Daily GK Update- 14th Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. National Energy Conservation Day 2022: 14th December: The Ministry of Power has organised an event to celebrate the National Energy Conservation Day in New Delhi on 14th Dec, 2022. Aim: To showcase the achievements of the nation in energy efficiency and conservation. President Droupadi Murmu is the Chief Guest of the event and has felicitated the winners of the National Energy Conservation and National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards.

During the event, the she has also launched EV Yatra Portal and Mobile application.

Addressing the National Energy Conservation Day celebrations in New Delhi today, the President said that India's per capita emission is less than one-third of the world's average emission, which reflects its strong commitment towards conserving the environment.

 

2. PM to participate in Pramukh Swami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has participated in the inaugural function of Pramukh Swami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav held in Ahmedabad on 14th December, 2022. It will be a month-long celebration which will take place from 15th December 2022 to 15th January 2023 in Ahmedabad. The festival was hosted by BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Shahibaug.

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha was established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in the inaugural function of Pramukh Swami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav on 14th December, 2022 at 5:30 PM in Ahmedabad. His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a guide and guru who touched countless lives across India and the world. He was widely respected and admired as a great spiritual leader. His life was dedicated to the service of spirituality and humanity. As the leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, he inspired countless cultural, social and spiritual initiatives, providing comfort and care to millions.

 

3. Home ministry set up committee to look into demand for ‘Frontier Nagaland’: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a special committee to look into the demands of a separate state for the member tribes of the Eastern Nagaland People's Organization (ENPO).

The committee will be headed by the Advisor of the Ministry of Home Affairs, A K Mishra.

The committee also includes Mr Mandeep Singh Tull (Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau) and A K Dhyani (Director of the North East Division of MHA).

 

4. UIDAI topped the Grievance Redressal Index for the fourth consecutive month in November: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been awarded the first rank among all group A ministries, departments, and autonomous bodies for resolution of public grievances for the fourth month in a row in November. The rankings report is published by the department of administrative reforms and public grievances (DARPG) for November 2022.

This is the fourth month in a row when UIDAI has topped the said rankings. UIDAI’s new Open-Source CRM (customer relationship management) system is enhancing user experience and improving service delivery to the residents.

This system has the capability to support multiple channels like phone call, e-mail, chatbot, web portal, social media, letter, and walk-in through which the grievances can be registered, tracked and resolved effectively. UIDAI is constantly working to facilitate “ease of living” for residents and is further committed to strengthen its Grievance Redressal Mechanism towards an even more efficient service delivery.

 

5. 8th India International Science Festival to be held in Bhopal in January 2023: The eighth edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) will be held in Bhopal in January 2023.

Objective – To celebrate the country’s achievements in the field of science, technology and innovation. 14 events will be organized during the four-day event beginning January 21 at the Maulana Azad Institute of Technology, Bhopal. ISF is the initiative of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Ministry of Earth Science of Government of India in association with Vijnana Bharati which is a science movement with swadeshi spirit led by eminent scientists of the country. The IISF 2022 is the eighth edition since its inception in 2015. The 1st and 2nd IISF were held in New Delhi, the third in Chennai, 4th in Lucknow, 5th in Kolkata, 6th through virtual mode and 7th one in Goa.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Jeremy Farrar appointed as new chief scientist of World Health Organisation: Jeremy Farrar (74) has been appointed as a new chief scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO) and will join WHO in the second quarter of 2023. He has replaced Soumya Swaminathan, who had served as chief scientist from 2019 to 2022. Role: To ensure that WHO, its member states and our partners benefit from cutting-edge, life-saving science and innovations Presently, he is serving as the Director of the Wellcome Trust. WHO DG: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that Jeremy Farrar will become its new chief scientist as the agency prepares to cope with post-pandemic health challenges. Currently, Director of the Wellcome Trust, Dr Farrar will join WHO in the second quarter of 2023.

 

2. India, Finland sign joint declaration of Intent on migration and mobility: India has signed a joint declaration of Intent with Finland on migration and mobility between the two countries.

It was signed by V. Muraleedharan (Mos, External Affairs) and Tuula Haatainen (Minster of Employment of Finland). Aim: To facilitate the mobility of researchers, and professionals and to combat irregular migration. The declaration underlines the resolve of both countries to work jointly towards developing a common framework of arrangement and cooperation. India and Finland have signed a joint declaration of Intent on migration and mobility to arrive at a mutually beneficial arrangement on migration and mobility between the two countries.

