Earthshot Prize 2022. The solution has been devised by Telangana startup Kheyti. The 1 million pounds Earthshot Prize has been founded by Britain's Prince William and dubbed the Eco Oscars'. Kheyti, one of the five winners at a gala green carpet awards ceremony in Boston, won the prize in the Protect and Restore Nature category. Kheyti offers shelter from unpredictable elements and destructive pests. Kheyti, one of the five winners at a gala green carpet awards ceremony in Boston on Friday night, won the prize in the Protect and Restore Nature category from hundreds of entries worldwide.  believe that the Earthshot solutions you have seen this evening prove we can overcome our planet's greatest challenges, and by supporting and scaling them we can change our future, said William, the Prince of Wales.

2. SS Rajamouli wins Best Director at New York Film Critics Circle: Filmmaker SS Rajamouli won the Best Director Award for RRR at the New York Film Critics Circle. The group is one of the first critics’ groups to weigh in on the awards season. At the New York Film Critics Circle, Todd Field’s Tar has won the Best Picture of the year, also nabbing Best Actress for Cate Blanchett’s leading performance. Colin Farrell won Best Actor for two of his performances this year — After Yang and The Banshees of Inisherin. Filmmaker SS Rajamouli won the Best Director Award for RRR at the New York Film Critics Circle on Friday. The group is one of the first critics’ groups to weigh in on the awards season. Rajamouli’s win surprised many as his competitors included Steven Spielberg, Darron Aronofsky, Sarah Polley, and Gina Prince-Blythewood. 

3. Canara Bank wins Banker’s Bank of the Year Award at Global Banking Summit: Canara Bank has won the "Banker's Bank of the Year Award 2022" for the Indian segment of the Global Banking Summit. The public sector lender has been adjudged as the Best Bank in India for 2022. The event was held in London where the bank’s MD and CEO L V Prabhakar received the award from the organisers. The Bankers’ Bank of the year awards are considered to be like Oscar awards for the banking sector. Canara Bank on Friday announced that it received the “Banker’s Bank of the Year Award 2022” for the India segment at the Global Banking Summit. The public sector lender has been adjudged as the Best Bank in India for 2022.The event was held in London from November 29-December 1, 2022 where the bank’s MD and CEO L V Prabhakar received the award from the organisers, a statement from the public sector lender said.