Daily GK Update- 14th Nov, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Bank sanctions Rs 770 crore for Inland Water Transport department in Assam: The World Bank and Inland Water Transport (IWT) department of Assam has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a Rs 770 crore loan to improve river transportation in the state. The information was given by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma while flagging off four steel catamaran vessels at Pandu Port in Assam. The central government would refund 80 percent of the sanctioned amount and the state government would bear the remaining 20 percent.

 

2. Hardeep Singh Puri unveils statue of Maharani Lakshmi Bai in Hisar College: Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep S. Puri has unveiled the statue of Rani Lakshmi Bai at the Maharani Lakshmi Bai College for Women, Bhiwani Rohilla in Hisar (Haryana) through video conferencing. Describing Rani Lakshmi Bai as a major symbol of revolt against the repression of the British Raj, the Minister said that her life has been inspiring nationalism and Indian women for generations who led the freedom revolution of India with the utmost bravery, skill and force against British rule.

 

3. Annapurna idol stolen from UP back from Canada after 100 years: An idol of Goddess Annapurna that was stolen from Varanasi about 100 years ago and later found in Canada recently is all set to be back at its rightful place and will be gracing the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. It is 17 cm in height, 9 cm in breadth and 4 cm in thickness.

The idol which has reached Delhi will be taken to Aligarh, from where it will be taken to Kanauj on November 12 and then a day later will go to Ayodhya on November 14. After that, the idol will be finally taken to Varanasi on November 15 to be taken to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The return of the Annapurna idol comes in the wake of many such antiquities being identified and returned to the country in the past couple of years.

 

4. 44th Wangala festival begins in Meghalaya: Meghalaya state observed the 44th edition of ‘Wangala’, the festival of 100 Drums Festival begins. It is a post-harvest festival of the Garos tribe which is being held every year to honour ‘Saljong’, the Sun God of Garos, which also marks the end of the harvest season. Celebrated since 1976, it’s the most important festival of the Garo tribe and attracts a lot of tourists. During the Wangala, tribals offer sacrifices to please their deity Saljong, the Sun God. The first day of the festival is celebrated with a ceremony called Ragula which is performed in the house of the village’s chief. People dress up in colourful costumes with feathered headgears and dance to the rhythms of long oval-shaped drums on the second day of celebration, Kakkat.

Note: Meghalaya Capital: Shillong; Meghalaya Governor: Satya Pal Malik; Meghalaya Chief Minister: Conrad Sangma.

 

5. P.C. Mody made Rajya Sabha Secretary General: 1982-batch retired IRS officer and former chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Pramod Chandra Mody was appointed new Secretary General Rajya Sabha, replacing P.P.K. Ramacharyulu. Ramacharyulu meanwhile has been reassigned as an advisor for one year term. Ramacharyulu has now been appointed as an advisor in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. Mody, a former chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), will be the new secretary-general of the Upper House of Parliament. Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has signed an order to this effect.

 

6. A book titled “Unshackling India” by Ajay Chhibber and Salman Anees Soz: A book titled “Unshackling India: Hard Truths and Clear Choices for Economic Revival” authored by Ajay Chhibber and Salman Anees Soz. A new book examines whether India can use the next 25 years, when it will reach the hundredth year of independence, to not only restructure its economy but rejuvenate its democratic energy and unshackle its potential to become a genuinely developed economy by 2047.

 

7. Children’s Day: 14th November: On 14th November, Children’s Day is celebrated every year to mark the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Children’s Day is popularly known as ‘Baal Diwas’ in India. The day aims at increasing the awareness of the rights, care and education of children. On this day, many educational and motivational programs are organised across the country, by and for children.

History of Children’s Day: Jawaharlal Nehru, who was India’s first Prime Minister, was quite famous among children and was popularly known as ‘Chacha Nehru’. Following his death in 1964, it was decided that to move the celebrations of Children’s Day to November 14 as a mark of respect to him and to commemorate his fondness for children. A resolution was passed in the Parliament and since then, Children’s Day is celebrated in India on November 14 every year. Notably, Children’s Day was celebrated in India first on November 20, 1956, along with Universal Children’s Day.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Daniel Brühl named as Goodwill Ambassador of UN-World Food Programme: Spanish-German Actor Daniel Brühl has been named the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP). He has joined the WFP’s mission to reach a world with Zero Hunger. As the goodwill ambassador, he will inform about the main drivers of hunger and showcase the efforts of UN WFP to tackle both immediate needs and root causes of hunger.

