Daily GK Update- 11th Dec, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sunil Arora invited to join top international democracy body IDEA: Former chief election commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora has been invited to join the board of advisers at the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, also known as International IDEA. IDEA has a 15-member board of advisers, all of whom are eminent personalities from a wide variety of backgrounds. The election commission of India official statement that Sunil Arora has rich leadership experience, knowledge and skills to contribute significantly to the working of the International Institute. Sunil Arora had served as the 23rd Chief Election Commissioner of India from December 2018 to April 2021. It was under his tenure that the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections were conducted. About the International IDEA: 

(1) The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) was established in 1995. It is an intergovernmental organization based in Stockholm, Sweden. India is one of the founding members of the institute.

(2)The key mission of International IDEA is to support sustainable democracy worldwide. It currently has 34 member countries, which include new, old, small and large democracies from all continents.

Note: International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Founded: 27 February 1995; International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Stockholm, Sweden; International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Secretary-General: Kevin Casas-Zamora.

 

2. RBI: Gujarat became India’s Largest Manufacturing Hub: Gujarat has left behind Maharashtra to become the country’s leading manufacturing hub, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Gujarat saw its Gross Value Addition (GVA) in manufacturing grow by 15.9 per cent annually between FY12 to FY20 to stand at Rs 5.11 lakh crore, data shows. GVA is an economic metric that measures the supply of goods and services in an economy. Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s annual growth rate stood at nearly half of Gujarat’s at 7.5 per cent for the same time period and its GVA for manufacturing stood at Rs 4.34 lakh crore in FY20. Maharashtra is still the leading provider of services in India, with the state’s services GVA growing by 12.6 per cent annually, standing at Rs 15.1 lakh crore in FY20.

Note: Gujarat Capital: Gandhinagar; Gujarat Governor: Acharya Devvrat; Gujarat Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel.

 

3. Unix signs Jasprit Bumrah as Brand Ambassador: Unix, an Indian Mobile Accessories manufacturing brand, has signed Indian Cricket Fast Bowler, Jasprit Bumrah as its Brand Ambassador to increase the visibility of their products. The products include wearable mobile electronics such as Chargers, Earphones, Data Cables, Power Banks, Wireless Speakers, Smartphone Batteries, Bluetooth neckbands and TWS are mostly manufactured and marketed across India through distributors.

 

4. A book on ‘Public Service Ethics’ authored by Prabhat Kumar: The Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu launched ‘Public Service Ethics- A Quest for Naitik Bharat’ authored by Prabhat Kumar, published by IC Centre for Governance, at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas, New Delhi. The book highlights the multiple dimensions element of human character, the practice of ethical principles as a way of life. It marked the importance of accountability, integrity, transparency and trustworthiness of the public governance system.

 

5. VP launched book ‘The Midway Battle: Modi’s Roller-coaster Second Term’: Vice President (VP) M. Venkaiah Naidu launched a book titled ‘The Midway Battle: Modi’s Roller-coaster Second Term’ authored by Gautam Chintamani and published by Bloomsbury India at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas, New Delhi. The book mentioned the political scenario of India. It marks the second tenure of the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Midway Battle shed light on the various legislations like the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, triple talaq, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act as well as farming laws.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Adama Barrow wins second term as Gambia’s President: The President of Gambia, Adama Barrow, won the second term as President during Gambia’s presidential election by achieving over 53% votes from 50 of 53 constituencies. He defeated his main challenger Ousainou Darboe who won 27.7% of vote. The results of the election were declared by Electoral commission Chairman Alieu Momarr Njai. Adama Barrow’s assumption as President 5 years ago ended more than 20 years of the dictatorship of former dictator Yahya Jammeh.

Note: Gambia Capital: Banjul; Gambia Currency: Gambian dalasi.

 

2. International Mountain Day: 11th December: International Mountain Day is observed globally on December 11 every year. The day is celebrated to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world. The theme of this year’s International Mountain Day (IMD) on 11 December will be sustainable mountain tourism. Sustainable tourism in mountains can contribute to creating additional and alternative livelihood options and promoting poverty alleviation, social inclusion, as well as landscape and biodiversity conservation. It is a way to preserve the natural, cultural and spiritual heritage, to promote local crafts and high-value products, and celebrate many traditional practices such as local festivals.

History of the day: The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2003 to encourage the sustainable development of mountains. United Nations had declared 2002 as the UN International Year of Mountains. Mountains are home to 15% of the world´s population and host about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. They provide fresh water for everyday life to half of humanity. Their conservation is a key factor for sustainable development and is part of Goal 15 of the SDGs.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. BWF: Viktor Axelsen, Tai Tzu Ying named 2021 BWF Player of the Year: Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and China’s Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying were named Male and Female player of the year 2021 respectively by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). It was the first season-ending award in this category for both Vicktor Axelsen and Tai Tzu Ying — the All England champions of 2020. Viktor Axelsen is the Olympic champion and Tai Tzu Ying is the Tokyo Games, silver medallist. Viktor Axelsen was rewarded for his extraordinary run starting from the Barcelona Spain Masters in February 2020.

