Daily GK Update- 17th Dec, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ADB approved a USD 350 million loan to improve India’s urban services: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a Rs 2653.05 crore (USD 350 million) policy-based loan to improve urban services in India. This loan supports the policies formulated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to benefit the urban poor, economically weaker sections, and low-income groups. ADB will also provide knowledge and advisory support to MoHUA in program implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The loan supports the policies established by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to accelerate universal coverage of piped water supply and improved sanitation. This is part of the recently launched national programme Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 and to provide affordable housing to all, including poor, urban migrant and industrial workers, under the flagship mission Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Note: Asian Development Bank Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines; Asian Development Bank President: Masatsugu Asakawa; Asian Development Bank Membership: 68 countries; Asian Development Bank Founded: 19 December 1966.

 

2. PM Modi inaugurates Kashi-Vishwanath Dham project in Kashi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the first phase of the Rs 339 crore Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project that connects the temple town’s two iconic landmarks – Kashi Vishwanath temple and Ganga ghats. Modi offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and planted a Rudraksha tree at the premises of the temple. He also offered Ganga Jal, Chandan, ashes and milk to Lord Shiva. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP President J P Nadda and a large number of saints from across the country attended the ceremony.

Here are some important points about the Kashi Viswanath Dham project:

(1) The idea behind the project is to ensure that all heritage structures get preserved.

(2) A total of 23 buildings will be inaugurated in phase 1 of the project.

(3) They will provide a variety of facilities to the pilgrims visiting Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, including Yatri Suvidha Kendras, Tourist Facilitation Centre, Vedic Kendra, Mumukshu Bhavan, Bhogshala, City Museum, Viewing Gallery and Food Court, among others.

(4) The project is now spread over a massive area of about 5 lakh square feet, whereas earlier premises was limited to just around 3000 square feet.

 

3. NITI Aayog and Bharti Foundation announce the launch of ‘Convoke 2021-22’: NITI Aayog in partnership with Bharti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bharti Enterprises, launched Convoke 2021-22. Convoke is a National research Symposium that aims at addressing challenges in imparting education and strengthening its quality with a special focus on all teachers, educationists, heads of schools across India. Through Convoke they can now share their micro research papers. These research papers will be analyzed by a panel of Educationists. The shortlisted Research Papers will be presented during the ‘National Research Symposium’ scheduled in January 2022. Through this platform:

(1) School Teachers/ Heads/Principals of Government Schools and teachers from the Bharti Foundation network will be encouraged to use research-based solutions through a scientific approach, and showcase their efforts taken at the grass-roots level in improving learning outcomes.

(2) The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also recognises and identifies teachers and faculty as the heart of the learning process. It recommends that teachers will be recognised for novel approaches to teaching that improve learning outcomes in their classrooms.

(3) NEP recommends developing platforms so that teachers may share ideas and best practices for wider dissemination and replication. Teachers over the years have been coming up with innovative solutions to help support students and even more during the lockdown.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UNGA granted observer status to International Solar Alliance: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has granted Observer Status to International Solar Alliance (ISA) by adopting resolution 76/123. This decision has been taken based on the UNGA’s Sixth Committee report. In November 2015, ISA was jointly launched by India and France during the 21st session of the United Nations Climate Change COP-21 in Paris, France to promote solar energy among its Member Countries. A total of 108 countries participated in the Assembly, including 74 Member Countries and 34 Observer and Prospective Countries, 23 Partner Organizations and 33 Special Invitee Organisations. The launch of the ISA was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and former French President Francois Hollande in November 2015, at the 21st session of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Paris, France.

Note: International Solar Alliance Headquarters: Gurugram; International Solar Alliance Founded: 30 November 2015; International Solar Alliance Director-General: Ajay Mathur.

 

2. Catherine Russell appointed as the new head of UNICEF: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Catherine Russell as the head of UN children’s agency UNICEF, also known as the United Nations Children’s Fund. Catherine Russell is an assistant to US President Joe Biden. She also heads the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. Russell will succeed Henrietta Fore, who resigned in July 2021 because of a family health issue.

Governing Body of UNICEF: UNICEF is governed by a 36-member executive board. The board establishes policies, oversees administrative & financial plans and approves programs. Board comprises of government representatives, who are elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council. They are elected for three-year terms.

Note: UNICEF Headquarters: New York, United States of America; UNICEF Founded: 11 December 1946.

 

3. World Talent ranking report 2021: India ranked 56th: International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitive Centre published its “World Talent Ranking Report”. In the report, Europe has dominated the ranking in 2021. Global top 10 countries are from this region. Switzerland has retained its top spot. India has been ranked at 56th position. In the Middle East & North Africa, UAE maintained its second position, following Israel (first in this region). Israel has been ranked 22nd. In the Arab world, UAE maintained its top position. The UAE has improved its global talent ranking by one position to 23rd. Taiwan has been ranked at third place in Asia while at 16th place In Asia, Taiwan has been ranked behind Hong Kong (11) and Singapore (12) but ahead of South Korea (34), China (36), and Japan (39).