In his role as a Goodwill Ambassador, Bruhl will raise awareness for the millions of people going to bed hungry every night and engage his supporters in advocacy for a Zero Hunger world. The 43-year-old actor will also use his platforms to inform his supporters about the main drivers of hunger and to showcase WFP’s efforts to tackle both immediate needs and root causes of hunger.

Note: United Nations World Food Programme Founded: 1961; United Nations World Food Programme Headquarters: Rome, Italy; United Nations World Food Programme Executive Director: David Beasley.

 

2. World Diabetes Day: 14 November: World Diabetes Day is observed on 14th November every year. The campaign aims to raise awareness around the crucial role that nurses play in supporting people living with diabetes. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2021-23: “Access to Diabetes Care”. In 2007 General Assembly adopted resolution 61/225 designating 14 November as World Diabetes Day. The document recognized “the urgent need to pursue multilateral efforts to promote and improve human health, and provide access to treatment and health-care education.”

About the Diabetes: Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower limb amputation. A healthy diet, physical activity and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. In addition, diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with medication, regular screening and treatment for complications.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Women’s cricket to make its debut in Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games: The first matches for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have been announced. Women’s cricket is making its debut at the Commonwealth Games with the T20 format. The last time cricket was played in the multi-sporting showpiece was in the 1998 edition in Kuala Lumpur. The women’s cricket T20 competition will be held at the Edgbaston Stadium from the 29 July, with the bronze and gold medal matches taking place on 7 August.

Schedule of the Matches:

(1) India will face Australia in the opening match when women’s cricket makes its debut at the 2022 Commonwealth Games on July 29 while the final will be played on August 7. India in the early session, with Pakistan playing Barbados, who was recently confirmed as the team from the West Indies that will take part in the Commonwealth Games.

(2) Hosts England will be in action for the first time on July 30, when they will take on the winner of a qualifying tournament which is due to take place at the start of 2022. They will then play South Africa in the early session on August 2, followed by a third match against New Zealand in the evening session on August 4.

 

2. India’s first National Yogasana Sports Championships setup in Bhubaneswar: India’s first Physical National Yogasana Championships has been organised in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from November 11-13, 2021. The National Yogasana Sports Championships 2021-22 has been organised by the National Yogasana Sports Federation (NYSF) in association with the Odisha state. Around 560 young Yogasana Sports athletes from across 30 states would are taking part in the event. The event aims to promote yoga and create a global brand around it, portraying it as a competitive sport with high standards and benchmarks.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Rajeev Srivastava appointed as CEO of Standard Chartered Securities: Rajeev Srivastava has been appointed as the chief executive officer (CEO) at Standard Chartered Securities for India operations. His appointment is subject to regulatory approvals. Before this, Rajeev Srivastava worked at HDFC Securities where he headed the products and business development functions of the organisation.

 

2. Retail inflation rises marginally to 4.48% in Oct: The retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), slightly rose to 4.48 per cent in October. Separately, the factory output, measured in terms of Index of Industrial Production (IIP), grew by 3.1 per cent in September. Food inflation picked up to 0.85 per cent in October from 0.68 per cent a month ago with a rise in prices of vegetables.

The inflation print for October this year, however, is lower than the year-ago level of 7.61 per cent recorded in October 2020. With the impact of excise duty cut yet to reflect in the headline numbers, high core inflation — the non-food, non-fuel inflation component — and risks of high global commodity prices are expected to keep the inflation rate under pressure.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 32nd Edition of Indo Thai Coordinated Patrol begins: The 32nd edition of the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy is being conducted from 12–14 November 2021. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Karmuk, an indigenously built Missile Corvette and His Majesty’s Thailand Ship (HTMS) Tayanchon, a Khamrosin Class Anti-submarine Patrol Craft, along with Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies are participating in the CORPAT.

About the CORPAT: CORPAT builds up understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitates the institution of measures to prevent and suppress unlawful activities like Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy. It further helps enhance the operational synergy by exchange of information for the prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration and for conduct of search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea.

 

2. President confers ‘General of Indian Army’ rank to Nepal Army Chief: In continuation of a tradition that started in 1950, Nepal Army Chief Gen Prabhu Ram Sharma was conferred with the honorary rank of ‘General of the Indian Army’ by President Ram Nath Kovind. Nepal conferred the honorary rank of ‘General of Nepal Army’ to Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane during his visit to Kathmandu in November last year.