Other awards:

Category	Name
Most improved player of the Year	Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin
Pair of the Year	Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu
Para Badminton Pair of the Year	Lucas Mazur and Faustine Noel
Female Para Badminton Player of the Year	Leani Ratri Oktila
Male Para Badminton Player of the Year	Qu Zimo
Eddy Choong Most Promising Player	Kunlavut Vitidsarn
Special mention	Kevin Cordon

Note: Badminton World Federation Founded: 1934; Badminton World Federation Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Badminton World Federation President: Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PNB launched “PNB Pride-CRMD module” app for differently-abled employees: Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched the PNB Pride-CRMD module tool, an android-based application for differently-abled employees to monitor and effectively follow up with the special mention account (SMA) borrowers. The Pride-CRMD module has built-in TalkBack software that allows the visually impaired to access the system freely and to interact with customers by tapping on their phones. Punjab National Bank emphasized the abilities of differently-abled staff members and the utilization of their skills in the conceptualization of PNB warriors and implementation of PNB Pride. Aim of the app:

(1) The app aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, it said, adding that the platform opens new vistas of opportunities for ‘PNB Warriors’ with visual or any other physical impairment, helping them to make a valuable and tangible contribution.

(2) This tool shall be compatible with iOS also very soon, it said. SMA accounts are stressed loans recognized early, enabling banks to initiate timely remedial actions, and preventing such borrowers from slipping to the non-performing assets (NPA).

Note: Punjab National Bank Founded: 1894; Punjab National Bank Headquarters: New Delhi; Punjab National Bank MD & CEO: S. S. Mallikarjuna Rao; Punjab National Bank Tagline: The Name You Can Bank Upon.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Ravindra Jadeja ropes as Brand Ambassador of Kinara Capital: Bangalore based innovative, fast-growing fintech, Kinara Capital signed the Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, as its official brand ambassador on the occasion of the company’s 10th anniversary. Kinara Capital provide loan service to India’s MSMEs. Till date, Kinara Capital has disbursed 70,000 collateral-free loans. With this partnership, Kinara aims to boost its outreach in financing the MSME sector in the country. With a current AUM of INR 1000 crores, Kinara Capital plans to grow 500 per cent by the year 2025.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. GRSE launches first large survey vessel Sandhayak for Indian Navy: Indian shipbuilder Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has achieved a new milestone with the launch of the first large survey vessel for the Indian Navy. Called Sandhayak, the vessel is the first in the series of four ships being built under the Survey Vessel Large (SVL) project. It has been built at GRSE. Indian State Defence Minister Ajay Bhatt, who was present at the launch ceremony, said that the ship’s launch is a new milestone for the country’s vision of ‘New India’ by 2030. In October 2018, the Indian Ministry of Defence and GRSE signed the contract to build the four survey ships. Featuring over 80% indigenous content by cost, the ships are fully designed by GRSE and are being built using ‘Integrated Construction’ concepts.

Note: GRSE Chairman & Managing Director: Rear Admiral V K Saxena; GRSE Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. India’s 1st Woman Psychiatrist Sarada Menon passes away: Padma Bhushan Dr Mamballaikalathil Sarada Menon, India’s 1st woman Psychiatrist and the longest-serving head of the Institute of Mental Health has passed away. She was born in a Malayali family in Mangaluru, Karnataka. She was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1992 for social works.

Daily GK Update- 10th Dec, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurated multiple projects worth Rs 18,000 crore in Uttarakhand: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple projects worth Rs 18,000 crore at Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The 7 projects inaugurated consist of initiatives focusing on making travel safer including the 120 MW Vyasi Hydroelectric Project, along with Himalayan Culture Centre in Dehradun.

About the projects:

(1) The 11 projects for which the foundation has been laid include the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor which will be built at a cost of Rs 8,300 crore. It will have Asia’s largest wildlife elevated corridor (12 kilometres) for unrestricted wildlife movement. The expressway will reduce the distance between the two cities from 248 km at present to 180 km.

(2) PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the Dehradun – Paonta Sahib (Himachal Pradesh) road project, being constructed at a cost of around Rs 1700 crore.

(3) The 120 MW Vyasi hydro-electricity project, a 38-km long stretch between Devprayag and Shrikot on NH-58 and a widened 33 km stretch between Brahmapuri and Kaudiyala on Rishikesh-Badrinath national highway were among the other crucial projects inaugurated by PM Modi on Saturday.

(4) He also announced that the services of three new medical colleges would soon be available in the state.

Note: Uttarakhand Capitals: Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer); Uttarakhand Governor:  Lt Gen Gurmit Singh; Uttarakhand Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami.

 

2. India reaches 40 per cent target of power from non-fossil fuel: In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement to achieve 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 at COP26 Climate Conference, the government said it has already achieved 40% of the target. As per the government, the country’s installed Renewable Energy (RE) capacity today stands at 150.05 GW while its nuclear energy-based installed electricity capacity stands at 6.78 GW. Prime Minister Modi at COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow, pledged India will achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

 

3. West Bengal secures $135 million World Bank loan to upgrade rural power distribution network: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has approved a USD 135 million loan to West Bengal to improve the operational efficiency and reliability of electricity supply in select pockets in the state. The variable spread loan or floating interest loan will have a maturity of 17 years, including a grace period of seven years and will aim to strengthen distribution networks, invest in smart-grid technologies, and ensure financial sustainability of the state discom.

