Daily GK Update- 9th Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated FAI Annual Seminar at New Delhi: Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has inaugurated the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) Annual Seminar 2022 in New Delhi. He also released three FAI publications and the FAI Data portal. This portal will create a uniform database. FAI Annual Seminar 2022 is devoted to the theme ‘Fertilizer Sector by 2030. By 2025, India will become self-sufficient in urea. One of the recently introduced schemes of our government is “One Nation One Fertilizer” under which Urea, MOP, DAP, and NPK will be sold under the uniform Bharat brand to bring uniformity in the quality and brands”.

 

2. FalguniNayar, RoshniNadar in ‘World’s 100 Most Powerful Women’ list: Forbes’ annual list of ‘The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women in 2022’ has been released. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and Nykaa founder FalguniNayar are among six Indians who have made it to the Forbes’ annual list of The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. Ranked at number 36, Nirmala Sitharaman has made it to the list for the fourth time in a row. In 2021, the 63-year-old minister was ranked at number 37 in the list, while she was in the 41st spot in 2020 and 34th in 2019.

The other Indians to feature on the list are HCL Tech Chairperson RoshniNadar Malhotra (rank 53), Securities And Exchange Board Of India (SEBI) Chairperson MadhabiPuriBuch (rank 54), and Steel Authority Of India Chairperson Soma Mondal (rank 67).This year Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is ranked 72, while FalguniNayar is at 89th spot, according to the list released by Forbes.The list includes 39 CEOs; 10 heads of state; and 11 billionaires worth a combined $115 billion.

 

3. ISRO signed MoU with Vyom Space to build private space capsules: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed anMoU with Gurugram-based private space firm Vyom Space Exploration and Services Private Limited for its human and cargo transportation capsule program. A ‘capsule’ in a space mission is the module inside which any cargo is placed for being carried to space. In manned missions, the capsule is what hosts the astronauts. The capsules have typically been single-use in nature, with the exception of US-based private space firm, Elon Musk’s SpaceX’s reusable human and cargo module, Crew Dragon.It was facilitated by India’s nodal space authorization body, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (In-Space).

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Priyanka Chopra among 4 Indians on BBC’s 100 influential women list: The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has released the list of 100 most influential women in the world 2022. Priyanka Chopra is among four Indians who have made it to BBC’s ‘100 Women’ list of influential figures of the year. She is the only Indian actor on the list which includes names like singer Billie Eilish, actor and disability activist Selma Blair and Hollywood icon Rita Moreno. In this list, four Indian women have also included – Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Geetanjali Shree (Author), SirishaBandla (engineer and astronaut), and SnehaJawale (social worker).On the list, Priyanka is described as one of Bollywood’s biggest film stars, with more than 60 films to her name. The list also included European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen.

 

2. India ranked 87th in the world’s strongest passport list 2022: India has ranked 87 in the world’s strongest passport list, while UAE ranked first in the rating of passports for 2022 has been made public recently. Passport Index 2022 published by Arton Capital is the ranking of the world’s strongest and weakest passports. The top-ten spots after UAE in the list were dominated by European countries. While UAE ranked first, it is followed by Germany, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Spain, France.

While Afghanistan stood last, Pakistan stood at 94. Japan ranked 24 on Arton’s index with easy access to 171 countries. The country’s travel document was ranked as the world’s best earlier this year in a list published by Henley & Partners The passport rankings tell you the number of countries you can enter without acquiring a visa.

Recent index

Global Aviation Safety Rankings: India ranked 48th; topped by Singapore

List of countries at risk of mass killings: India ranked 8th; Pakistan topped

Global Prime Cities Index by Knight Frank: Mumbai ranked 22nd

Network Readiness Index 2022: India ranked 61st; topped by US

Climate Change Performance Index 2023: India ranked 8th; top 3 empty; Denmark at 4th

 

3. Dina Boluarte elected as first female President of Peru: Former Vice President Dina Boluarte has assumed the charge as the first female and sixth president of Peru.

Boluarte, 60, who started the day as vice president and next in line to replace Castillo, faces the unenviable challenge of healing a divided Peru where the presidency has been locked in battle with Congress for more than a year.

Her oath came, when her predecessor being detained by police and impeached by lawmakers.

The ceremony took place hours after a majority of 101 members in the 130-person legislative body voted to impeach Pedro Castillo (former president of Peru).

