Daily GK Update- 19th Dec, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gujarat, Maharashtra & UP lead in rooftop solar installations under PM Surya Ghar scheme: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have emerged as the top three states with the highest number of rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana scheme.The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, 2024, aims to provide rooftop solar power to one crore households by March 2027.Under the scheme, installations are expected to cross 10 lakhs by March 2025, double to 20 lakh by October 2025, and reach 40 lakh by March 2026.As of December 9, 2024, over 6.79 lakh installations (total households covered) have been completed since the scheme’s launch. These include more than 5.38 lakh individual residential units and around 1.41 lakh households through installations in residential welfare associations, according to Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, in a Rajya Sabha reply.

 

2. West Bengal CM launched housing scheme for rural poor: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched the “Banglar Bari” scheme to provide houses for the rural poor in the State.Ms Banerjee released the funds to 42 beneficiaries across 21 districts and over 12 lakh beneficiaries in the State are eligible for the first instalment.Under the scheme, a total of ₹1.20 lakh will be given to a family for constructing a house, of which ₹ 60,000 in the first instalment. However, beneficiaries in some areas of Jangalmahal and Dargeeling hills will get ₹1.30 lakh.

 

3. DPIIT signs MoU with HDFC Bank to strengthen startup ecosystem and foster innovation: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has inked a partnership with HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank by assets, by signing an MoU to empower startups with world-class banking and financial services.The collaboration aims to strengthen the overall startup ecosystem by offering knowledge sharing, mentorship, and capacity-building programs to foster innovation and growth.Startups will benefit from customized banking and financial products designed to cater their specific requirements, such as working capital, credit access, and cash flow management.Director of Startup India- Dr Sumeet Kumar Jarangal

 

4. DPIIT inks MoU with Tally Solutions Pvt Ltd to mentor manufacturing startups: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed an MoU with Tally Solutions Pvt Ltd, a renowned leader in business management software.Pertinently, this strategic partnership is aimed at introducing a comprehensive, module-based workshop series, tailored to address critical challenges faced by startups in areas such as financial management, compliance, marketing, digitization, and investment preparedness.Key features of this collaborative initiative by Tally include:Free One-Year Rental Licenses of Tally Prime software for participants.Targeted Modules covering critical business areas such as accounting principles, tax compliance, marketing strategies, digitization tools, and investor readiness.

 

5. 18 December – Minorities Rights Day: Minorities Rights Day is observed annually on December 18 in India to emphasise the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of minority communities.Minorities Rights Day in India aligns with the United Nations’ adoption of the ‘Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious, and Linguistic Minorities’ on December 18, 1992.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Moldova joins International Solar Alliance: Moldova has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by signing the ISA Framework Agreement in New Delhi, marking its commitment to renewable energy.The ISA, co-founded by India and France in 2015, aims to mobilize USD 1,000 billion for solar energy by 2030.A treaty-based international intergovernmental organisation, International Solar Alliance (ISA), aims at mobilising more than USD 1000 billion of investment needed by 2030 for the massive deployment of solar energy.Last month, Armenia became the 104th full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

 

2. Indian REITs Association appoints Alok Aggarwal as Chairman: The Indian REITs Association (IRA) has appointed Alok Aggarwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, as its new Chairman.Established in 2023 under the guidance of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) the Indian REITs Association is a non-profit trade organization that supports the growth and development of India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector.Its founding members include Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT, and Nexus Select Trust.Aggarwal is an alumnus of IIT Delhi, where he earned his engineering degree, and ISB Hyderabad, where he completed his MBA.

 

3. 18 December – International Migrants Day: International Migrants Day is observed annually on 18th December.Objective – To raise awareness about the issues faced by migrants, including their rights, integration challenges, and contributions to host communities.Theme 2024 – Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights.International Migrants Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000, in response to the growing number of migrants across the world, in addition to, marking the establishment of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, adopted by the United Nations in 1990, that came into force in 2003.

