Daily GK Update- 19th Dec, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi launches "Grih Pravesh" programme in Agartala: PM Modi has visited Tripura and Meghalaya to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth over Rs 6,800 crore.

During his visit, he has launched the "Grih Pravesh" programme in Agartala, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban and Rural schemes. He has also inaugurated connectivity projects for the widening of the Agartala bypass (Khayerpur – Amtali) NH-08. He has inaugurated spawn laboratory at the Mushroom Development Centre in Meghalaya.The projects encompass a wide array of sectors including housing, road, agriculture, telecom, IT, tourism and hospitality. In Shillong, Prime Minister will participate in the golden jubilee celebration of the North Eastern Council. The Council was formally inaugurated on November 7, 1972.

 

2. Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurates 'Prashasan Gaon ki Ore' campaign: Dr Jitendra Singh (Union Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions) has inaugurated a nationwide campaign, Prashasan Gaon ki Ore. This campaign was launched under the Good Governance Week 2022 in New Delhi. He has also launched the Good Governance Week portle. In the 5 days campaign, over 300 New Services identified by District Collectors across the country will be added for Online Service Delivery. Union Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated Good Governance Week 2022 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi today. The Minister also launched a five day “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore” a nationwide Campaign, to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

 

3. Tamil Nadu govt launches 'Friends of Library' programme: The Tamil Nadu government has launched 'Friends of Library' programme, under which books would be directly given to those who are unable to access state-run libraries. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi (School Education minister) has announced that volunteers' services would be employed for this. This project will be helpful to people with disabilities, seniors, kids, and hospital in-patients, among others, who are unable to visit a library. The 'Friends of Library' programme, under which books would be directly given to those who are unable to access state-run libraries, was introduced by the Tamil Nadu government on Thursday. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, the school education minister who launched the programme, said that volunteers' services would be employed for this.

 

4. IIT Madras gets $1 million from Google to develop 'Responsible AI Centre': Google has granted a fund of $1 million to IIT Madras to build India’s first Responsible AI center.

In addition, Google has also planned to collaborate with Indian Institute of Science (IISC) for project Vaani. Furthermore, under the partnership, Google aims to build an artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) model to collect language samples from 773 districts across India. Project Vaani aims to ensure the collected and produced data will be open-source.

Google plans to collaborate with Indian Institute of Science (IISC) for project Vaani, Google for India announced on December 19, 2022. Furthermore, under the partnership, Google aims to build an artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) model to collect language samples from 773 districts across India.

 

5. Goa Liberation Day: 19th December: The Goa Liberation day is celebrated every year on December 19 in India to mark the victory of Indian armed forces to free Goa from 450 years of the Portuguese rule. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia led the Goa liberation movement on June 18, 1946, with the aim of liberating Goa by gathering young Goans. The Union of India was completed with Goa's liberation on December 19, 1961. Goa continued to be a UT till 1987 and then was given statehood by becoming the 25th state of India. "On Goa Liberation Day, I convey my greetings to all fellow citizens, especially the people of Goa. We pay homage to the freedom fighters who fought for liberation of Goa from colonial rule. We salute our armed forces for their valour. My best wishes...

 

6. Ministry of Culture organized Delhi International Arts Festival: Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Prasiddha Foundation has inaugurated Delhi International Arts Festival at Kartavya Path with the tagline – ‘Where Bharat Meets India’. The festival aims to celebrate the great Epics, the Warriors Who Fought for Our Freedom, and the many policy decisions and schemes instituted by our government towards ‘Women Empowerment’.

The festival is being organized from 17th December to 30th December.

 

7. PM Modi inaugurated projects worth Rs 6,800 crore in Tripura, Meghalaya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects worth over 6,800 crore rupees in Tripura and Meghalaya. In Tripura, the Prime Minister launched projects worth 4,350 crore rupees. The projects include ‘Grih Pravesh’ programme for beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Rural. These houses, which have been developed at a cost of more than 3400 crore rupees, will cover over two lakh beneficiaries. In Meghalaya, the Prime Minister unveiled projects worth over 2,450 crore rupees.