About Peru

Capital – Lima

Currency – Sol

 

4. 9 December – International Anti-Corruption Day: International Anti-Corruption Day is observed every year on 9 December.

Objective – To raise awareness against corruption and the measures that can be implemented to fight it.

The UN General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption on October 31, 2003, and designated December 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day.

Theme 2022 – Uniting the World Against Corruption.

 

5. 9 December – International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide Crime: International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime is commemorated on December 9 of every year around the world.

Objective – To raise awareness about the greatest crime perpetrated by man against man, the violation of human rights, and how it can be prevented in the future.

The United Nations General Assembly with a resolution in 2015 adopted December 9 as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. Eden Hazard announced his retirement from International Football: Belgium captain Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international football after Belgium’s early exit from the FIFA World Cup 2022.

He was the captain of Belgium in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Hazard made his international debut in 2008 and scored 33 times in 126 appearances.

He helped Belgium reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, where they lost to eventual champions France, and beat England in the third-placed playoff.

 

2. DeepikaPadukone to unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy during the finals:Actor DeepikaPadukone will unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy during the finals, making her perhaps the first global actor to do so in the history of FIFA.

The final match will be played at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar on 18 Dec.

The tournament is being held from Nov 20 to Dec 18.

She was also awarded the TIME100 Impact Award in 2022.

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. AU Small Finance Bank partnered with ICICI Lombard for bancassurance: ICICI Lombard General Insurance has signed an agreement with the AU Small Finance Bank for bancassurance.Objective – To diverse the bank’s customers access to the Non-life insurer’s portfolio and enhance penetration across India.The entire suite of products will be offered across 980+ banking touchpoints spread over 20 states & 2 union territories.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 is a scheduled commercial bank, a Fortune India 500 Company, and the largest small finance bank in the country.ICICI Lombard is one of the leading general insurance companies and the leading motor insurer in the country.

About AU Small Finance Bank Limited

Founded – 1996

Founder – Sanjay Agarwal

Headquarters – Jaipur, Rajasthan

MD & CEO – Sanjay Agarwal

Tagline – ChaloAageBadhein

 

2. KV Shaji appointed as Chairman of NABARD: K V Shaji has been appointed as new Chairman of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

He formerly served as NABARD’s Deputy Managing Director (DMD) till May 21, 2020.

He succeeds GovindaRajuluChintala.

Before joining NABARD, he worked in Canara Bank in various capacities for 26 years.

He also played a role in the merger of Syndicate Bank and Canara Bank.

About National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

Founded – 12 July 1982

Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra

Chairman – K V Shaji

NABARD established on the recommendations of B. Sivaramman Committee

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. McLaughlin-Levrone& Mondo Duplantis won World Athlete of the Year 2022 awards: World champion American hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Swedish pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis has won the World Athlete of the Year awards 2022McLaughlin-Levrone- She had broken the world women’s 400m hurdles record twice.She became the first American to win Athlete of the Year since fellow 400m hurdler Dalilah Muhammad in 2019.Duplantis- He has broken the world pole vault record on three occasions and became world champion indoors and outdoors.

Daily GK Update- 8th Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Anurag Thakur inaugurated India’s 1st Drone Training Conference: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, and Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur has inaugurated India’s first Drone Skilling and Training Virtual E-Learning Platform in Chennai. He also launched 1000 planned Drone Centre of Excellence at Garuda Aerospace’s Manufacturing unit in Chennai, and also flagged off Garuda Aerospace’s Drone Yatra, ‘Operation 777. Operation 777′ is meant to demonstrate the efficacy of drones across 777 districts in India. Garuda Aerospace is a Chennai-based start-up dealing in drone technology, and its Kisan Drones are fitted with sensors, cameras, and sprayers and help in increasing food crop productivity, reducing crop loss, reduce farmer exposure to harmful chemicals.

 

2. India to host 17th PravasiBhartiyaDiwas in Indore in January 2023: India will be hosting the 17th PravasiBhartiyaDiwas in Indore from 8-10 January 2023. President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali will be the Chief Guest at the 17th PravasiBharatiya Divas (PBD). Australian Member of Parliament (MP) ZanetaMascarenhas will be the guest of honour at the Youth PravasiBharatiya Divas which will be held on 8 January 2023. The Convention was held in a virtual format. The theme of the 16th PBD Convention 2021 was “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.