Top 10 in World Talent Ranking report 2021:

Rank     Country

1            Switzerland

2            Sweden

3            Luxembourg

4            Norway

5            Denmark

6            Austria

7            Iceland

8            Finland

9            Netherlands

10          Germany

 

About the IMD: IMD is an independent academic institution, having Swiss roots and a global reach. It was founded 75 years ago for business leaders by business leaders. It has been a pioneering force in developing leaders who can transform organizations and contribute to society.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Norway’s Magnus Carlsen wins FIDE World Chess Championship: Reigning world chess champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway defended his title and won the FIDE World Championship in Dubai. He beat Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia, securing the one point he needed to cross the seven-point threshold to win the global tournament held at Dubai’s Expo 2020 this month in the United Arab Emirates. Carlsen clinched his fifth world championship title. Carlsen wins 60% of the 2 million-euro prize offered by the championship.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI enforces 20-digit LEI for cross-border deals: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) mandatory for cross-border transactions for capital or current account transactions of Rs 50 crore and above, from October 1 next year. The LEI is a 20-digit number used to uniquely identify parties to financial transactions worldwide to improve the quality and accuracy of financial data systems. The identifier norm has been introduced in a phased manner for participants in the over the counter (OTC) derivative, non-derivative markets, large corporate borrowers, and large value transactions in centralised payment systems. Starting October 1, 2022, banks will have to obtain the `LEI` number from the resident entities (non-individuals) undertaking any capital or current account transactions. For LEI holders, it would be mandatory to furnish the number in all transactions irrespective of the transaction size.

Note: RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikanta Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. LIC gets RBI approval to increase stake up in IndusInd Bank: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India to increase its stake to 9.99 per cent in IndusInd Bank of the total issued and paid-up capital of the private sector lender. The approval will be valid for 1 year i.e., up to December 8, 2022. At present, LIC holds a 4.95 per cent stake in the IndusInd Bank. Recently, LIC had also received a similar kind of approval from RBI to increase its stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank to 9.99 per cent.

About the LIC investment: LIC is one of the biggest institutional investors in India’s stock market and has a stake in a number of private and public sector banks. It has stakes in as many as 24 scheduled commercial banks, data from Capitaline shows.

It holds a 49.24 per cent stake in IDBI Bank. Among other major banks, LIC holds 8.8 per cent in Canara Bank, 8.3 per cent in Punjab National Bank and State Bank of India, 8.2 per cent in Axis Bank, and 7.6 per cent in ICICI Bank.

Note: LIC Chairperson: M R Kumar; LIC Headquarters: Mumbai; LIC Founded: 1 September 1956.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India’s Harnaaz Sandhu crowned 70th Miss Universe 2021: Actor-model Harnaaz Sandhu made history as she was crowned Miss Universe 2021 beating contestants from 80 countries, 21 years after India last brought home the title. While Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira, 22, finished second, South Africa’s Lalela Mswane, 24, came third.

History of India in Miss Universe title: Only two Indians before Ms Sandhu have won the title of Miss Universe— actors Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000. The 70th edition of the event was held in Eilat, Israel, where the 21-year-old bagged the coveted pageant.

Career of Harnaaz Sandhu: The Chandigarh-based model, who is pursuing her master’s degree in public administration, was crowned by her predecessor Andrea Meza of Mexico, who won the pageant in 2020. Ms Sandhu started her journey in pageantry when she won Times Fresh Face in 2017, representing Chandigarh at the age of 17. She later won the LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021 title.

About the ceremony: The ceremony was hosted by Steve Harvey and saw performances from American singer JoJo. The selection committee included actor and Miss Universe India 2015 Urvashi Rautela, Adamari López, Adriana Lima, Cheslie Kryst, Iris Mittenaere, Lori Harvey, Marian Rivera and Rena Sofer.

 

2. Indian Mathematician Neena Gupta receives Ramanujan Prize 2021: Indian Mathematician Neena Gupta has received the 2021 DST-ICTP-IMU Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians from Developing Countries for her outstanding work in affine algebraic geometry and commutative algebra. Professor Neena Gupta, a mathematician at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata. She is the third woman to receive Ramanujan Prize, which was first awarded in 2005 and is administered by Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics jointly with Dept Science and Technology and International Mathematical Union.

Awards and Honours: In 2014, Professor Neena Gupta had received the ‘Young Scientist award from the Indian National Science Academy, which called her work among one of the best done so far in algebraic geometry in recent years. In 2019, Professor Gupta became one of the youngest people to receive the ‘Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize’ at the age of 35. She has successfully solved a 70-year-old mathematics puzzle – Zariski’s Cancellation Problem.

About the Ramanujan Prize: The prize, named after Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, was first awarded in 2005 and is administered by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) jointly with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the International Mathematical Union (IMU).

