Daily GK Update- 12th Oct, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ex-CJI K.G. Balakrishnan to head Commission to inquire into demand for SC status to non-Hindu Dalits: The Union Government has appointed a three-member commission, headed by former Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan, to consider the possibility of granting SC status to “new persons who have historically belonged to the Scheduled Castes’’ but have converted to religions other than Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Key Points:

a)      According to a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the commission will also include retired IAS officer Dr Ravinder Kumar Jain and UGC member Prof (Dr) Sushma Yadav as members.

b)      The commission will have to submit its report to the Ministry in two years.

c)       The Government’s move to set up a national commission to study the social, economic and educational status of members of SCs who have converted mainly to Islam and Christianity.

d)      Need of the Commission: The new commission has been set up at a time when the Supreme Court is hearing a PIL filed by the National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC), which has been fighting for SC status since 2020 — there have been numerous other cases filed in the apex court on the matter since 2004. In August, the Supreme Court had directed the Centre to submit its current position on the issue.

e)      The commission will also examine the implications of any decision in this matter on existing SCs, and the changes they go through on converting to other religions in terms of customs, traditions, social and other discrimination, and deprivation.

According To the Constitution: The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, stipulates that no person professing a religion different from Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism can be deemed to be a member of a Scheduled Caste. The original order under which only Hindus were classified was later amended to include Sikhs and Buddhists.

 

2. GoI named Delhi HC Judge Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma as Presiding Officer of UAPA Tribunal: The government of India has appointed Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma of the Delhi High Court as the presiding officer of the tribunal for the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), related to the ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its associates. Once an organisation is banned under the provisions of UAPA, a tribunal is set up by the government to adjudicate whether there are sufficient grounds for the decision. Key Points:

a)      According to procedure, the Union Home Ministry requests the Law Ministry to name a sitting judge of a High Court to be the presiding officer, and the Law Ministry, in turn, requests the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court to recommend a name. The Home Ministry will now issue a formal notification naming Justice Sharma as presiding officer.

b)      On September 28, the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued a notification declaring “the PFI and its associates or affiliates or fronts as an unlawful association with immediate effect”.

c)       The National Investigation Agency as well as the Enforcement Directorate had alleged that PFI was engaged in raising and collecting funds from abroad and transferring them to India through “clandestine and illegal channels”.

 

3. Cheetah Introduction Project Monitoring: Centre set up 9-member task force: The Center has established a Task Force to oversee the introduction of cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park and other suitably specified places. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) would support the Cheetah Task Force’s operations and provide all essential assistance. Principal Secretaries of Madhya Pradesh’s Forests and Tourism, as well as Dr. Amit Mallick, Inspector General of the NTCA in New Delhi, will be among the task force’s nine members.

Key Points:

a)      The Task Force will be active for two years, according to a statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.

b)      As and when they want, this task group may designate a subcommittee to visit the Cheetah introduction area on a regular basis.

c)       The Task Force for Cheetah Introduction Project Monitoring was established to assess, track, and keep an eye on the Cheetah’s health, the condition of the cage used for quarantine and soft release, the overall area’s level of protection, and compliance with the established regulations.

d)      Additionally, the Task Force for Cheetah Introduction Project Monitoring will keep an eye on the cheetahs’ adaption to the Kuno National Park ecosystem and their hunting prowess.

e)      Additionally, it will advocate for the construction of tourism-related infrastructure in the surroundings of Kuno National Park and adjacent Protected Areas.

 

4. Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel inaugurates Chhattisgarh Olympic: Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel has inaugurated the state’s own Olympics. The aim is to provide a centerstage to the village level sports so that a feeling of pride for the culture is inculcated. Secondly, to channelise the energy of the local youths which is very important for our society. The event will continue till January 6, 2023 and as many as 14 types of traditional sports have been included in the team and individual categories of separate age groups. Key Points:

a)      The traditional sports competition of Chhattisgarh will be held in group and singles categories. A total 14 types of traditional sports have been included in the Chhattisgarh Olympics 2022-23.

b)      The games falling under the team category include gilli-danda, pitthul, sankhali, langdi-race, kabaddi, kho-Kho and kancha.

c)       Similarly, games under the Individual category include billas, fugdi, gedi race, bhaura (Indian spinning top), 100-meters race and long jump.

d)      The ‘Chhattisgarhiya Olympics’ will be organised at six levels.

e)      The first is the village level that will be of ‘Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club’. The second is the zonal level in which there will be a club comprising eight Rajiv Yuva Mitan clubs. Similarly, at the development block/urban cluster level, district level, divisional level, and lastly at the state level.

f)        Besides, there are three age group categories including the first category for participants till the age of 18 years, the second for the participants under 18-40 years of age group, and lastly for participants above 40 years of age.