 

3. New Zealand passes world's first law to ban smoking for future generation: New Zealand has passed a new anti-smoking laws, which banned the future generation of NZ from purchasing tobacco. This law has banned the selling tobacco to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009 and punishable by fines up to NZ$150,000 ($95,910). The ban will remain in place for a person’s whole life. It will also reduce the amount of nicotine, that allowed in smoked tobacco products. Retailers licensed to sell tobacco will be cut to 600 by the end of 2023 from 6,000.

"Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives, and the health system will be NZ$5 billion (US$3.2 billion) better off from not needing to treat the illnesses caused by smoking," Dr. Verralladded.

4. France host conference "Standing with the Ukrainian People": France has hosted an International conference "Standing with the Ukrainian People" in Paris on 13th December 2022. Aim: To coordinate international support for civilian resilience in Ukraine and address the Ukrainian people's urgent humanitarian needs. The conference was organised at the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron and co-organised with Ukraine. The conference was virtually attended by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. France to host International conference "Standing with the Ukrainian People" in Paris

 

5. 14 December – International Energy Day: India celebrates National Energy Conservation Day on December 14. Objective – To raise awareness of the value of energy and the need to conserve it by using less of it. The day is dedicated to advocating initiatives to conserve energy resources and raising public awareness of global warming and climate change. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), established under the Union Ministry of Power, has been organizing the National Energy Conservation Day since 1991.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Messi announced retirement after Qatar FIFA 2022: Argentina football player, Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will retire after the FIFA World Cup 2022 final on December 18. He is playing at his fifth World Cup (FIFA 2022) and has surpassed Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano. With his fifth goal in Qatar FIFA 2022, he has also surpassed Gabriel Batistuta as the top Albiceleste scorer at World Cups, netting 11 times. He led Argentina to the final in the 2014 edition as well.

 

2. Jos Buttler & Sidra Ameen won ICC Player of Month Awards for November 2022: England captain Jos Buttler has been named ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for November 2022 for his brilliant performance in the crunch semi-final match against India and for leading England to their first T20 World Cup title since 2010. Buttler beat Adil Rashid and Shaheen Shah Afridi to win the ICC Player of the Month award.

While Pakistan’s opening batter, Sidra Ameen became the second successive winner of the women’s Player of the Month award from the country, thanks to her brilliant performance in the ODI series win over Ireland.

 

3. Hyderabad Strikers crowned as champions of Tennis Premier League 2022: Hyderabad Strikers crowned as champions of 4th Tennis Premier League (TPL) 2022. The final of the 4th TPL was held in Pune, Maharashtra. The final score of the Hyderabad Strikers was 41-32 and was crowned champions of the event for the 2nd year in a row. Hyderabad’s pair S. Balaji and Nikki Poonacha defeated Mumbai’s R. Ramanathan and J. Nedunnchezhiyan 14-6 to win the title. The TPL Plus, the grassroots league of the Tennis Premier League that allows young tennis athletes a platform to learn from international and Indian stars was won by Mumbai Leon Army.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Canara HSBC Life Insurance launches new savings cum investment plan: Canara HSBC Life Insurance has launched new 'Guaranteed Fortune Plan', a non-linked, non-participating individual savings scheme. It offers life cover and a lump sum amount on outliving the policy term. The product was launched in two variants: (1) Guaranteed Savings Option, and (2) Guaranteed Cash Back Option The first option provides a lump sum on outliving the policy term.

The second option offers customers guaranteed cashback at the end of every fifth policy year.

According to the Canara HSBC Life Insurance, the first option provides a lump sum on outliving the policy term. The second option offers customers guaranteed cashback at the end of every fifth policy year, with an opportunity to defer the amount till maturity or withdraw it earlier.

 

2. Bank of Baroda board to divestment majority stake in Nainital Bank: The board of directors of the Bank of Baroda has approved the divestment of its majority shareholding in Nainital Bank Limited (NBL). Presently, the bank holds 98.57% of the total equity share capital Nainital Bank Limited. The Bank of Baroda had taken over Nainital Bank in 1973 on the directions of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Nainital Bank has about 150 branches across Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan.