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO successfully tests Pinaka Extended Range 2021: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test-fired Pinaka Extended Range (Pinaka-ER), Area Denial Munitions (ADM), and indigenously developed fuzes. The test was conducted at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the Odisha coast. A total of 25 enhanced Pinaka rockets were reportedly fired from multi-barrel rocket launchers (MRLs) at several ranges during the test. The range version can destroy the target of up to 45 km. At the same time, the flight path of these missiles was tracked by range instruments including telemetry, radar, and electro-optical tracking system deployed by ITR and Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE).

About the Pinaka-ER: The Pinaka-ER is the upgraded version of the earlier version which has been in service with the Army for the last decade. It has been designed in the light of emerging requirements with advanced technologies.

About ADM: The ADM variants of munition designed by the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune for Pinaka and manufactured by the industry partner were also successfully carried out at Pokhran range as part of performance evaluation trials under technology absorption.

Daily GK Update- 16th Dec, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India assumed the chairmanship of Council of RATS SCO: India assumed the Chairmanship of Council of Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (RATS SCO) for 1 year from October 28, 2021. The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), Government of India, in association with Data Security Council of India (DSCI), as a Knowledge Partner, organized a 2-day Practical Seminar on ‘Securing Cyberspace in the Contemporary Threat Environment’ for delegates from SCO member States. The seminar is the 1st event to be hosted by India during its Chairmanship of Council of RATS SCO. This Seminar addressed key areas like Policies and Strategies, Cyber Terrorism, Ransomware, and Digital Forensics amongst others. The representatives from the Executive Committee (EC) of RATS SCO and all SCO member countries attended this Seminar.

Note: SCO Headquarters: Beijing, China; SCO Founded: 15 June 2001; SCO Secretary-General: Vladimir Norov.

 

2. NITI Aayog to establish 1,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in J&K: The NITI Aayog has planned to establish 1000 Atal Tinkering Laboratories in Jammu and Kashmir. Out of 1000 Atal Tinkering Laboratories, 187 will be established by the end of the financial year 2021-22. Out of 187 ATLs, 31 are being established across government schools of J&k while 50 will be established in several educational institutions like KVs, JNVs, and Private schools.

About the Atal Tinkering Labs: Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) is a sub-mission under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of the Central Government in India. It is the flagship initiative of AIM, that seeks to nurture an innovative mindset amongst high school students across India.

Note: NITI Aayog Formed: 1 January 2015; NITI Aayog Headquarters: New Delhi; NITI Aayog Chairperson: Narendra Modi; NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson: Rajiv Kumar; NITI Aayog CEO: Amitabh Kant.

 

3. Fortune India’s Most Powerful Women 2021 announced: Fortune India released the list of most powerful women in India 2021 in which Union Minister, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman ranked 1st. She is followed by Reliance Foundation Chairperson and Goodwill Ambassador Nita Ambani in 2nd position, and Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist, World Health Organization (WHO) at 3rd.

Fortune India’s List of Top 5 Most Powerful Women in India:

 

Rank	Name	Position
1	Nirmala Sitharaman	Union Ministry, Ministry of Finance
2	Nita Ambani	Reliance Foundation Chairperson and Goodwill Ambassador
3	Soumya Swaminathan	Chief Scientist, World Health Organization (WHO)
4	Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw	Executive Chairperson, Biocon
5	Suchitra Ella	Co-founder and Joint MD, Bharat Biotech International Ltd

 

4. Nation Observes 50th Vijay Diwas on 16 December 2021: In India, Vijay Diwas (also called Victory Day) is celebrated every year on December 16. The country is celebrating the 50th Vijay Diwas in 2021. Vijay Diwas is observed to commemorate the service, valour, and sacrifices of the gallant men of the Indian Armed Forces’ victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. On this day, we pay homage to all the soldiers who had defended the nation in the war.

About Vijay Diwas: The Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 which began on December 3 lasted for 13 days and officially ended on December 16, after which Pakistan surrendered to India. It was on this day in 1971, the chief of the Pakistani forces, General AA Khan Niazi, along with 93 thousand troops, had surrendered unconditionally to the allied forces consisting of the Indian Army and Mukti Bahini. The end of the war also resulted in the subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi participates in ‘Summit For Democracy’: US President Joe Biden hosted the first of two Summits for Democracy, which takes place virtually. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the summit saying that ‘democratic spirit’ and ‘pluralistic ethos’ are ingrained in Indians. A total of 100 nations participated in this ‘Summit for Democracy’. Even Ukraine and Taiwan were invited to the summit but Russia and China were not. Both these countries released a joint statement in which they said that the US is displaying a “Cold-War mentality” that will “stoke up ideological confrontation and a rift in the world”.

PM Modi highlights in the summit:

(1) In his address, PM Modi highlighted India’s civilisational ethos as one of the original sources of democracy. He outlined sensitivity, accountability, participation, and reform orientation as four pillars of Indian democratic governance, stressing that principles of democracy should also guide global governance.

(2) India’s Prime Minister also recalled that 75 years ago, India’s Constituent Assembly had held its first session. He said how democratic countries must deliver on values enshrined in their respective constitutions.