Note: Chhattisgarh Capital: Raipur; Chhattisgarh Chief Minister: Bhupesh Baghel; Chhattisgarh Governor: Anusuiya Uikey.

 

5. IREDA celebrates “Cyber Jaagrukta Diwas”: To create cybersecurity awareness among all employees, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) observed the “Cyber Jaagrukta Diwas”. On this occasion, Shri Alok Kumar, Information Security Consultant, AKS IT Services, shared his insights with IREDA employees on the practice of cyber hygiene. Cyber Jaagrukta Diwas is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs that requires all government organizations to spread cybersecurity awareness. It is observed on first Wednesday of every month. The purpose is to create awareness and sensitize the Internet users on safeguarding against cyber frauds and cybercrimes.

All the concerned organizations are requested to observe Cyber Jagrookta Diwas by generating cybersecurity awareness through seminars, workshops, quiz competitions, interactive sessions, case studies, creative sessions, and best practices.

 

6. 56 mn Indians may have turned poor in 2020 due to pandemic: World Bank: According to new estimates by the World Bank, the pandemic has caused 56 million Indians to experience extreme poverty in 2020, bringing the global total to 71 million and making it the worst year for poverty reduction since World War II. Key Points:

a)      The World Bank updated its estimates of poverty in its most recent report, “Poverty and Shared Prosperity,” using a new extreme poverty limit based on the purchasing power parity (PPP) of $2.15 rather than the previous one, which was set at $1.9.

b)      According to estimates by economists, between 275 million and 300 million people experienced extreme poverty as a result of the pandemic. Even the multidimensional poverty index created by the NITI Aayog classifies 25% of the population as poor.

c)       The Ukraine conflict, as well as increasing food and energy costs, have made things worse. By the end of this year, 685 million people may be living in extreme poverty, which is almost 90 million more than what would have happened if poverty reduction had continued at the pre-COVID rate.

d)      The World Bank suggested fiscal policy measures to repair the damage, saying that programmes like targeted cash transfers were considerably more likely to reach poor and vulnerable groups.

e)      More than 60% of cash transfer spending goes to the lower 40% of the population. There is growing evidence that they have long-term benefits, such as helping families to make critical investments in their children’s education.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Pakistan to Take Part in The SCO Anti-Terror Exercise Hosted by India: Pakistan has confirmed that it will attend the Shanghai cooperation organisation’s anti-terror exercises in India. Pakistan, which is a part of SCO will take part in counter-terror drills in Haryana’s Manesar in October. These exercises will be conducted under the ambit of the SCO regional anti-terrorism structure (RATS). A three-member Pakistani delegation will take part in the meeting in Delhi.

India will be hosting the SCO RATS council meeting on October 14th this year in Delhi. New Delhi has also proposed holding a SCO joint anti-terrorist exercise (JATE) in Manesar this year, something that has been supported by all member countries. The last such anti-terror exercises took place in Pakistan’s Pabbi. On March 25th this year, the 37th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO RATS) took place in Tashkent under the chairmanship of India.

About RATS: SCO-RATS is a permanent body of the SCO and is intended to facilitate coordination and interaction between the SCO member states in the fight against terrorism, extremism and separatism. The main functions of SCO-RATS are coordination and information sharing.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was established as a multilateral association to ensure security and maintain stability across the vast Eurasian region. It envisages joining forces to counteract emerging challenges and threats, and enhance trade, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation. It was created in 2001. Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were members of the Shanghai Five. Following the accession of Uzbekistan to the organisation in 2001, the Shanghai Five was renamed the SCO. The SCO Charter was signed in 2002 and entered into force in 2003. The SCO’s official languages are Russian and Chinese.

 

2. World Arthritis Day: 12th October: World Arthritis Day is observed on 12 October every year and it is a global health awareness event that helps create awareness about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. This day aims to bring people around the world on a single platform so that their voices are heard, and more support is provided for better treatment options for the people affected with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). The theme for World Arthritis Day 2022 is “It’s in your hands, take action”. The theme aims to encourage people with arthritis, their caregivers, families, and the general public so that they don’t feel that they are alone in this situation.