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Ravichandran Ashwin retires from International Cricket: One of the all-time greats of India, Ravichandran Ashwin, has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket.The unexpected retirement announcement came after the third test of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane ended in a draw.With 765 wickets in his credit, Ashwin is the second-highest wicket-taker from India after Anil KumbleAshwin has taken 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Test matches. He is also 7th on the overall list of wicket-takers.He is the second fastest to take 500 Test wickets, reaching it in 98 matches.Ashwin also has 37 5-wicket-hauls in an innings, the second most behind Sri Lanka’s legendary Muttiah Muralitharan.Ashwin started his first-class career for Tamil Nadu in a Ranji Trophy Match against Haryana in Chennai in December 2006.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Scientists develop ‘kisan kavach’ to shield farmers from pesticide sprays: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh has unveiled Kisan Kavach, Bharat’s first-of-its-kind anti-pesticide bodysuit.Designed to protect farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure, this innovation marks a transformative step in ensuring farmer safety.Developed by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., the bodysuit offers protection against pesticide-induced toxicity, which often leads to severe health complications, including breathing disorders, vision loss, and, in extreme cases, death.The washable and reusable suit, priced at ₹4,000, can last up to a year and employs advanced fabric technology to deactivate harmful pesticides upon contact, ensuring farmer safety like never before.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Baroda Unveils Phygital Branches to Transform Customer Banking Experience: Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, has launched innovative Phygital branches aimed at enhancing customer banking experiences by seamlessly integrating physical and digital services.These Phygital branches are equipped with advanced features like 24/7 self-service kiosks, a video contact center for non-financial services, and universal service desks to provide in-person assistance.By combining the familiarity of traditional brick-and-mortar banking with the efficiency of modern technology, the initiative caters to the diverse needs of customers.

 

2. Federal Bank Partners with Ecofy to Accelerate Rooftop Solar Financing for MSMEs: Federal Bank, a leading private sector bank in India, has announced a strategic partnership with Ecofy, the country’s first green-only NBFC backed by Eversource Capital, to empower MSMEs with innovative financing solutions for commercial rooftop solar installations.This collaboration is among the first comprehensive co-lending initiatives aimed at addressing the solar financing needs of the MSME sector. The program aims to finance 3,600 kW of rooftop solar installations annually, enabling MSMEs to significantly reduce electricity costs while cutting over 2,500 tons of CO2 emissions each year.Ecofy, with its proven expertise in residential and commercial solarization, has partnered with leading OEMs like Tata Power, Waaree, Luminous, and Mahindra Solarize, as well as over 1,000 EPC partners. This collaboration is set to address financial constraints that have long hindered MSMEs from transitioning to renewable energy.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Kiran Mazumdar gets ‘Jamsetji Tata Award’ for biosciences movement in India: Biocon Group Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw was conferred the prestigious Jamsetji Tata Award by the Indian Society for Quality (ISQ) for pioneering the biosciences movement in India.The Jamsetji Tata Award, instituted in 2004 by ISQ recognises business leaders who have made significant contributions to Indian society.Mazumdar-Shaw received the award from Janak Kumar Mehta, President of ISQ and Chairman and Managing Director, TQM International.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 18th Dec, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Delhi airport becomes India’s first airport to connect 150 destinations: The New Delhi airport has become the first airport in India to connect 150 destinations. Notably, DIAL, operates and manages the IGI Airport in New Delhi.As per DIAL, Thai AirAsia X launched direct flights between Delhi and Bangkok-Don Mueang (DMK), marking the 150th destination connected to Delhi Airport.The ongoing induction of wide-body aircraft by Indian carriers is set to transform Delhi Airport into a super-connector hub, reinforcing its position as a leading choice for international and long-haul travel.

 

2. CCI approves the acquisition of certain stake of Speed JVco S.à r.l. (Target) by Ramon Investments Pte. Ltd. (Acquirer): The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of certain stake of Speed JVco S.à r.l. (Target) by Ramon Investments Pte. Ltd. (Acquirer). The Proposed Combination involves the acquisition of certain stake of the Target by the Acquirer.Acquirer is an investment holding company and does not engage in any business operation other than holding investments. It is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited (Temasek).Temasek is an investment company headquartered in Singapore. Temasek’s global portfolio covers a broad spectrum of industries including transportation; financial services; telecommunications,media & technology; consumer & real estate; life sciences & agri-food; and multi-sector funds.

 

3. PM Modi inaugurates projects worth ₹46,300 crore in Rajasthan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 24 projects related to power, road, railway and water worth more than Rs 46,300 crore in Jaipur.He inaugurated 9 projects worth more than Rs 11,000 crore, which include 7 projects of the Central Government and 2 projects of the State Government.These projects also include the Parvati, Kalisindh, Chambal Link Project, which is important for Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.The MOA for this project was signed between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in the presence of the Prime Minister.

 

4. RBL Bank Reappoints R Subramaniakumar as MD & CEO for 3 Years: RBL Bank’s Board of Directors has approved the reappointment of R Subramaniakumar as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) for a further period of three years, effective June 23, 2025.

The reappointment is subject to approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).The bank confirmed that it will seek regulatory approval by submitting an application to the RBI under Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1935.Subramaniakumar, who was initially appointed as MD & CEO in June 2022, became the second public sector banker after Prashant Kumar to head a private sector bank.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Assam CM attends Bhutan’s 117th National Day: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended Bhutan’s 117th National Day celebration on 17 December 2024 at Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.Assam shares an international boundary with Bhutan, and the Himanta Biswa Sarma visit is intended to strengthen the cultural and regional ties between Bhutan and Assam.

Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim share a land border with Bhutan. India shares a 699 km long international boundary with Bhutan.Every year, 17th December is observed as a National Day in Bhutan. This day marks the coronation of the first King of Bhutan, Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck, on December 17, 1907.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and Indian Navy sign MoU for Logistics related Education, Research and Training: Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara has signed an MoU with the Indian Navy in New Delhi. The MoU aims at enhancing logistics-related education, research, and training for the Indian Navy.The collaboration is set to strengthen the Indian Navy’s logistical framework by focusing on supply chain management, multimodal transportation, and sustainability in logistics. It also aligns with national development initiatives such as the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022.The MoU facilitates the exchange of expertise and case studies in areas such as AI applications, predictive analytics, and blockchain technology to elevate logistics practices.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Riya Shirish Thatte clinches Gold medal in Women’s 25m Pistol Final of 67th National Shooting Championship Competitions: In Shooting, Riya Shirish Thatte of Aurangabad has clinched the gold medal in the women’s 25m pistol final of the 67th National Shooting Championship Competitions in New Delhi.She defeated Punjab’s Simranpreet Kaur Brar 7-2 in a shoot-off after both had tied at 31 hits in the eight series of five-shots decider. This is Riya’s first senior national title.Olympian and former Asian Games champion Rahi Sarnobat was third with 25 hits.The shotgun and pistol competitions of the National Shooting Championship are being held in New Delhi, while Bhopal is holding the rifle nationals.

 

2. Hardik Pandya most Searched Indian Sportsperson: Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya was the most searched Indian sportsperson across the globe, as per Google Year in Search 2024, ranking seventh among the most searched sportspersons world-wide.It has been a career-defining year for Hardik Pandya, who experienced the extreme highs and lows of sports in a matter of months.The IPL was the top trending overall search in India ahead of the T20 World Cup. The Olympics (5th), Pro Kabaddi League (9th) and Indian Super League (10th) were the other sporting events present in the top 10 overall trends.In sports trends in India, the IPL, T20 World Cup and the Olympics occupied the top three slots.Five of the top 10 trending people in India were sportspersons – Vinesh Phogat (1st), Hardik Pandya (4th), Shashank Singh (6th), Abhishek Sharma (9th) and Lakshya Sen (10th).

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. C-DOT and Silizium Circuits signs agreement for “Design and Development of LEO Satellite Components and GNSS RF Front End ASIC” : The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier Telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), GoI has signed an agreement with Silizium Circuits Pvt Ltd a fabless Semiconductor IP & SoC Startup under FABCI (Fabless Chip Design Incubator) IIT Hyderabad for the “Design and Development of LEO Satellite Components, and GNSS RF Front End ASIC”.The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India.This scheme, designed to fund Indian startups, academia, and R&D institutions, is a crucial enabler for designing, developing, and commercializing telecommunication products and solutions.It aims to enable affordable broadband and mobile services, playing a significant role in bridging the digital divide across India.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. WPI inflation falls to 3-month low of 1.89% in November on softer food Prices: Wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation hit a three-month low of 1.89 per cent in November 2024 from 2.4 per cent recorded in October 2024.This fall in WPI was largely due to the softening of primary food inflation, which moderated to 8.63 per cent in November 2024 compared to 13.54 per cent in October 2024.For the April-November 2024 period, WPI inflation stood at 2.1 per cent as against a contraction of 1.29 per cent inthe same period last year.

 

2. RBI’s Foreclosure Guidelines on MSME Loans Implications for NBFCs: The Union Budget 2024 incorporates numerous initiatives for MSMEs, particularly for manufacturing units, to boost the sector’s long-term growth and profitability.One of these initiatives is the Credit Guarantee Scheme, where MSMEs in manufacturing can access collateral-free loans with a guarantee of up to INR 100 crore, shared Jugal Mantri, CEO, Anand Rathi Global Finance, in an exclusive interaction with Srajan Agarwal of Elets News Network (ENN).In the recent MPC meeting of the RBI, it was stated that banks and NBFCs cannot levy foreclosure charges or pre-payment penalties on MSMEs. A draft circular on this matter is also expected to be issued for public consultation.As per the present RBI guidelines, NBFCs are not permitted to charge any pre-payment penalties or foreclosure charges on floating-rate term loans given to Individual borrowers for nonbusiness purposes.