The multiple projects include the inauguration of 320 completed and 890 under construction 4G mobile towers, the new campus of IIM Shillong, at Umsawli, the Shillong – Diengpasoh Road which will provide better connectivity to the new Shillong satellite township and four other roads projects across the three states of Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

Modi also laid the foundation stone of the Integrated Hospitality and Convention Centre at Tura and Shillong Technology Park Phase -II. He also inaugurated 21 Hindi libraries in Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, and Assam.

 

8. 18 December – Arabic Language Day: Arabic Language Day is observed every year on December 18. Objective – To honour the language and cultural diversity of the Middle Eastern region. The annual celebration of the Arabic culture falls on the day in 1973 when the UN General Assembly adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the international organisation. Theme 2022 – The Contribution of the Arabic Language to Human Civilization and Culture

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. EU adopts global minimum 15% tax on multinationals: The European Union has adopted a plan for a global minimum 15 percent tax on multinational businesses, after leaders gave final approval following months of wrangling. The landmark agreement between nearly 140 countries is intended to stop governments racing to cut taxes to lure the world's richest firms to their territory. The plan was drawn up under the guidance of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The plan was drawn up under the guidance of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and already had the backing of Washington and several major EU economies.
But the implementation of the minimum tax in the 27-nation European Union has already been delayed as member states raised objections or adopted blocking tactics.

2. India & Sri Lanka to launch ferry service between Kankesanthurai and Pondicherry in Jan 2023: Sri Lanka and India will start a passenger ferry service between Kankesanthurai port in Jaffna district and Karaikal ports in Pondicherry in January 2023. A large number of Indian citizens are engaged in business activities in the Jaffna Peninsula. With such engagement, the new service is expected to generate a large portion of foreign revenue. It will also be of immense convenience for Buddhist pilgrims to India. The ferry service between Tamil Nadu and the Northern part of Sri Lanka which is dominated by Sri Lanka Tamils was disrupted in 1980’s due to the civil war in Sri Lanka. After the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka in 2009, efforts were made to revive the old transportation link between the two countries.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Argentina wins 2022 FIFA World Cup championship: Argentina has defeated France by 4-2 on penalties to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, held at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar. This is third-ever World Cup victory of Argentina and first since 1986. Kylian Mbappé (France) has won the 2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot award with 8 goals. Lionel Messi won Golden Ball (best player award) at the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar. Best goalkeeper (golden glove): Emiliano Martínez (Argentina) Fair play award: England In Football, Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties to win the 2022 Fifa World Cup after a 3-3 draw in a thrilling final at the Lusail Stadium in Doha. Lionel Messi scored twice in the final and also scored in the shoot-out.

Despite scoring a hat-trick, France's Kylian Mbappe's dream of winning World Cups were shattered in the final.

 

2. Jaipur Pink Panthers wins Pro Kabaddi League 2022 title: Jaipur Pink Panthers has defeated Puneri Paltan by 33-29 in the summit clash to emerge champions of the 2022 Pro Kabaddi League. The tournament was played across Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad while the playoffs were played in Mumbai. V Ajith, Sunil Kumar and Arjun Deshwal emerged as the best players for Jaipur side with six points each. Jaipur Pink Panthers team is currently led by Sunil Kumar Malik and coached by Sanjeev Baliyan.

The team is owned by Abhishek Bachchan Aditya Shinde goes in the raid, which will be the last raid of this season as well, Sunil knows this and he comes up to give his point as a freebie, but Aditya Shinde does not want that and goes deep looking for more points, but this is as good as done for Puneri as the rest of the defence comes up to tackle Aditya for one point which means Jaipur has sealed the game and PKL 9 title with this. Puneri came so close, but Fazel’s team has to go back with a runner-up tag against their name.