Nepal is important for India in the context of its overall strategic interests in the region, and leaders of the two countries have often noted the age-old “Roti Beti” relationship. Land-locked Nepal relies heavily on India for the transportation of goods and services. Nepal’s access to the sea is through India, and it imports a predominant proportion of its requirements from and through India.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Renowned author Anand Shankar Pandya passes away: Former Vice President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Anand Shankar Pandya has passed away. He was over 99 years old. He was a prolific author and public intellectual who wrote extensively on history, public policy and spirituality. He was active in the VHP and worked selflessly towards social service.

Daily GK Update- 13th Nov, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Odisha govt launches road safety initiative ‘Rakshak’: The state government of Odisha has launched a first of its kind road safety initiative named Rakshak, to train first responders of road accidents. Under the program, 300 master trainers will train 30,000 local people, staying or working at the eateries and different business establishments located near accident-prone spots. These 30,000 volunteers will be trained as First Responders to road accidents. They will be equipped to administer first aid and pre-hospital trauma care to accident victims within the golden hour. About the initiative:

(1) The ‘Rakshak’ initiative was organised by the Commerce and Transport Department in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Indian Red Cross Society, Odisha State branch.

(2) As part of the initiative, the state government will train volunteers from roadside communities such as eateries, small repair shops, gas stations, and also police officers to be first responders to road accident victims.

The training programme for first responders will be conducted in two phases:

(1) In the first phase, 300 master trainers will be trained by experts from the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) in ten locations: Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Balasore, Koraput, Phulbani, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Bhawanipatna.

(2) In the second phase, the 300 master trainers will visit accident-prone areas in all districts and train locals to assist road accident victims. The first responders will also educate and inform the public about road safety precautions and the Good Samaritan law.

Note: Chief Minister of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik and Governor is Ganeshi Lal.

 

2. President Ramnath Kovind addresses 51st Conference of Governors & LGs: India’s President Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressed the 51st Conference of Governors and Lieutenant Governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. It is the fourth conference to be presided over by President Ram Nath Kovind.  The Governors and Lieutenant Governors from all states and union territories across the country attended the conference along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

In the inaugural address:

(1) President Ram Nath Kovind said India undertook a comprehensive and effective campaign against Covid-19. He lauded covid warriors for their work. The President said, all our COVID19 warriors have worked dedicatedly to fight this pandemic.

(2) He said, today with more than 108 crore COVID19 vaccinations, the inoculation drive is continuing across the country.

(3) Mr Kovind said, due to the initiatives of the Government and the efforts of Scientists India was able to develop vaccines to fight the pandemic. He said India is helping other countries under the Vaccine Matri initiative.

 

3. Centre launches first-ever Star College mentorship programme for young innovators: The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh launched the first-ever Mentorship Programme for Young Innovators. The ‘DBT-Star College Mentorship Programme’ is a pan India Scheme which envisages to set up Star College in every district of the country. These star colleges will be supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the science and technology ministry.

The Programme will help to realise the concept of networking, hand holding and outreach by:

(1) Organising workshops and meetings every month.

(2) Handhold colleges particularly in the rural areas or lesser endowed areas

(3) Conduct outreach activities with government schools

The programme will also help newly launched colleges which have begun their journey under the scheme to come up as per the mandate of Star College scheme.

 

4. “Nehru: The Debates that Defined India” by Tripurdaman Singh and Adeel Hussain: A book titled “Nehru: The Debates that Defined India” is co-authored by Tripurdaman Singh and Adeel Hussain. A new book serves as a revisionist exploration of India’s first and longest-serving Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and investigates the overlooked role of his contemporaries and opponents in shaping his political vision.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. SpaceX launches Indian-origin astronaut Raja Chari-led Crew 3 mission: US Space agency NASA and the Elon Musk-owned private rocket company SpaceX have launched the “Crew 3” mission on November 10, 2021. The “Crew 3” mission consists of Indian-origin NASA astronaut Raja Chari as its mission commander. The other three astronauts are NASA’s Tom Marshburn (pilot); and Kayla Barron (mission specialist); as well as ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer (mission specialist).

Under this mission, four astronauts have been sent to the International Space Station (ISS) for a six-month science mission until April 2022. The four-member international crew of astronauts lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida onboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule named Endurance fixed to Falcon 9 rocket.

Note: NASA administrator: Bill Nelson; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States; NASA Founded: 1 October 1958.