World Arthritis Day History: World arthritis day (WAD) was established by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI). The first event for World Arthritis Day was organized on 12 October 1996. Since then, various local, and global communities like Arthritis Foundation have come together to raise awareness and fight the awareness gap in order to provide support and access to the communities.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Formula-1 Racing: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen wins F1 Japanese Grand Prix: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was declared Formula One world champion after winning a dramatic rain-shortened Japanese Grand Prix. This was the 25-year-old Dutchmans second championship in a row, which he won with four races to go. Red Bull’s Verstappen crossed the line first and he was then awarded the title when second-place finisher Charles Leclerc was given a five-second penalty, dropping him to third.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI to start a pilot programme for Digital Rupee: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that it will shortly start restricted test launches of the digital rupee for particular use cases. The concept paper was made public as part of an experiment with digital money in India. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is currently developing a phased deployment plan while investigating the advantages and disadvantages of a central bank digital currency. Key Points:

a)      Additionally, the central bank stated that the Concept Note on Central Bank Digital Currency was published to raise awareness about Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in general and the proposed features of the Digital Rupee.

b)      According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s concept paper on Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), application cases for an electronic rupee are being looked at in a way that causes little to no interruption to the financial system. The Central Government said in February that a digital rupee will be introduced during the current fiscal year.

c)       The concept note also covers important issues such technology and design options, potential applications for the digital rupee, and issuance procedures.

d)      The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) concept note also analyses privacy problems and looks at how the adoption of CBDC may affect the banking sector, monetary policy, and financial stability.

e)      The central bank stated that both retail and wholesale digital currency have appeal, suggesting that it may take both into consideration.

f)        The goal of the digital rupee is to mimic the characteristics of money. But unlike bank deposits, it wouldn’t pay interest.

Note: Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Shaktikanta Das; Headquarters of Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Mumbai

 

2. Prashant Kumar appointed as MD & CEO of Yes Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Prashant Kumar as the MD and CEO of YES Bank for another three years. The appointment will be subject to the approval of shareholders of the private sector lender. He was appointed as the CEO of the bank after YES Bank was bailed out by a consortium of lenders in March 2020.

Note: Yes Bank Founded: 2004; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Tagline: Experience our Expertise

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. World Bank slashes India’s economic growth forecast to 6.5% for FY23: The World Bank cut its 2022-23 (FY23) real gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for India to 6.5%, from an earlier estimate of 7.5%, while warning that spillovers from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and global monetary tightening will weigh on the economic outlook.

In its twice-a-year report on South Asia, the World Bank said, “Private investment growth is likely to be dampened by heightened uncertainty and higher financing costs.” The international financial institution also noted that slowing global demand will impact the country’s exports. This is the third time the World Bank has revised its GDP growth forecast for India in FY23. In June, it had slashed its FY23 GDP growth forecast for India to 7.5%. Earlier in April, it had trimmed the forecast from 8.7% to 8%.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India-New Zealand Navies sign pact on White Shipping Information Exchange: The Royal New Zealand navy and the Indian navy have signed a contract on the exchange of White Shipping Information Exchange. Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R. Hari Kumar and New Zealand Navy Chief Rear Admiral David Proctor signed the contract. In order to encourage more openness in the Maritime Domain, the agreement was signed. Key Points:

a)      The convergence viewpoints of both nations to encourage more openness in the maritime domain support closer collaboration for improving common maritime domain awareness.

b)      The communication of previous knowledge regarding the location and identification of commercial, non-military merchant boats is known as the White Shipping Information.

c)       White, black, and grey ships are classed as commercial, illegal, and military boats, respectively.

d)      The White Shipping Agreement is a protocol for an information network that enables the navies of two nations to exchange data about ships in respective nautical domains.

About White Shipping Information: White shipping information refers to the sharing of earlier knowledge on the location and identity of commercial, non-military merchant vessels. White, black, and grey ship categories denote commercial, illicit, and military ship types, respectively. The White Shipping Information Exchange Agreement is an information network protocol that enables two nations’ navy to communicate information on ships that are inside their nautical borders.

Daily GK Update- 11th Oct, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurated AIIMS in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) at Kothipura in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. This institution will be built over an area of about 247 acres with the cost of 1471 crore rupees. PM Modi also inaugurated and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 3,650 crore. Other projects:

a)      Inaugurated 140 crore rupees Government Hydro Engineering College in Bilaspur.

b)      Foundation stones of 350 crore rupees for Medical Devices Park at Nalagarh.

c)       Pinjore-Nalagarh four-lane road project under the Bharat Mala project with a cost of 1692 crore rupees.