 

4. A new book titled “1971: Charge of the Gorkhas and Other Stories” released: A new book that unearths true stories of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, ’1971: Charge of the Gorkhas and Other Stories, written by Rachna Bisht Rawat, was released. The book includes, from the story of the flight lieutenant who went missing after his plane crashed inside Pakistan to the ‘last khukri attack’ in modern military history.

About the author: Rachna Bisht Rawat is the author of six books by Penguin Random House India, including the bestsellers The Brave and Kargil. She lives in Gurugram with Hukum the bright-eyed, bushy-tailed golden retriever; an eclectic collection of books and music; and Manoj Rawat, the man in olive green, who met her when he was a gentleman cadet at the Indian Military Academy and offered to be her comrade for life.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. China Launches Its First USD 6 Billion Cross-border BRI Train with Laos: China launched the first USD 6 billion cross-border train of its multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from Laos, which Beijing says will help the small and only landlocked country in South East Asia turn into a land-linked hub, boost regional connectivity and supply chain resilience. The 1,035-km electrified passenger and cargo railway, connecting Kunming in southwest China’s Yunnan Province with Laos’ capital Vientiane, fully adopts Chinese technical standards and consists of two sections. This is the first cross-border project under the BRI, China’s multibillion-dollar project in different countries with Chinese investments enhancing Beijing’s global influence.

 

2. With Development Agenda, Pakistan Elected Chair of Group of 77 in 2022: Pakistan has been elected as the following Chair of the Group of 77 for the yr 2022 with Islamabad promising a improvement agenda specializing in debt restructuring, concessional financing, local weather finance and ending illicit monetary flows. The 45th Ministerial meeting of ‘Group of 77 and China’ was held virtually. The Group of 77, established in 1964, is the largest intergovernmental grouping of developing countries in the United Nations. It provides the means for the countries of the Global South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests within the UN system.

 

3. Human Rights Day: 10th December: Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10 December annually across the world. This Day came into existence on December 10, 1948, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations. This day is observed every year across the world, as it empowers us all. The day also acknowledges the advocates and defenders of human rights around the world. The theme for Human Rights Day 2021 is “EQUALITY – Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights.” This year’s Human Rights Day theme relates to ‘Equality’ and Article 1 of the UDHR – “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

History of the day: United Nations General Assembly also known as UNGA adopted the UDHR  i.e Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the year 1948 on this very day. This was adopted with an agenda to eradicate the feeling of alienation from any person’s life due to the colour of his/her skin, the background of their community or culture, etc. The movement gained popularity instantly and almost 200,000 human rights stamps were ordered in advance from the United Nations Postal Administration in the year 1952.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Argentina beat six-time champions Germany to lift Junior hockey world cup: Argentina showcased its organised game with great composure to beat six-time champion German side 4-2 and win the title after 16 years in the men’s Hockey Junior World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium. Argentina has become the only third team after Germany (six wins) and India (2001, 2016) to win multiple Junior Hockey WC titles. Defending champions India finished fourth in the junior hockey world cup 2021 after losing 1-3 to France in the third-place match.

Other Awards:

Best Player of the Tournament: Timothée Clément (FRANCE)

Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Anton Brinckman (GERMANY)

Hero Top Scorer of the Tournament: Miles Bukkens (NETHERLANDS) (18 goals)

Odisha Fair Play Award: Team Chile

Odisha Fans Choice Award for Best Goal of the Tournament: Ignacio Nardolillo (ARGENTINA)

Hockey India Maximum Team Goals: NETHERLANDS (45 goals)

Hockey India Best Goal Saved of the Tournament: Mahmoud Seleem (EGYPT)

AM/NS India Best Coach of the Tournament: Johannes Schmitz (GERMANY)

FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2021: The FIH Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2021 was hosted by Bhubaneswar, Odisha between November 24- December 5, 2021. The top 16 teams had participated in the tournament including India, Germany, Belgium, Argentina, Canada, South Africa, Egypt, Pakistan, Korea, Malaysia, Poland, France, Chile, Spain, USA and the Netherlands.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Paytm signs MoU with Skill Development Ministry to train youngsters in fintech: Paytm, the digital payment company, will train 6000 individuals over three years, to make them ready for the fintech domain. The tech company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect, with the Directorate of General Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The training programme, which will last six months, is designed by Paytm, in consultation with the DGT. This partnership with DGT, which focuses on the vocational and skill-based training of eligible youth in India, will help increase the availability of trained talent to fulfil the needs of the fintech industry.

 

2. SBI partners with Adani Capital for co-lending to farmers: State Bank of India (SBI) has recently inked an agreement with Adani Capital Private Ltd (Adani Capital), the NBFC arm of Adani Group, for co-lending to farmers for purchase of tractor and farm implements. With this partnership, SBI would be able to target farmer customers in the interior hinterland of the country looking for adoption of farm mechanization to enhance productivity of crops.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. GDP Growth: S&P projected India’s GDP growth forecast at 9.5% in FY22: S&P Global Ratings has retained the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast of India unchanged at 9.5 percent for the financial year 2021-22 (FY22) and 7.8 per cent for the year ending FY23. GDP growth projection of India was revised for FY 24 to 6 per cent from 5.7 percent estimated earlier. Rising inflation is a pressure point, unlike elsewhere in emerging Asia, but external demand continues to support growth, S&P noted.

Note: S&P Global Ratings Headquarters: New York, New York, United States; S&P Global Ratings Founder: Henry Varnum Poor; S&P Global Ratings Founded: 1860; S&P Global Ratings President: John L. Berisford.