 

3. Anurag Thakur unveiled Hockey World Cup trophy in New Delhi: Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur has unveiled the Hockey World Cup trophy in New Delhi.

The event was also attended by 1975 Hockey World Cup winners. The FIH Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar – Rourkela will begin on 13th January 2023. The nationwide Trophy Tour was launched in Bhubaneswar on 5th December by Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik. The trophy will travel across 13 states and one Union Territory before returning to Odisha on 25 December, thus giving the fans and public a chance to engage with the prestigious trophy before the winning team lifts it on 29th January.

 

4. Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek crowned ITF World Champions 2022: Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek were crowned the International Tennis Federation (ITF) world champion 2022 in their respective categories. Rafael Nadal was crowned the ITF world champion for the fifth time in his career. Nadal swept to the Australian Open and then backed it up with a 14th French Open, taking his majors total to a men’s record of 22. Swiatek, who inherited the world number one spot in March following the shock retirement of Ashleigh Barty, claimed a second French Open and then captured the US Open. In the men’s doubles category, Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury won the award. While Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova took the women’s doubles honour for the third time.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IDFC FIRST Bank launched ZERO Fee Banking on savings accounts: IDFC FIRST Bank has announced the ZERO Fee Banking on savings accounts and waived fees on multiple banking services, including Passbook charges, NEFT charges. As per the bank, the customers maintaining as low as ₹10,000 Average Monthly Balance, and the ₹25,000 AMB savings account variant will get these benefits. IDFC Bank has celebrated its Foundation Day on 18 December. This is a customer friendly initiative from IDFC FIRST Bank. IDFC FIRST MD: V Vaidyanathan IDFC FIRST Bank said that customers maintaining as low as ₹10,000 Average Monthly Balance, and the ₹25,000 AMB savings account variant will get these benefits, the bank said in a statement. IDFC Bank is celebrating Foundation Day on 18 December.

 

2. Indian Bank launched special retail term deposit “Ind Shakti 555 days”: Indian Bank has launched a new special retail term deposit dubbed as “Ind Shakti 555 days”, effective from December 19, 2022. This product is offering higher rate of interest for investment starting from Rs. 5000 to less than 2 Crore for 555 days in the form of FD/MMD with callable options.

An interest rate of 7% for the general public and 7.15% for senior citizens. It is offering an interest rate of 3.00% on deposits that mature in the next 30 to 45 days.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. NMDC won IEI Industry Excellence Award 2022: National Miner National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) won the Institution of Engineers, India (IEI) Industry Excellence Award 2022 in Chennai. The largest producer of iron ore in the country was felicitated at the 37th Indian Engineering Congress for its outstanding performance and high level of business excellence. The Institution of Engineers (India) has given the Industry Excellence Award to NMDC, after reviewing the business operations, financial performance, environmental performance, research and development, CSR, and corporate governance policies of a company.

Daily GK Update- 18th Dec, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Meghalaya CM inaugurates PA Sangma football stadium: Meghalaya CM, Conrad K Sangmaat has inaugurated a football stadium at the P A Sangma Sports Complex, Dakopgre in Tura. The stadium and the two indoor stadiums are built over a combined area of over 17,000 sqm. The indoor stadiums, along with gymnasium, swimming pool, a table tennis Hall, squash hall and a badminton hall will be ready for inauguration by December 2023. The government has also launched a talent identification programme for athletes.

It was a moment of pride for them as the much-awaited Football Stadium was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangmaat at the PA Sangma Sports Complex in Tura on Friday. The dignitaries present included Health Minister James PK Sangma. A bust of former Lok Sabha Speaker, the late PA Sangma, was unveiled on the occasion.

 

2. Rajasthan’s Tal Chhapar sanctuary gets protection: The famous Tal Chhapar blackbuck sanctuary in Churu district of Rajasthan has received a protective cover against a proposed move of the State government to reduce the size of its eco-sensitive zone. The World Wildlife Fund for Nature has also taken up a major project for the conservation of raptors in the sanctuary, spread in an area measuring 7.19 sq. km. The Rajasthan High Court has intervened through a suo motu public interest litigation to protect the sanctuary.