 

3. KarthigaiDeepam Chariot festival held in Madurai, Tamil Nadu: The KarthigaiDeepam Chariot festival has been organized at Tiruparangunram in Madurai, Tamil Nadu after a gap of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.This festival is mentioned in the literature of Tamils known as Ahananuru, a collection of poems.It is one of the great books of Sangam literature that talks about the happenings between 200 BC and 300 AD.Avaiyyar, renowned woman of Sangam age also mentions about karthigaiDeepam in her poems.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Oxford’s Word of the Year for 2022 – Goblin Mode: Oxford University Press (OUP) publishers of Oxford English Dictionary have selected “goblin mode” as the 2022 Oxford word of the year.It refers to a type of behavior which is “unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations” – traits that may have become familiar to many during lockdown.

The rise of ‘goblin mode’: The term was first used in 2009 but went viral on social media earlier this year. It shot to prominence after a fake headline claimed that the rapper formerly known as Kanye West and Julia Fox broke up after she “went goblin mode.Recent Word of the Year 2022 :Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2022 – Gaslighting’ Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2022 – Permacrisis, Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2022 – Homer

 

2. Opening Ceremony of International Year of Millets 2023 held in Rome: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, organized an opening ceremony for the International Year of Millets 2023 in Rome, Italy. An Indian delegation led by SushriShobhaKarandlaje, Minister of State, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare along with Smt. Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary (Crops), DA&FW, and other senior officials were present at the opening ceremony.

India sponsored the proposal for the International Year of Millets 2023 which was accepted by the UN’s General Assembly. In India, millets are primarily a Kharif crop, requiring less water and agricultural inputs.

 

3. India to organize 12th World Hindi conference in Fiji in February 2023: The 12th World Hindi Conference is being organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Government of Fiji from 15-17 February 2023 in Fiji.

Theme – Hindi: From Traditional Knowledge to Artificial Intelligence

The registration fee for Indian citizens is Rs. 2000, for Indian students Rs. 500, foreigners $50 and foreign student $10.According to the UN report of 2020, Fiji had a population of more than 896,000 and out of which over 30% is of Indian origin.

About Fiji

Capital- Suva

Currency- Fijian dollar

President – WiliameKatonivere

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Kanitkar appointed Batting Coach of Indian Women’s Cricket: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed HrishikeshKanitkar as the Batting Coach of the Senior Women’s cricket team. Kanitkar will take charge of the team from the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia starting 9th December in Mumbai. The Indian national women cricket team has been without a head coach for the past two months since the completion of the tenure of RomeshPowar.

Kanitkar played two Tests and 34 ODIs for India between 1997 and 2000. He was also the coach of India’s U19 team, which won the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2022.

 

2. MirabaiChanu won silver at Weightlifting World Championship in Colombia: MirabaiChanu won the silver medal at the World Weightlifting Championships 2022 in Colombia.She beat the Tokyo 2020 champion HouZhihua of China.Mirabai lifted a combined weight of 200 kg compared to Zhihua’s total of 198 kg.This was Mirabai’s second medal at the World Championships, having previously won gold in 2017 with a lift of 194 kg.She lifted a combined weight of 200 kg compared to Zhihua’s total of 198 kg.Meanwhile, China’s Jiang Huihua took home the gold medal with a combined weight of 206 kg.

 

3. Aditya Mittal becomes India’s 77th Chess Grandmaster: 16-year-old Mumbai Player Aditya Mittal has become the 77th Chess Grandmaster of India during an ongoing Ellobregat Open tournament in Spain. He had secured three GM norms, crossed live rating of 2,500 ELO points mark during the sixth round of the ongoing tournament. He drew the game against Francisco Vallejo Pons to achieve the feat. Mittal earned his maiden GM norm at Serbia Masters 2021.Subsequently, he obtained his second GM norm at Ellobregat Open 2021. The teenager secured his third GM norm at Serbia Masters 2022.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Spice Money partnered with Axis Bank for financial inclusion in rural India: Spice Money has partnered with Axis Bank to facilitate the opening of instant, zero-balance savings or current accounts for rural citizens through its Adhikari network. Objective – To bridge the rural-urban divide and bring financial inclusivity by providing access to banking products to the last mile at their doorstep.The Spice Money network, comprising more than 10 lakh Adhikaris, covers more than 18,000 pin codes, 700 districts and 5,000 blocks, serving over 10 crore households.A regulated entity under RBI, the fintech firm delivers various financial services such as cash deposit and withdrawal, and insurance premiums to the rural masses.