 

2. Goldman Sachs: India’s GDP to grow 9.1% in 2022: Wall Street brokerage, Goldman Sachs has estimated India’s GDP growth at 9.1 per cent in 2022. After India’s economy contracted by a sharp 7 per cent in 2020, Goldman Sachs pegged the economy to grow at 8 per cent in 2021 and 9.1 per cent in 2022. It earlier estimated India’s economic growth to 11.1 per cent in the fiscal year to March 31, 2022.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Mathematician Nikhil Srivastava selected for inaugural AMS’s Ciprian Foias Award: Indian-American mathematician, Nikhil Srivastava, who teaches at the University of California, Berkeley along with Adam Marcus and Daniel Spielman were awarded the First Ciprian Foias Prize in Operator Theory by the American Mathematical Society (AMS). Adam Marcus holds the Chair of Combinatorial Analysis at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. Daniel Spielman is a Sterling Professor of Computer Science, a professor of statistics and data science, and a professor of mathematics.

The $5,000 award has been given to Nikhil Srivastava for his work in developing and introducing techniques to understand the characteristic polynomial of matrices, including iterative sparsification. Nikhil Srivastava has earlier jointly won the George Polya Prize in 2014, and the Held prize in 2021 making this his third major award. He is an associate professor of mathematics at UC Berkeley.

About the award: The award recognises their highly original work that introduced and developed methods for understanding the characteristic polynomial of matrices, namely the iterative sparsification method (also in collaboration with Batson) and the method of interlacing polynomials.

Daily GK Update- 9th Dec, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurated thought Leadership Forum on FinTech ‘InFinity Forum’: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated a thought leadership forum on FinTech, ‘InFinity Forum’. The event was hosted by International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), under the aegis of the Government of India in collaboration with GIFT City and Bloomberg. Indonesia, South Africa and the United Kingdom were the partner countries in the 1st edition of the Forum. The Forum focused on the theme of ‘Beyond’ with various sub-themes. The sub-themes include FinTech beyond boundaries, FinTech beyond Finance, and FinTech Beyond Next, with a focus on how Quantum Computing could impact the nature of the Fintech industry in the future and promote new opportunities.

Partners of the Forum: NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog, Invest India, FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) and NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies) are some of the key partners of 2021’s Forum.

 

2. Jharkhand CM launched ‘Hamar Apan Budget’ Web Portal: Jharkhand Chief Minister, Hemant Soren has launched a web portal named ‘Hamar Apan Budget’ and a mobile application prepared by the state finance Department from the Chief Minister’s residential office in Ranchi. Through this portal, the general public of the state can share their suggestions for the 2022-23 budget. The public can give suggestions through Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and e-mail and also through the app by downloading the ‘Hamar Budget’ from Google Playstore for Android phones. How to give suggestions:

(1) The public could use the hyperlink https://finance.jharkhand.gov.in/budgetvichar to register oneself on ‘Hamar Apan Price range Portal’.

(2) The portal requires a Mobile number and e-mail (non-compulsory) to generate OTP.

(3) After profitable authentication of the OTP, the public can file the suggestion for the desired area in the budget.

Note: Chief Minister of Jharkhand: Hemant Soren; Governor: Ramesh Bais.

 

3. Amitabh Kant launches Genesys International’s digital twin platform: Genesys International has launched its pan India program to make the Digital Twin of the entire Urban India. The launch programme was inaugurated by Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog. The creation of this very accurate 3D data will mean a host of applications would open up in high-definition mapping, which was hitherto not possible, for smart cars, e-commerce, logistics, gaming, utilities planning for next-generation networks in telecom, renewable energy and in disaster management and emergency response.

Moreover, with all the smart city components, the digital twin of cities will put India on the map with advanced cities that are now using this geospatial technology. Genesys has a constellation of advanced sensors in India, consisting of aerial mobile and terrestrial systems capable of imaging at very high speeds and resolution. Genesys has also filed for patents in unique Geocoding for addressing 3D data as well as automated capture of features from 3D Street map imagery.

 

4. Alka Upadhyaya appointed as chairperson of NHAI: Centre effects major bureaucratic reshuffle. The Centre has appointed Alka Upadhyaya as chairperson of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). A 1990-batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre, Upadhyaya is currently Additional Secretary, Department of Rural Development. Other appointments:

Sanjay Bandopadhyay, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has been named chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India, a Personnel Ministry order said.

Sundeep Kumar Nayak has been appointed as Director-General, National Productivity Council, Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. South Sudan to end child marriages by 2030: South Sudan’s Government has promised to end child marriage by 2030 in line with the African Union’s campaign to end child marriages in the continent. Paramount chiefs from 10 regional states and the three administrative areas are meeting in the capital, Juba, for the second national conference on ending child marriages.

 

2. Cambridge Dictionary names ‘perseverance’ Word of the Year 2021: Perseverance, a word that captures the undaunted will of people across the world to never give up, despite the many challenges of the last 12 months, is Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2021. Perseverance has been looked up more than 243,000 times on the website in 2021, the first time it has made a noticeable appearance. NASA’s Perseverance Rover made its final descent to Mars on 18 February.