 

3. WPI inflation declines to 21-month low at 5.85% in November 2022: According to the recent data, the Wholesale price inflation (WPI) for November 2022 has hit a 21-month low and reduced to 5.85% from 8.39% in October 2022. On a yearly basis, WPI inflation went down from 14.87% in November 2021 to 5.85 per cent in November 2022. Reason: To fall in prices of food items, basic metals, textiles, chemicals and chemical products, and paper and paper products compared to the same period last year.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Tennis player, Iga Swiatek named 2022 WTA Player of the Year: Polish tennis player, Iga Swiatek (World No.1) has been selected for the 2022 WTA Player of the Year by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA). While, Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic) and Katerina Siniakova  (Czech Republic) have been named the WTA 2022 Doubles Team of the Year.

Other awardees:

·       Most Improved Player of the Year: Beatriz Haddad Maia (Brazilian)

·       Newcomer of the Year: Zheng Qinwen (Chinese)

·       Comeback Player of the Year: Tatjana Maria (German)

Pegula reached the Mutua Madrid Open finals for the first time in her career and won the Guadalajara Open Akron, in addition to reaching the quarterfinals of three of the four Grand Slams.

 

2. SpiceJet awarded ‘Safety Performer of the Year’ award by Delhi airport: SpiceJet has been awarded the ‘Safety Performer of the Year’ award by GMR Delhi Airport Awards for being the top performer among the self-handling airlines. Its ground handling team at Delhi Airport achieved this performance through constant focus on quality improvements, innovation and hard work. Recently, the airline was audited by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and its operations, safety processes, and systems were found to be strong and at par with the global best practices and safety standards.

 

3. Venkaiah Naidu conferred with SIES Award for public leadership: Former vice president Venkaiah Naidu has been conferred with the 25th Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award (SIES). Other awardees in various categories included the Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammed Khan, eminent industrialist Ratan Tata, renowned cardiologist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Marthanda Varma Sankaran Valianathan, Scientific Advisor to the Government of India Ajay Sood and famous Harikatha artiste Vishakha Hari. The awards are given in the fields of public leadership, community leadership, science and technology, and social thinkers who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields.The awards were instituted by the South Indian Education Society in 1998 in memory of the late Seer of Kanchi, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Poland’s only cosmonaut Mirosław Hermaszewski passed away: Poland’s only cosmonaut Gen Mirosław Hermaszewski passed away recently at the age of 81.Hermaszewski circled the Earth in a Soviet spacecraft in 1978. For nine days in June and July 1978, he and Soviet cosmonaut Pyotr Klimuk circled the Earth in the Soyuz 30 spaceship that docked at the Salyut 6 orbital space station. They went around the globe 126 times. He was the 89th human to reach outer space. He was a part of manned space flight for the USSR on June 27, 1978.

Daily GK Update- 13th Dec, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Dr PC Rath elected as the president of Cardiological Society of India: Senior cardiologist, Dr PC Rath was formally elected as the president of the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) for one year (2023-24), in an annual meeting held in Chennai.He is currently working as a senior consultant cardiologist and head of department of Cardiology at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills.

CSI is a national body of cardiologists within India and those settled abroad. It was formed in 1948 under the supervision of Bharat Ratna Dr Vidhan Shankar Roy.

Senior cardiologist from Hyderabad, Dr PC Rath, on Monday was formally elected president of the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) for the year 2023-24, in an annual meeting held in Chennai. Dr PC Rath is currently a senior consultant cardiologist and head of department of Cardiology at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills. Dr Rath has pioneered many percutaneous cardiac interventions like complex coronary angioplasty and stenting, robotic angioplasty and percutaneous valve treatment procedures.

 

2. Culture Ministry set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres to conserve art: Ministry of Culture has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) with headquarters at Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur.Reason: To conserve and develop art, culture and crafts across the nation.The government has provided regular annual grant-in-aid for conducting various activities and programmes to ZCCs.The ministry has also announced that ZCCs organize a minimum 42 Regional Festivals for promotion of art and culture every year.

 

3. Indian TV actor Dev Joshi in 'dearMoon CREW' for SpaceX Moon Trip: Indian TV actor, Dev Joshi has confirmed that he will be joining the "dearMoon CREW" and taking a week-long trip around the moon in a SpaceX rocket in 2023. He is best known for his role in TV show 'Baal Veer'.The 'dearMoon' project was first announced in 2017 and it is the first civilian mission to the Moon. Japanese billionaire, Yusaku Maezawa, who has purchased all the seats in 2018, has revealed the name of the eight people who will be joining him for this trip.