 

3. ₹12.3 lakh crore: Indian banks’ loan write-off in past 10 years: Indian commercial banks wrote off Rs 12.3 lakh crore in loans between the 2014-15 and 2023-24 financial years, according to government data presented in Parliament.Public sector banks accounted for Rs. 6.5 lakh crore of these write-offs in the last five years (FY20-24).Write-offs peaked at Rs. 2.4 lakh crore in FY19 following an asset quality review. They dropped to Rs. 1.7 lakh crore in FY24, representing 1% of the total outstanding bank credit. Public sector banks hold a 51% share of new loans, down from 54% in FY23.As of September 30, 2024, gross non-performing assets (NPAs) for public sector banks were ₹3,16,331 crore (3.01% of outstanding loans), and ₹1,34,339 crore (1.86% of outstanding loans) for private sector banks.State Bank of India wrote off ₹2 lakh crore during the ten-year period, while Punjab National Bank wrote off ₹94,702 crore. Public sector banks wrote off ₹42,000 crore in the first half of the current fiscal year.

 

4. LazyPay Unveils ‘LazyPay EMI’ to Simplify High-Value Purchases: LazyPay, a leading digital financial services provider by PayU, has launched ‘LazyPay EMI’ in partnership with its partner lender, PayU Finance.This innovative solution is designed to make high-value online purchases more affordable and accessible for consumers across India.By eliminating the need for a credit card, the feature offers a hassle-free way for users to finance their purchases.Consumers can finance purchases between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 1 lakh with flexible repayment options ranging from 3 to 12 months. This launch reinforces LazyPay’s commitment to providing a streamlined checkout experience across a broader range of merchants and consumers.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ayodhya’s Ram Temple honored with the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ for safety excellence: The ‘Ram Temple project’ of the Shri Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya has been awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’ by the British Safety Council.This award was one of the highest recognitions in safety management and that the British Safety Council evaluates the safety processes, practices, and on-site activities during its audits, and only those who receive a five-star assessment were eligible for the ‘Sword of Honour’ award.Larsen and Toubro, the company responsible for the construction of the temple, was also awarded a ‘Golden Trophy’ by the National Safety Council for its safety measures during the construction process. The temple has been built under close coordination between Larsen and Toubro and Tata Consulting Engineers, with effective supervision by the Construction Committee of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 17th Dec, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. INCL Launches ‘CHARAK’- “Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal” in Singrauli: Under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal, Singrauli based Coal India arm Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) has rolled out ‘CHARAK’- “Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal”, an innovative health-centric CSR Initiative.This project is aimed at providing free treatment for the patients suffering from identified Life- Threatening diseases belonging to Economically Weaker Sections of Singrauli region.Under ‘CHARAK’, NCL will provide free treatment of identified life-threatening diseases at its dedicated hospital (NSC) or at specialised empanelled hospitals across the country.Residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts having annual family income below Rs. 8 Lakhs from all sources will be eligible for benefit under this scheme.

 

2. India sets up its first diabetes biobank in Chennai: Aimed at facilitating advanced research on diabetes, the variations of the Indian type and other related disorders, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) has set up the country’s first diabetes biobank.This repository of population-based biological samples established in Chennai will gather, process, store and distribute biospecimens to assist scientific studies.A plethora of blood samples of different types of diabetes in the young, such as Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes, have been stored for future studies and research.

 

3. HPCL Signs Agreement with NLDS for Integration of API with Unified Logistics Interface Platform: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has signed an agreement with NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDS) to integrate its APIs with Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP).This partnership is a significant step towards enhancing transparency, operational efficiency, and innovation in India’s logistics sector.The HPCL API of ULIP provides Fuel Station & Pricing Visibility, which offers real-time visibility into the location and pricing of HPCL fuel stations across India.This API is expected to address critical logistics challenges, such as lack of clarity on refueling options and fluctuating fuel costs along various routes.By utilizing this data, logistics service providers, traders and transporters can optimize their planning and operations, ultimately reducing costs and inefficiencies.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Britain Becomes First European Nation to Join CPTPP: Britain has become the first European nation to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), becoming the 12th member.The bloc comprises Canada and Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.The UK, following its 2016 Brexit referendum, is attempting to establish new trade deals abroad after signing the accession treaty with most EU members.Established in 2018, the bloc safeguards against Chinese hegemony in the region, providing British companies access to a market of over 500 million people, contributing over 15% of the world’s GDP.

 