 

3. International Anti-Corruption Day: 9th December: International Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually on 9 December to raise public awareness for anti-corruption. The day is observed since the passage of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on 31 October 2003. The 2021 International Anti-Corruption Day seeks to highlight the rights and responsibilities of everyone– including States, Government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public and youth – in tackling corruption. The theme of International Anti-Corruption Day 2021: “Your right, your role: say no to corruption”.

History of the day: On 31 October 2003, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and requested that the Secretary-General designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as secretariat for the Convention’s Conference of States Parties (resolution 58/4). The Assembly also designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it. The Convention entered into force in December 2005.

 

4. Remember the Victims Prevent Genocide: 9th December: The International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime is observed annually on December 9. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the Genocide Convention and its role in combating and preventing the crime of genocide, as defined in the Convention, and to commemorate and honour its victims.

Significance of the day: 9 December 2021 marks the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime, as well as the 73rd anniversary of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the “Genocide Convention”), the first human rights treaty adopted by the General Assembly. The Convention signifies the international community’s commitment to “never again” and provides the first international legal definition of “genocide,” widely adopted at national and international levels. It also establishes a duty for State Parties to prevent and punish the crime of genocide.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lewis Hamilton wins inaugural edition of Saudi Arabian GP: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton (Britain) won the inaugural edition of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (GP), by surpassing Max Verstappen (Netherlands) in the event held at the 30-kilometre (18.6-mile) coastal resort area in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Reema Juffali, has been appointed as an ambassador for the first edition of the Saudi Grand Prix, under the Formula 1 (F1) World Championship.

About the Reema Juffali: Reema Juffali is the 1st Female F1 driver of Saudi Arabia. She is a 29-year-old driver, who has competed in the British Formula 3 championship 2021. She is the first racer to take a lap on the street circuit in Jeddah and also participate in the Williams team car display, dating back to 1979 that is sponsored by Saudi Airlines.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IDFC FIRST Bank debuts India’s first standalone metal debit card: IDFC FIRST Bank announced the launch of FIRST Private Infinite, the country’s first-ever standalone metal debit card, in partnership with Visa. FIRST Private Infinite is a lifetime free card designed specifically for customers who are part of the Bank’s FIRST Private program, premium savings and wealth offering. The FIRST Private program offers an unrivalled banking and investment experience to customers and comes with a range of exceptional investment, banking, lifestyle and wellness benefits. IDFC FIRST Bank offers a comprehensive digital savings account solution that includes a seamless online account opening process, video KYC and a new-age digital platform for mobile and net banking with an easy-to-navigate user interface. The Bank’s digital wealth management solutions are available to customers on the mobile app and net banking platform which offer unique features such as a ‘Consolidated Investment Dashboard’.

Note: IDFC FIRST Bank CEO: V. Vaidyanathan; IDFC FIRST Bank Headquarters: Mumbai; IDFC FIRST Bank Founded: October 2015.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Global trade expected to rise 23% to $28T in 2021: UN report: Global trade is expected to reach $28 trillion in 2021, up 23% from last year, according to a report issued by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Global goods trade set a new record by reaching $5.6 trillion in the third quarter of this year, the Global Trade Update report said.While this was a 24% increase from the same period of 2020, it was a 13% gain compared to the third quarter of 2019. Trade in goods is expected to remain constant at about $5.6 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2021, while the trade in services will likely continue to slowly recover. Services trade stood at about $1.5 trillion in the July-September period of this year, according to the report.

 

2. Former SBI chairman Rajnish Kumar becomes new strategic group advisor of OYO: IPO-bound hospitality unicorn Oyo Hotels and Homes (Oyo) has appointed Rajnish Kumar, former Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI) as Strategic Group Advisor. In his role, Kumar will advise Oyo’s management on short-term and long-term strategy, regulatory and stakeholder engagement, and enhancing the brand of the company globally. He is currently a part of the boards of HSBC Asia Pacific, L&T infotech, Hero Motocorp and BharatPe.

Note: OYO Rooms Founded: 2013; OYO Rooms CEO: Ritesh Agarwal.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nizamuddin Basti project wins two UNESCO heritage awards: Nizamuddin Revival Project, India’s project on the holistic urban revitalisation of the historic Nizamuddin Basti community, in New Delhi has won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2021. The project involves the meticulous restoration of over 20 historic monuments clustered around the 14th-century mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Nizamuddin Revival Project won these awards under 2 categories:

(1) Award of Excellence

(2) Special Recognition for Sustainable Development.

About Nizamuddin Basti: The settlement around the tomb of Noted Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, who settled in a Delhi village Ghiyaspur located on the tributary of River Yamuna, is known as the Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti. The Nizamuddin area comprises the Humayun’s Tomb, Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti and Sunder Nursery, Batashewala Tomb-Garden Complex, the tomb of courtier poet Khan I Khanan ‘Rahim’, and the Mughal-period caravanserai of Azimganj Serai.

Winners of UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2021: The jury of Heritage experts honoured 9 projects from 6 countries (Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand) with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2021.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran journalist Vinod Dua passes away: Veteran journalist Vinod Dua passed away recently. He was one of the pioneers in Hindi broadcast journalism, worked with Doordarshan to present the youth programme Yuva Manch in the mid-’70s and later with several other television news channels. He was an integral part of NDTV’s journey as well. His much-loved food show ‘Zaika India Ka’ saw him crisscrossing the whole country just for the best taste. More recently, he was known for his political commentary in web shows for digital media platforms The Wire and HW News. Mr Dua was honoured with several awards for his contribution to journalism.