SpaceX founder & CEO: Elon Musk; SpaceX Founded: 2002; SpaceX Headquarters: California, United States of America.

 

2. Fumio Kishida re-elected as Prime Minister of Japan: Fumio Kishida, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been re-elected as the Prime Minister (PM) of Japan following the victory of the LDP in the 2021 Parliament election. Fumio Kishida succeeded Yoshihide Suga who resigned as PM of Japan in September 2021. Elected just over a month ago by parliament, Kishida called a quick election in which his governing party secured 261 seats in the 465-member lower house — the more powerful of Japan’s two-chamber legislature — enough to maintain a free hand in pushing legislation through parliament.

Note: Japan Capital: Tokyo; Japan Currency: Japanese Yen.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Mitrabha Guha named as India’s 72nd Grandmaster: International Master (IM) Mitrabha Guha from Kolkata, West Bengal has become the 72nd Grandmaster of India after securing his 3rd and final Grandmaster (GM) norm at GM Third Saturday Mix 220, Novi Sad, Serbia. He won this 3rd GM norm against GM Nikola Sedlak of Mitrabha Guha scored his 2nd GM norm at the Sheikh Russel International GM Tournament 2021, Bangladesh.

Recent Indian Chess Grandmasters:

69th: Harshit Raja (Maharashtra)

70th: Raja Rithvik (Telangana)

71st: Sankalp Gupta (Maharashtra)

 

2. Dwayne Bravo announced retirement from international cricket: Trinidadian cricketer Dwayne Bravo, the former captain of the West Indies cricket team has confirmed his retirement from international cricket. He has played in all seven T20 World Cups and he has been a part of the West Indies team that won the T20 Title in 2012 and 2016. He has scored 1245 runs at an average of 22.23 and a strike rate of 115.38 and he has picked up 78 wickets.

 

3. Mohammed Siraj appointed as My11Circle Brand Ambassador: Games24x7 fantasy cricket platform ‘My11Circle’ announced Indian Cricketer Mohammad Siraj as its new brand ambassador. Other brand ambassadors of My11Circle –Saurav Ganguly, Ajinkya Rahane, VVS Laxman, etc. Mohammed Siraj plays for the Indian team and represents Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. With a user base of over 25 million players, My11Circle is one of India’s top fantasy sports platforms and is known for its innovative campaigns that have always kept the fans at the centre stage, allowing them to think, meticulously plan, strategise and test their skills.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NPCI Bharat BillPay ties up with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance: NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd., the wholly-owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India has tied up with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance to provide its marquee offering – ClickPay to the insurer’s customers. ICICI Prudential Life Insurance is the first insurance company to offer this facility of ClickPay to its customers empowering them to make renewal premium payments with ease.

To offer an automated and valuable insurance premium payment experience, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance will generate the ClickPay link and share it with the customers which will redirect them to the payment page comprising payment details. This convenient and secure two-step process will help customers pay the bills without the hassle of putting in the premium amount, remembering premium payment dates, and going through arduous steps to make the payment.

Note: National Payments Corporation of India MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe; National Payments Corporation of India Headquarters: Mumbai; National Payments Corporation of India Founded: 2008.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Nykaa’s Falguni Nayar becomes India’s richest self-made woman billionaire: Falguni Nayar, the CEO and founder of beauty and fashion eCommerce platform Nykaa, has become the richest self-made woman in India. She founded Nykaa in the year 2012. She holds 53.5% stake in Nykaa and has a net worth of USD 7.48 billion. This comes after the IPO of FSN E-Commerce Ventures which is Nykaa’s parent entity. This is also the first woman-led unicorn to list on the stock exchange. The issue size of the IPO of FSN E-Commerce Ventures (Nykaa) was Rs 5,351.92 crore with face value of Rs 1 per share.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Nobel Laureate and former South African President FW de Klerk passes away: FW (Frederik Willem) de Klerk, the former president of South Africa and the last white person to head the country, has passed away due to cancer. He was head of state between September 1989 and May 1994. In 1993, De Klerk and Nelson Mandela jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize for their work towards ending apartheid.

Klerk effectively announced the beginnings of a new country in one historic speech at the state opening of Parliament in 1990, revealing to a stunned nation that he would free Mandela, legalize anti-apartheid groups, end a national state of emergency and negotiate to end racial inequality in the country.