 

2. Indian origin Anil Menon is SpaceX’s first flight surgeon: Nasa-turned-SpaceX flight surgeon, Anil Menon is among the 10 latest trainee astronauts who will join the 2021 class of the American space agency as it plans for the first human missions to the moon in more than 50 years. He is born to Indian and Ukrainian parents and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Menon is a lieutenant colonel in the US air force. He was SpaceX’s first flight surgeon, helping to launch the company’s first humans to space during NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission and building a medical organisation to support the human system during future missions.

About the Anil Menon: Anil Menon served Nasa as the crew flight surgeon for various expeditions on the International Space Station (ISS). Menon started as a Nasa flight surgeon in 2014 and supported four long-duration crew members on ISS as the deputy crew surgeon for Soyuz missions Soyuz 39 and Soyuz 43 and prime crew surgeon for Soyuz 52. He graduated in neurobiology from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1999 and got his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from California’s Stanford University in 2004. He has a doctor of medicine as well from Stanford Medical School.

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.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India won 41 medals at Asian Youth Para Games 2021: India claimed 41 medals (12 Gold, 15 Silver, 14 Bronze) at the 4th Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG), Asia’s biggest event held at Riffa city, Bahrain. The event is organized by the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Bahrain with the support of the local government. Over 700 athletes from around 30 countries participated in the event from 2ndto 6th December 2021. The 5th edition of the Asian Youth Para Games 2025 will be hosted by Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

About the Asian Youth Para Games 2021: Over 700 athletes from around 30 countries participated in the continental youth showpiece event that took place from December 2 to 6. The athletes competed across nine sports – Para athletics, Para badminton, boccia, goalball, Para powerlifting, Para swimming, Para table tennis, Para taekwondo, and wheelchair basketball.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Federal Bank and Star Health Insurance tie-up for bancassurance: Federal Bank has entered into a Bancassurance partnership with Star Health and Allied Insurance Co Ltd as a corporate agent to provide health insurance products for the Bank’s 8.90 million customers across India. The Bank’s customers can avail benefits of Star Health’s retail products and group affinity products through the bank’s various distribution channels which help the customers to address their complete financial needs under one roof.

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

 

2. SBI signed MoU with Kendriya Sainik Board: State Bank of India (SBI) has signed an MoU with Kendriya Sainik Board to support and educate the children of war veterans, ex-servicemen, and war widows. India’s largest bank said it will provide a grant of ₹ 1,000 per month to 8,333 war veterans’. The bank has contributed ₹ 10 crores to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. The Armed Forces Flag Day is celebrated on December 7. According to the statement, the bank has contributed ₹10 crores to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. The Armed Forces Flag Day is celebrated on December 7.

Note: State Bank of India Founded: 1 July 1955; State Bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai; State Bank of India Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Airtel, Invest India launch ‘Startup Innovation Challenge’: Bharti Airtel and Invest India, National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency jointly launched ‘Airtel India Startup Innovation Challenge’ for Startups to develop solutions in 5G, IoT. Under the Startup Innovation Challenge, early-stage technology companies are being invited to demonstrate differentiated solutions in areas such as 5G, Cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital entertainment. The winners of the challenge will win Rs 3.5 lakh, first runner-up Rs 2.5 lakh and second start-up Rs 1 lakh. The top 10 start-ups will also be able to leverage Airtel’s Digital Innovation Lab for three months. Select start-ups will be offered the opportunity to onboard onto the Airtel Startup Accelerator Program. The top 10 will also be given an Airtel Office Internet plan for a year.

The challenge has invited start-ups to demonstrate solutions for the following:

(1) 5G: B2B or B2C use cases and apps that will leverage high-speed and low-latency 5G tech.

(2) IoT: Solutions for enterprises that will empower their digital transformation journey.

(3) Cloud communication: Leveraging AI and ML tech to create B2B and B2C products to improve customer engagement and experience.

(4) Digital advertising: Creating unique ad formats for both digital and others. Digital entertainment: Disruptive solutions in music, video or gaming.

Note: Airtel Founded: 1995; Airtel Headquarters: New Delhi, India; Airtel Chairman: Sunil Bharti; Airtel MD & CEO: Mittal Gopal Vittal.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Balkrishna Doshi Awarded 2022 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for Architecture: The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi will be the recipient of the 2022 Royal Gold Medal. The distinction, approved by Her Majesty The Queen and awarded each year since 1848, is given to architects or practices in recognition of a lifetime’s work and the impact on the evolution of the field and the built environment.

Daily GK Update- 15th Dec, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami launched ‘Milk Price Incentive Scheme’: Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami has launched the ‘Milk Price Incentive Scheme‘ in Dehradun. The scheme is aimed to provide incentives benefiting around 53,000 people of Uttarakhand. The state government is targeting to spend INR 444.62 crore to open 500 milk sales centres in Uttarakhand. It is a Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) scheme, the amount under the scheme would go directly into the accounts of the beneficiaries through their linked bank accounts. In the Dehradun district, milk production and consumption are completely contradictory. On one hand, the government is making many attempts to enhance milk production, all government claims of promoting products are proving to be fictitious. Despite thousands of hours of labour, milk is not produced in accordance with demand.