Daily GK Update- 8th Dec, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ADB approves $500-million loan to improve quality of school education: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million loan to the Government of India to help improve the quality of the country’s school education and mitigate the impact of the Covid-19) pandemic on students’ learning. The loan supports the Integrated Scheme for School Education (Samagra Shiksha) and the new Exemplar School Initiative of the Ministry of Education (MOE) to improve education quality by focussing on inclusive and equitable learning outcomes.

About 1,800 government schools will be transformed into exemplar schools in Assam, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand. Exemplar schools will demonstrate quality learning environments and effective learning, which will become a model for replication in other government schools across the country.

Note: Minister of Education: Dharmendra Pradhan.

 

2. India will have nine nuclear reactors by 2024: The nation will have nine nuclear reactors by 2024 and a new nuclear project, the first in northern India, will come up 150 kms away from Delhi in Gorakhpur of Haryana, the government informed the Rajya Sabha. By 2024, India will have nine nuclear reactors plus 12 new additional ones which were approved during the Covid times with a capacity of 9000 MW. The minister said that nuclear energy will soon emerge as one of the most important sources of alternative or clean energy for the increasing power demand of the country. India is counting on its nuclear program to help meet its Paris climate commitments to reduce the emissions intensity of its economy by a third from 2005 levels by 2030.

 

3. Pradip Shah appointed as Chairman of National Asset Reconstruction Company: Pradip Shah, the founder of IndAsia Fund Advisors, has been appointed chairman of the National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL). Shah, an MBA from Harvard and chartered accountant, is credited for establishing India’s first and largest housing finance company, HDFC, and rating firm Crisil. While Aditya Birla Asset Reconstruction Company managing director Sanjay Jain will be the chief executive of India Debt Resolution Company (IDRCL), the privately-owned asset management company (AMC) mandated to resolve bad loans acquired by NARCL.

 

4. Nation remembers BR Ambedkar on his 66th death anniversary: India observes December 6 as Mahaparinirvan Divas every year to mark the death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, who fought for the economic and social empowerment of Dalits in the country. He was popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956. The Union government has decided to celebrate Mahaparinirvan Divas as part of the major commemoration of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Life of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar:

(1) Bhimrao Ambedkar was born in Madhya Pradesh’s Mhow, Ambedkar was the 14th and the last child of his parents. He was primarily an Economist and educationist.

(2) Babasaheb was also the flag bearer of India’s Dalit Activism, is called the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.

(3) BR Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee for the constitution of independent India on August 29, 1947. He was also the law minister of India after independence.

(4) He had also started fortnightly and weekly papers named ‘Excluded India’, ‘Mook Nayak’, ‘Janta’ to raise voice against the atrocities on Dalits. His first wife was only 9 years old at the time of their marriage.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and EU will set up Clean Energy and Climate Partnership: India and European Union (EU) have agreed to step up their Clean Energy and Climate Partnership. They jointly agreed on a detailed work program until 2023 to implement the 2016 India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership. The Panel agreed on increased technical cooperation in energy efficiency, renewable energy, green hydrogen, grid integration, storage, power market design, interconnection, cold chain, and sustainable financing.

The Panel also agreed to explore further avenues to strengthen India-EU cooperation within the context of the International Solar Alliance. EU expressed its support for the close cooperation between India and the International Energy Agency. India and EU also agreed to exchange closely on clean energy in the frame of G20.

Note: European Union Founded: 1 November 1993; European Union Headquarters: Brussels; European Union Member states: 27; European Union Official languages: 24; European Union President of the European Council: Charles Michel.

 

2. World Cooperative Monitor report 2021: IFFCO ranks first: The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has been ranked ‘number one Cooperative’ among the top 300 cooperatives in the world. The ranking is based on the ratio of turnover over the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. It signifies that IFFCO is contributing significantly to the GDP and economic growth of the nation. The 2021 edition of the 10th Annual World Cooperative Monitor (WCM) report, withholding its position from the 2020 edition.

About the report:

(1) The 2021 WCM report is published by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises (Euricse). WCM is a project designed to collect robust economic, organizational, and social data about cooperatives worldwide.

(2) The report is the 10th annual one and explores the economic and social impact of the largest cooperatives and mutual worldwide, providing a ranking of the top 300, sector rankings, and an analysis of responses to the current global challenges: Covid and climate change.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

IFFCO Founded: 1967; IFFCO Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi; IFFCO MD & CEO: DR. U. S. Awasthi.

 

3. SAARC Charter Day 2021: 8th December: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter Day is observed annually on 8th December to commemorate the adoption of the SAARC Charter. This year marks the 37th anniversary of the regional group. The charter was signed by the Leaders of SAARC Countries Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the First SAARC Summit held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

History and significance of the SAARC Charter:

(1) On 8 December 1985, the SAARC Charter was adopted, in Dhaka, during the first summit of the group. The Charter was signed by the leaders of eight South Asian nations- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

(2) As mentioned in its charter, the prime focus of SAARC is to work collectively to promote the welfare of people in the region and to improve their standard of living through social progress and economic development.