Note: Himachal Pradesh Capital: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (winter); Chief Minister: Jai Ram Thakur; Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar

 

2. Gujarat launched Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Schemes 2022 for Industries: The Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has launched an incentive scheme for industries to attract Rs 12.5 lakh crore of investments to the state in the next 10 years. This scheme will remain in force for MSMEs, Large and Mega industrial units. He has unveiled the “Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Schemes 2022 for assistance to Industries”.

The government aims to attract investments worth Rs 12.5 lakh crore to create jobs for some 15 lakh youths. The benefits under the scheme will be extended to 10 sectors including green energy ecosystem, mobility, capital equipment, metals and mineral, textile and apparel, sustainability, agro processing, chemicals, gems and jewellery, and healthcare. The incentive schemes also include EPF and SGST reimbursements.

Note: Gujarat Capital: Gandhinagar; Governor: Acharya Devvrat

 

3. FinMin allows airlines to avail up to Rs 1,500 crore loan under ECLGS: The Union Finance Minister allowed airlines to avail of up to Rs 1,500 crore loan under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS). The ECLGS will help them to recover their cash flow problems. Earlier, an airline could only avail of a loan of not more than Rs 400 crore under the ECLGS. In 2020, the Centre started to provide collateral-dree and government-guaranteed loans to businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Key Points:

a)      The Finance Minister’s decision will likely benefit the financially affected airlines.

b)      It is a positive approach for the airlines to secure their working capital and funds for operation.

c)       The Department of Financial Services has informed that it has enhanced the maximum loan amount eligibility for airlines under the ECLGS to 100 percent of their total credit outstanding.

d)      The modification in the policy aims to give necessary collateral-free liquidity at reasonable interest rates

 

4. India emerges as largest producer of sugar in world: India has emerged as the largest producer and consumer of sugar in the world and the second largest exporter. During the sugar season in India, over 5,000 lakh metric tons (LMT) of sugarcane was produced out of which about 3,574 LMT was crushed by Sugar Mills to produce about 349 LMT of Sugar. 35 LMT of Sugar is diverted to ethanol production and 359 LMT of sugar was produced in sugar mills.

Key Points:

a)      During this season all records of sugarcane production, sugar production, sugar export, came to produce, cane dues paid and ethanol production were made.

b)      In 2020-21, India made records with the highest exports of about 109.8 LMT with no financial assistance.

c)       The sugar exports from India earned foreign currency of about Rs 40,000 crore for the country.

d)      This achievement of the sugar industry was possible with the help of the Central and State Governments, Farmers, Sugar Mills, etc.

e)      During the Sugar season, Sugar mills produced sugarcane worth more than Rs 1.18 lakh crore and released a payment of more than Rs 1.12 crore with no financial assistance.

 

5. ABARD sanctioned Rs 222 crore for infra in rural schools in Punjab: NABARD has sanctioned Rs 221.99 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to the Punjab government. Key Points:

a)      It has sanctioned money from the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for the construction of 2,328 additional classrooms, 762 labs, and 648 playgrounds in rural schools in all 23 districts.

b)      In addition to this, 404 integrated science labs, 62 physics labs, 44 chemistry labs, 54 biology labs, 103 computer labs, and 55 National Skills Qualification Framework labs have also been sanctioned.

c)       The projects aim to benefit a total of 3.80 lakh students, including likely new enrolment of 3.5 lakh students, in more than 3,500 villages.

d)      Presently, there are 632 projects underway that are being built with Rs 686 crore granted under the RIDF by the Department of School Education, Punjab.

Note: Punjab Capital: Chandigarh; Chief Minister: Bhagwant Mann; Governor: Banwarilal Purohit

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Founded: 12 July 1982; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Chairman: Govinda Rajulu Chintala

 

6. Himachal Pradesh government launched ‘Satya Nishtha’ app: Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur has launched the ‘Satya Nishtha’ app that will help state police to investigate and control criminal activities. The app will help police prepare a database of criminals and also study the various offenses that take place under different police stations in the district. The app was designed under the guidance of Kangra Superintendent of Police Kushal Sharma. The data are available in the app to be accessed from anywhere and at any time. The app has been brought out at a cost of Rs 3.70 lakh.