2. Google appoints Preeti Lobana as India Head: Tech giant Google has appointed Preeti Lobana as its new Country Manager and Vice President for India.Lobana succeeds Sanjay Gupta, who was recently transitioned to a bigger role as President of the Asia Pacific region.A seasoned Googler with eight years of experience as Vice President of customer-centric solutions, Lobana will now spearhead Google India’s sales and operations, driving the company’s commitment to India’s burgeoning digital economy.Google had also appointed Roma Datta Chobey, the managing director for the digital native industries division of Google India, as the interim country manager.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India, Sri Lanka joint naval exercise SLINEX 2024 begins: The bilateral naval exercise SLINEX 2024 (Sri Lanka–India Exercise) will be conducted from 17 to 20 Dec 24 at Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command.The exercise will be held in two phases – the Harbour Phase from 17 to 18 December and the Sea Phase from 19 to 20 December.Initiated in 2005, SLINEX is a significant series of bilateral naval exercises that have strengthened maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka over the years.Indian Naval Ship INS Sumitra, a naval offshore patrol vessel of the Eastern Fleet, along with a Special Forces team will participate on behalf of India, while SLNS Sayura, an offshore patrol vessel, with an embarked Special Forces team will join on behalf of Sri Lanka.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Mumbai defeats Madhya Pradesh to win the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Mumbai, led by Shreyas Iyer, defeated Madhya Pradesh to win the 2024-25 season Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.In the final played at the Chinnaswamy stadium, Bengaluru, Mumbai defeated Madhya Pradesh by 5 wickets to win their second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.The victory over Madhya Pradesh in Bengaluru was the second title win for the Mumbai team. Mumbai had earlier won the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy in the 2022-23 season by defeating Himachal Pradesh.Award winnerPlayer of the Match- Suryansh Shedge (Mumbai) Player of the Tournament – Ajinkaya Rahane (Mumbai)

 

2. Rithvik Kumar wins Odisha Masters 2024 badminton men’s singles title: Rithvik Sanjeevi Satish Kumar won the men’s single title of the 2024 BWF Super100 Odisha Masters badminton tournament.Rithvik was the sole Indian winner in the Odisha Masters, which was dominated by the Chinese players, who won three titles, and the Japanese claimed the women’s doubles title.Chinese Cai Yan Yan won her second consecutive women’s single BWF Super 100 title in Cuttack by defeating 15-year-old Tanvi Sharma in the final.Last week, Cai Yan Yan won the 2024 BWF Super 100 Guwahati tournament’s singles title, defeating Anmol Kharb of India.The $100,000 lakh prize money BWF Super 100 Odisha Masters 2024 was held in Cuttack, Odisha. It was the third edition of the BWF Super 100 Odisha Masters after the inaugural edition in 2021 and 2023.

 

3. Indian Hockey team won Women’s Junior Asia Cup title at Muscat: Indian women’s junior hockey team successfully defended their Women’s Junior Asia Cup title in Muscat, Oman, by defeating China 3-2 in the final.India, the previous 2023 edition winner, won the 10th Women’s Junior Asia Cup,3-2 in the penalty shoot-out in the final played at Muscat.The top five finishers at the 2024 Women’s Junior Asia Cup -India, China, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia qualified for the 2025 FIH Women’s Junior World Cup in Chile.The Indian women’s team emulated the Indian men’s hockey team, which won the 2024 Hockey Junior Asia Cup for the fifth time in Muscat, Oman.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. C-DOT ties up with Trois Infotech for ‘Face Recognition Using Drone” technology: In a significant step towards advancing indigenous, state-of-the-art, next-generation telecommunications technology, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier telecom R&D centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has signed an agreement with Trois Infotech for its “Face Recognition Using Drone” technology.The agreement has been signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) program of (Universal Service Obligation Fund) USOF, (Department of Telecommunications), with C-DOT as the Implementing Agency, GoI.This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the development of state-of-the-art indigenous telecom technologies and solutions, aligning with the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” through C-DOT’s Collaborative Programs (CCP).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. MABFSi & Axis Bank Launches Women-Exclusive Young Bankers Cohort to Drive Gender Inclusion in Banking: Manipal Academy of BFSI (MABFSI), a leading learning solutions provider for the BFSI sector, has partnered with Axis Bank to launch a Women-Exclusive Cohort under the Axis Bank Young Bankers Program (ABYB).This initiative aims to strengthen gender diversity and inclusion in the banking workforce.The ABYB program, which has trained over 16,000 graduates over the past 12 years, has introduced this exclusive women-only cohort to boost female participation.With 700 women enrolled, the program has improved the gender ratio from 31% to 38% for FY 2024-25, marking a significant step forward compared to previous batches.

 

2. Newgen Unveils AI-enabled Captive Finance Solution to Revolutionize Lending and Leasing Operations: Newgen Software, a global leader in AI-driven digital transformation, has launched of its AI-enabled Captive Finance Solution, powered by the NewgenONE low-code platform.The solution is designed to help captive finance organizations and NBFCs optimize lending and leasing operations through intelligent automation and a customer-centric approach.The newly launched solution addresses a wide array of financing needs for retail customers, dealers, and suppliers. It features specialized modules for lending, leasing, inventory financing, working capital loans, term loans, credit limit management, and invoice discounting.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ecologist Madhav Gadgil honoured with UNEP Champions of Earth Award: eteran Indian ecologistMadhav Gadgil has been chosen as one of the six persons/institutions to be honoured with the prestigious 2024 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) ‘Champions of the Earth’ Gadgil, the only Indian on the list of this year’s award recipients, chaired the government-constituted Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel to study the impact of population pressure, climate change, and development activities on the ecologically fragile region in India.The ‘Champions of the Earth award is considered the United Nation’s highest environmental honour.