Daily GK Update- 12th Oct, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Delhi govt launched ‘Shramik Mitra’ Scheme for Construction Workers: The Government of Delhi launched the ‘Shramik Mitra‘ scheme for construction workers. Under the scheme, 800 ‘Shramik Mitras’ will reach out to construction workers, and spread awareness on the government schemes. Delhi Govt has also increased the Dearness allowance for Unskilled, Semi-skilled workers, to increase their salary by around 1%. Shramik Mitras will inform construction workers registered by the Construction Board at the ward level about assistance schemes of the government. Under the Shramik Mitra scheme:

(1) The Shramik Mitra scheme is an initiative by the Delhi Government to ensure that the benefits of all government schemes reach construction workers in Delhi. Under the scheme, around 800 Shramik Mitras will go door-to-door of all construction workers in the national capital to make them aware of several government schemes in the interest of the workers.

(2) Approximately 800 Shramik Mitras will be appointed by the government who will be given training under the programme. These Shramik Mitras will work as District, Ward, and Vidhan Sabha level coordinators.

(3) The Shramik Mitra scheme will appoint at least 3 to 4 Shramik Mitras across all wards who will reach out to workers registered by the Construction Board at the ward level. The Shramik Mitras will also help workers in applying and availing process of the benefits of these government schemes.

(4) There are about 6 lakh construction workers in Delhi who have registered themselves with the Construction Board through various registration campuses that were launched by the CM Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government.

Note: Delhi Chief Minister: Arvind Kejriwal; Delhi Governor: Lt. Governor Anil Baijal.

 

2. India launches E-Amrit portal for Electric Vehicles at COP26: India has launched E-Amrit portal on electric vehicles (EVs) at the ongoing COP26 Summit in Glasgow on November 10, 2021. The web portal has been developed by NITI Aayog with support from UK government. E-Amrit is one-stop destination to provide all information regarding electric vehicles. The website will provide details related to burst myths around the adoption of EVs, as well as their purchase, investment opportunities, policies, subsidies, among other things to raise awareness about EVs and sensitise consumers on the benefits of switching to electric mobility.

 

3. IPS officer Sheel Vardhan Singh to head CISF: The government has announced the appointment of chiefs of two key Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). These are the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau Sheel Vardhan Singh has been appointed as the new CISF DG, while National Police Academy Director Atul Karwal has been appointed as the NDRF DG. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for appointments.

Singh, a 1986 batch Indian Police Service officer of Bihar cadre, is currently Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau. Singh has been appointed as the Director-General, CISF up to 31.08.2023.

 

4. A new book ‘Finding A Straight Line Between Twists and Turns’ by Aseem Chawla: Aseem Chawla, one of India’s leading tax lawyers and well-known international tax and policy expert released his new book “Finding A Straight Line Between Twists and Turns – An Imperfect, Yet Honest Reflections on the Indian Tax Landscape” published by Matrix Publishers. The book provides an in-depth analysis of both national and international of the Indian tax landscape over a decade.

 

5. Public Service Broadcasting Day: 12th November: Public Service Broadcasting Day is celebrated on 12 November every year. The day is celebrated to commemorate the first and only visit of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, to the studio of All India Radio, Delhi in 1947. On 12 November 1947, Mahatma Gandhi addressed the displaced people (a refugee from Pakistan), who had temporarily settled at Kurukshetra in Haryana after partition.

History Public Service Broadcasting Day: The day was declared as Public Service Broadcasting Day or (Jan Prasaran Diwas) in 2000, after it was conceptualised by Suhas Borker, Convenor, Jan Prasar. Prasar Bharati has been given the responsibility of public service broadcasting, deepen democratic traditions and provide opportunities to all diverse communities and cultures. Mahatma Gandhi had decided to visit the studio of All India Radio, to convey his message through radio, as he couldn’t visit refugees of Partition stationed at Kurukshetra in Haryana.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. USA becomes 101st member country of ISA: The United States of America (USA) has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a member country. U.S is now the 101st country to sign the framework agreement of the ISA. The framework agreement was formally signed by John Kerry, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. It demonstrates that nations across the world are recognising the economic and climate mitigating value of solar, as well as this energy source’s potential as a catalyst for the global energy transition.

About the ISA’s framework: The ISA’s framework, which was first circulated in 2016 to obtain backing from other countries, emphasises on delivering local benefits to all countries through collaborations. The ISA’s key interventions focus on enabling activities, risk mitigation and innovative financing instruments to facilitate the deployment of solar technologies. Earlier at COP26, the US joined the steering committee of the “One Sun One World One Grid” initiative that includes Australia, France, the UK and India.