Note: Himachal Pradesh Capital: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (winter); Chief Minister: Jai Ram Thakur; Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian-origin Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy is US representative on WHO executive board: Indian-origin Dr. Vivek Murthy has been nominated by US President Joe Biden to serve as the country’s representative on the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation. Dr. Murthy will serve as the US Representative on WHO Executive Board and he will continue his duties as the US Surgeon General. Key Points:

a)      On March 2021, Dr. Vivek Murthy was confirmed to serve as the 21st Surgeon General of the Country.

b)      Previously, he served as the 19th Surgeon General under the Presidency of Barack Obama.

c)       Dr. Murthy as the nation’s doctor aims to draw attention to and work across Government to address several critical public health issues.

d)      Dr. Murthy is also the Vice Admiral of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps; he also commands a uniformed service of over 6000 dedicated public health officers.

e)      He is the first Indian-origin Surgeon General of the US, he was raised in Miami and graduated from Harvard, the Yale School of Medicine, and the Yale School of Management. He is a renowned physician, research scientist, entrepreneur, and author.

 

2. International Day of the Girl Child: 11th October: International Day of the Girl Child is observed on October 11 to raise awareness about the importance and potential girls hold as the future of our society. The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. This year’s theme for the International Day of the Girl Child is “Our time is now—our rights, our future”. The focus is on the multitude of challenges put in front of girls’ path to reach their potential.

International Day of the Girl Child History: In 1995 at the World Conference on Women in Beijing countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing the rights of not only women but girls. The Beijing Declaration is the first to specifically call out girls’ rights. On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Launches DAKSH- Reserve Bank’s Advanced Supervisory Monitoring System: The Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das launched a new ‘SupTech’ initiative DAKSH – the bank’s Advanced Supervisory Monitoring System, which is expected to make the supervisory processes more robust. Key Points:

a)      DAKSH means ‘efficient’ & ‘competent’, reflecting the underlying capabilities of the application.

b)      DAKSH is a web-based end-to-end workflow application through which RBI shall monitor compliance requirements in a more focused manner with the objective of further improving the compliance culture in Supervised Entities (SEs) like Banks, NBFCs, etc.

c)       The application will also enable seamless communication, inspection planning and execution, cyber incident reporting and analysis, provision of various MIS reports etc., through a Platform which enables anytime-anywhere secure access.

 

2. HDFC Bank launched SmartHub Vyapar for merchants: Private sector lenders HDFC Bank has launched a one-stop merchant solution app named SmartHub Vyapar Merchant app. It is a comprehensive payment and banking solution. HDFC Bank has developed the Smart Hub Vyapar app in partnership with a merchant Saas platform, Mintoak Innovations India that enables merchants to accept interoperable payments across multiple payment modes which include Cards, UPI, and QR code. The bank claims to be adding more than 75,000 merchants every month.

Note: HDFC Bank Founded: August 1994; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; MD & CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan; Tagline: We understand your world

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Sevices Sector Growth Falls to 6 Months Low: Growth in India’s services industry eased to a six-month low in September, led by a cooling in demand amid high inflation, a private survey showed. The S&P Global India services Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 54.3 in September from August’s 57.2, lower than the Reuters poll expectation of 57.0. Key Points:

a)      However, the September reading stayed above the 50-mark separating growth from contraction for the fourteenth straight month – the longest stretch of expansion since October 2016.

b)      Weak external demand weighed on sales of services sector, with international orders declining further in September, according to the survey.

c)       Service providers reported a further increase in their operating expenses during September, owing to higher energy, food, labour and material costs. Hiring in the sector continued for the fourth month but fewer jobs were created compared to August.

d)      Capacity pressures moderated in September, with services companies signalling the slowest increase in backlogs since February. Nevertheless, efforts to clear pending workloads and ongoing expansions in sales supported another round of job creation. Employment rose at a slower rate than in August, however,” the survey said.

 

2. Airtel joined hand with Nokia to bring 5G to Kashi Vishwanath temple and Statue of Unity: Bharti Airtel and Nokia have joined hands to bring India’s first 5G enabled immersive experience to visitors at the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2022. Airtel and Nokia will bring to life the cultural splendour of Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Statue of Unity through Holographic images demonstrating the benefits of ultra-fast and low latency 5G network. With the advent of 5G, immersive virtual tourism is expected to help reinvent the travel and tourism industry where the masses would be able to see remote places and monuments from the comfort of their homes.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nobel Peace Prize 2022: Human rights campaigners in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus awarded: Ales Bialiatski, a human rights defender from Belarus who is now incarcerated, Memorial, a Russian human rights organisation, and Center for Civil Liberties, a Ukrainian human rights organisation, have all been jointly given this year’s Nobel Peace Prize 2022. The Russian human rights organisation Memorial is one of the two organisations to receive this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. The Memorial was ordered to close down during a wave of repression against critical voices and refers to it as “the conscience of Russia prohibited under Putin.” During a time of unrest in Ukraine, the Center for Civil Liberties was established in 2007 to advance democracy and human rights there.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Arun Bali Death, legendaru actor, dies at 79 in Mumbai: Arun Bali, a seasoned actor best remembered for playing Kunwar Singh in Swabhimaan, passed away at the age of 79. The actor passed away in Mumbai, according to various sources. On October 7, his final movie, Goodbye, was released in theatres. In the Friday-released movie Goodbye, Arun Bali made his final appearance. Arun Bali was sent to the hospital after receiving a rare neuromuscular illness diagnosis earlier this year.