 

About Axis Bank

·       Founded – 1993

·       Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra

·       Chairman – Rakesh Makhija

·       MD & CEO – Amitabh Chaudhary

·       Tagline – BadhtiKanaamZindag

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Veena Nair won Prime Minister’s prize in Australia: Indian-origin teacher Veena Nair has honoured with the 2022 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in secondary schools in Australia. She is ViewBank College’s Head of Technology and STEAM project leader. She was awarded for demonstrating practical application of STEAM to students, and how they can use their skills to make a real impact in the world. She started her teaching career in Mumbai, where she provided computers to low socio-economic schools.

 

2. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy named Time’s 2022 Person of the Year: Time magazine named Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelenskiy 2022’s “Person of the Year“. He inspired Ukrainians and won global accolades for his courage in resisting Russia’s devastating invasion. Women in Iran were Time’s 2022 Heroes of the year and the K-pop band Blackpink were recognized as Time’s Entertainer of the year. American baseballer Aaron Judge has been recognized as the Athlete of the Year and Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh is the Icon of the Year.Elon Musk, who was last year’s winner, was again listed as a finalist. In 2021, his electric car company, Tesla, became the most valuable carmaker in the world.

 

OBITUARIES

1. Eminent economist Yoginder K Alagh passed away: A well-known economist, former minister, and an emeritus professor at Ahmedabad-based Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research (SPIESR) Yoginder K Alagh passed away He was born in Chakwal (in present-day Pakistan) in 1939. Professor Y.K. Alagh was passionate about various aspects of public policy, particularly rural development, the environment, and economics. As chairman of the Agricultural Prices Commission between 1982-83. From 1992 to 1996, Alagh was vice-chancellor of the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU),In 1996, Alagh was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat, and was a member until 2000. He also served as the Union Minister of State for Planning and Programme Implementation, Science and Technology, and Power during 1996-98.

                             

Daily GK Update- 7th Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Justice Tashi Rabstan appointed as acting chief justice of J&K High Court:The Government of India has appointed Justice Tashi Rabstan as the Acting Chief justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He has replaced incumbent Chief Justice Ali Mohd Magrey, who retired on 7th December 2022. Justice Rabstan had enrolled as an Advocate on 6th March 1990 in Bar Council of J&K. He remained as Standing Counsel for Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh from 1997 till 2005.

Retirement age of-

• SC Judges: 65
• HC Judges: 62

In a notification, the Department of Justice in the Law Ministry said Tuesday the president is pleased to appoint Justice Tashi Rabstan, senior-most judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, to perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of that HC with effect from December 8 consequent upon the retirement of Justice Ali Mohd Magrey. While Supreme Court judges retire on attaining the age of 65 years, high court judges retire at 62

2. Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated National Conference on Soil Health: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has inaugurated Conference on Soil Health Management for Sustainable Farming. In two phases, more than 22 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers across the country. So far, 499 permanent Soil Testing Laboratories and 2395 Village-level Soil Testing Laboratories have been established in the Country.Virendra Kumar has inaugurated the SHILP SAMAGAM-2022 in New Delhi. G Kishan Reddy inaugurated the 11th edition of the Manipur Sangai Festival. Kishan Reddy inaugurated the sixth edition of Ganga Utsav 2022 in New Delhi. Rajnath Singh launched ‘Maa Bharati Ke Sapoot’ website Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated ‘Ayush Utsav’ in Kashmir

3. India’s coal production increased by 11.66 % to 75.87 mn tonnes in Nov: India’s total coal production has increased by 66 percent to 75.87 Million Tonnes (MT) from 67.94 MT during November 2022 as compared to November 2021. According to the coal ministry data, in November 2022, Coal India Ltd (CIL) registered a growth of 12.82 percent, whereas Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and other captive mines registered a growth of 7.84 percent and 6.87 per cent respectively. Out of the top 37 mines in coal production as many as 24 mines produced more than 100 percent and production of five mines stood between 80 and 100 percent in terms of output. Coal-based power generation also registered a growth of 16.28 per cent in November as compared to last year.

4. 7 December – Armed Forces Flag Day: Armed Forces Flag Day is observed every year on 7 December to honour the martyrs, veterans, and serving personnel of the Indian military. On 28th August 1949, the Ministry of Defence decided to celebrate this day, to honor the soldiers, sailors, and airmen. The day has been marked every year since 1949 to celebrate the valiant efforts undertaken by military personnel to safeguard the country’s borders and raise funds to ensure their and their family’s well-being. The welfare schemes are funded by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) which was instituted Government of India.