Note: ISA Headquarters: Gurugram; ISA Founded: 30 November 2015; ISA Founded: Paris, France; ISA Director-General: Ajay Mathur.

 

2. Climate Change Performance Index: India ranked 10th: India has been placed at 10th spot in the global Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2022 released by Germanwatch on the side-lines of the COP26. In 2020 also India was at 10th position. India has retained its position as the top 10 best-performing countries with higher climate performance for the third year in a row. About the Index:

(1) Meanwhile, the top three places in the overall ranking is once again empty as none of the country performed well enough to achieve an overall very high rating in CCPI.

(2) Moving ahead, Denmark occupied a fourth place as the highest-ranked country in CCPI 2022, followed by Sweden (5th), and Norway (6th) respectively.

(3) Other countries in the top 10 are the United Kingdom (7th), Morocco (8th) and Chile (9th).

 

3. World Pneumonia Day: 12th November: World Pneumonia Day is observed across the world on November 12 every year to raise awareness, promote prevention and treatment and produce action to combat the disease. World Pneumonia Day 2021 is an annual event that was first celebrated in the year 2009.

World Pneumonia Day history: The day was celebrated on November 12 in 2009 by the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia. Since then the day has provided an annual forum for the world in standing together against the disease. The day is celebrated all over the world through various events and activities related to Pneumonia.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Novak Djokovic won 37th Masters Title at Paris 2021: Novak Djokovic (Serbia) has defeated Danill Medvedev (Russia) in the finals to win his 6th Paris Title & the record 37th Masters Title at Paris, France. In the finals, Djokovic, with an impressive 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 defeating Daniil Medvedev. With this win, Djokovic will remain at the ATP World Number 1 rank, for the record 7th consecutive year. Here is the list of winners:

Category	Winner	Runner-up
Singles	Novak Djokovic	Daniil Medvedev
Doubles	Tim Pütz	Pierre-Hugues Herbert
	Michael Venus	Nicolas Mahut

Note: International Tennis Federation President: David Haggerty; International Tennis Federation Headquarters: London, United Kingdom; International Tennis Federation Founded: 1 March 1913.

 

2. India bags 5 medals at inaugural ISSF President’s Cup: India finished the inaugural ISSF President’s Cup with five medals, including two Gold, two Silver and one Bronze. The invitation-only tournament was held at the Wroclaw in Poland, featuring the top-12 shooters in each of the shotgun, pistol and rifle categories. India’s Manu Bhaker bagged two gold medals.

Medal Winners include:

Gold: (1) 25m Rapid Fire pistol Mixed Team competition: Manu Bhaker

(2) 10m air pistol mixed team competition: Manu Bhaker

Silver: (1) Women’s 25m pistol silver individual competition: Rahi Sarnobat

(2) Men’s 10m Air Pistol individual competition: Saurabh Chaudhary

Bronze: (1) Men’s 10m Air Pistol individual competition: Abhishek Verma

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PM Modi launches two innovative customer-centric initiatives of RBI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched two innovative customer-centric initiatives of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These initiatives are the RBI Retail Direct Scheme and the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme. There will be a single point of reference for customers to file their complaints, submit the documents, track status, and provide feedback.

About the RBI Retail Direct Scheme:

(1) RBI Retail Direct Scheme is aimed at enhancing access to the government securities market for retail investors. It offers them a new avenue for directly investing in securities issued by the Government of India and the state governments.

(2) Through this scheme, a retail investor will get access to the government securities market.

(3) This scheme offers a new avenue for directly investing in securities issued by both Centre and state governments.

(4) “Investors will be able to easily open and maintain their government securities account online with the RBI, free of cost.

About the Reserve Bank- Integrated Ombudsman Scheme:

(1) The Reserve Bank- Integrated Ombudsman Scheme aims to further improve the grievance redress mechanism for resolving customer complaints against entities regulated by RBI.

(2) The central theme of the scheme is based on ‘One Nation-One Ombudsman’ with one portal, one email and one address for the customers to lodge their complaints.

(3) There will be a single point of reference for customers to file their complaints, submit the documents, track status and provide feedback. A multi-lingual toll-free number will provide all relevant information on grievance redress and assistance for filing complaints.

(4) Currently, there are three separate ombudsmen for banks, non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), and non-bank prepaid payment issuers (PPIs) that are wallets.