The government has been making various attempts for enhancing milk production in the state, some of which include:

(1) Ganga Cow Scheme: Ganga cow scheme and incentive amount of Rs.3-4 per litre of milk was also announced by the government so that milk production could be promoted and consumption could be met in time.

(2) Kamdhenu Scheme: The scheme was started in Uttarakhand on the lines of UP.  Although there was a provision in Uttarakhand for a 25% subsidy for general farmers and a 33% subsidy for SC-ST on loans up to Rs.6 lakh for dairy under NABARD, farmers did not take advantage of it owing to a lack of knowledge.

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

 

2. Haiderpur wetland in Uttar Pradesh recognised as Ramsar Site: The Haiderpur Wetland abutting the Madhya Ganga barrage, about 10 km from Bijnor in western Uttar Pradesh, has been recognised under the 1971 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Uttar Pradesh is now home to 9 Ramsar wetlands. The wetland has also been identified under Namami Gange, a central flagship, as a model wetland along the Ganga. With this, there are now a total of 47 such designated areas in the country. The Site supports more than 25,000 waterbirds, serves as a breeding site for the near-threatened Indian grassbird and provides refuge to the northern subspecies population of the vulnerable swamp deer during its seasonal flood-driven migration. The Site also regularly supports more than 1% of the population of greylag goose and bar-headed goose.

 

3. India Skills Report 2022 : Maharashtra Retains Top Position: The 9th edition of India Skills Report (ISR) 2022, released by Wheebox, Maharashtra has retained the top position in the list of states with the highest poll of employable talent followed by Uttar Pradesh and Kerala. The theme of ISR 2022 – ‘Rebuilding and Reengineering the Future of Work’.  India Skills Report is a full-fledged report about the future of work, education, and skilling to match the talent demand and supply in a growing India. States with Maximum Hiring Activity:

(1) Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are the 3 states that have a higher job demand.

(2) Pune is the city with the most highly employable resources with 78% of the test takers scoring above 60 per cent.

Top 5 States with Highest Employability:

 

Rank	State	Employability %
1	Maharashtra	66.1
2	Uttar Pradesh	65.2
3	Kerala	64.2
4	West Bengal	63.8
5	Karnataka	59.3

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Olaf Scholz is sworn in as new German chancellor: German lawmakers officially elected Social Democrat, Olaf Scholz as the new chancellor, putting an end to 16 years of conservative rule under Angela Merkel. He will lead a government composed of his Social Democrat Party, the business-friendly Free Democrats and the Greens, a coalition of parties never tried before at the federal level in Germany. The 63-year-old, Scholz previously served as vice-chancellor and finance minister during the Merkel administration, was then sworn in as Germany’s next chancellor. Olaf Scholz has achieved the necessary majority of at least 369 votes. Based on article 63, paragraph 2 of the German Constitution he is elected chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Note: Germany Capital: Berlin; Germany Currency: Euro; Germany President: Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

 

2. Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi sentenced to jail: Myanmar’s ousted civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to four years imprisonment after being found guilty on two charges, the first verdicts in a raft of criminal cases that the country’s military has brought against her since seizing power 10 months ago. Ms Suu Kyi was convicted of charges of incitement and violating pandemic rules. The 76-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate is facing a total of 11 charges which can bring in a maximum imprisonment of 102 years.

The court sentenced Suu Kyi to four years in prison: Suu Kyi has been found guilty on two charges — of inciting the public against the military and breaching the Covid-19 protocols in the country. The incitement charge stems from statements made on Facebook pages of Suu Kyi’s party after she was detained by the military, following a coup that prevented her from starting a second term in office.

Note: Myanmar Capital: Naypyitaw; Myanmar Currency: Kyat.

 

3. International Tea Day: 15th December: International Tea Day is observed every year on December 15 in countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, India, and Tanzania. It is the second most used drink in the world after water. For some people, tea is an integral part of life which adds rhythm. China is currently the largest exporter of tea. According to a study conducted by the Tea Board of India in 2007, around 80 per cent of the total tea produced in India is consumed by the domestic population.

International Tea Day 2021 History: The first ITD was held in New Delhi in India in 2005. However, in 2015, the Indian government proposed to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation to expand International Tea Day across the world. The reason for the UN celebrating May 21 as International Tea Day is that the season of tea production begins in May in most of the tea-producing countries.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sanket Mahadev Sargar won gold in Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2021: Sanket Mahadev Sargar won the gold medal in Men’s 55 kg snatch category at the ongoing Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2021. He created the national record by lifting 113kg in the men’s 55kg snatch category. Sargar has also qualified for the upcoming 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

About the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2021: Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2021 is being held in Tashkent along with World Weightlifting Championships 2021 from December 7 to 17. The Indian Contingent is participating in the Weightlifting Championships as well as the Commonwealth Senior Championships.