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

1. Three Indian billionaires on Forbes Asia Heroes of Philanthropy list: Three Indian billionaires - Gautam Adani, Shiv Nadar, and Ashok Soota were listed in the 16th edition of Forbes Asia's Heroes of Philanthropy list. Gautam Adani (Adani chairman): For having pledged ₹60,000 crores ($7.7 billion) when he turned 60 in June 2022. Shiv Nadar (HCL co-founder & chairman): For having channelled close to $1 billion of his wealth to various social causes. Ashok Soota (Happiest Mind chairman): Pledged ₹600 crore to the medical research trust Billionaires Gautam Adani, HCL Technologies's Shiv Nadar, and Happiest Minds Technologies' Ashok Soota are the three Indians who have been named in the 16th edition of Forbes Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy list which was released on Tuesday. Gautam Adani, 60, is the founder of conglomerate Adani Group, the largest port operator in India. The group's interests span infrastructure, commodities, power generation and transmission and real estate. He has surged to prominence this year, as an eye-catching leap in his fortune made him one of the richest people on the planet in a matter of months.

2. International Civil Aviation Day 2022: 7th December: International Civil Aviation Day is observed on every year on December 7 to promote the importance of international civil aviation. 2022 theme: Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development The theme will remain the same until the year 2023. In 1996, the UN General Assembly has formally recognised December 7 as International Civil Aviation Day. Safety standards in international aviation are maintained by the ICAO (an autonomous UN body). International Civil Aviation Day is celebrated on December 7, every year. The day is marked as a global observance and not a public holiday. Every year, this day is celebrated to promote awareness of the importance of international civil aviation organisations in international air travel. Safety standards in international aviation are maintained by the ICAO, an autonomous UN body.

3. ‘Goblin Mode’ is Oxford’s Word of the Year for 2022: Oxford University Press (OUP), publishers of Oxford English Dictionary has selected “goblin mode” as the 2022 Oxford word of the year. It refers to a type of behavior which is an unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations. For the first time, a group of lexicographers at OUP gave people a choice of: “Goblin mode,” “metaverse,” and “#IStandWith”. According to Oxford University Press (OUP), publishers behind the Oxford English Dictionary, the slang term refers to a type of behavior which is “unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations” – traits that may have become familiar to many during lockdown. “Given the year we’ve just experienced, ‘Goblin mode’ resonates with all of us who are feeling a little overwhelmed at this point. It’s a relief to acknowledge that we’re not always the idealized, curated selves that we’re encouraged to present on our Instagram and TikTok feeds,” he said.

4. AGEL becomes world’s largest wind-solar hybrid power developer: Adani Green Engergy Limited (AGEL) has commissioned a 450 MW wind-solar hybrid power plant in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. With the new hybrid plant, AGEL has become the largest operational hybrid power generation capacity of 1,440 MW. AGEL has a total operational generation capacity of 7.17 GW, making it the largest wind-solar hybrid power farm developer. According to the company, the plant has Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) with SECI at Rs 2.67/kwh for 25 years. Adani Green stated on Monday that it has commissioned a 450 MW wind-solar hybrid power plant in Rajasthan. With the new hybrid plant in Jaisalmer, Adani Green Energy has the largest operational hybrid power generation capacity of 1,440 MW. AGEL has a total operational generation capacity of 7.17 GW, making it the largest wind-solar hybrid power farm developer. 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

1. Mirabai clinches silver at Weightlifting World Championships 2022: Tokyo Oylmpic medallist, Mirabai Chanu has secured the silver medal in 49kg category, at the ongoing 2022 World Weightlifting Championships, held in Bogotá, Colombia. She managed to lift a total weight of 200kg (87kg in snatch and 113kg in 'clean and jerk'). She lost to Jiang Huihua from China, who won the gold with a total effort of 206kg (93kg+113kg). While Hou Zhihua settled for bronze medal with the total lift of 198kg (89kg+109kg).

2. Mirabai clinches silver at Weightlifting World Championships 2022:Star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu was not at her best due to a wrist injury but still won a silver medal at the World Championships with a total lift of 200kg, here.The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist, competing in 49kg category, managed to lift 87kg in snatch and in 'clean and jerk' her best effort was a lift of 113kg, on Tuesday night.The Indian finished behind China's Jiang Huihua, who won the gold with a total effort of206kg (93kg+113kg) while her compatriot and Tokyo Olympics champion Hou Zhihua 198kg (89kg+109kg) took home the bronze medal.