(5) These are operated by the RBI from 22 ombudsman offices located across the country. Now, they will be integrated into one centralised scheme to make the grievance redressal mechanism more efficient and simpler.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Amitabh Bachchan roped in as brand ambassador of Amway India: Amway India, a Direct Selling FMCG company announced the appointment of Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador. It is a time in moment as the two brands have come together to proliferate messages on the significance of holistic health & wellness, women empowerment, and inspiring youth towards entrepreneurship for a progressive India. As a part of the momentous association, he will endorse the brand Amway and all the Nutrilite products by Amway.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar named as next Chief of the Naval Staff: Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar has been named as the next Chief of the Naval Staff by the Government of India. He is presently posted as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command. He will take on the new role with effect from November 30, 2021. He will replace the incumbent Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh, who will complete his tenure on November 30, 2021.

Note: Indian Navy Founded: 26 January 1950; Commander-in-Chief of Indian Navy: President Ram Nath Kovind.

Daily GK Update- 11th Nov, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves to observe November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the declaration of November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. 15 November has been chosen as this date marks the birth anniversary of Sri Birsa Munda who is revered as Bhagwan (God) by tribal communities across the country.

About the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: The Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is dedicated to the brave tribal freedom fighters and their sacrificed for the country. The day will be celebrated every year from now on to recognize the efforts of the tribals for the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of valour, hospitality and national pride.

 

2. National logistics index 2021 released: The Logistics Ease Across Different States 2021 Index was recently published by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. This is the third edition of Index. In the index, Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab were emerged as best performing states with respect to mobility of goods and efficiency of logistics chain. This index provide ranking to states on the basis of logistics infrastructure.

Key Points of the Index:

(1) Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab are the best performing states (Top 3 slot respectively)

(2) Tamil Nadu (4th) and Maharashtra (5th) are among the top-5 slot.

(3) Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand have witnessed a significant improvement as compared to the 2019 LEADS ranking. These states have emerged as the top improvers.

(4) For representation purposes, states were ranked in three separate classes:

North Eastern States: Sikkim and Meghalaya emerged as toppers.

Himalayan UTs’: Jammu & Kashmir emerged as the top rankers.

‘Other UTs’ group: Delhi was ranked at the top position.

 

3. IBM launched a client innovation center in Mysuru: IBM Corp. launched a client innovation centre in Mysuru with support from the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) to attract companies to set up operations in cities beyond Bengaluru. This initiative aims at supporting the rapid, high-tech driven economic growth in tier-2 and -3 regions while providing comprehensive hybrid cloud and AI technology consulting capabilities.

Note: IBM Corp. CEO: Arvind Krishna; IBM Corp. Headquarters: Armonk, New York, United States; IBM Corp. Founded: 16 June 1911.

 

4. “MODERN INDIA: For Civil Services and Other Competitive Examinations” authored by Poonam Dalal Dahiya: Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister (CM) of Haryana released the book titled “MODERN INDIA: For Civil Services and Other Competitive Examinations” authored by Poonam Dalal Dahiya, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Gurugram. During the launch event, Poonam Dalal Dahiya gifted the first copy of the book to CM Manohar Lal Khatta The book offers comprehensive information on the history of modern India.

 

5. A new book “Sunrise over Ayodhya – Nationhood in our Times” by Salman Khurshid: Former union minister and Congress leader Salman Khurshid, who recently launched his book on the Ayodhya verdict named “Sunrise over Ayodhya – Nationhood in our Times”. Khurshid said, “People used to think that it will take 100 years for the verdict to come. After the verdict, people started giving opinions perhaps without reading it or understanding that what, why or how did Supreme Court give the judgement.”

Supreme Court Verdict: The Supreme Court in its order on November 9, 2019, directed the central government to hand over the 2.77 acres of disputed land to a trust, set up for the construction and management of a Ram temple. A five-judge Constitution bench presided by the then Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi had also directed that a suitable plot of land admeasuring five acres be handed over to the Sunni Central Waqf Board granting it the liberty to construct a mosque at the alternate site.

 

6. National Education Day: 11th November: In India, the National Education Day is celebrated on 11 November every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India. The day was announced by the Ministry of Human Resource Development on 11 September 2008. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad served as education minister from 15 August 1947 to 2 February 1958.