 

4. MK Stalin launched Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has launched the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission to protect the natural resources in the state besides restore them on a long-term basis. The state will achieve carbon neutrality much ahead of 2070 target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The state is first to launch its own Climate Change Mission to make Tamil Nadu a climate-smart state. During the budget for 2021-2022, the state government announced the launch of the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission for an outlay of Rs 500 crore to undertake climate change management and mitigation activities.The state has roped in former director of UNEP, Erik Solheim to advise it on matters relating to climate action.

5. Ashwini Vaishnaw announced new train ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a new train – Kashi Tamil Sangamam between Kashi in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to commemorate the incredible cultural bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu.

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a unique celebration of the union of two cultures.

Sangamam is a remarkable event of an exchange of knowledge and art. He also informed that Rs 7000 crore would be spent in revamping the Varanasi station to make it one of the best in the world. Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a month-long programme organized by the Ministry of Education, as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 20th Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival concluded in Kathmandu: The 20th Edition of the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival has concluded in Kathmandu, Nepal.The festival has resumed its physical screening after two years because of the pandemic.

The key focus of the film fest is on the mountain communities and cultures to Nepali audiences.

The Hindi film Ayena, directed and produced by Siddhant Sirin, has been showcased at the 20th edition of the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival. 55 films in Nepali, Korean, Hindi, Spanish, Russian, French, Dioula, Italian and Lebanese language have been presented.

This year, the audience got a chance to witness more than 60 films from 30 different countries, at the Rastriya Sabga Griha and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Exhibition Road.

This year, the theme of the Film Fest is ‘Sustainable Summits’.

 

2. UAE successfully launches first ever Arab-Built lunar spacecraft: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has carried into space the first ever Arab-built lunar spacecraft. It has launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Rashid Rover was built by Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and is being delivered by the HAKUTO-R lander, engineered by Japanese lunar exploration company ispace. The mission is due to arrive at Moon around April 2023. Its rover weighs just 22 pounds (10 kg) and will work on the surface for about 10 days.

About United Arab Emirates (UAE)

·       Capital – Abu Dhabi

·       Currency – Dirham

·       President – Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

·       Prime Minister – Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

 

3. 12 December – International Universal Health Coverage Day: International Universal Health Coverage Day is celebrated annually on 12th December. Objective – To promote the importance of building robust healthcare systems globally. Theme 2022 – Build the world we want: A healthy future for all

On December 12, 2012, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution encouraging nations to advance efforts toward universal healthcare (UHC).In 2017, the UN has declared 12th December to observe International Universal Health Coverage day.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Divya wins gold in women's air pistol national champion 2022: Karnataka shooter, Divya T.S has secured her first women’s 10m air pistol national title at the 65th National Shooting Championship Competitions in Pistol events, held in Bhopal from 20th Nov to 12 Dec 2022

She defeated Sanskriti Bana from Uttar Pradesh by 16-14 and Rhythm Sangwan from Haryana has settled for bronze. Olympian, Manu Bhaker has won the junior women’s air pistol, after defeating Esha Singh ( Telangana). Rhythm Sangwan has won the gold in the Youth category.

 

2. Joe Root becomes the 3rd player to score 10000 Test runs: Former England captain, Joe Root has become the third cricketer in history to score 10000 runs and pick up 50 wickets in Test cricket.He has achieved the milestone during the ongoing second Test against Pakistan in Multan.He has joined the Jacques Kallis (South African) and Steve Waugh (former Australian skipper) in scoring 10000 runs and claiming 50 wickets in the longest format.

Presently, Waugh has 10927 runs (92 wickets) and Kallis has 13289 runs (292 wickets).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Retail inflation eases below 6% for the first time in 2022: Retail inflation of India has been eased to 5.88% in November 2022 from 6.77% in October, 2022. It is first time in this FY, when the inflation rate came within the tolerance band of RBI i.e. 2-6%. While, the food inflation has been eased at 4.67% in November 2022 from 7.01% in October 2022.

Retail inflation is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). To Control the inflation, the RBI has raised the repo rate by 2.25 percentage points in this year (2022).

 

2. RBI imposes penalty on 13 cooperative banks: The Reserve Bank of India has imposed penalties on 13 cooperative banks for contravention of various regulatory norms.

The penalties range between Rs 50,000 and Rs 4 lakh. The maximum penalty of Rs 4 lakh has been imposed on Shri Kanyaka Nagari Sahakari Bank, Chandrapur due to non-compliance with the directions issued by the RBI to Urban Co-operative Banks on KYC. While, the bank has imposed Rs 2.50 lakh fine on Vaidyanath Urban Co-operative Bank, Beed.