Arun Bali Career: Arun Bali performed in a number of movies and TV shows, notably the 1991 historical drama Chanakya, in which he played King Porus. In the movie Hey Ram, he also played Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, the chief minister of West Bengal (2000). Arun Bali‘s performance as Harshvardhan Wadhwa in Kumkum is well renowned. Arun Bali is well recognised for his parts in films like Panipat, Kedarnath, and 3 Idiots

Daily GK Update- 10th Oct, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s first Green Technology incubation facility opened at NIT Srinagar: At the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, a technology company incubator centred on green technology (Green Technology incubation facility) called the “Greenovator Incubation Foundation” will soon open. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is supporting a three-year initiative known as Inclusive TBI (i-TBI) for educational institutions, idea generators, innovators, and entrepreneurs to support innovative ideas, startup initiatives, and promote self-employment and job creation through incubation. Key Points:

a)      All of the money required to establish the Green Technology incubation facility centre will be provided by the Department of Science and Technology. Startups will have access to the co-working space, which includes conference spaces, a prototype lab, and other amenities.

b)      In addition to office space, financial support in the form of seed money would be provided on an individual basis with equity in accordance with DST criteria.

c)       Saad Parvez, the center’s CEO, described the forthcoming centre as the first of its type in the area and claimed that it would foster ideas that would lead to entrepreneurship and self-employment.

d)      Saad Parvez continued by saying that this will be India’s first green technology incubation centre. Aside from the softer aspects of GreenTech that fit with the theme of the valley, the proposed incubator would address some of the issues that have the potential to alter the socioeconomic standing of the valley and produce innovations that could be applied to other markets, increasing the likelihood of interstate trade and commerce.

e)      AgriTech, EnviroTech, and AlterTech are some of the key topics on which the centre will concentrate.

 

2. UP first all-woman PAC battalions formed by Uttar Pradesh Govt: According to Chief Minister Office officials, the Uttar Pradesh government announced the creation of the first three all-female Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) battalions in the state. The objective of the action is to give women control over the state’s security. Additionally, by designating women beat constables, women’s aid desks were established at each of the state’s 1,584 police stations. Key Points:

a)      Veer Naris inspired the naming of the brigade. In accordance with the policy, 20% of the state’s police force was set aside for the appointment of women in order to empower them while also providing protection.

b)      In honour of the state’s valiant and gallant women, three Provincial Sashastra Seema Bal PAC lady battalions are being formed. These three battalions are being called in honour of the Indian liberation fighters Rani Avantibai Lodhi, Uday Devi, and Jhalkari Bai.

c)       They are establishing themselves in Gorakhpur, Lucknow, and Badaun.

d)      One women’s battalion of the PAC is now in the process of posting 1262 positions.

e)      There are also positions for a shivirpal, nine assistant senanayaks, three deputy senanayaks, 24 inspectors, 108 head constables, 842 scavengers, and cooks.

Note: Capital of Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow; Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath

 

3. Brig. B.D. Mishra assumes additional charge as Governor of Meghalaya: At the Raj Bhavan in Shillong, Brigadier (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.), the governor of Arunachal Pradesh, assumed the role of governor of Meghalaya. After previous Governor Satya Pal Malik’s term ended because he did not receive a term extension, he has been handed the extra responsibility. The oath was delivered by Justice Harman Singh Thangkhiew, acting chief justice of Meghalaya.

Brig. B. D. Mishra is a combat veteran who fought for India in three significant conflicts in 1962, 1965, and 1971. On October 3, 2017, he became the official governor of Arunachal Pradesh.

Note: Capital of Meghalaya: Shillong; Chief Minister of Meghalaya: Conrad Kongkal Sangma

 

4. Sandeep Kumar Gupta assumed charge as Chairman of GAIL: Sandeep Kumar Gupta assumed charge as the chairman and managing director of GAIL (India) Limited. Gupta, who will replace Manoj Jain, has a wide experience of over 34 years in the oil and gas industry. Before joining GAIL, he was working with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) since 2019. Gupta, 56, is a commerce graduate and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. In June, the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) had selected him for the top role at GAIL after interviewing 10 candidates.

Note: GAIL (India) Limited Headquarters: New Delhi; GAIL (India) Limited Founded: 1984.

 

5. Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Day: 9th October: October 9 is celebrated as Indian Foreign Service Day. On 9 October 1946, the Indian government established the Indian Foreign Service for India’s diplomatic, consular and commercial representation overseas.

In 1947, there was a near seamless transformation of the Foreign and Political department of the British India government into what then became the new Ministry of External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations, and in 1948, the first batch recruited under the combined Civil Service Examination system of the Union Public Service Commission joined the service. This system of entry has remained the staple mode of intake into the Indian Foreign Service to this day.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Captain Ibrahim Traore chosen as President of Burkina Faso: Following Burkina Faso‘s second coup in less than nine months, Captain Ibrahim Traore was named president, according to an official announcement. At the weekend, newly-emerging competitor Captain Ibrahim Traore, who was heading a band of unhappy junior officers, overthrew Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had seized control in January, sending the poor Sahel nation into fresh upheaval. Key Points:

a)      It was the most recent coup to occur in the Sahel, a region that, like Burkina Faso, is grappling with an escalating Islamist insurgency.

b)      Following the two-day standoff, which was resolved by community and religious leaders, Damiba escaped to Togo.

c)       A seven-year-old jihadist campaign in Burkina Faso has resulted in thousands of deaths, over two million house evacuations, and the loss of government authority over more than a third of the nation.

d)      Damiba’s January coup against the elected president was brought about by growing resentment among the military forces.

e)      After appointing himself interim head of state, Damiba had sworn to put the country’s security first; yet, the assaults resumed after a brief calm, killing hundreds of people.

Note: Capital of Burkina Faso: Ouagadougou; Currency of Burkina Faso: West African CFA franc

 

2. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-5 Launches to International Space Station: A SpaceX rocket soared into orbit from Florida carrying the next long-term International Space Station crew, with a Russian cosmonaut, two Americans and a Japanese astronaut flying together in a demonstration of US-Russian teamwork in space despite Ukraine war tensions.

Crew Members: SpaceX Crew5 astronauts, Russian cosmonaut Anna Kikina, NASA astronaut Josh Cassada, NASA astronaut Nicole Mann and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata.

The ISS Mission:  The mission, designated Crew-5, marks the fifth full-fledged ISS crew NASA has flown aboard a SpaceX vehicle since the private rocket venture founded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk began sending US astronauts aloft in May 2020. The SpaceX launch vehicle, consisting of a Falcon 9 rocket topped with a Crew Dragon capsule dubbed Endurance, lifted off into clear skies at noon from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. The two-stage, 23-story-tall Falcon 9 ascended from the launch tower as its nine Merlin engines roared to life in billowing clouds of vapor and a reddish-orange fireball.

 

3. Sibi George appointed India’s next ambassador to Japan: Senior Diplomat Sibi George was appointed as the next Indian Ambassador to Japan. Sibi George is a 1993-batch Indian Foreign Service Officer. He is currently serving as the ambassador of India to Kuwait. Sibi George will replace Sanjay Kumar Verma as the representative of India to Japan.

In 1993, he joined the Indian Foreign Service. In 2014, the Government of India conferred on him the S.K.Singh Award for his Excellence in Indian Foreign Service.

 

4. World Mental Health Day: 10th October: World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year. On this day, various programs are designed to draw attention to mental health issues and their effects on those affected and the lives of their caregivers. In India, World Mental Health Day is marked on the final day of the Mental Health Awareness Campaign Week campaign, launched last year by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The theme or rather the slogan for 2022’s celebration of World Mental health Day is “Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority.”

World Mental Health Day History: World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is a non-governmental organisation founded in 1948. The then WFMH Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter initiated the first celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 1992. From 1994 onwards, a special theme was selected each year for the global event.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rest of India beat Saurashtra by eight wickets to win Irani Trophy: The Rest of India’s side won the Irani Cup title after beating the Ranji Trophy Champion of 2019-2020 Saurashtra by eight wickets in Rajkot. Rest of India (ROI) chased down the 105-run target, with Abhimanyu Easwaran remaining undefeated on 63 runs while adding 81 runs and Kona Bharat not out at 27. Key Points:

a)      Kuldeep Sen took most of the wickets in the first innings against Saurashtra.

b)      ROI dominated Saurashtra from the opening day when they clean-bowled the opposing team for 98.

c)       The eight-wicket partnership of Jaydev Unadkat and Prerak Mankad, however, Kuldeep Sen changed the game in the favor of ROI.