History of National Education Day: On 11 September 2008, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has announced to commemorate the birthday of the great person by recalling the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in the field of education by celebrating 11 November as National Education Day. Since 2008, every year in India, National Education Day is celebrated without declaring it a holiday.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Wang Yaping becomes first Chinese woman astronaut to walk in space: China had launched the Shenzhou-13 spaceship on October 16, sending three astronauts on a six-month mission to the under-construction space station which was expected to be ready by next year. Wang Yaping became the first Chinese woman astronaut to walk in space as she moved out of the under-construction space station and took part in extravehicular activities for over six hours along with her male colleague Zhai Zhigang. The two moved out of the space station core module called Tianhe and spent 6.5 hours of the spacewalk in the early.

 

2. Global Drug Policy Index 2021: India ranked 18th out of 30 countries in the 1st edition of the Global Drug Policy Index which was released by the Harm Reduction Consortium in November 2021. The index ranked Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia as the top 5 countries on humane and health-driven drug policies.

About the Index: The Global Drug Policy Index, a new tool that offers the first-ever data-driven global analysis of 30 countries’ drug policies and their implementation in a systematic, comprehensive and transparent manner.

Here is the list of the top 5 and bottom 5 countries:

 

Rank	Country
1	Norway
2	New Zealand
3	Portugal
4	UK
5	Australia
26	Mexico
27	Kenya
28	Indonesia
29	Uganda
30	Brazil

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rohit Sharma becomes 3rd cricketer to score 3,000 runs in men’s T20Is: Indian batter Rohit Sharma has completed 3000 T20I runs and became the third cricketer in the world to achieve this feat. Rohit reached the 3000 run mark in the ICC men’s T20 World Cup match against Namibia. Virat Kohli is at the top of the tally with 3227 runs, which is followed by New Zealand’s Martin Guptill & India’s Rohit Sharma with 3115 and 3008 runs respectively.

 

2. ICC Players of the Month for October revealed: Pakistan’s Asif Ali and Ireland’s Laura Delany have been voted the ICC Players of the Month for October. Ali beat Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan and Namibia’s David Wiese to the men’s award, and Delany beat teammate Gaby Lewis and Zimbabwe’s Mary-Anne Musonda to the women’s prize. Ali scored 52 runs without defeat across three matches for Pakistan in October at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scoring at a strike rate of 273.68. Ireland captain Delany shone in their 3-1 ODI series win over Zimbabwe. The all-rounder flourished with bat and ball, scoring 189 runs at 63, and taking four wickets at 27.

 

3. Morinari Watanabe re-elected as President of FIG: Morinari Watanabe was re-elected as the President of the International Gymnastics Federation or Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) for a period of three years. Morinari Watanabe defeated Azerbaijan’s contender Farid Gayibov, in the FIG President election that was held during a conference in Turkey. Earlier, He was elected as the President of FIG in 2016 for a 4-year term.

Note: International Gymnastics Federation Founded: 23 July 1881; International Gymnastics Federation Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI remove restrictions on Diners Club International Limited: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted restrictions imposed on 23rd April 2021 with immediate effect on credit card issuer Diners Club International Ltd to onboard new customers. RBI restricted Diners Club International Ltd. from onboarding new domestic customers onto its card network from May 1, 2021, due to non-compliance with RBI on the storage of Payment System Data. The central bank had banned the US-based company from onboarding new domestic customers onto its card network for violating data storage norms.

Earlier, RBI has banned – American Express, the 7th largest credit card issuer in India (on 23rd April 2021), and Mastercard, the 2nd largest credit card issuer in India (in July 2021) from enrolling new customers. RBI has not yet lifted its ban.

Note: RBI Founded: April 1, 1935; RBI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; RBI Governor: Shaktikanta Das; RBI Deputy Governors: Mahesh Kumar Jain, Michael Debabrata Patra, M Rajeshwar Rao, T Rabi Sankar.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Junio ties up with RuPay for debit card for pre-teens, teenagers: Children-focussed fintech, Junio has launched a smart multipurpose card for pre-teens and teenagers on the RuPay platform. The Junio RuPay Card is designed for kids and can function as a debit card for both their online and offline purchases. Kids and parents can sign up on the Junio app, and use virtual Junio smart cards with zero annual charges. Junio Smart Card will allow youngsters to make online & offline payments with ease.

Kids and parents can sign up on the Junio app, and use virtual Junio smart cards with zero annual charges. In addition, children can enjoy up to seven per cent cashback and other reward benefits on Junio payments. The newly launched Junio Smart Card powered by RuPay will allow youngsters to make online and offline payments with ease.