Note: SAARC Chairmanship: Nepal; SAARC Secretary-General: Esala Ruwan Weerakoon (Sri Lanka); SAARC Secretariat: Kathmandu, Nepal.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel 3rd Bowler to take 10 Wickets in an Innings: New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel became the third cricketer to scalp all 10 wickets in an innings. The left-arm spun a web around India’s batting order and bowled 47.5 overs, conceding 119 runs. New Zealand bundled out India for 325 on the second day of the second Test at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

History of 10 wickets haul in an innings: In 1956, England bowler Jim Laker had taken 10 wickets in an innings against Australia and decades later, India’s Anil Kumble, too, achieved the incredible feat against Pakistan in 1999. At the Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi, Kumble had made a perfect 10 to bundle out Pakistan and clinch the game.

About Ajaz Patel: Exactly 21 years later, Mumbai-born Patel, whose parents immigrated to New Zealand in 1996, had a dream run on his ‘homecoming’ as he clinched all the Indian wickets, to not only create an incredible personal milestone but also bring his side back into the game.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Federal Bank launches an exclusive feature-rich scheme for women: Private sector lender, Federal Bank has launched a feature-rich savings bank product for women. The savings scheme is called Mahila Mitra Plus and provides a curated set of features, designed to make financial planning and investments easy for women. The special features include exclusive preferential interest rates on housing loans, processing fee waiver for home loans, complimentary and customised insurance cover. The special features include exclusive preferential interest rates on housing loans, processing fee waiver for home loans, complimentary and customised insurance cover.

Note: Federal Bank Founded: 23 April 1931; Federal Bank Headquarters: Aluva, Kerala; Federal Bank MD & CEO: Shyam Srinivasan; Federal Bank Tagline: Your Perfect Banking Partner.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. OECD projected India growth forecast to 9.4% for FY22: Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) decreased India’s growth forecast to 9.4% for FY22 from 9.7% estimated in September 2021. It has projected the Indian economy to grow at 8.1% in FY23, and moderate to 5% in FY24. OECD lowered the global growth forecast for 2021 to 5.6% from 5.7% earlier. According to OECD, low-skilled domestic migrants and urban workers, who faced the brunt of employment shocks in both waves of the pandemic in India, have yet to see their earnings return to pre-pandemic levels.

Note: OECD Secretary-General: Mathias Cormann; OECD Headquarters: Paris, France; OECD Founded: 30 September 1961.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Andhra Pradesh CM Konijeti Rosaiah passes away: Former Governor of Tamil Nadu and former Chief Minister of the unified State of Andhra Pradesh, Konijeti Rosaiah (89-years) passed away. He had served as MLA, MLC, Lok Sabha members. He held several key portfolios including finance, transport, energy in the cabinets headed by Kotla Vijayabhaskhara Reddy, Channa Reddy, and YS Rajasekhara Reddy.

Daily GK Update- 7th Dec, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India-ITU joint CyberDrill 2021 for Indian entities: International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Department of Telecommunications operating under the Ministry of Communications conducted a Joint Cyber Drill 2021. The cyber drill was conducted for the Critical Network Infrastructure operators of India. The Critical Network Infrastructure are the systems, assets and networks that are essential to ensure the security of a country.

Aim of Cyber Drill:

(1) It aims to improve the cyber security readiness of India. Also, it aims to improve the protection and incident response capability of the country.

(2) During the cyber drill, the cyberattacks and information security incidents were simulated. And the participants were trained to defend and respond against such incidents. Thus, the drill helped to test the cyber capabilities of an organisation.

Benefits:

(1) The drill emphasized the role of the Computer Security Incident Response Team and Computer Incident and Response Team (CIRT). The CIRT is responsible for handling security breaches.

(2) It also strengthened India’s capability in protecting critical information infrastructure and building cyber resilience.

Note: International Telecommunication Union Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; International Telecommunication Union Founded: 17 May 1865; International Telecommunication Union Head Secretary-General: Houlin Zhao.

 

2. Himachal Pradesh Police honoured with ‘President’s Colour’ award: Himachal Pradesh Police has conducted the ‘President’s Colour Award’ ceremony at Shimla’s historic Ridge Ground. The Governor bestowed the ‘President’s Color Award’ to the State Police on this occasion. Director-General of Police Sanjay Kundu received the award on the behalf of state police. The Chief Guest was Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, while Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur was also there as a special guest. Himachal Pradesh Police is India’s eighth state police force to receive this honour.

About the President Colour: ‘President Colour’ is a special achievement, demonstrating that the state police ranks highly in the service of humanity, as well as performance, professionalism, integrity, human rights protection, and other factors.

Note: Himachal Pradesh Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar; Himachal Pradesh CM: Jai Ram Thakur.

 

3. Earth Station of Doordarshan Kendra inaugurated in Gorakhpur: Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Earth Station of Doordarshan Kendra at Gorakhpur. Three FM stations of All India Radio were also inaugurated virtually on the occasion. This will be the second earth station of Doordarshan in Uttar Pradesh and it is being built at a cost of Rs.7 crore.

About the Earth Station:

(1) This Earth Station will enable the programmes generated at the local level to be telecast live through DTH across the world. The Earth Station at Doordarshan Kendra Gorakhpur will be a boon to local Bhojpuri artists as they have been demanding it for a long.

(2) Three FM stations of All India Radio were inaugurated today are at Etawah, Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich districts. The addition of these FM stations will further enhance the reach of All India Radio, especially, in the Indo-Nepal border areas.

