Daily GK Update- 11th Nov, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils logo, theme and website of India’s G20 presidency: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled India’s logo, theme and website for its presidency of the G20, which reflects the country’s message and overarching priorities to the world. The G20 logo, created with the four colours of India’s national flag, comprises of earth sitting atop a lotus. The seven petals in the logo signify the seven seas and the coming together of seven continents at G20 India 2023. The earth reflects India’s pro-planet approach to life and from this, it derives the theme of G20 India 2023 – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: One Earth, One Family, One Future.” Key Points:

a)      India will be taking over as president of the G20 next month in a “significant step” in the evolution of the country’s foreign policy with the vision of the prime minister to “undertake leadership roles on the global stage”.

b)      The G20 presidency offers a unique opportunity for India to contribute to the global agenda on pressing issues of international importance.

c)       The logo, theme, and website of our G20 presidency would reflect India’s message and overarching priorities to the world. During the course of its G20 Presidency, India will be holding about 200 meetings in 32 different sectors in multiple locations across India.

d)      According to an official statement, during its G20 presidency, India will hold about 200 meetings in 32 different sectors in multiple locations across the country.

 

2. 15th Edition of Urban Mobility India Conference Underway in Kochi: In Kerala, the 15th edition of the Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo opens in Kochi. Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan jointly inaugurated the three-day conference. The meet is focus on the theme, ‘Azadi @ 75 — Sustainable Aatmanirbhar Urban Mobility‘.

The Other Participants: Senior officers from the central and state governments, policymakers, Managing Directors of Metro Rail Companies, Chief Executives of transport undertakings, and international experts are participating in the conference.

About the Conference: A total of 12 sessions were held on day two, including research symposiums on topics like ‘Electric and Clean Urban Mobility’, ‘Sustainable Transport Planning’ and ‘Urban Transport Governance’.  The Plenary Session was on ‘Strengthening the Ecosystem to Accelerate Shift to Public Transport’.

The event lays strong emphasis on building capabilities at the state and city level to address problems associated with urban transport. It will also focus on designing and implementing efficient, high-quality transport system in cities, and lay down guidelines for developing equitable and sustainable urban transport systems for all sections of the society.

 

3. Justice DY Chandrachud took Oath as New Chief Justice of India: Senior-most Supreme Court judge and Chief Justice of India-designate Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud became the 50th head of the Indian judiciary when President Draupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to him at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Justice Chnadrachud Important Judgements:

a)      He has been part of several Constitution benches and landmark verdicts of the top court including on matters relating to the Ayodhya land dispute, the right to privacy and adultery.

b)      Justice Chandrachud was also part of the benches which delivered path-breaking judgements on decriminalising same-sex relations after it partially struck down Section 377 of the IPC, the validity of the Aadhaar scheme and the Sabarimala issue.

c)       Recently, a bench headed by him expanded the scope of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act and the corresponding rules to include unmarried women for abortion between 20-24 weeks of pregnancy.

d)      The Justice Chandrachud-led bench had also passed several directions to assuage the miseries faced by people during the COVID-19 crisis, terming the brutal second wave of the pandemic last year as a “national crisis”.

As A CJI: He succeeds Uday Umesh Lalit, who had recommended him as his successor to the Centre on October 11. President Draupadi Murmu had appointed him as the next CJI on October 17. Justice Chandrachud will serve as the CJI for two years till November 10, 2024. Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65.

 

4. Vadodara issued first-ever municipal bond: Vadodara became the second city in India to issue a municipal bond with assistance from the US Treasury Department’s Office of Technical Assistance. The US Embassy and US Treasury officials joined counterparts from India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the city of Vadodara, and the Securities and Exchange Board to celebrate the successful issuance of Vadodara’s first-ever municipal bond. Pune was the first city to issue such a bond in 2017. Key Points:

a)      The bond will provide funds for infrastructure projects in Vadodara.

b)      The bond was oversubscribed by 10 times and was priced at a low yield of just 7.15%.

c)       A written case study will also be published sharing lessons learned from Vadodara’s bond issuance that will benefit other Indian cities issuing their municipal bonds in the future.

d)      Municipal finance can help to pay for vital capital projects including roads, energy, water, sanitation, and other essentials.

 

5. MoS Rajiv Chandrashekhar releases Two books on achievements and legacy of PM Modi: Two books on the achievements and legacy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi were released by Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Chandrashekhar in Dubai. These “Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery” and “Heartfelt: The Legacy of Faith”. The books were released at a programme of Vishwa Sadhbhavana, NID Foundation (Dubai chapter) to enhance and consolidate bonds of fraternity and solidarity among people in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Netherlands Turns Top Buyer of Indian Petro-Products Amid Ukraine War: The Netherlands has emerged as the top destination for India’s petroleum product exports such as petrol and diesel in the first half of the current fiscal year. This change comes in the wake of the Ukraine war, with India continuing to buy discounted crude oil from sanctions-hit Russia. The Netherlands accounted for nearly 9% of India’s total petroleum product exports in the April to September period at ₹4.5 trillion, a growth of 180% over the corresponding period last year. This bump in exports has also resulted in the Netherlands becoming the third biggest market for India’s overall exports, thereby replacing China. China is now displaced to the 4th position, accounting for just 3.3% of total outbound shipments. About The Other Nations:

a)      Brazil also made it to the top eight export market for India compared to the 19th spot it occupied last year, led by a 273% growth in petroleum product exports at $2.3 trillion in the April-September period.

b)      South Africa rose to become India’s 13th largest export market during the period from being the 22nd largest last year, largely on account of a 324% growth in petroleum exports to $2.6 trillion.

 

2. Ghaem-100 Satellite: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launches New Satellite-Carrying Rocket: Iran’s powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched a new satellite-carrying rocket, seeking to demonstrate the hard-line force’s prowess even as anti-government protests rage across the country.

About Ghaem: The Ghaem 100, Iran’s first three-stage launch vehicle, will be able to place satellites weighing 80 kg (180 pounds) in an orbit 500 km (300 miles) from the earth’s surface, IRNA said. Amirali Hajizadeh, the commander of the Guard’s aerospace division, which developed the Ghaem-100, said the rocket would be used to launch Iran’s Nahid satellite for the Telecommunications Ministry.

 

3. World Usability Day: 10th November: Every year on the second Thursday of November, the world observes World Usability Day. The date is also mentioned on the UN calendar. World Usability Day, which will fall on November 10 this year, is also known as ‘Make Things Easier’ day. “Usability” is a quality that evaluates how efficiently and effectively a person can use a product, as well as how satisfied he or she is with the process. The day aims to bring together communities of professional, industrial, educational, citizen, and government groups to work towards a common goal– making essential services and products easier to access and use. The purpose of the day is to both celebrate and educate.  

The theme of World Usability Day 2022 is “Our Health”. The theme for this year is to evaluate systems that provide healthcare in all of its various forms, such as virtual/telehealth, electronic health records, healthcare products, and all digital health-related solutions.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Pramod Bhagat-Manisha Ramadass won gold at BWF Para-Badminton Championships: Pramod Bhagat and Manisha Ramadass won gold medals in singles at the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in Tokyo. The reigning Paralympic gold medallist Bhagat beat compatriot Nitesh Kumar 21-19, 21-19 in 53 minutes in an all-Indian SL3 final. Key Points:

a)      This is Bhagat’s fourth World Championships gold in singles and sixth overall in the marquee event.

b)      Bhagat and Manoj Sarkar went down 21-14, 18-21, 13-21 to Indonesia’s Hikmat Ramdani-Ukun Rukaendi in the SL3-SL4 men’s doubles final. The pair of Bhagat and Manoj Sarkar had to be content with a silver medal in the men’s doubles SL3-SL4 event.

c)       Manisha Ramadass beat Japan’s Mamiko Toyoda 21-15, 21-15 in half an hour in the SU5 final.

d)      India ended its campaign with two gold, two silver, and 12 bronze medals.

 

2. ICC Hall of Fame: Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Charlotte Edwards and Abdul Qadir inducted: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the latest legends who join the prestigious list of cricketing greats that make up the ICC Hall of Fame. Following a voting process that included existing Hall of Famers, media representatives plus senior executives from the Federation of International Cricketers (FICA) and the ICC, West Indies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul, England Women’s team legend Charlotte Edwards and Pakistan legend Abdul Qadir become inductees number 107, 108 and 109 respectively.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul:

a)      He made his international debut v England in March 1994

b)      164 Test matches, 11,867 runs at an average of 51.37

c)       Eighth on the list of all-time Test match runs

d)      Holds the record of seven half-centuries in consecutive Test innings

e)      268 ODIs, 8,778 runs at an average of 41.60

Charlotte Edwards

a)      23 Test matches, 1,676 runs at an average of 44.10

b)      191 ODIs, 5,992 runs at an average of 38.16

c)       She has the second-highest number of half-centuries in ODIs

d)      95 T20Is, 2,605 runs at an average of 32.97

Abdul Qadir:

a)      67 Test matches, 236 wickets at an average of 32.80

b)      Holds the national record for figures of 9-56 v England at Lahore in 1987

c)       104 ODIs, 132 wickets at an average of 26.16

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI commits to finance 1000 entrepreneurs in Nagaland: SBI commits to finance 1000 entrepreneurs in Nagaland through a partnership with Business Association. The State Bank of India (SBI) in collaboration with the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has decided to help 1000 entrepreneurs with financing. Key Points:

a)      An MoU has been signed between the two parties to facilitate ease of doing business and finance MSMEs of Naga entrepreneurs in the state, reported Eastern Mirror.

b)      The NIIE trade fair culminated positive impact with huge promise and commitment to finance 1000 entrepreneurs through the iconic signing of an MOU between SBI and BAN, which will bring hope and huge respite to the genuine entrepreneurs of the state.

c)       BAN will facilitate the identification, and preparation of MSME through project screening, documentation, and submission to SBI.

d)      Once the loan is finally sanctioned, the association will be responsible for providing training on bookkeeping, GST filing, statutory compliances, etc.

e)      The pact stated that BAN will also closely monitor, handhold, and actively intervene to avoid any loan becoming irregular.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. GSMA elects Airtel CEO Vittal as Deputy Chair: Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal was elected as deputy chair of the Global System for Mobile communications Association (GSMA). Bharti Airtel chief executive officer Gopal Vittal has been elected as the deputy chair of GSMA, a global mobile operators body. Vittal will hold the post for two years beginning January 1, 2023. Member companies selected 26 board members for 2023-24 which include senior executives from mobile operators. Telefonica Group CEO Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete Lopez continues to be the chair of the GSMA board.

Mathew Oomen, president of Reliance Jio too has been elected as a board member. Vittal is the second Indian to hold a senior position in the global grouping of mobile operators. Bharti Airtel founder Sunil Mittal had held the post of GSMA chair during 2017-18.

Note: GSMA Headquarters location: London, United Kingdom; GSMA Chairperson: Stéphane Richard; GSMA Founded: 1995.

 

2. Forbes: Reliance Industries India’s best employer, in top 20 worldwide: According to Forbes’ World’s Finest Employers rankings 2022, Reliance Industries, the nation’s largest corporation by revenues, profits, and market value, is India’s best employer and the 20th best company to work for globally. Oil-to-telecom-to-retail conglomerate Reliance, with 2,30,000 employees, is ranked 20th – the highest-ranked Indian firm. It is ranked above Mercedes-Benz of Germany, US beverage maker Coca-Cola, Japanese auto giants Honda and Yamaha, and Saudi Aramco. Key Points:

a)      The global ranking was topped by South Korean giant Samsung Electronics, followed by US giants Microsoft, IBM, Alphabet and Apple.

b)      US companies occupy rankings from 2nd to 12th, followed by German automaker BMW Group at 13th. The world’s largest online retailer Amazon is ranked 14th in the list and French giant Decathlon is at 15th rank.

c)       There is no Indian company other than Reliance in the top 100. HDFC Bank is ranked 137th. Bajaj (173rd), Aditya Birla Group (240th), Hero Motocorp (333rd), Larsen & Toubro (354th), ICICI Bank (365th), HCL Technologies (455th), State Bank of India (499th), Adani Enterprises (547th) and Infosys (668th) are the other companies on the list.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy participates Malabar Naval Exercise in Japan: India is participating in 26th International Malabar Naval Exercise begins in Yokosuka of Japan. In the Malabar Naval Exercise, Australia, Japan and the USA are also participating. The naval forces of these countries will take part in the exercise till the 18th of next month. Indian Naval Ships Shivalik and Kamorta are ready to demonstrate at the event. Key Points:

a)      The presence of these indigenously built ships of the Indian Navy at these multi-national events will be an opportunity to showcase the ship-building capabilities of Indian Shipyards.

b)      The MALABAR exercise was initiated in 1992 between the navies of India and the United States.

c)       The International Fleet Review will be reviewed by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and will see the participation of 40 ships and submarines from 13 countries.

d)      The warships will also be deployed in the four-nation Malabar exercise scheduled to take place on 8th November.

e)      It started as a bilateral drill between the Indian Navy and the US Navy in the Indian Ocean. Japan became a permanent member of the exercise in 2015.

 

2. DRDO launches testing, evaluation facility for sonar systems of Indian Navy: Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO) launched the Hull Module of the Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization & Evaluation (SPACE) facility at Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) Kochi. It is a state-of-the-art testing and evaluation facility for sonar systems developed for use by the Indian navy onboard various platforms which include ships, submarines, and helicopters. Key Points:

a)      The SPACE facility is based on the concept design and requirements projected by NPOL and has been constructed by M/s L&T Shipbuilding, Chennai.

b)      It will be mainly utilized for evaluating Sonar systems, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.

c)       The SPACE is a one-of-a-kind facility in the world. The uniqueness of this facility lies in the specially designed submersible platform, which can be lowered up to depths of 100 meters using a series of synchronously operated winches.

d)      The design and construction of the platform meet all the statutory needs of the Indian Register of Shipping and the vessel classifying authority.

Daily GK Update- 10th Nov, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Supreme Court Upholds Constitutional Validity of EWS Quota In 3:2 Verdict: The Supreme Court (SC) upheld the 10 per cent reservation for the economically weaker section (EWS) among forward castes in government jobs and colleges across India. A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) U U Lalit and Justices Dinesh Maheshwari, S Ravindra Bhat, Bela M Trivedi, and J B Pardiwala delivered the judgment.

About The Verdict: Of the five judgments delivered, Justice Ravindra Bhat and CJI Lalit gave dissenting judgment. Reading out the verdict, Justice Maheshwari said that the 103rd constitutional amendment for the EWS quota was valid and did not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. Reservation, he said, is an instrument of affirmative action to ensure an all-inclusive march towards the goals of an egalitarian society.

The Majority View: Justice Dinesh Maheshwari said the 103rd constitutional amendment cannot be said to breach the basic structure of the Constitution.

The Minority View: In his minority view, Justice Ravindra Bhat said that what is described as benefits by the Union cannot be understood to be a free pass, but as reparative mechanism to have a level playing field. Their exclusion discriminates equality code and violates basic structure, he said.

Present View: While upholding the validity of EWS quota, Justice Pardiwala said reservation is not an end but a means to secure social justice. He stated that it is necessary to review the method of identification of backward classes for reservation. Reservation has been provided to historically disadvantaged cannot be basis to contain other disadvantaged groups unable to progress and say that provision can’t be made for EWS through amendment. Reservation through economic criteria per se not violative, he held.

 

2. Mathura-Vrindavan to become a carbon-neutral tourist destination by 2041: Uttar Pradesh government announced that Mathura-Vrindavan, one of India’s largest pilgrimage centers, aims to become a “net zero carbon emission” tourist destination by 2041. Tourist vehicles will be banned from the entire Braj region, which includes famous pilgrim centers such as Vrindavan and Krishna Janmabhoomi. Only electric vehicles used as public transport will be allowed into the area. Key Points:

a)      All 252 waterbodies and 24 forests in the area will also be revived.

b)      According to the plan, the Braj region’s annual pilgrim-tourist footfall is expected to multiply from the current level of 2.3 crores to six crores by 2041.

c)       To attain a net zero carbon emission status, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed from the atmosphere, by oceans and forests for instance.

d)      To facilitate this in Mathura-Vrindavan, the plan divides the entire region into four clusters, each containing two of the eight key cities.

e)      The plan proposes to form small circuits called ‘Parikrama Paths’ which the pilgrim can undertake either on foot or using electric vehicles.

 

3. 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention: Guyana President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to be chief guest: Guyana President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali will be the chief guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. It will be held from 8th to 10th January next year in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The theme of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal. Member of Parliament of Australia, Zaneta Mascarenhas will be the guest of honour at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas which will be held on 8th January next year.

About the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an important platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated once in every two years to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnect them with their roots. The 9th of January was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion because it was on this day in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa. The first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was organized in 2003 to mark the contribution of the Overseas Indian community in the development of India.

 

4. Law Commission Constituted After 4 Years; Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi Appointed As Chairperson: The central government appointed chairperson and members of the Law Commission over two and a half years after it was constituted. Retired Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Rituraj Awasthi appointed as the chairperson of the commission.

22nd Law Commission: The Law Commission is constituted for three years and the 22nd Law Commission was notified on February 24, 2020. The law panel has been lying vacant since the retirement of former Supreme Court judge Justice BS Chauhan in 2018. The government has said the issue related to the Uniform Civil Code might be taken up by the 22nd law panel.

Other Members: Former Kerala High Court judge Justice KT Sankaran, Professor Anand Paliwal, Professor DP Verma, Professor Raka Arya and M Karunanithi have been appointed as members of the commission.

Law Commission of India: Law Commission of India is neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body, it is an executive body established by an order of the Government of India. Its major function is to work for legal reforms. The Commission is established for a fixed tenure and works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice.

 

5. Giriraj Singh Unveiled Panchayati Raj’s Rural Development Agenda Booklet: Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh unveiled the booklet ‘Agenda for Members of Panchayati Raj Institutions for Rural Development’. The ‘Agenda for Members of Panchayati Raj Institutions for Rural Development” booklet will provide information about all the schemes such as MGNREGA, Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojna- National Rural Livelihood Mission, PM Awas Yojna- Grameen, PM Gram Sadak Yojna, etc. will be available to the representative and the general public. Key Points:

a)      The ‘Agenda for Members of Panchayati Raj Institutions for Rural Development’ book will be brought in regional languages soon.

b)      The Minister said that the booklet will be made available at each Gram Panchayat in the country.

c)       The book can form the basis for an informed discussion on the different schemes of the Ministry of Rural Development among members of the Gram Panchayats.

d)      This book will help everyone including the elected members of Gram Panchayats in understanding the schemes and their eligibility, which will further strengthen transparency and public participation.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 2015 to 2022 Likely to Be 8 Warmest Years on Record: WMO Report: The global mean temperature in 2022 is estimated to be 1.15 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial (1850-1900) average, likely making the eight years from 2015 the warmest on record, the World Meteorological Organisation said in a report. The report titled ‘WMO Provisional State of the Global Climate 2022’ released at the 27th Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC stated that the rate of sea level rise has doubled since 1993 and has risen by nearly 10 mm since January 2020 to a new record high this year.

The Report Pointed: The past two-and-a-half years account for 10 per cent of the overall rise in sea level since satellite measurements started nearly 30 years ago, the report stated. “The global mean temperature so far in 2022 has been 1.15 degree Celsius above the 1850-1900 average. If the current anomaly continues to the end of the year, the analysis would place 2022 as either the fifth or sixth warmest year on record (from 1850), and in each case marginally warmer than 2021. The eight years — 2015 to 2022 — are likely to be the eight warmest years on record,” the report read. Rise In Sea Level:

a)      The rate of sea level rise has doubled in the past 30 years. Although still measured in terms of millimetres per year, it adds up to half to one meter per century and that is a long-term and a major threat to millions of coastal dwellers and low-lying states.

b)      With global warming increasing the rate of ice melt, the global mean sea level has risen by an estimated 3.4 mm per year over the 30 years (1993-2022) of the satellite altimeter record.

c)       The rate has doubled between 1993-2002 and 2013-2022 and the sea level increased by about 5 mm between January 2021 and August 2022, the report said.

d)      Since January 2020, the global mean sea level has risen by nearly 10 mm, approximately 10 per cent of the overall rise in sea level since satellite measurements began in 1993.

e)      Overall, 55 per cent of the ocean surface experienced at least one marine heatwave in 2022. Compared to this, only 22 per cent of the ocean surface experienced a marine cold spell.

 

2. World Science Day for Peace and Development: 10th November: World Science Day for Peace and Development was proclaimed by the UN Educational, Scientific and UNESCO in 2001 under the UNESCO 31 C/Resolution 20. It is celebrated every year on November 10, around the globe, marking the significance of science in society. The day highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. It also underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives. This year’s theme for World Science Day for Peace and Development is “Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development”. According to the United Nations’ official website, it has been noted in the UNGA in December 2021 that ‘We need more basic science to achieve The 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals’.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav becomes 1st Indian player to score 1,000 T20 runs: Star Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav has became the first Indian player to score 1,000 T20 International runs in a calendar year. The batter accomplished this feat in his side’s final Super 12 stage match against Zimbabwe in Melbourne cricket ground (MCG), Australia. In the match, Suryakumar put his perfect finishing touches to make sure India finished their innings on a high. He scored 61 not out of just 25 balls, consisting of six fours and four sixes. In 28 innings this year, Suryakumar has scored 1,026 runs at an average of 44.60.

Surya made his T20I debut for India against England in March last year, and since then he has been on a roll. He has played a total of 39 T20I matches in total for India, in which he has scored 1270 runs.

 

2. Virat Kohli and Nida Dar named as ICC Player of the Month award for October 2022: The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for October 2022. India veteran batter Virat Kohli has been named as the ICC men’s Player of the Month for October. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s veteran all-rounder Nida Dar has been selected as ICC Women’s Player of the Month, thanks to her sensational form in the Women’s Asia Cup.

Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli has been in phenomenal touch this past month, delivering brilliant performances throughout the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup and has been an integral part of India’s semifinal qualification. The 34-year-old played four innings in October and had 205 runs in his kitty, including a match-winning 53-ball unbeaten 82 against Pakistan in India’s Super-12s opener.

Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza and South Africa’s David Miller were the other nominees for the award along with Kohli, but the Indian batter beat them to claim the title.

Nida Dar: For her key contributions to Pakistan’s semi-final surge in the Women’s Asia Cup in Bangladesh, Nida Dar takes home the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for October. Scoring 145 valuable runs at an average of 72.50 during the month and taking eight key wickets, the influential all-rounder underlined her importance to the Pakistan cause despite falling short in the knockout stages.

Dar claims her inaugural ICC Women’s Player of the Month win by edging out Indian duo Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma, who each produced impressive displays during their winning Women’s Asia Cup triumph.

Note: ICC Founded: 15 June 1909; ICC Chairman: Greg Barclay; ICC CEO: Geoff Allardice; ICC Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. GoI appointed non-executive Chairman in four Public Sector Banks: Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India and Punjab & Sind Bank are the four banks where Non-executive Chairman has been appointed on their Boards. The approval is given by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Name the new chairman’s:

a)      Vijay Srirangam has been appointed as part-time Non-Official Director as well as Non-Executive Chairman of Canara Bank for three years,

b)      K G Ananthakrishnan has been appointed as part-time Non-Official Director as well as Non-Executive Chairman of Punjab National Bank for a term of three years.

c)       Srinivasan Varadarajan has been appointed as part-time Non-Official Director as well as Non-Executive Chairman of Union Bank of India for a term of three years, according to an order issued by the Department of Personnel & Training.

d)      The Centre has also appointed Charan Singh as a part-time Non-Official Director as well as Non-Executive Chairman of Punjab & Sind Bank for a term of two years.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. ADB Provides $40 million Loan to GreenCell Express to Produce e-Busses: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $40 million financing package with GreenCell Express Private Limited (GEPL) to develop 255 electric battery-powered buses (e-buses) to serve 5 million people a year on 56 intercity routes in India and enhance the safety of passengers, especially women, through improved security features including panic buttons connected to command controls for immediate response.

About The Financial Package: The financial package comprises $20.5 million loan (in equivalent Indian rupee) from ADB’s ordinary capital resources, ADB’s administration of a $14 million loan from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), grants worth $325,000 from the CTF and $5.2 million from Goldman Sach’s and Bloomberg’s the Climate Innovation and Development Fund (CIDF). ADB also assisted in mobilizing an additional parallel loan of $20.5 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

About GreenCell Mobility Private Limited: GEPL is a wholly owned subsidiary of GreenCell Mobility Private Limited (GreenCell), a platform company of Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF). GGEF is an Indian alternative investment fund in India managed by EverSource Capital with a mandate to mobilize institutional capital into green infrastructure in India.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. President Droupadi Murmu presents National Florence Nightingale Awards 2021: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards (NFNA) for the year 2021 to the Nursing professionals at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The National Florence Nightingale Awards were instituted in the year 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India as a mark of recognition for the meritorious services rendered by the nurses and nursing professionals to the society.

Nine from the North Eastern states also received the award, they include– three from Manipur, two from Sikkim, one each from Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya.

 

2. 15 Films eye the coveted Golden Peacock at 53rd International Film Festival of India: A total of 15 films will compete for the coveted Golden Peacock at the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The IFFI will be held from the 20th to the 28th of this month. From the very first Golden Peacock awarded in the 3rd edition of IFFI, the prize has been amongst the most sought-after film awards in Asia.

The jury tasked with the impossible job of picking a winner this year comprises of Israeli writer and film director Nadav Lapid, American producer Jinko Gotoh, French film editor Pascale Chavance, French documentary film-maker, film critic and journalist Javier Angulo Barturen and India’s very own film director Sudipto Sen.

The films which are in the competition this year include:

1.      Perfect Number (2022)

2.      Red Shoes (2022)

3.      A Minor (2022)

4.      No End (2021)

5.      Mediterranean Fever (2022)

6.      When the waves are gone (2022)

7.      I have Electric Dreams (2022)

8.      Cold as Marble (2022)

9.      The Line (2022)

10.  Seven Dogs (2021)

11.  Maariya: The Ocean Angel (2022)

12.  The Kashmir Files (2022)

13.  Nezouh (2022)

14.  The Storyteller (2022)

15.  Kurangu Pedal (2022) 

Daily GK Update- 9th Nov, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ministry of Education to celebrates ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’: The Ministry of Education announced that this year India will celebrate ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ in a grand manner in schools, and higher education institutions on 15 November 2022. The Janjatiya Gaurav Divas was a name given on 15 November 2021 by the Union Cabinet of the Government of India to remember the contribution of tribal freedom fighters, as part of the year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of Indian independence. Key Points:

a)      The initiative has been taken under the leadership of Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

b)      15th November is the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda who is revered as Bhagwan by tribal communities across the country.

c)       Birsa Munda was an iconic freedom fighter, social reformer, and revered tribal leader of the country, who fought bravely against the exploitative system of the British colonial government.

d)      He organized and led the tribal movement, giving a call for “Ulgulan” (Revolt) to the tribals. He encouraged tribals to understand their cultural roots and observe unity.

e)      The Ministry of Education in association with the AICTE, UGC, Central Universities, Private Universities, other HEIs, CBSE, KVS, NVS, and Skilling institutions is celebrating ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ to commemorate the contribution of the tribal freedom fighters.

 

2. Madhya Pradesh: Ujjain to Get World’s First Vedic Clock: Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain, the city of Mahakal will soon boast the world’s first Vedic clock which will be synced with the position of the Sun. After laying the foundation stone at the 300-year-old Jiwaji Observatory in Ujjain, the state higher education minister Mohan Yadav said through this project, people will become familiar with the Vedic time calculation. The state government has allocated Rs 1.62 crore for this mega project as it is working to restore the ancient glory of Ujjain. The minister said the (Vikramaditya) Vedic clock will be divided into 24 muhurats (hours).

About the Vedic clock:

a)      This clock will be fixed on the basis of the principles of Vedic time calculation. Changes in the sunrise and sunset at different times in different places in the country and the world will also be synchronised.

b)      The application of the Vedic Clock will be for Vikram Panchang, Vikram Samvat month, planetary position, yoga, Bhadra position, moon position, festival, auspicious time, constellation, birth anniversary, fast, festival, Choghadiya, solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, major holidays, celestial planets, constellations and comets etc.

c)       The citizens will be able to access the Vedic clock through their smartphone, computers, TVs and other electronic gadgets. The vedic clock background will feature Jyotirlingas, Navagrah etc.

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

 

3. Haryana Forest Department and USAID Launched TOFI Program: The Haryana Forest Department and US Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the “Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI)” program in the state. The “Trees Outside Forests in India” program will enhance carbon sequestration, support local communities, and strengthen the climate resilience of agriculture. This initiative will bring farmers, companies, and other private institutions together to rapidly expand tree coverage outside of traditional forests in the state. Key Point:

a)      The Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI) program will take Haryana’s State Action Plan on Climate Change forward and will build on Haryana’s progress and harness agroforestry to bolster the resilience of farming systems.

b)      The program will leverage India’s private sector to promote and scale tree-based enterprises and the sale of carbon credits, helping to create jobs and boost incomes.

c)       Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar informed that the TOFI program will further spur agroforestry and plantation campaigns outside of forests and help raise the income of the farmers while enhancing the green cover in the state.

d)      It will also support India’s Roadmap toward Carbon Neutral Economy by 2070.

e)      The Trees Outside Forests in India program was launched in September by Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Secretary Leena Nandan and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Patricia Lacina.

f)        The program will allocate up to $25 million over five years in seven states including Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

g)      There will be implementation support from the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (ICRAF).

 

4. Nagaland organized Tokhu Emong Bird Count: Nagaland hosted the first bird documentation event – ‘Tokhü Emong Bird Count’ (TEBC) from 4th November to 7th November 2022. ‘Tokhü Emong Bird Count’ is an effort to promote and encourage the conservation of birds in their natural habitat. ‘Tokhü Emong Bird Count’ is being organized in collaboration with the Wokha Forest Division and the Divisional Management Unit, Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP), Wokha, and Bird Count India. The event has been dubbed after Tokhü Emong, a post-harvest festival of the Lotha Nagas. Tokhü Emong is a festival of thanksgiving, sharing, and reconciliation. The most beautiful aspect of this festival is to forgive the past rancours and develop new ties and bonds of closer intimacy.

 

5. Kishor K Basa named Chairman of National Monuments Authority: Professor Kishor Kumar Basa has been appointed as the chairman of the National Monument Authority (NMA). The Department of Culture of the Government of India issued an official notification in this regard. He will have a tenure of three years. Basa is the vice chancellor of Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo University in Baripada and also the chairman of the Indian National Confederation and Academy of Anthropologists (INCAA), which is the largest anthropological association in India. He had been teaching archaeological anthropology and museum studies since 1980 and was the former head of the department of Anthropology at Utkal University.

 

6. National Legal Services Day: 9th November: National Legal Services Day is marked every year on 9th November to celebrate the commencement of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 which came into force on this very day in 1995. This day was established with a mandate to offer support and help to weaker sections of society including Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, women, disabled persons, natural calamities victims, and human trafficking victims. This Day is crucial in raising public knowledge about various provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act as well as litigants’ rights. The Day is commemorated to educate citizens about the various aspects of the Legal Services Authorities Act and litigants’ rights. Each jurisdiction arranges legal help camps, Lok adalats, and legal aid programmes on this day.

Role of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA): The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was established in 1995 by the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987. It is an act of the Parliament of India for enforcing the provisions of Article 39 A of the Constitution. The authority carried out operations such as providing free legal aid and guidance to the needy and resolving issues through mediation and amicable settlement. NALSA was a one-of-a-kind endeavour to reduce court backlogs in India while providing access to justice for low-income litigants.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Russia Becomes India’s Top Oil Supplier in October: Surpassing traditional suppliers Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Russia has emerged as the top oil supplier to India in October. This comes amid an ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine that has also seen many Western nations issue sanctions against Russian Federation.

The data shows that Russia, which made up for just 0.2 per cent of all oil imported by India in the year to March 31, 2022, supplied 935,556 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil to India in October — the highest ever. Russia now supplies almost 22% of India’s total crude imports, ahead of Iraq’s 20.5 per cent and Saudi Arabia’s 16 per cent.

Other Peers Place: Iraq slipped to No.2 slot with 888,079 bpd of supplies in October, followed by Saudi Arabia at 746,947 bpd.

What Is The Govt Instance: The Indian government has been vehemently defending its trade with Russia, saying it has to source oil from where it is cheapest.  On being asked if India faces a moral conflict due to import from Russia amid the latter’s conflict with Ukraine, he had stated: “Absolutely none. There is no moral conflict. We don’t buy from X or Y. We buy whatever is available. Government does not buy, it’s the oil companies which do the buying.”

 

2. International Week of Science and Peace: 9th to 15th November: November 9 to November 14 is observed as the International Week of Science and Peace every year around the globe. This week is an initiative taken by the United Nations (UN), hoping to make people contribute towards the encouragement and promotion of peace across the globe. During this week, people inspire and promote peace in their countries and also develop advanced technology for better living. Various events and activities are organized worldwide, and people participate internationally.

The main goal behind this week’s celebration is to contribute towards technology development and promote peace. It’s to raise awareness among the general public. The events held during this week promote peace throughout the year.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian men’s squash team won gold medal in Asian Squash Team Championships: The Indian men’s team, led by the seasoned Saurav Ghosal, clinched its first-ever gold at the Asian Squash Team Championships with a 2-0 win over Kuwait in the final. Star player Ghosal sealed the victory after Ramit Tandon had given India the lead with fluent straight games win over Ali Aramezi (11-5, 11-7, 11-4). Ghosal then made short work of Ammar Altamimi 11-9, 11-2, 11-3 to give the team an unassailable lead. The third match between Abhay Singh and Falah Mohammad was not played as the tie had been decided following wins for Tandon and Ghosal.

They topped Pool A with an all-win record, recording victories over Qatar, Pakistan, Kuwait, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei 3-0 before edging out Malaysia 2-1 in the semifinal. They defeated Kuwait in the final in straight sets in Cheongju, South Korea. It is the biggest win of Indian Men’s Team since they won 2014 Asian Games Gold. The Indian men’s team has won three silver medals in the Asian Team Squash Championships and seven bronze medals.

Women’s: Hong Kong upset favourites Malaysia to win the women’s Asian Team Championship title for the fourth time this millennium. Earlier, the Indian women’s team settled for the Bronze medal after losing to Malaysia 1-2 in the semifinals.

 

2. Asian Hockey Federation CEO Tayyab Ikram elected as new FIH president: Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) CEO, Mohammad Tayyab Ikram of Macau was elected as the new president of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), succeeding India’s Narinder Batra as its full-time chief. Ikram defeated Marc Coudron of Belgium 79-47 in the 48th FIH Congress held virtually. Out of 129 national associations, 126 casted valid votes. The duration of Ikram’s term will be for two years.

FIH Board: The FIH Executive Board consists of a president; eight ordinary members – four female and four male – one half being renewed every two years; an athletes’ representative; Presidents of the Continental Federations; CEO; any (non-voting) member co-opted onto the Executive Board pursuant to Article 7.1 (c) of the FIH Statutes.

Note: International Hockey Federation Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; International Hockey Federation CEO: Thierry Weil (Apr 2018–); International Hockey Federation Founded: 7 January 1924, Paris, France; International Hockey Federation Founder: Paul Léautey; International Hockey Federation Motto: FairPlay Friendship Forever.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Logs Highest-Ever Quarterly Profit in The 2nd Quarter: State Bank of India reported 74 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit at ₹13,265 crore for quarter ended September, buoyed by robust loan sales, higher interest income and lower provisions. This marks the highest ever quarterly net profit posted by the bank. The bank’s net interest income rose by 13 per cent to ₹35,183 crore, while its operating profit expanded to ₹21,120 crore, up 17 per cent year-on-year. Robust growth in advances at ₹30,35,071 crore, up 20 per cent year-on-year boosted the bank’s financials in the September quarter.

Improvement In Key Parameters:

a)      The bank’s gross non-performing assets (NPA) at 4 per cent or ₹1,06,804 crore and net NPA at 0.8 per cent or ₹23,572 crore was at decadal best levels.

b)      Slippages or accounts which turned bad during the quarter at ₹2,399 crore almost halved from year-ago level, while credit cost eased to 0.28 per cent in Q2.

c)       Provisioning cost during the quarter was ₹2,011 crore, down 25 per cent year-on-year.

d)      An improvement in asset quality and robust loan growth took bank’s return on assets and return on equity to a 20-year best levels of 0.76 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively.

e)      The bank’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 14 per cent and its common tier-1 capital was 10 per cent in Q2.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. KV Kamath appointed as Independent Director of RIL: Reliance Industries has appointed K V Kamath as the Independent Director of the company for a period of five years. KV Kamath has also been appointed as an Independent Director and non-executive Chairman for Reliance Strategic Investment Limited (RSIL). RSIL will be renamed as Jio Financial Services Limited (“JFSL”) and the scheme of demerger approved by the board of directors for demerger of the financial services business.

Note: Reliance Industries Founded: 8 May 1973, Maharashtra; Reliance Industries Headquarters: Mumbai; Reliance Industries Founder: Dhirubhai Ambani.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman: NSA Ajit Doval and late CDS Gen Rawat to receive award: The Uttarakhand government announced that this year’s Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman would be given to National Securtiy Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, poet Prasoon Joshi, and three other individuals for their notable achievements. Every year, the government of Uttarakhand honours individuals with the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman in recognition of their accomplishments in their various disciplines.

Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman: Awardees

a)      Ajit Doval will get the prize, along with former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat, late poet and author Girish Chandra Tiwari, and late journalist Viren Dangwal.

b)      Journalist and poet Viren Dangwal, who passed away, will receive the honour posthumously.

Note: Uttarakhand Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami; Uttarakhand Capital: Dehradun

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Army Commanders’ Conference Commences in New Delhi: Army Commanders’ Conference is being held in New Delhi from the to brainstorm on current and emerging security and administrative aspects and chart the future course for the Indian Army. It is an apex-level biannual event (occurs once in a 6 months) which is an institutional platform for conceptual level deliberations and culminating in making important policy decisions for the Indian Army.

A Civil-Military Interaction: The event which is attended by senior officers of the Indian Army is also a formal forum for the senior leadership of the Indian Army to interact with the senior officials of the Department of Military Affairs and Department of Defence. During the course of the conference, the apex leadership of Indian Army will brainstorm on current and emerging security and administrative aspects to chart the future course for the Indian Army.

Other activities planned during the conference include talks by eminent subject experts on Contemporary India-China relations as well as Technological Challenges for National Security.