 

2. Manipur wins Senior Women’s National Football Championship: Manipur successfully defended their Senior Women’s National Football Championship crown after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Railways in the final at the EMS Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala. After a dearth of goal-scoring chances in regulation and extra time, the match went to penalties with the scores at 0-0. Manipur goalkeeper Okram Roshini Devi produced three saves to give her side their 21st title at this level.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Paytm Payments Bank receives scheduled bank status from RBI: Paytm Payments Bank has been given the scheduled bank status by the Reserve Bank of India. The bank has been included in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and the approval will help it to bring more financial services and products. The bank supports 33.3 crore Paytm Wallets and enables consumers to make payments at over 87,000 online merchants and 2.11 crore in-store merchants. With the scheduled bank status:

(1) The bank can explore new business opportunities, including participation in government and other large corporations issued requests for proposals, primary auctions, fixed-rate and variable rate repos, and reverse repos.

(2) Besides, it can participate in Marginal Standing Facility and will be eligible to partner in government-run financial inclusion schemes.

(3) The inclusion of Paytm Payments Bank in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, will help us innovate further and bring more financial services and products to the underserved and unserved population in India.

Note: Chairman of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd: Vijay Shekhar Sharma; MD and CEO of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd: Satish Kumar Gupta; Paytm Payments Bank Ltd Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

 

2. PayPhi launches tokenization service that supports RuPay cards: Phi Commerce’s API (Application programming interface) first digital payments platform, PayPhi has become the first certified tokenization service for NTS supporting tokenization of RuPay cards. Tokenization of cards as an alternate to storing card details with merchants. NPCI’s NTS platform enables PayPhi Tokenization service to provide partner merchants and aggregators with TROF. Token Reference On File (TROF) turns sensitive cardholder data into randomly generated 16 digit numbers called “token” with no meaningful value if breached. On the lines of the guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in September 2021 regarding tokenization of cards during online transactions, NPCI announced the launch of the NPCI Tokenization System (NTS).

Note: NPCI Founded: 2008; NPCI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; NPCI MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Microsoft launched cybersecurity skills training programme in India: Microsoft has launched a cybersecurity skilling program with the goal of training over 1 lakh learners by 2022 to address the skills gap and prepare India’s workforce for a career in cybersecurity. The program is meant to give students hands-on experience with security, compliance, and identity fundamentals. About the courses:

(1) Courses will be conducted by Microsoft in collaboration with its strategic partners Cloud that, Koenig, RPS, and Synergetics Learning.

(2) This tie-up is part of Microsoft’s global skilling program, which aims to help 25 million individuals learn new digital skills throughout the world.

(3) In India, almost 3 million individuals have been trained through this project.

Note: Microsoft CEO and Chairman: Satya Nadella; Microsoft Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Ram Nath Kovind Presented ‘President’s Standard’ to Indian Navy Squadron: President of India, Ram Nath Kovind has presented the ‘President’s Standard’ to the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron of the Indian Navy, which is also known as the Killer Squadron at the ceremonial parade held at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, Maharashtra. To mark this occasion, the postal department has released a special day cover and a commemorative stamp. The year 2021 also marks the 50 years of inception of the Missile Vessel Squadron, also known as Killers.

About 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron:

(1) The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron carried out ‘Operation Trident’ and bombed Pakistan’s Karachi Port during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

(2) The squadron has also taken part in several missions including Operation Vijay, Operation Parakram and also during the heightened security state following the 2019 Pulwama attack.

(3) The squadron had received several battle honours including 1 Maha Vir Chakra, 7 Vir chakras and 8 Nausena Medals(Gallantry).

(4) 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron was formally established in Mumbai, Maharashtra in October 1991 with 10 Veer Class and 3 Prabal class missile boats.

President’s Standard: President’s Standard is the highest honour bestowed by the President, the Supreme Commander, to a Military unit in recognition of the Service rendered to the nation. President’s Standard is the equivalent to that of President’s colours, but this is awarded to relatively smaller military formations or units.

 

2. DRDO test-fired air version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile: India successfully test-fired the air version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the integrated test range of Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. The air version of the missile was test-fired from supersonic fighter aircraft Sukhoi 30 MK-I. BrahMos is a joint venture between DRDO (India) and NPO Mashinostroyeniya (Russia) for the development, production, and marketing of the supersonic cruise missile which has been inducted into the Indian Armed Forces. The missile derives its name from the rivers of Brahmaputra in India and Moskva in Russia.

Note: Chairman DRDO: Dr G Satheesh Reddy; DRDO Headquarters: New Delhi; DRDO Established: 1958.

Daily GK Update- 14th Dec, 2021

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UP cabinet approves Atma Nirbhar Krishak development scheme: Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Atma Nirbhar Krishak development scheme for boosting the agriculture sector. Atma Nirbhar Krishak development scheme will be implemented from the current financial year. Under this scheme, 1,475 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) will be formed in the next three years in each development block. Under the scheme:

(1) The scheme will provide a long-term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for postharvest management infrastructure and community.

(2) Rs 1 lakh crore will be provided by banks and financial institutions as loans to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, Marketing Cooperative Societies, Self Help Groups, farmers, and joint liability groups.

(3) All loans will be provided with an interest subvention of 3 per cent per annum up to a limit of Rs 2 crore. The scheme will be funded through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).

Note: UP Capital: Lucknow; UP Governor: Anandiben Patel; UP Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath.

 

2. Bhasha Sangam mobile app launched with 22 languages: Union Minister of State for Education, Dr Subhas Sarkar has informed that the government is all set to launch Bhasha Sangam mobile app. The mobile app is developed to give users familiarity with common expressions of daily conversation in scheduled Indian languages. The app has 100+ sentences, designed on different themes that allow people to learn basic conversation in 22 Indian languages, test themselves and generate online certificates. The app aims to foster the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat by enabling people across India to learn the different languages of different states of India and come closer to their culture.

 

3. Ministry of Power kickstarts celebration of Energy Conservation Week: Ministry of Power is celebrated the Energy Conservation Week from 8th to 14th December 2021 under “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”. Celebration by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency include three major activities i.e. National Painting Competition for school children, National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) for Industries and establishments and National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards (NEEIA) to recognize innovative energy efficiency technologies. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has been organising National Level Painting Competitions on Energy Conservation for school children studying in 4th to 10th standard. This year, the themes for the competition are “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav: Energy Efficient India” and “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav: Cleaner Planet”.

 

4. National Energy Conservation Day 2021: 14th December: Every year on the 14th of December, National Energy Conservation day is celebrated in India. This occasion has been celebrated since 1991 when is led by the Ministry of power. This day is celebrated to raise awareness regarding the conservation of energy as it is the best way to have a greener and brighter future.

History of the day: Back in 2001, the Indian bureau of energy efficiency implemented the Indian energy conservation act which focused on formulating policies regarding energy conservation. since then on every 14th December various discussions, conferences, and workshops are organized to raise awareness regarding energy conservation. These events are organized across the country.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Canada, Australia and UK join US boycott of Beijing Olympic: Canada will join the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics over human rights concerns. The announcement came after the White House, the Australian government and the UK government confirmed diplomatic boycotts of the Winter Games in February to protest Chinese human rights abuses. China has vowed to react with “firm countermeasures.” The diplomatic moves by Canada, the U.S., Britain and Australia do not affect their athletes’ ability to compete in the games.

Australia boycott Beijing Olympics: Australia took this decision amid a disagreement with China over several issues, ranging from Australia’s foreign interference laws to a move to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

Canada boycott Beijing Olympics: Relations between Canada and China have been poor since China arrested two Canadians in China in Dec. 2018, shortly after Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, Huawei Technologies’ chief financial officer and the daughter of the company’s founder, on a U.S. extradition request.

United Kingdom boycott Beijing Olympics: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said no ministers will attend due to alleged human rights abuses in China, which Beijing strongly denies.

The 2022 Winter Olympics: The 2022 Winter Olympics are an upcoming international winter multi-sport event. This event is scheduled to take place from February 4 to 20, 2022 in Beijing, China. It will be the first Winter Olympics in China as well as the last of three consecutive Olympics which is to be held in East Asia, after the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, and the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan.

 

2. World Inequality Report 2022 announced: France-based World Inequality Lab published its report titled “World Inequality Report 2022”. This report was authored by Lucas Chancel, who is the co-director of World Inequality Lab. It was coordinated by famed French economist Thomas Piketty. In 2021 the top 10 percent and top 1 percent of the Indian population hold 57 percent and 22 percent of total national income respectively, whereas the share of the bottom 50 percent has gone down to 13 percent.  Key Findings analysis on inequalities in India:

(1) The report notes that the top 1 % of India’s population owns more than one-fifth of the total national income in 2021.

(2) The bottom half of the population earns just 13.1 per cent.

(3) It highlights that economic reforms and liberalization that India has adopted, have mostly benefited the top 1 per cent.

(4) The report identifies India as a poor and unequal country, with an affluent elite.

(5) 1 per cent richest people in India hold 22% of the total national income in 2021, while the top 10 % owns 57 per cent of the income.

(6) The average national income of the Indian adult population is Rs 204,200 in 2021, on the basis of purchasing power parity.

(7) However, the report clarified that the average national income of a country masks inequalities.

The scenario in the world’s richest nation: The ratio in the richest nation that is the US, is 1 to 17. The richest ten of the global population owns 52 per cent of global income. On the other hand, the poorest half of the population earns 8.5 per cent of the global income.

Global Scenario: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are the most unequal regions in the world, whereas Europe has the lowest inequality levels. In Europe, the top 10 per cent income share is around 36 per cent, whereas in MENA it is 58 per cent.