About Irani Trophy: Irani Trophy is also known as Mastercard Irani Trophy. It is a test match format cricket tournament in India. It is played annually between the incumbent Ranji Trophy winners and the Rest of the India Cricket Team. It is organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI introduces Internal Ombudsman Mechanism for Credit Information Companies (CICs): To enhance the effectiveness of its grievance redressal systems, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has urged Credit Information Companies to designate an internal ombudsman (IO) by April 1, 2023. The Central Bank made the decision in August to include CICs in the scope of the RBI-Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2021 in order to broaden its appeal. Key Points:

a)      Only complaints that the CIC has already reviewed but rejected in whole or in part will be handled by the IO. Direct complaints from complainants or members of the public won’t be handled by it, the RBI said in a circular.

b)      The RBI claimed that the action would give clients of regulated businesses a free alternative dispute resolution method for complaints regarding CICs.

c)       “Every CIC shall appoint the internal ombudsman for a fixed term of not less than three years, but not exceeding five years” the circular said.

d)      The IO position cannot at any moment be left unfilled, hence the CIC must make sure of that, the circular said. Furthermore, it stated that the IO will not be handling any complaints involving fraud and misappropriation, with the exception of those brought about by a CIC service failure.

Who can be appointed: According to the central bank, the internal ombudsman shall be either a retired or a serving officer, not below the rank of deputy general manager or equivalent in any financial sector regulatory body, credit information companies, a non-banking financial company (NBFC) or bank, with necessary skills and experience of at least seven years in banking, non-banking finance, financial sector regulation or supervision, credit information, or consumer protection.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Aditya Birla Health Insurance launches Activ Fit for young & healthy adults: Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited (ABHICL), the health insurance subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL), has launched ‘Active Fit’ which is a comprehensive health insurance plan for young and healthy adults. It is first-of-its-kind in the industry. The ‘Active Fit’ plan by Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited provides an upfront 10 percent good health discount basis an assessment done through a unique facial scan, up to 50 percent HealthReturns TM on being active and 100 percent binge refill to ensure that health insurance becomes an attractive proposition for the cohort. Key Points:

a)      While purchasing the policy, customers get a Good Health Discount of 10 percent upfront.

b)      Customers below the age of 35 years, can avail of an Early Bird Discount at renewal, 5 percent from the 4th to 7th policy year and 10 percent from the 8th policy year for the lifetime of the policy.

c)       The customer’s effort to stay healthy will be awarded with 50 percent HealthReturns TM.

d)      The customers can use the 100 percent binge refill feature in case of hospitalization.

e)      The Active Fit plan also covers Modern Treatment, Mental Care Cover, HIV/AIDS, and STD, Day Care treatments, pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization, and road ambulance cover.

f)        The plan also covers maternity benefits, including normal delivery, C-section Delivery, Newborn baby expenses, vaccination expenses, and stem cell preservation

 

2. Alphabet Inc’s Google to build its first cloud region in Greece: Alphabet Inc’s Google will set up its first cloud region in Greece, the company, giving a boost to the country’s efforts to become a world cloud computing hub. The deal is estimated to contribute some 2.2 billion euros ($2.13 billion) to Greece’s economic output and create some 20,000 jobs by 2030. The investment would enable organisations to better use their data, help improve low latency and ensure users’ security in the face of cybersecurity threats.

Google’s investment comes two years after Microsoft Corp. decided to build a data centre hub in the country. Amazon Inc’s cloud computing division also opened its first office in Greece last year to support what it said was a growing number of companies and public sector agencies using its cloud services.

Note: Google CEO: Sundar Pichai; Google Founded: 4 September 1998, California, United States; Google Founders: Larry Page, Sergey Brin.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. The SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for 2022 will be awarded to Yunqing Tang: The SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for 2022 will be awarded to Yunqing Tang Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, USA. The Award is instituted by the Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) in 2005. The award includes a cash prize of $10,000 and it is presented annually to individuals aged 32 and below, who made an outstanding contribution to the field of mathematics. Key Points:

a)      Ms. Yunqing Tang’s works display a remarkable combination of sophisticated techniques in which the arithmetic and geometry of modular curves and Shimura varieties play a central role.

b)      Tang’s recent woke in collaboration with Frank Calegari and Vesselin Dimitrov on the modular equation is of great significance.

c)       Ms. Yunqing Tang is praised as one of the deepest and most creative Mathematicians of her age.