 

4. National Armed Forces Flag Day: 7th December: National armed forces day is also known as the National flag day of India. The day is every year celebrated and observed on 7th December. The aim to observe this day as the national armed forces day is to collect funds from the people for the betterment of armed forces. To know more about the national armed forces day, candidates are advised to read the article below.

History of the day: A committee was set up on August 28, 1949, under the then Defense Minister of India. The committee decided to observe a Flag Day annually on December 7. The aim to celebrate this day as the national flag day Or national armed forces day is to distribute flags amongst the people and collect the funds from them for the betterment of the armed forces. The Defence Ministry of India in 1993 consolidated all the related welfare funds into a single Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gita Gopinath to replace Okamoto as IMF’s No. 2 official: International Monetary Fund Chief Economist, Gita Gopinath is set to take over from Geoffrey Okamoto as the institution’s No. 2 official. It is going to be a historic movement when International Monetary Fund has the female at its first two leading positions. The IMF has done some changes in the roles and responsibilities of the fund’s senior management team. In which they introduced deputy managing director for the first time and it is gone to the first female named Indian born economist Gita Gopinath.

The move comes as a surprise because Gopinath, the first woman to serve as the IMF’s chief economist, had said in October she planned to rejoin Harvard University in January to retain her tenured facility post after three years of public service.

Note: International Monetary Fund Formed: 27 December 1945; International Monetary Fund Headquarters: Washington D.C., USA; International Monetary Fund Member countries: 190; International Monetary Fund Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva.

 

2. Troika: India joined the G20 ‘Troika’ with Indonesia and Italy: India has joined ‘G20 Troika’ and will work closely with Indonesia and Italy to ensure consistency and continuity of G20’s agenda. Apart from India, Troika consists of Indonesia and Italy. India will assume G20 Presidency in December 2022 from Indonesia and will convene the G20 Leaders’ Summit for the first time in 2023. Troika refers to the top grouping within G20 that consists of the current, previous, and incoming presidencies (Indonesia, Italy and India).

Earlier and present presidency:

(1) Italy hosted the G20 summit during October 30-31 that was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi where India had raised the issue of Afghanistan’s future following the takeover by the Taliban.

(2) Indonesia took over the G20 presidency on December 01, 2021.

(3) In the coming months, Indonesia will hold rounds of discussion at various levels among the members of the G20 before convening the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for October 30-31, 2022.

(4) Next year’s summit will be organised along the overall theme of “Recover Together, Recover Stronger”.

 

3. International Civil Aviation Day: 7th December: International Civil Aviation Day is celebrated every year on December 7 to recognize the importance of aviation to the social and economic development of the world. The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States, and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind. The Council has decided that from now until 2023, the theme will be: “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development”.

History of International Civil Aviation Day: The Day was established in 1994 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day in 1996.

Note: International Civil Aviation Organization Headquarter: Montreal, Canada; International Civil Aviation Organization Council President: Salvatore Sciacchitano; International Civil Aviation Organization Founded: 7 December 1944.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI listed USD 650-million Green Bonds on India INX and LuxSE: State Bank of India (SBI) listed its USD 650-million green bonds simultaneously on the India International Exchange (India INX) and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE). This dual listing is in line with 2021’s topic of the World Investor Week (WIW), ‘sustainable finance’, as indicated by the regulatory body International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). India INX has now emerged as the leading bond listing venue with over $33 billion.

Note: India INX Founded: 2017; India INX Headquarters: Gandhinagar, Gujarat; India INX MD & CEO: V. Balasubramaniam.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Walmart & Flipkart signed an MoU with MP govt to support MSMEs: Walmart and its subsidiary Flipkart have signed an MoU with the Department of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Government of Madhya Pradesh to create an ecosystem of capacity building for MSMEs in Madhya Pradesh. Under this MoU, Walmart, Flipkart, and MSME Department will assist MSMEs to digitize their business and enable them to sell their products through online retail. This initiative comes under the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Programme (Walmart Vriddhi), delivered by knowledge partner Swasti, which aims to train around 50000 Indian MSMEs with business skills to become successful as suppliers to Walmart, sellers on global marketplace platforms like Flipkart. Under this programme, Walmart and Flipkart have partnered with various states including Haryana and Tamil Nadu.

Note: Madhya Pradesh Capital: Bhopal; Madhya Pradesh Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel; Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ratan Tata to get Assam’s highest civilian award: On the occasion of Assam Divas, the state government of Assam has decided to accolade renowned industrialist Ratan Tata with the ‘Asom Bhaibav’ award, the highest civilian state award for his contribution to cancer care in the state. The awards that precede it are Asom Saurav, followed by Asom Gaurav. With healthcare as one of its top priorities, the Assam government is showing its appreciation towards Tata’s push to cancer care in the region.

The Tata Trust, in collaboration with the Assam government, had decided to set up 19 cancer care units during the ‘Advantage Assam – Global Investment Summit’ in 2018 and an MoU had been signed between the Assam government and Tata Trusts. The hospitals were to be set up on a three-tier system and constructed under the divisions L1, L2 and L3, which signified the standard of care that would be provided by them. Ratan Tata had laid the foundation stone for the cancer care units in the state.

Note: Assam Governor: Jagdish Mukhi; Assam Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma.