Daily GK Update- 6th Dec, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. IIT Madras researchers develop Ocean Wave Energy converter:IIT Madras researchers have developed and deployed a system that could generate electricity using energy from seawaves. The system named Sindhuja-I, which was deployed by the researchers about six kilometres from the coast of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, where the sea has a depth of about 20 metres. Currently, Sindhuja-I can produce 100 watts of energy. It will be scaled up to produce one megawatt of energy in the next three years.  Ocean Wave Energy Generator, IIT Madras: Researchers at IIT Madras have developed and deployed a system that could generate electricity using energy from seawaves.The system, dubbed Sindhuja-I, was deployed by the researchers about six kilometres from the coast of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, where the sea has a depth of about 20 metres. Sindhuja-I can currently produce 100 watts of energy. It will be scaled up to produce one megawatt of energy in the next three years. The Sindhuja-I system consists of a floating buoy, a spar and an electrical module. The buoy moves up and down as the waves oscillate up and down.

2. K.V. Suresh Kumar takes charge as Chairman and MD of BHAVINI:Scientist of Department of Atomic Energy, K.V. Suresh Kumar has assumed charge as Chairman and Managing Director of BharatiyaNabhikiyaVidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) at Kalpakkam for three years. He completed his graduation in Chemical Engineering and joined Department of Atomic Energy at BARC Training School in Mumbai (29th batch) in1985. He joined in the operations of  Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR)  in 1986. Shri K.V. Suresh Kumar, Distinguished Scientist of Department of Atomic Energy  has assumed charge as Chairman and Managing Director of BharatiyaNabhikiyaVidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) on 2nd December 2022 at Kalpakkam. His tenure will be for three years. Shri  Suresh Kumar is a graduate in Chemical Engineering and joined Department of Atomic Energy at BARC Training School in Mumbai (29th batch) in1985.    He joined in the operations of  Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR)  in 1986 and  was involved in the commissioning of various system of FBTR such as Sodium heated Steam Generators, Steam & Water system and Turbo-Generator.

3. Technotex to be held in Mumbai February 2023:India's premier show on Technical Textiles, ‘Technotex 2023’ will be held in Mumbai from 22nd to 24th February 2023. Focus: To provide access and networking opportunities to meet top CEOs, manufacturers, industry peers, purchase managers and suppliers from India and around the globe. The event will be organized by the Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Industry, under National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). “The largest event of technical textile industry in India will be held during the G-20 Presidency. It offers exceptional opportunity for India to contribute to the global agenda on insistent matters of global importance," said the Ministry of textiles in a press release. 

4. India’s first gold ATM launched in Hyderabad: India’s first Gold ATM and the world’s first real-time Gold ATM has been launched at the Begumpet, Hyderabad. GoldsikkaPvt Ltd launched its first Gold ATM with Technology support from M/s OpenCube Technologies Pvt Ltd, a Hyderabad-based startup company. Each ATM has a capacity of holding upto 5 kgsof gold which is worth around Rs.2-3 crores. The ATM machine dispenses coins ranging from 0.5 grams to 100 grams. There are 8 available options, including 0.5 grams, 1 gram, 2 grams, 5 grams, 10 grams, 20 grams, 50 grams, and 100 grams. People can come here and get the coins directly instead of going to jewellery shops. These coins are 24-carat gold and 999 certified. The customers will get their investment returns at a live price without any wastage.

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

1. India, Germany sign Migration and Mobility Agreement:India has inked an agreement on a Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership with Germany, to help the citizens of both the nations to study, do research and work in each other's country. The agreement was signed between S Jaishankar (External Affairs Minister) and his German counterpart AnnalenaBaerbock in New Delhi. This agreement also facilitates the mobility and employment opportunities for fostering the exchange of skills and talents. New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today signed an agreement on Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership with his German counterpart AnnalenaBaerbock in New Delhi. The agreement has provisions to facilitate mobility and employment opportunities for fostering the exchange of skills and talents.

2. India ranked 48th in Global Aviation Safety Rankings 2022:According to the DGCA officials, India has been ranked at 48th position in the 2022 global aviation safety ranking, published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In 2018, India was ranked at the 102nd position. In the ranking (2022), Singapore has topped the list, followed by the UAE and South Korea at the second and third positions, respectively. China is at the 49th place.ICAO Headquarters: Montreal, Canada; Founded: 7 December 194 India is among the top 50 countries with the best aviation safety in the latest ICAO rankings and the major breakthrough will help domestic airlines in international expansion, the government said on Sunday.In the rankings by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), India is now at the 48th position, a “quantum leap" from the 102nd rank it had in 2018.

3. NDDB, Amul to provide tech support to boost milk production in Sri Lanka:India will provide technical support to Sri Lanka to enhance its dairy industry and milk output with an aim to reduce the dependence on imported milk products. NDDB and the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation have taken steps to provide necessary technical support for the production of milk in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan President, RanilWickremesinghe has also appointed a panel to prepare a short, medium and long-term plan to increase local milk production. India will provide technical support to Sri Lanka to enhance its dairy industry and milk output, a move aimed at reducing the cash-strapped country's dependence on imported milk products, the Sri Lankan President's Office said on Monday.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

1. Anish Thoppani won silver at Badminton Asia Junior Championships:Indian shuttler, Anish Thoppani has clinched a silver medal in the under-15 category at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships, held in Nonthaburi, Thailand. Anish lost the men's singles final against Chung-Hsiang Yih (Chinese Taipei) by 8-21, 24-22, 19-21. While, India’s under-17 men’s duo Arsh Mohammad and SanskarSraswat won silver medal. UnnatiHooda won silver at the U-17 (women’s singles category), she lost to SarunrakVitidsarn of Thailand. Indian shuttler Anish Thoppani clinched a silver medal in the under-15 category at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Nonthaburi, Thailand on Sunday. Anish lost the men's singles final against Chinese Taipei's Chung-Hsiang Yih 8-21, 24-22, 19-21 to settle for silver. India’s under-17 men’s duo Arsh Mohammad and SanskarSraswat also lost the final to secure a silver medal.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. India’s first gold ATM launched in Hyderabad:India’s first Gold ATM and world's first real-time Gold ATM has been launched at the Begumpet, Hyderabad. The ATM was set up by the Goldsikka in collaboration with Opencube Technologies (Technology support). In this ATM, people can insert their debit or credit cards into the Goldsikka and buy gold coins. The ATM has a capacity of storing 5kgs of gold. There are 8 available options for the quantity of gold starting from 0.5 grams to 100 grams. GoldsikkaPvt Ltd launched its first Gold ATM with Technology support from M/s OpenCube Technologies Pvt Ltd, a Hyderabad-based startup company on December 3. This is India's first and the world's first real-time Gold ATM. "We have already taken care of the required security measures as other ATMs. The ATM has a built-in camera and sound alarm system, which will trigger if there someone tries to tamper with it. We have 3 external CCTV cameras and we are also getting tied up with local police stations," he added.

2.  AU Small Finance Bank, ICICI Lombard partner for bancassurance:ICICI Lombard General Insurance has signed an agreement with the AU Small Finance Bank for bancassurance. Aim: To diverse bank's customers access to the Non-life insurer’s portfolio and enhance penetration across India With this partnership, the general insurance’s suite of ICICI Lombard products will be offered across over 980 banking touchpoints of bank. AU Small Finance Bank has been expanding its distribution footprints across India. AU Small Finance Bank is rapidly expanding its distribution footprints across India and this tie-up between two giants in their respective industries will aim to further enrich its general insurance offering with agile, digital & paperless solutions offered by ICICI Lombard. The entire suite of products will be offered across 980+ banking touchpoints spread over 20 states & 2 union territories. The customer centric products will provide long term financial security to customers and their families. With both organizations believing in offering the best to the customers through innovation and consistency, this partnership would offer customers the best of both worlds.

3. Digital payments worth Rs 38.32 lakh crore carried out in July-Sep 2022:As per the report, released by the Wordline India, more than 23 billion digital payment transactions (worth Rs 38.32 lakh crore) were carried out in July-September 2022. UPI based transactions dominated the segment both in terms of value and volume. UPI has clocked over 19.65 billion transactions (worth Rs 32.5 lakh crore). The average ticket size of transactions done through credit cards was highest at Rs 4,833 and the lowest in the case of mobile wallets at Rs 382. More than 23 billion digital payment transactions worth Rs 38.32 lakh crore were carried out in July-September 2022 through UPI, debit and credit cards, prepaid payment instruments like mobile wallets etc, fintech firm Wordline India said in a report.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. NHAI and Maha-Metro achieved a Guinness world record:The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) have achieved a Guinness world record Reason: The authorities have constructed the longest double-decker viaduct (3.14 km) spanning with a highway flyover (on the Wardha Road in Nagpur, Maharashtra) and metro rail supported on a single column.The project has already bagged records from Asia Book and India Book. NHAI Chairperson: AlkaUpadhyaya, HQ: New Delhi Shri Gadkari said the project has already bagged records from Asia Book and India Book. Now receiving this eminent award is indeed a proud moment for the country. The Minister said he heartily thanks & salutes the incredible engineers, officers & workers who persevered round the clock to make this happen.

2. Three people received chosen for Nadoja Award:Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research Bengaluru C N Manjunath, and writers Krishnappa G and S Shadakshari have been chosen for this year’s Hampi Kannada University’s NadojaAward. Manjunath’s contributions in the medical field and social services, Krishnappa’s contributions to literature, and Shadakshari’s contributions in the field of literature and social services have been considered.

Daily GK Update- 5th Dec, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Govt appoints Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar as chairperson of NSCI:Prof Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar (Prof emeritus at Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI)) has been appointed as part-time chairperson of National Statistical Commission of India (NSCI) for three years. He has joined CMI as a visiting professor in 2010. He served as director CMI from Jan 2011 to April 2021. It is an autonomous body, was formed in June 2005 after the recommendation by Dr C Rangarajan Commission. The chairperson of the Commission enjoys the status of a MoS. Prof Karandikar, who joined CMI as a visiting professor in 2010 and was its director from January 2011 to April 2021, told TNIE that he would try to modernise the statistics system of the union government. He said delays in decoding data collected from national surveys impacted decision making.

2. Millets-Smart Nutritive Food Conclave starts in New Delhi:The govt of India has organised the 'Millets-Smart Nutritive Food' Conclave in New Delhi on December 5, 2022. This conclave is a pre-launch event of the International Year of Millets - 2023. This event was organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The government has also released e-catalogue on 30 potential importing countries and 21 millet producing states of India.  The conclave is a pre-launch event of the International Year of Millets - 2023 organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through its apex agricultural export promotion body, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). 

3. Ladakh will have India's first Dark Night Sky Reserve: Ladakh is all set to have India's first Dark Night Sky Reserve at Hanle in Changthang region. In about eighteen locations in Hanley, powerful telescopes will be installed for stargazing. Hanle is home for the 2nd highest optical telescope in the world, was established in 2001 by Indian Institute of Astrophysics. After an MoU between UT Administration, Leh Hill council and Indian Institute of Astrophysics, necessary approvals were received from Department of S&T. Ladakh is all set to have India's first Dark Night Sky Reserve at Hanle village in Changthang region. In about eighteen locations in Hanley, powerful telescopes will be installed for stargazing. AIR correspondent reports, Country's prestigious Dark Nighty Sky Reserve in Changthang's Hanley shall start soon.  Union Territory Ladakh administration has distributed eighteen telescopes to the trained youths of Hanley village.

4. Piyush Goyal addressed Millets-Smart Nutritive Food summit in New Delhi:Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has attended the Millets-Smart Nutritive Food Conclave as chief guest in New Delhi. The conclave is a pre-launch event of the International Year of Millets – 2023 organized with the objective to promote the export of millets. At the first-of-its-kind Millets Conclave, the government released e-catalogue on 30 potential importing countries and 21 millet-producing states of India. The conclave is being organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s apex agricultural export promotion body, APEDA with the objective of promoting the export of millets.

5. 5 December 2022 – 65th Foundation Day of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with the Union MoS for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary has inaugurated the two-day-long 65th Foundation Day celebrations of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in New Delhi. DRI is the premier intelligence and enforcement agency on anti-smuggling matters. DRI has also been at the forefront in international Customs collaboration under Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements signed with various countries, where thrust is on information exchange and learning from the best practices of other Customs administrations.  It came into existence on 4th December 1957.

DRI Headquarters – New Delhi

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

1. Paris Club proposes 10-year moratorium on Sri Lankan debt:Paris Club creditor nations (group of 22 countries) has proposed 10-year moratorium on Sri Lankan debt and another 15 years of debt restructuring as a formula to resolve the Sri Lankan debt crisis. The Paris club aims to find sustainable solutions for challenges faced by debtor countries Earlier this year, Sri Lanka had defaulted on its 51 billion dollar external debt in the midst of spiralling political and economic crisis India has provided emergency aid to Sri Lanka Paris Club creditor nations are proposing a 10-year moratorium on Sri Lankan debt and another 15 years of debt restructuring as a formula to resolve the Sri Lankan debt crisis. The Paris club is a group of officials from 22 countries who find sustainable solutions for challenges faced by debtor countries.

2. World Soil Day 2022: 5th December: World Soil Day is observed annually on December 5 to highlight the value of healthy soil and to promote the sustainable management of soil resources. 2022 theme: Soils: Where food begins In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) has proposed to celebrate Soil Day. In June 2013, the FAO Conference endorsed the day and requested UN to adopt the day. This day was officially adopted by UNGA and December 5, 2014 celebrated as the first World Soil Day.  Soil supports life on our planet by providing essential nutrients to plants. It is also home to a large, diversified community of creatures that enhance the soil's structure, recycle vital nutrients, and aid in the management of weeds, plant pests, and diseases. Another crucial factor is that good soil reduces climate change by preserving or even increasing soil organic carbon. All plants used in food production grow on soil, which also serves as the foundation of food systems.

3. 3. 5 December – International Volunteer Day: International Volunteer Day (IVD) is celebrated on 5 December every year. Objective – To promote volunteerism at local, national, and international levels. The United Nations General Assembly notified in its resolution of 20 November 1997 that 2001 will be observed as the International Year of Volunteers (IYV).

Theme 2022 – solidarity through volunteering

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

1. Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh lift mixed team pistol title at 65th NSCC:Team of Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh won the 10m air pistol mixed team title at the 65th National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC), held at the MP Shooting Academy range, Bhopal. Duo of Manu and Sarabjot defeated Karnataka pair, Divya T.S. and Imroz by 16-4 in the gold medal encounter. While, in the junior mixed team pistol, Uttar Pradesh’s Anjali and Sagar defeated Uttarakhand’s Yashsavi and Abhinav to win the final. New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh won the 10m air pistol mixed team title at the 65th National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC) here at the MP Shooting Academy range in Bhopal, venue of the Pistol shooting events.

2. Indian Shooter Rudrankksh Patil won ISSF President’s Cup in Egypt:Indian shooter Rudrankksh Patil has clinched the ISSF President’s Cup held in Cairo, Egypt.He defeated Italy’s Danilo Sollazzo in the 10-metre rifle play-off by 16-8.18-year-old Rudrankksh Patil also bagged India’s first quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics, when he clinched a gold in the men’s 10-metre air rifle in the ISSF Rifle-Pistol World Championships 2022 also held in Cairo in October this year.Olympian, Anjum Moudgil (world No. 4) had secured silver after losing to Anna Janssen (Germany) in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions final.

3. Rohit Sharma becomes sixth-highest run scorer for India in ODIs: Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma has surpassed former batter M. Azharuddin to become the sixth-highest run-getter for India in ODI cricket.The batter accomplished this record during India’s first ODI against Bangladesh at Dhaka.With this, his ODI statistics stand at 234 matches, and 9,403 runs in 227 innings at an average of 48.46. He has scored 29 tons and 45 fifties in his ODI career, with the best individual score of 264, which is also the highest score ever in ODIs.Other leading run-scorers in ODI cricket for India are Sachin Tendulkar (18,426), Virat Kohli (12,353), Saurav Ganguly (11,221), Rahul Dravid (10,768), and MS Dhoni (10,599).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. IDFC AMC to be renamed as Bandhan Mutual Fund:SEBI has cleared Bandhan-led consortium's proposed acquisition of IDFC AMC. Earlier, a consortium of Bandhan Financial Holdings, GIC, and ChrysCapital have signed an agreement to buy IDFC AMC and IDFC AMC Trustee Company from parent IDFC (Deal: Rs 4,500 crore). After the transaction, BFHL will own about 60% and GIC and ChrysCapital will hold 20% each in IDFC AMC. Consequently, each scheme of IDFC MF will be renamed to replace the word ‘IDFC’ with the word ‘Bandhan’. IDFC Asset Management Company Limited (AMC), one of the top 10 AMCs in the country, has received regulatory clearances from regulators for its proposed change in ownership. Securities market regulator SEBI granted the necessary no objection for IDFC AMC’s acquisition by a consortium comprising Bandhan Financial Holdings Limited (BFHL), GIC (GIC), and ChrysCapital (CC). 

2. IIFL launches India’s first passive tax-saving fund:IIFL Mutual Fund has launched the new fund offering of IIFL ELSS (Equity-Linked Savings Scheme) Nifty 50 Tax Saver Index Fund (IN50). A passive scheme allows investors to simply think of their investment as a split between FDs, PPFs, insurance, and ‘equity’ – without having to worry about deep analysis. Being an index fund, the scheme will try to mirror the Nifty 50 and generate returns in line with the movement in the index.  Being a tax saver fund, all investments in this scheme up to Rs 1.5 lakh, along with other eligible contributions, will fetch you deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Like all contributions to ELSS, the units of this scheme too will be locked in for three years from the date of allotment.

3. GST collection for November stands at Rs 1,45,867 crore:Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for the month of November 2022 stood at ₹1,45,867 crore, according to the data shared by the finance ministry The revenue for the month of November is 11% higher than the GST revenue in the same month last year, which itself was ₹1,31,526 crore This is the ninth straight month when collections from GST has remained above ₹1.40 lakh crore. The gross GST revenue collected in November 2022 came in at ₹1,45,867 crore of which CGST is ₹25,681 crore, SGST is ₹32,651 crore, IGST is ₹77,103 crore (including ₹38,635 crore collected on import of goods) and Cess is ₹10,433 crore (including ₹817 crore collected on import of goods).

                                    

OBITUARIES

1. City of Joy author, Dominique Lapierre passes away: Dominique Lapierre (French writer), the author of best-selling books on India like "Freedom at Midnight" and "City of Joy", has been passed away at the age of 91. His notable work: Is Paris Burning?, O Jerusalem!, Five Past Midnight in Bhopal, Freedom at Midnight In 2008, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan (India's third highest civilian award). He had donated the bulk of his royalties from "City of Joy" to support humanitarian projects in India.

2. Yakshagana artist Kumble Sundar Rao passes away: Well-known Yakshagana and Talamaddale artist and former MLA, Kumble Sundar Rao has been passed away at the age of 88. He was an exponent of Thenkuthittu style of Yakshagana. He had performed as a member of Surathkal, Dharmasthala and Ira Yakshagana Melas. He served as an MLA of Surathkal (present Mangalore City North) constituency from 1994 to 1999. Sundar Rao had served as president of Karnataka State Yakshagana Academy.

Daily GK Update- 4th Dec, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 'Divya Kala Mela' started on Kartavya Path:Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar has inaugurated the Divya Kala Mela in Kartavya Path at India Gate, Delhi The Divya Kala Mela was started on 2nd and will continue till 7th December.  Aim: To provide a great platform for the products and craftsmanship of Divyang artisans, craftsmen and artisans from across the country. The four finance corporations under this ministry, NHFDC, NBCFDC, NSFDC and NSKDFC will provide financial assistance Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurates the Divya Kala Mela in Kartavya Path at India Gate, Delhi. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima Bhowmik was also present on the occasion. The Divya Kala Mela will be held from 2nd to 7th December and it’s aims to provide a great platform for the products and craftsmanship of Divyang artisans, craftsmen and artisans from across the country. On this occasion, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar said that the objective of the fair is to bring self-reliance in the lives of Divyangjan, he said that this type of event will provide a big platform to the Divyangjans as well as display and sale of their products and in future Will also provide an opportunity to connect with big businessmen. With this, he said that Divya Kala Mela will now be organized across the country. The four finance corporations under this ministry, NHFDC, NBCFDC, NSFDC and NSKDFC k provide financial assistance under term loan schemes and micro finance schemes to the artisans through various channel partners.

2. Spocto Introduces India’s First Debt Collection Innovation Lab: The world’s leading full-stack debt support and risk mitigation platform has inaugurated India’s first Innovation Lab (SIL) dedicated to the debt collection segment of banking industries in India and the Middle East. Through an expedited method, SIL is intended to speed development on disruptive technologies such as AI/ML, big data, data security, and so on. SIL is working with all participants in the collecting ecosystem to prepare for the future by taking a digital-first strategy. Spocto will also promote digitalization in the collections ecosystem by leveraging technology that provide hyperpersonalization and data-driven solutions to improve repayments. The ideas will be finalised in cooperation with a ‘borrower’ focus group comprised of persons from various demographics. Because SIL will collect input from both the borrower and lender sectors, spocto hopes to cut the default rate by 10 per cent by 2025.