 

3. Dalmia Bharat to acquire Jaypee Group’s cement assets for Rs 5,666 crore: The Jaypee Group has signed a binding agreement to sell the Jaypee's cement business to Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd for Rs 5,666 crore. It was signed by Jaiprakash Associates and Jaiprakash Power Ventures. The divestment includes cement plants (9.4 million tonne capacity), clinker assets (capacity of 6.7 million tonne), and Thermal power plant (280 MW capacity) The cement and clinker capacities currently being sold to the Dalmia are situated in MP, UP, and Chhattisgarh

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Jos Buttler & Sidra Ameen win ICC Player of Month Awards for November 2022: England captain, Jos Buttler has been named ICC Men's Player of the Month award for November 2022.

Reason: For his remarkable performance to triumph the T20 World Cup in Australia. While, Pakistan opening batter, Sidra Ameen has become the second successive winner of the women's Player of the Month award from Pakistan.

Reason: For posting mammoth scores in the recent successful ODI series against Ireland on home soil.

 

2. SpiceJet wins ‘Safety Performer of the Year’ 2022 award by Delhi Airport: SpiceJet has been awarded the 'Safety Performer of the Year' award by GMR Delhi Airport Awards 2022 for being the top performer among the self-handling airlines. Recently, SpiceJet was audited by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and its operations, safety processes, and systems were found to be strong and at par with the global best practices and safety standards.

ICAO Headquarters: Montreal, Canada; Founded: 7 December 1944

 

3. Meghalaya awarded for TB control programme: The Meghalaya government, which has adopted a ‘Jan Andolan’ (people’s movement) against Tuberculosis received an award for best practices in controlling the disease that affects 2.6 million people in India every year.

The award for Best Practice in Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) in Tuberculosis control was presented to representatives of the health department at a national workshop, aimed at ending TB infections, in the national capital. The state registered 4,189 TB cases in 2021 while in the first quarter of 2022, around 1,075 patients have been enrolled for treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had put a national target to eliminate the disease that affects over 26 lakh Indians each year by 2025, five years ahead of WHO’s Sustainable Development Goals.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Poland's first astronaut, Mirosław Hermaszewski passes away: Mirosław Hermaszewski, Poland's first and only astronaut, has been passed away at the age of 81.

He was a part of manned space flight for the USSR on June 27, 1978 Along with Mirosław Hermaszewski, Pyotr Klimuk (Soviet cosmonaut) circled the Earth in the Soyuz 30 spaceship that docked at the Salyut 6 orbital space station. They went around the globe 126 times. He was the 89th human to reach outer space.

2. Sri Sarada Math president, Pravrajika Bhaktiprana passes away: President of Sri Sarada Math and Ramakrishna Sarada Mission, Pravrajika Bhaktiprana has been passed away at 102 due to age-related ailments. She was born in Calcutta in 1920 as Kalyani Banerjee. In 1950, she has joined Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Matri Bhavan, Tollygunge, as a nurse. She accepted sannyas in 1959. In 1998, she was made the vice-president of Sri Sarada Math and Ramkrishna Sarada Mission and became the fourth president of the order in 2009.

Daily GK Update- 12th Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bhupendra Patel sworn-in as Gujarat CM for 2nd consecutive term: Bhupendra Patel has been unanimously elected as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for the second consecutive term on 12th December 2022. He has administered oath as 18th Chief Minister of the state by Governor Acharya Devvrat in Gandhinagar. The BJP has created history in Gujarat with a landslide victory in the 2022 election and its 7th consecutive win.The BJP has bagged 156 seats in the 182-member Assembly, its highest-ever poll tally in the state. BJP leader Bhupendra Patel was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Gujarat today. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat at the grand ceremony held at the helipad ground in Gandhinagar.

 

2. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Mopa International Airport in Goa: PM Modi has inaugurated Mopa International Airport in Goa, which has been named after former CM of Goa, Manohar Parrikar.This international airport was built at a cost of 2,870 crore rupees.It is about 35 km from capital city Panaji and can handle 44 lakh passengers annually. It is also capable of handling large aircraft such as the Airbus A380.

The capacity of this airport can be raised to over 3 crore passengers per year, after expansion plans in the future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Mopa International Airport in Goa, which has been named after former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. The new airport, which is about 35 km from capital city Panaji, can handle 44 lakh passengers annually. Its capacity can be raised to over 3 crore passengers per year after expansion plans in the future.

 

3. Dipankar Datta takes oath as Supreme Court judge: Former Chief Justice of Bombay High Court, Dipankar Datta has sworn-in as Supreme Court judge by CJI, D.Y. Chandrachud on 12th December, 2022.With his appointment, the strength of the SC judges increased to 28, out of a total sanctioned strength of 34 judges for the court.

He will have a nearly eight-year tenure in the court until his retirement in February 2030 at the age of 65.His name was recommended by SC Collegium led by Justice U.U. Lalit on September 26. Dipankar Datta was sworn in as Supreme Court judge by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on December 12. Justice Datta was the former Bombay High Court Chief Justice.The Department of Justice in the Union Law Ministry issued a notification announcing the appointment.

 

4. PM Modi flagged off 6th Vande Bharat train in Maharashtra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off India’s sixth Vande Bharat Express between Bilaspur (Chattisgarh)-Nagpur (Maharashtra) route. PM Modi flagged off the train from Nagpur railway station and was accompanied by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari.

The Vande Bharat Express can run up to a maximum speed of 160 kmph and has travel classes like Shatabdi Train but with better facilities. It aims to provide a totally new travel experience to passengers. Vande Bharat Express is India’s first semi-high speed train equipped with world-class passenger amenities. It can achieve high speeds due to faster acceleration and deceleration and will reduce journey time by 25 percent to 45 percent.

 

5. Meghalaya government launched Asia’s first Drone delivery hub: The Meghalaya government in partnership with startup TechEagle has unveiled Asia’s first drone delivery hub & network. The project is aimed at delivering vital supplies like drugs, diagnostic samples, vaccines, blood and blood components quickly and safely to different regions of the state using a dedicated drone delivery network. The first official drone flight took off from Jengjal Sub Divisional Hospital.

About Meghalaya

·       Capital – Shillong

·       Chief Minister – Conrad Kongkal Sangma

·       Governor – D. Mishra (additional charge)

 

6. India’s First Carbon Neutral Farm inaugurated in Kerala: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared a seed farm, located in Aluva, as the first carbon-neutral farm in the country. A significant reduction in carbon emission has helped the seed farm, under the Agricultural Department, achieve carbon-neutral status. The total amount of carbon emission from the farm, located at Thuruthu in Aluva, in the last one year was 43 tons but its overall procurement was 213 ton.The Kerala government also announced to start of Carbon-neutral farms in all its assembly constituencies. Women’s associations will be formed to implement this in tribal areas.

About Kerala

·       Capital – Thiruvananthapuram

·       Chief Minister – Pinarayi Vijayan

·       Governor – Arif Mohammad Khan

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Japan's ispace launches world's first commercial moon lander: Japanese space startup, ispace has launched the world's first commercial moon lander, HAKUTO-R on 11th December 2022 after several delays. This mission was took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, after two postponements caused by inspections of its SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. HAKUTO refers to the white rabbit that lives on the moon in Japanese folklore. The national space agencies of the United States, Russia and China have already achieved the soft landings on moon. Mission success would also be a milestone in space cooperation between Japan and the United States at a time when China is becoming increasingly competitive and rides on Russian rockets are no longer available in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

 

2. International Universal Health Coverage Day 2022: 12th December: International Universal Health Coverage Day is celebrated annually on 12th December to promote the importance of building robust healthcare systems globally. 2022 Theme: Build the world we want: A healthy future for all The UNGA has passed a resolution on December 12, 2012, to encourage nations worldwide to put efforts into the advancements of Universal Healthcare. In 2017, the UN has declared 12th December to observe International Universal Health Coverage day. Each year on 12 December, Universal Health Coverage Day marks the date to call on leaders to make smarter investments and accelerate efforts towards “Health for All”.  In the world we want, everyone everywhere has access to quality healthcare whenever they need it without suffering financial hardship.

 

3. NASA Orion capsule returns to earth after 25-day test flight: NASA Orion capsule has returned to the Earth from the moon on December 11, 2022. NASA has launched the Orion capsule from Kennedy Space Center on November 16, 2022. This capsule was hit the atmosphere at 32 times the speed of sound, and endured reentry temperatures of 5,000°F (2,760°C) before splashing down west of Baja California near Guadalupe Island. The space agency needed a successful splashdown to stay on track for the next Orion flight around the moon. The incoming capsule hit the atmosphere at Mach 32, or 32 times the speed of sound, and endured reentry temperatures of 5,000°F (2,760°C) before splashing down west of Baja California near Guadalupe Island. A Navy ship quickly moved in to recover the spacecraft and its silent occupants — three test dummies rigged with vibration sensors and radiation monitors.