 

3. Cristiano Ronaldo signs 200-million euro contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portuguese) has signed two-and-a-half year agreement for 200 million euros each season with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr Football Club. Manchester United has terminated his contract after a controversial bombshell interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan. Al Nassr Football Club was formed in 1955. The club plays its home games at the Mrsool Park. Al-Nassr FC Chairman: Musalli Al Muammar Amid the Manchester United recently terminating his contract, Portuguese football star Christiano Ronaldo has joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr on a two and a half year deal worth 200 million euros per season, confirmed renowned Spanish outlet Marca on 5 December.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI increases Repo rate by 35 bps to 6.25%: RBI has increased the repo rate by 35 basis points (the fifth increase since May 2022) to 6.25%. Aim: To bring down the inflation to a tolerable limit. While, RBI has lowered the GDP growth projection of India for the current fiscal at 6.8% from 7%.

CPI inflation forecast for FY23 retained at 6.7%.

Size of forex reserves has increased to 561.2 billion as on Dec 2.

FDI inflows rose to $22.7 billion in Apr to Oct 2022

SDF : 6.00%, MSF : 6.50%, Bank Rate : 6.50%

As we come to the end of yet another turbulent year, the global economy is still marred by profound shocks and unprecedented uncertainty. Mixed signals are emanating from the geopolitical situation and financial market volatility. In the beginning of this year (2022), just as the COVID-19 pandemic was receding, the war in Ukraine overwhelmed the world in a black swan moment and fundamentally altered the global economic outlook. Surges in food and energy prices and shortages in key staples have severely affected the poorer sections across the world.

2.  SBI's personal loan portfolio crosses Rs 5 lakh cr mark: State Bank of India (SBI) has surpassed the Rs 5 lakh crore mark in the personal banking advances as on November 30, 2022. The lender has marked the first Rs 1 lakh crore mark in January 2015, followed by Rs 2 lakh crore (January 2018), Rs 3 lakh crore (August 2020), and the Rs 4 lakh mark (November 2021). Personal banking advances mainly comprise personal loan, pension loan, auto loan, education loans, personal-gold loan, and other personal loan products. The bank’s loan portfolio includes auto loans, education loans, gold loans and other products apart from mortgages. In October, the bank announced that its home loan portfolio had crossed Rs 6 lakh crore. State Bank of India (SBI) has crossed the Rs 5-lakh-crore mark in personal banking advances. SBI added the last Rs 1 lakh crore in 12 months.

3. Spice Money partners with Axis Bank for financial inclusion in rural India: Spice Money has partnered with Axis Bank to facilitate opening of instant, zero balance savings or current accounts for rural citizens through its Adhikari network. Aim: To bridge the rural-urban divide and bring financial inclusivity by providing access to banking products to the last mile at their doorstep A regulated entity under RBI, the fintech firm delivers various financial services such as cash deposit and withdrawal, and insurance premium to the rural masses.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Indian-origin, Veena Nair won Prime Minister's prize in Australia: Indian-origin teacher, Veena Nair was honoured with the 2022 Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in secondary schools in Australia She is ViewBank College's Head of Technology and STEAM project leader She was awarded for demonstrating practical application of STEAM to students, and how they can use their skills to make a real impact in the world. She started her teaching career in Mumbai, where she provided computers to low socio-economic schools. Melbourne-based Veena Nair, who is ViewBank College's Head of Technology and STEAM project leader, has been awarded for demonstrating practical application of STEAM to students, and how they can use their skills to make a real impact in the world.

OBITUARIES

1. Economist and former Union minister Yoginder K Alagh passes away: Former Union minister and eminent economist Yoginder K Alagh has been passed away at the age of 83. He taught economics at prestigious Indian and foreign universities, including IIM-Calcutta. He was an associate professor at Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research, Ahmedabad. He has also worked as the vice-chancellor of JNU, Delhi. From 1996-98, he also served as minister of power, planning, and programme and served as a member of Planning Commission. "He was not keeping well for the last couple of months. But his condition deteriorated in the last 20-25 days. He passed away at home. His last rites will be held this evening at the Thaltej crematorium," The Indian Express quoted his son Professor Munish Alagh as saying.

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.