The panel recommended in 2011 that the entire hill range be declared an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) and divided into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ 1, 2, and 3) based on their environmental sensitivity.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 16th Dec, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NDTL receives approval from WADA to manage Athlete Biological Passport: National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), New Delhi has received the approval from World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as an Athlete Passport Management Unit to manage Athlete Biological Passport.The National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) has received approval from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to manage the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), which is significant for the country’s initiatives to curb the abuse of banned performance-enhancing substances.The Athlete Biological Passport is an advanced anti-doping tool that monitors an athlete’s biological markers over time. It analyzes variations in parameters such as blood and steroid profiles to ensure fair play in sports and to protect clean athletes.

 

2. Manish Jain Appointed Executive Director at YES Bank: Private sector lender YES Bank has appointed Manish Jain as executive director (whole-time director) of the bank for three years.Jain, who joined YES Bank in September 2023, currently oversees its corporate and wholesale banking business.Before his new designation, he served as the Country Head of Wholesale Banking, where he played a critical role in driving the bank’s strategic initiatives in large corporate, government, and financial institution sectors.With a career spanning over three decades, Jain brings extensive experience in banking and finance, including 23 years at Standard Chartered Bank.

 

3. 13 December – National Horse Day: National Horse Day is celebrated annually on December 13 in India to honor and acknowledge the importance of horses in the country’s history, culture, and economy.The day is meant to highlight the significant role horses have played in India’s agriculture, transportation, sports, and military. It serves to promote awareness about horse welfare and the need to protect and preserve these majestic animals.

 

4. 14 December – National Energy Conservation Day: National Energy Conservation Day is celebrated annually on December 14 in India to raise awareness about the importance of energy conservation and efficient energy usage.The day highlights the need for reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable energy practices to protect the environment and ensure the sustainable development of the nation.Theme 2024 – Powering Sustainability: Every Watt CountsIntroduced in 1991, the National Energy Conservation Day is championed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power and serves as a reminder of the vital role that energy plays in our day-to-day lives and the urgency to conserve it. It symbolises India’s commitment to energy efficiency and conservation.

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Elon Musk makes history: Surpasses $400 billion net worth, widening lead over Bezos and Zuckerberg: Elon Musk has become the first person to surpass $400 billion in net worth, solidifying his position as the world’s richest individual.According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Musk’s fortune has reached $447 billion, marking significant growth since the US presidential election.Musk’s increasing wealth highlights the rising value of his ventures, particularly in the electric vehicle and space sectors, as Tesla and SpaceX continue to lead their respective markets.Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is a distant second on the list with a total worth of $249 billion and Mark Zuckerberg is a close third at $224 billion.Larry Ellison is in the fourth position with a net worth of $198 billion and Bernard Arnault is at $181 billion.

 

2. Emmanuel Macron announces Francois Bayrou as the new PM of France: French President Emmanuel Macron has been named Francois Bayrou his fourth prime minister of 2024, tasking the veteran centrist with steering the country out of its second major political crisis in the last six months.Centrist Bayrou marks the country’s fourth prime minister this year after Barnier resigned on Dec. 5 in the wake of a historic no-confidence vote, which saw an unlikely alliance between opposition parties on the left and far right.The 73-year-old veteran politician has led France’s centre-right Democratic Movement since he founded it in 2007 and is a longtime ally of Macron. He will now be expected to form a new government in the coming weeks.

 

3. Mikheil Kavelashvili elected as the president of Georgia: Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former Manchester City footballer and MP with the Georgian Dream party, will become Georgia’s next president.The Georgian Dream party controls the electoral college deciding his appointment, having eliminated popular voting for president in 2017.Kavelashvili will join George Weah of Liberia as only the second former footballer to serve as a head of state.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Shaheen Afridi Becomes Youngest Bowler to take 100 Wickets in all 3 formats: Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi made history by becoming his country first bowler to take 100 wickets in each format of the international cricket.The left-arm pacer achieved the milestone during the first T20I against South Africa in Durban. The hosts defeated Pakistan by 11 runs in the match.In the match, Shaheen took three wickets to complete 100 T20I wickets in 74 T20s and became the first Pakistan bowler to have 100 wickets in each format of the game.Shaheen became the youngest player in the world to achieve the feat and the first to reach 100 wickets in all three formats of the game in international cricket before turning 30.Notably, he become the youngest bowler to take 100 wickets in all three formats. He joined the club of New Zealand’s Tim Southee, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, and Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga.Afridi became the second fastest Pakistani bowler to achieve this feat. Now, he only behind Haris Rauf, who achieved this milestone in 71 matches.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. BOBCARD unveils a women-centric credit card with free health perk vouchers: BOBCARD LIMITED has introduced the TIARA Credit Card, premium credit card designed exclusively for women.Unveiled by model and actor Milind Soman, Pinkathon creator and yoga practitioner Ankita Konwar, and Ravindra Rai, MD & CEO of BOBCARD LIMITED, the TIARA card is powered by the RuPay network.It offers a host of rewards and benefits across travel, dining, lifestyle, entertainment, and health categories, catering to the aspirations of modern women.The TIARA cardholders get complimentary vouchers and memberships worth up to Rs 31,000 from leading brands like Myntra, Nykaa, Flipkart, Lakme Salon, and Urban Company.To amplify the card’s empowering message, BOBCARD has collaborated with cricketer Shreyanka Patil, who embodies the campaign tagline ‘Your Woman Card is Your Power Move.’