 

3. FM Nirmala Sitharaman Ranked 37th on Forbes’ 2021 World’s 100 Most Powerful Women: Finance Minister(FM) of India, Nirmala Sitharaman has ranked 37th on the Forbes’ list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women 2021 or 18th Edition of Forbes’ list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. She has been featured on the list for the 3rd year in a row. She was ranked 41st on the list in 2020 and 34th in 2019. India’s seventh woman billionaire and the wealthiest self-made billionaire, Falguni Nayar, founder and CEO, Nykaa was ranked 88th on the list. Only 4 Indian Women ranked in Forbes 2021 World’s 100 Most Powerful Women List.

Other Indian women on the list:

(1) Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of the HCL Technology, the first woman to lead a listed IT company in India was ranked 52nd on the list.

(2) Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson and founder of Biocon was ranked 72nd on the list. She founded India’s largest listed biopharmaceutical firm in India in 1978.

Highlights of the list:

(1) The 3rd richest woman in the world, MacKenzie Scott, philanthropist, author and ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was topped Forbes’ 2021 World’s 100 Most Powerful Women replacing the outgoing German chancellor Angela Merkel who topped the 15 out of 17 iterations of the list.

(2) Kamala Harris, the first woman and the first person of colour(Black) to become the Vice President of the United States of America was ranked 2nd on the list.

(3) Janet Yellen, the first woman to be named the U.S. Treasury Secretary has ranked 39th on the list.

(4) The list also features Oprah Winfrey (23), Jacinda Ardern (34), Rihanna (68), and others.

(5) Taylor Swift (31 years old) ranked 78th, is the youngest woman featured in the list and Queen Elizabeth II (95 years old) ranked 70th, is the oldest.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposed restrictions on Nagar Urban Co-operative Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has imposed several restrictions on Nagar Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, including restrictions on withdrawals up to Rs. 10,000 for customers. RBI has issued the directions in the exercise of powers vested in it under subsection (1) of Section 35 A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 for six months. The bank shall not, without prior approval of RBI, grant or renew any loans and advances, make any investment, incur any liability, disburse any payment, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets. The bank will continue to undertake banking business with restrictions till its financial position improves.

Note: Nagar Urban Co-operative Bank Headquarters: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra; Nagar Urban Co-operative Bank Acting CEO:  V. Rokde; Nagar Urban Co-operative Bank Slogan: ‘One Family….. One Bank’.

 

2. Shivalik SFB with indiagold launches loan against digital gold: Shivalik Small Finance Bank (SSFB) signed a partnership agreement with fintech firm, Indiagold to launch India’s first Loan against Digital Gold. This agreement will enable customers to use their digital gold balance to avail of instant and digital loans up to Rs. 60,000 and also seamlessly access gold loans starting at a monthly interest of just 1%. To provide access to secure and affordable credit to the customers looking for quick liquidity against their gold assets.

Note: Shivalik Small Finance Bank Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Shivalik Small Finance Bank MD & CEO: Suveer Kumar Gupta.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Fitch Ratings cuts India’s FY22 GDP Growth Forecast to 8.4%: Fitch Ratings has slashed India’s economic growth forecast in the financial year 2021-22 (FY22) to 8.4 per cent and raised the growth projection to 10.3 per cent for FY23, compared to October 2021 rating projections of 8.7 per cent (FY22) and 10 per cent (FY23). In the December report:

(1) India’s GDP grew 11.4 per cent in the Q2 FY22 over the April-June quarter of FY22 on a seasonally adjusted basis. The economy has contracted 4 per cent in the April-June quarter in FY22 over the fourth quarter of FY23.

(2) Indian economy had contracted by 7.3 per cent in FY21 due to COVID-19.

(3) The rating agency has expected the headline inflation to average 4.9 per cent in 2022 and 4.2 per cent in 2023, from 5 per cent in 2021.

(4) In India, less than one-third of the population is fully vaccinated and the new Omicron variant poses a new risk to the recovery.

Note: Fitch Ratings President: Ian Linnell; Fitch Ratings Headquarters: New York, United States.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. IIT-Kanpur Scientist Ropesh Goyal bags “Young Geospatial Scientist” Award: Ropesh Goyal from IIT-Kanpur won the ‘Young Geospatial Scientist’ award in recognition of his unique contribution to developing the Indian Geoid Model and computation software. Member of Space Commission, Government of India, and former ISRO Chairman AS Kiran Kumar presented the award to Goyal during the inaugural event of the DigiSmart India 2021 conference hosted by the Geospatial World.

About the award: The ‘Young Geospatial Scientist’ award and a gold medal have been presented every year since 2011 to promising scientists below 35 years of age in memory of Rachapudi Kamakshi, a strategic analyst with a strong inclination towards geography and geospatial studies. The Rachapudi Kamakshi Memorial Trust is an organisation founded to help and encourage students and young and talented individuals with great ideas and research work in the field of geospatial sciences.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Serum Institute of India ED Suresh Jadhav passes away: Serum Institute of India’s Executive Director Dr Suresh Jadhav has passed away. He played an important role in the development of the Covishield vaccine. He was part of several national and international bodies and organisations. Serum Institute of India is the world’s largest vaccine maker. It is the second company to apply for the approval of a vaccine candidate from the Drugs Controller General of India.