 

3.  4 December 2022 – Indian Navy Day:Indian Navy Day is celebrated every year on 4 December to recognize the role and achievements of the Indian Navy. It also commemorates the launch of Operation Trident in the Indo-Pakistan War in 1971.On December 3, 1971, Pakistan launched an offensive on Indian airbases during the India-Pakistan war.In response, the Indian Navy launched Operation Trident and sent three  missile boats — Nirghat, Veer and Nipat — towards Pakistan’s Naval headquarters in Karachi at maximum speed.

 

 

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Pakistan tops list of nations at risk of violence: Report: According to the US think-tank 'Early Warning Project' (EWP) report, For the third time in a row, Pakistan has topped the list of countries at the highest risk of experiencing mass killings. While, Yemen and Myanmar in placed second and third spots respectively in the list. Afghanistan and India were placed in the seventh and eighth spots respectively. Syria and Iraq were placed in the 11th and 12th spots respectively and China was placed 23rd in the list.

For the third consecutive time, Pakistan has topped the list of nations at the highest risk of experiencing mass killings, according to the latest report by the US think-tank Early Warning Project, as quoted by news agency ANI.

In its 28-page report, the Early Warning Project stated that Pakistan faces multiple security and human rights challenges, including increasing violence by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP.

 

2. Global Aviation Safety Rankings:India ranked 48th; topped by Singapore: India has jumped to the 48th position in the global aviation safety ranking by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), according to the DGCA report. Four years ago, the country was ranked at the 102nd position. Singapore is at the top, followed by the UAE and South Korea at the second and third positions The Indian aviation safety has scored the highest-ever El score of 85.49 percent which puts India in the 48th spot. In 2018, India scored 69.95 percent at the 102nd rank. India has performed better than China which stands in 49th rank in the audit. Israel has been ranked 50th.

The audit was conducted in the areas of – Legislation, Organization, Personal Licensing, Operations, Airworthiness, and Aerodromes. Teams from the UN agency went to Delhi Airport; IGI Airport air traffic control; Airport Authority of India’s communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) wing.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

1. Indian Shooter Rudrankksh Patil won ISSF President’s Cup in Egypt:Indian shooter, Rudrankksh Patil (18) has clinched the ISSF President’s Cup held in Cairo, Egypt from 28th Nov to 4th Dec 2022. He has defeated Danilo Sollazzo (Italy) in the 10-metre rifle by 16-8. He had also bagged India's first quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics in October 2022. Olympian, Anjum Moudgil (world No. 4) had secured silver after losing to Anna Janssen (Germany) in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions final. Indian shooter Rudrankksh Patil has clinched the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) President’s Cup held in Cairo, Egypt. He defeated Italy’s Danilo Sollazzo in the 10-metre rifle play-off by 16-8.

 

2. Saurashtra cricket team wins 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy:Saurashtra cricket team has defeated Maharashtra cricket team by 5 wickets in the final to win the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Awards:

·       Player of the match: Sheldon Jackson (Saurashtra ,133 runs in 135 Balls)

·       Player of the tournament: Ruturaj Gaikwad (Maharashtra, Games: 5; Runs: 660)

·       Most Runs: N Jagadeesan (TN): 830runs, 8 innings

·       Highest Score: N Jagadeesan

·       Most Fours: N Jagadeesan

·      Most Sixes: Ruturaj Gaikwad

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI implements 4 tiered regulatory norms for UCB:RBI has announced a four-tiered regulatory framework for categorisation of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs). It is based on size of deposits of the UCBs and came into force with immediate effect. The extant regulatory

framework classifies UCBs into two tiers -- Tier I and Tier II.

·       Tier 1: Deposits up to Rs 100 cr

·       Tier 2: More than Rs 100 cr and up to Rs 1,000 cr

·       Tier 3: More than Rs 1,000 cr and up to Rs 10,000 cr

·       Tier 4: More than Rs 10,000 cr\

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday announced a four-tiered regulatory framework for categorisation of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs),Besides, the central bank has come out with norms pertaining to the net worth and capital adequacy of these Banks.