 

2. Max Life rebrands to Axis Max Life Insurance after regulatory approval: Max Life Insurance announced a change in its corporate name to Axis Max Life Insurance after receiving the corporate and regulatory approval.Earlier this year, Axis Bank’s board of directors approved the proposal to acquire Max Life shares, raising Axis entities’ total holding in the insurance company to 19.99 percent from 19.02 percent.Following this stake acquisition by Axis Bank, the stake of MFSL in Max Life reduced to 81 percent from 87 percent earlier.The new brand identity is reflected in a new logo through the inclusion of Axis’s ‘A’ and burgundy shade.According to its exchange filing, the new brand names would carry forward the legacy of trust and expertise of Max identity, adding confidence and familiarity.

 

3. World Bank approves $325 Million Project to Boost Agriculture in Uttar Pradesh: The World Bank has approved the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening (UP-AGREES) Project, a $325.10 million initiative aimed at enhancing farmers’ incomes in Uttar Pradesh through improved crop productivity, adoption of digital and climate-resilient practices, and better market connections.The project also seeks to attract $15 million in private investment to bolster these efforts.Over the past decade, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a leader in Indian agriculture, ranking first in wheat production, second in rice, and third in agricutural exports.Despite this progress, small-scale farmers continue to face challenges such as low productivity, limited access to modern technology, and inadequate post-harvest infrastructure.

 

4. SBI chief to head panel to recommend fresh list of accounts for NARCL: DFS: The Department of Financial Services (DFS) in the Finance Ministry has decided to set up a Committee under the Chairmanship of SBI Chairman C S Setty to submit a fresh list of accounts for transfer to the National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL), colloquially known as ‘Bad Bank’.This emerged at a review meeting chaired by DFS Secretary M Nagaraju to address key operational challenges and enhance the efficiency of resolution mechanisms through NARCL and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).Till date, NARCL, which came into the scene in mid-2021, has acquired 22 accounts with an exposure of ₹95,711 crore. The Finance Ministry had a few months back said that it was targeting stressed assets transfer of ₹1 lakh crore to the National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) by March 2025.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 15th Dec, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CM Dhami inaugurated 10th World Ayurveda Congress 2024 at Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 10th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo 2024 at Dehradun. The 10th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo 2024 will be held in Dehradun from 12-15th December 2024.Theme 2024 – Digital Health- an Ayurveda Perspective

The first Ayurveda Conference was organised in Kochi, Kerala, in 2002.It is organised every two years, and the 9th edition of the World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo was held in Goa from 8-11 December 2022.The World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo 2024 are being organised by the Union Ministry of Ayush and the World Ayurveda Foundation.About the World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo.

 

2. Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition Project (HP Shiva): Total budget for the scheme -Rs1292 croreAim -to encourage horticulture development in nine districts. It will cover 6,000 hectares and promote the cultivation of fruits like oranges, guavas, litchi and plums, Expected to benefit 15,000 farming families directly. The target is to produce 1.3 lakh metric tonnes of fruit annually by 2032 with a market value of Rs. 400 crore.

 

3. Prasar Bharati signs MoU with Hockey India to provide live broadcast of upcoming Hockey India League: Prasar Bharati has signed an MoU with Hockey India to provide a live broadcast of the upcoming Hockey India League. With this MoU, Doordarshan has become the official broadcast partner for Hockey India League 2024-25. On the occasion, Hockey India League (HIL) governing committee members Bhola Nath Singh and Prasar Bharti Chairman Navneet Sehgal exchanged the MoU.

 

4. TransUnion CIBIL appoints Bhavesh Jain as MD & CEO: TransUnion CIBIL has appointed Bhavesh Jain as its Managing Director and CEO. He replaces Rajesh Kumar, who stepped down after five years in the role. Rajesh has decided to move on after a continuous 32-year career in financial services. Jain, who served as chief revenue officer for five years, now assumes the top role.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Russia to Introduce Visa-Free Travel for Indian Tourists in 2025: In development for tourism, Indian tourists may soon travel to Russia without a visa, which could commence in spring 2025, following discussions between Russia and India aimed at facilitating easier travel for tourists. In June 2024, officials from Russia and India met to negotiate a visa-free travel deal. This initiative seeks to promote group tourist exchanges without the need for visas. The proposal follows the introduction of e-visas for Indian travelers in August 2023.