The famous Tal Chhapar blackbuck sanctuary in Rajasthan’s Churu district has received a protective cover against a proposed move of the State government to reduce the size of its eco-sensitive zone. The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has also taken up a major project for the conservation of raptors in the sanctuary, spread in an area measuring 7.19 sq. km.

 

3. AIIMS Delhi campus declared ‘tobacco-free zone’: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi premises have been declared as a “Tobacco Free Zone”. Smoking and spitting of tobacco on the premises of AIIMS Delhi are prohibited and are a punishable offence with a fine of Rs 200. The Director AIIMS has issued guidelines in this regard and mentioned the risk factor for leading causes of death and a number of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) including cancers, and lung disorders. Tobacco is a prominent risk factor for leading causes of death and a number of non-communicable diseases (NCD), including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and lung disorders. AIIMS New Delhi was established in 1956 and is under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

 

4. 18 December – Minority Rights Day: Minority Rights Day is observed every year on 18 December. Objective – To safeguard the individual rights of the religious, ethnic, racial, or linguistic minorities in the country. On December 18, 1992, the United Nations adopted the day as Minorities Rights Day. It is the responsibility of the government to improve minority conditions. The state is also responsible for creating awareness about their linguistic, national, cultural, and religious identity in the country. Theme 2022 – All in 4 Minority Rights

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India announced candidature for UNSC membership for 2028-29 term: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar announced the candidature of India for non-permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term. India assumed the monthly rotating Presidency of the UNSC in December. This is the second time India got the Presidency after holding the top spot in August 2021. India has presided over the Security Council during its two-year tenure as an elected member. UNSC rules of procedure say that the Council presidency rotates between each of the 15 members of the UNSC in alphabetical order.

 

2. 18 December – International Migrants day: International Migrants Day is observed annually on December 18. This day is observed to guarantee that the rights of migrants are equally respected and not violated.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed December 18 as International Migrants Day on December 4, 2000. On this day in 1990, the UNGA adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian Women's Hockey Team beat Spain to lift 2022 FIH Nations Cup: Indian Women's Hockey team has defeated Spain by 1-0 in the final to win the FIH Women's Nations Cup 2022, held in Valencia, Spain, from 11 to 17 December 2022. Hockey India has announced Rs 2 Lakh for each player and 1 Lakh rupees for each support staff of the Indian Women's Hockey Team.

Indian has also got promoted to the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Women's Pro League. Goalkeeper of the tournament: Savita Punia In Hockey, the Indian Women's Hockey Team defeated Spain 1-0 in the Final to win the FIH Women's Nations Cup 2022 in Valencia, Spain yesterday. Indian remained undefeated during the tournament and also got promoted to the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Women's Pro League. This was the inaugural season of the Women's FIH Nations Cup, with a promotion to next year’s Women’s Pro League hockey up for grabs for the winner.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Sebi issues performance benchmarking guidelines for PMS industry: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has introduced performance benchmarking and categorisation for the portfolio management services (PMS) industry. The move will help investors assess and compare the performance of service providers. This move will come into effect from April 1, 2023. The SEBI has directed portfolio managers to adopt an additional layer of broadly defined investment strategies categorised as equity, debt, hybrid, and multi-asset.

Vora added: “For example, a multi-asset or hybrid strategy that is compared to equity benchmarks might grossly outperform in bear market and underperform in a bull market, therefore misrepresenting the strategy performance. Having relevant benchmarks helps in fair evaluation of the strategy.”

 

2. AU Small Finance Bank joined hands with HDFC Life for bancassurance: AU Small Finance Bank has joined hands with the HDFC Life for bancassurance business model. This partnership would enable diverse customers of AU Small Finance Bank to access the entire range of life insurance products offered by HDFC Life. According to the Swiss Re report (2019), India has the highest protection gap of 83% in comparison to other insurance markets.