2. NSE Indices launches new Nifty Bharat Bond Index:NSE Indices (Subsidiary of National Stock Exchange) has launched new Index under the Nifty Bharat Bond Index series. The Bharat Bond Index series follows a target maturity date structure wherein each index in the series measures the performance of a portfolio of 'AAA' rated bonds issued by government owned entities maturing in a specific year. Nifty Bharat Bond Index — April 2033 - has been launched within the Nifty Bharat Bond Index series. Nifty Bharat Bond Index, April 2033, has been launched within the Nifty Bharat Bond Index series, according to a statement by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) released earlier this week.The Bharat Bond Index series follows a target maturity date structure wherein each index in the series measures the performance of a portfolio of 'AAA' rated bonds issued by government owned entities maturing in a specific year.

3. NPCI extends UPI market cap deadline by 2 years: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced that deadline for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) players to limit to a market cap of 30% has been extended by two years (December 31, 2024).The deadline given by NPCI was of December 31, 2022. In November 2022, the NPCI had proposed a 30% volume cap for third-party app providers (TPAP). Currently, there is no cap on volume of transactions and about 80% share of market hold by the private players. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Friday announced that deadline for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) players to limit to a market cap of 30 per cent by two years to December 31, 2024.

4. World Bank provide financial aid of USD 250 million to Bangladesh:The World Bank has approved the financial aid of USD 250 million to Bangladesh to strengthen the environment management and promote private sector participation in green investment. Bangladesh Environmental Sustainability and Transformation (BEST) Project will help the country tackle key pollution issues. The project will help to construct four vehicle inspection centres using private-public partnership modality to inspect about 46,000 vehicles annually. The World Bank on Friday approved USD 250 million financing to help Bangladesh strengthen environment management and promote private sector participation in green investment. Successful implementation of the Bangladesh Environmental Sustainability and Transformation (BEST) Project will help the country tackle key pollution issues, benefitting over 21 million people living in Greater Dhaka and beyond.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. A book Chipko Movement won Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize 2022:The Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize 2022 has been awarded to The Chipko Movement: A People’s Movement. The book is authored by historian and activist Shekhar Pathak translated from Hindi by Manisha Chaudhry. The award is given for non-fiction on contemporary India by writers of any nationality and carries a cash award of 15 lakhs. This is the fifth iteration of the prize launched by the New India Foundation in 2018.

2. SS Rajamouli won Best Director at New York Film Critics Circle:Filmmaker SS Rajamouli won the Best Director Award for RRR at the New York Film Critics Circle. The group is one of the first critics’ groups to weigh in on the awards season. At the New York Film Critics Circle, Todd Field’s Tar has won the Best Picture of the year, also nabbing Best Actress for Cate Blanchett’s leading performance. Colin Farrell won Best Actor for two of his performances this year – After Yang and The Banshees of Inisherin.

3. International Day of Banks celebrates on 4th December: International Day of Banks is celebrated on December 4 to recognise the importance of multilateral and international development banks in financing sustainable developments. United Nations also observes the day in recognition of the vital role of banking systems in Member State in contributing to the improvement of the standard of living. The International Day of Banks was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly as a way to draw attention to the role that international development banks can play in supporting sustainable development. Banks support the international community’s goals by financing the sustainable development of member nations and providing information for achieving these goals.

 

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran documentarian, Julia Reichert passes away:Veteran documentarian, Julia Reichert, who won an Oscar in 2020 for her feature ‘American Factory,’ has been passed away at the age of 76 due to cancer. She has received four Academy Award nominations and one win, two Primetime Emmys, a Director’s Guild Award and two Peabody Awards nods. Her documentaries including: Union Maids, Seeing Red: Stories of American Communists, and The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant. According to Variety, a US-based news outlet, across her more than 50 years as a filmmaker, Reichert received four Academy Award nominations and one win, two Primetime Emmys, a Director’s Guild Award and two Peabody Awards nods. Her documentaries, including the Oscar-nominated “Union Maids,” “Seeing Red: Stories of American Communists,” and “The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant,” addressed issues of gender, class, race, and the world economy.

2. Veteran Odia, actress Jharana Das passes away: Veteran Odia actress, Jharana Das has been passed away at the age of 77 due to old age-related aliment. She was awarded the state government’s prestigious Jaydev Puraskar for her lifetime contribution to Odia film industry.  Her films - Shree Jagannath, Nari, Adinamegha, Hisabnikas, Pujafula, and Heera Nella. She had also worked as a child artist with AIR, Cuttack. She was also honoured with Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award for lifetime achievement in 2016.