 

2. Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected President of Georgia: Georgia has recently witnessed a political shift with the election of Mikheil Kavelashvili as the new president. His election comes amidst rising discontent regarding the government’s decision to postpone the country’s European Union accession until 2028. Kavelashvili, a former footballer and member of the ruling Georgian Dream party, was the sole candidate for the presidency and received overwhelming support from parliament. The election was marred by controversy as the four principal opposition groups chose to boycott the parliamentary process. They alleged that the elections held in October were fraudulent, thus calling into question the legitimacy of Kavelashvili’s election. This boycott reflects deepening political divides within the country.

 

3. Britain Becomes First European Member of CPTPP: Britain has officially become the first European nation to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), making the UK the 12th member of this influential trade group. The CPTPP includes various countries such as Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several others, collectively representing a vast market. The CPTPP was established in 2018 to promote trade and economic integration among member nations and serves as a strategic counterbalance to China’s growing economic influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs, enhance trade relations, and encourage economic cooperation among its members.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-Nepal Army Cooperation Strengthened: General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Indian Army, recently concluded a three-day visit to India by General Ashok, the Chief of the Nepali Army. This visit aimed to enhance military cooperation and strengthen the longstanding ties between the two nationsDuring the visit, senior leaders and officials from both armies engaged in comprehensive discussions. They focused on various aspects of military collaboration, including strategic partnerships and joint training initiatives. The dialogue aimed to address mutual concerns and enhance operational readiness.The Defence Ministry reported that the visit yielded important results. Both armies agreed to improve mechanisms for cooperation, which include regular exchanges and joint exercises. These initiatives are expected to encourage better understanding and interoperability between the two forces.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Mumbai Indians appoint Carl Hopkinson as new fielding coach: Mumbai Indians have appointed Carl Hopkinson as their new fielding coach ahead of IPL 2025.Hopkinson has replaced James Pamment, who was MI’s fielding coach for seven years.Hopkinson recently finished his stint as England’s long-standing fielding coach, a role which he took up in 2018.He was involved in England’s ODI World Cup win on home soil in 2019 and the T20 World Cup triumph in Australia in November 2022. Hopkinson was also the head fielding coach for the England U19 team in the 2022 ICC U19 World Cup.

 

2. India Wins Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024: In the shootout, India emerged victorious with a score of 3-2. Indian goalkeeper Nidhi played an important role, making three vital saves. Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo successfully converted their shots to secure the win.The first quarter showcased intense play from both teams, but neither could score. India had two penalty corners but failed to penetrate China’s defence. In the second quarter, despite having the upper hand, India could not convert their chances. China capitalised on a penalty stroke just before halftime, taking a 1-0 lead.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India’s Data Centre set for $100 Billion Investment by 2027: India’s data centre industry is transforming, with investments projected to surpass $100 billion by 2027. The sector has attracted approximately $60 billion in investment from 2019 to 2024, reflecting its appeal to global and local investors. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have emerged as prime locations for data centres. Their robust infrastructure and supportive government policies have established them as leaders in the sector. Mumbai holds the largest share, contributing 49% of India’s total data centre capacity.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ADB approves $500 million loan to boost India’s sustainable infrastructure: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million loan to support India’s economic growth by promoting environmentally sustainable infrastructure.The ADB loan, with a sovereign guarantee, to India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) will advance sustainable infrastructure development.This will help IIFCL provide long-term capital for infrastructure projects focusing on connectivity and energy transition as well as under-resourced sectors like urban projects, education, and health care.

 

2. HSBC, IFC launch $1 bn trade finance programme for emerging markets: HSBC and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) will jointly provide funding to trade transactions valued at up to $1 billion, in a move to help fill a gap in financing for emerging market trade.They would equally share the risk on a portfolio of trade-related assets held by emerging-market banks in 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.The deal aims to support cross-border trade and bolster exports in critical industries as economies face geopolitical tensions and trade barriers that could create uncertainty for supply chains and threaten economic growth.

 

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nobel Prize 2024 winners Honoured in Stockholm and Oslo: The 2024 Nobel Prize winners were honored in ceremonies held in Stockholm and Oslo on 10 December 2024.The Nobel Prize was instituted by the Nobel Foundation in memory of Alfred Nobel, who passed away on 10 December 1896.The Nobel Prizes are conferred every year on 10th December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.The Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, and Economic Science Nobel laureates are honored at a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden. The Peace Prize is awarded to its recipient in Oslo, Norway.