 

4. International Mountain Day 2022: 11 December: International Mountain Day is celebrated annually on December 11 to raise the awareness of the value of mountains to both life and climate.The theme of this year’s International Mountain Day (IMD) is ‘Women Move Mountains.’ The UN Conference on Environment and Development has accepted Chapter 13 of Agenda 21: Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development in 1992. This day was celebrated in 2003.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian origin Krishna Vavilala received US Presidential Lifetime Award: Indian-American Krishna Vavilala has been honoured with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement (PLA) Award for his contributions to his community and the country. It is the nation’s highest honour for his contributions to his community and the country at large. Vavilala is from Andhra Pradesh & the founder and Chairman of the Foundation for India Studies (FIS). The Presidential Lifetime Achievement (PLA) Awards, led by AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps, an agency of the United States government, engages more than five million Americans in service through a variety of volunteer work programmes in many sectors.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Lavani Singer Sulochana Chavan passes away: Renowned Marathi Lavani singer, Sulochana Chavan has been passed away at 92 in Mumbai due to age-related ailments.

She was known as 'Lavani Samradnyi' (Queen of Lavani) for her singing contribution to the art genre. She was awarded the Padma Shri in March 2022. In 2012, she was also awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. She was honoured with the Lata Mangeshkar Award for the year 2010 instituted by Government of Maharashtra.

Daily GK Update- 11th Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu to be the new Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh: Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has been unanimously elected as the new Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and will take the oath on 11th December 2022, succeeding Jai Ram ThakurHe served as the president of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee from 2013 to 2019.Apart from this, Mukesh Agnihotri (leader of the opposition in the outgoing Assembly) has been appointed as the deputy chief minister of Himachal Pradesh. Governor of Himachal Pradesh: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Besides Sukhu, who headed the Congress campaign committee during the assembly election, Mandi MP and state party president Pratibha Singh and Leader of Opposition in the outgoing assembly Mukesh Agnihotri were the frontrunners for the chief minister post.

 

2. Meghna Ahlawat elected as new President of Table Tennis Federation of India: Meghna Ahlawat has been elected as the President of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) with former stalwart Kamlesh Mehta, who has been elected as secretary general.She is the first women president and succeeded Dushyant Chautala. Apart from this, Patel Nagender Reddy was elected as treasurer.TTFI is the governing body for table tennis in India and was established in 1926It includes 32 state units and 37 institutions

Headquarters of TTFI: New Delhi.

 

3. PT Usha elected as first woman president of Indian Olympic Association: Legendary former athlete P T Usha (58 years) has been officially elected as the first woman president of Indian Olympic Association (IOA).She is a multiple Asian Games gold medallists and a fourth-place finisher in the 1984 Olympics 400m hurdles final. Apart from her, Ajay H Patel has been elected as senior Vice President, Rajlaxmi Singh Deo and Gagan Narang as Vice Presidents of Indian Olympic Association. Headquarters of IOA: New Delhi.

 

4. Govt permits 100 % Work From Home for SEZ units till December 2023: Central Government has permitted Work From Home up to the 31st of December, 2023 to 100% of employees of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) units.This decision was made after duly noting the genuine needs of the industry and the scope of benefits to economies of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.Government has also issued a Standard Operating Procedure to streamline the implementation of amended rules across SEZs. The Central Government has permitted Work From Home up to the 31st of December, 2023 for 100 per cent of employees of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) units. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said that the decision was made after duly noting the genuine needs of the industry and the scope of benefits to economies of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. It has also issued a Standard Operating Procedure to streamline the implementation of amended rules across all SEZs.

 

5. UGC to announce Four Year Under-Graduate Programme on Monday: University Grants Commission (UGC) will announce Four-Year Under-Graduate Programme (FYUP) by Monday that will be adopted in higher education institutions from 2023-24 academic session.FYUP will split 4-year UG degree into parts and provide different entry and exit options to studentsThis will enable student to study one or more specialized areas of interest at a deep level and also develop capabilities in different disciplines.

The FYUP will split the four-year UG degree into parts and provide different entry and exit options to students. UGC Chairman Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends that the higher education system should enable student to study one or more specialised areas of interest at a deep level and also develop capabilities in disciplines including sciences, social sciences, humanities, languages and vocational subjects.

 

6. J&K awarded 1st prize in Ayushman Bharat health account ID generation: Jammu and Kashmir has been awarded with 1 position in the category for Ayushman Bharat health account ID generation and 2nd prize in the category for Teleconsultation conducted during Universal Health Coverage Day 2022 (10th and 11th December) at International Cooperation and Convention Centre, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.Universal Health Coverage Day is celebrated every year to ensure quality healthcare closer to the people without any financial hardships.

Jammu and Kashmir has been awarded 1st prize in the category for Ayushman Bharat health account ID generation and 2nd prize in the category for Teleconsultation conducted during the celebration of Universal Health Coverage Day 2022 which is being celebrated on 10th and 11th December at International Cooperation and Convention Centre, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

 

7. Cyclone Mandous causes major damage in Tamil Nadu, Andhra: Cyclone Mandous has weakened into a deep depression but, in the last two days it has created havoc in southern peninsula.Chennai and several other parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have witnessed heavy rain and strong winds as cyclonic storm Mandous crossed the states after landfall, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).The name Mandous has been suggested by the United Arab Emirates. Cyclone Mandous: Heavy rains lashed several parts of south coastal and Rayalaseema districts of Andhra Pradesh early on Saturday after cyclonic storm Mandous made landfall off Mamallapuram in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

According to a status report of the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidupeta in Tirupati district received the highest rainfall at 281.5 mm during the past 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Saturday.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Human Rights Day: 10th December: Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10th December marking the day when United Nations General Assembly adopted Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.Theme 2022: Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for AllUDHR: It is a milestone document, which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document, which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world.

 

2. Nobel Prize Day: 10th December: Nobel Prize Day is observed every year on 10th December to honor the achievements of Alfred Bernhard Nobel, a Swedish engineer, chemist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.Five Nobel Prize in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace are awarded annually on 10th December since 1901.Every year, a ceremony is held in Stockholm, Sweden on 10 December on the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death

Every year people across the globe observe Nobel Prize Day on December 10 to honour the work of Alfred Nobel. The day also marks the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel, who created a series of award categories for achievements made for the benefit of humanity.

 

3. 7th edition of US-India Naval Exercise ‘Sangam’ held in Goa: The 7th edition of exercise ‘Sangam’, a joint Naval Special Forces exercise between Indian Navy MARCOs and US Navy SEARs was held in Goa.Exercise Sangam was first conducted in 1994 and is an important military and diplomatic initiative between the two nations.The present edition will see personnel from SEAL Team Five based at San Diego, USA and Indian Navy MARCOs from INS Abhimanyu.A joint exercise among US SEALs, MARCOs and other participating nations’ Naval Special Forces is held annually as part of Exercise Malabar.

Note: Excercise Between India and US

Red Flag: India and US

“Tiger Triumph”: India and US

Yudh Abhyas: India and US

Vajra Prahar: India and US

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sukant Kadam won gold medal at Peru Para Badminton International: World No 3 Sukant Kadam won a gold medal at the Peru Para-Badminton International Championship in Lima.The ace shuttler defeated Singapore’s Chee Hiong Ang. He defeated Chee Hiong Ang in straight sets with a score line of 21-14 and 21-15.

Indian men’s doubles pair Nehal and Breno Johann and the women’s doubles duo of Parul Parmar and Vaishali Nilesh Patel won gold in their respective categories.

India won 14 medals (6 Gold, 1 Silver, and 7 Bronze)

 

2. Ishan Kishan scores world record of fastest double century in ODI: Ishan Kishan has made a world record of making the fastest double century in a One Day International (ODI).He scored his double century in just 126 balls against Bangladesh in the match played at Chattogram, Bangladesh on 10 December 2022.He became the seventh batter in the world to achieve the feat and fourth from India after Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and Virender Sehwag.

He also became the first player to score a double century against Bangladesh in an ODI.

Kishan also broke Chris Gayle’s world record for the fastest 200 scores in ODI.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ADB approved $780 million loan for Chennai’s metro rail network: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved financing of $780 million to build new lines for Chennai’s metro rail and improve the network’s connectivity with bus and feeder services.The project will construct 10.1 km of an elevated section between Sholinganallur to State Industries Promotion Corporation, including nine metro stations and system components.

10 km of the underground section between Lighthouse and Meenakshi College including 9 stations and 31 km of system components, such as electrical, mechanical, power, and telecommunication infrastructure, between Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus to Okkiyam Thoraipakkam.This project will expand Chennai’s metro rail system to provide a safe and integrated transport solution essential in improving urban mobility and make the city more liveable.