HDFC Life MD & CEO: Vibha Padalkar

AU Small Finance Bank MD & CEO: Sanjay Agarwal

This partnership would enable diverse customers of AU Small Finance Bank to access the entire range of life insurance products offered by HDFC Life, thus fulfilling their need for financial protection. The said arrangement will aim to further enrich the Bank's life insurance offering by enabling its customers to access the digital platform and the touch points of HDFC Life for servicing.

 

3. HDFC Securities launches investor education platform ‘Roots’: HDFC Securities has launched a dedicated platform providing comprehensive investor education and market analysis named Roots. It offers multiple forms of valuable information, including articles, bite-sized tips, podcasts by experts, video tutorials and explainers, and live social media feed on the Indian financial markets This platform produces content which are being searched on Google by current or prospective investors and traders.

HDFC Securities CEO: Dhiraj Relli

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India's Sargam Koushal won Mrs World 2022 title: Sargam Koushal (Mumbai) has won the title of Mrs World 2022, after defeating contestants from 63 countries. Mrs World 2021, Shaylyn Ford (U.S.A) has presented the crown to Mrs. Koushal at a ceremony held at Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. Mrs Polynesia was named the first runner-up, followed by Mrs Canada as the second runner-up. India has won this title after 21 years.

Dr Aditi Govitrikar had won the Mrs World title in 2001.

 

2. Tennis player, Rafael Nadal won ATP Fans' Favorite Award 2022: Spanish tennis player, Rafael Nadal has won the Fan’ Favorite singles title at the Association of Tennis Professionals, ATP Awards 2022. Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) has won the title of Most Improved Player of the Year at the ATP awards 2022. Fan’s favourite (doubles): Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis

Newcomer of the Year: Holger Rune

Comeback Player of the Year: Borna Coric

Coach of the Year: Juan Carlos Ferrero

Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award: Andy Murray

 

3. NMDC wins IEI Industry Excellence Award 2022: National Miner, NMDC won the coveted IEI (Institution of Engineers, India) Industry Excellence Award 2022 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The largest producer of the iron ore in the country was felicitated at the 37th Indian Engineering Congress for its outstanding performance and high level of business excellence.

N R K Prasad, CGM (IE & MS), NMDC has received the award from Dr. K Ponmudy, Minister for Higher Education, Government of Tamil Nadu. National Miner NMDC won the coveted IEI (Institution of Engineers, India) Industry Excellence Award 2022 on Friday 16^th December,2022 in Chennai. The largest producer of the iron ore in the country was felicitated at the 37th Indian Engineering Congress for its outstanding performance and high level of business excellence. On behalf of NMDC, Shri N R K Prasad, CGM (IE & MS), received the award from Dr. K Ponmudy, Minister for Higher Education, Government of Tamil Nadu.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Missile destroyer INS Mormugao commissioned into Indian Navy: INS Mormugao (D67), second warship of the P15B class of stealth guided-missile destroyers, has been commissioned at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on December 18, 2022. It was designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation Warship Design Bureau. It was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. It has 70-km MRSAM system, torpedo and rocket launchers.

The event marked the formal induction of the second of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mormugao (D67), second warship of the P15B class of stealth guided-missile destroyers, was commissioned in the august presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on December 18, 2022. The event marked the formal induction of the second of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.

Daily GK Update- 17th Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. AIIMS Delhi campus declared ‘tobacco-free zone’: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi premises have been declared as a “Tobacco Free Zone”. Smoking and spitting of tobacco on the premises of AIIMS Delhi are prohibited and are a punishable offence with a fine of Rs 200. The Director AIIMS has issued guidelines in this regard and mentioned the risk factor for leading causes of death and a number of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) including cancers, and lung disorders. Tobacco is a prominent risk factor for leading causes of death and a number of non-communicable diseases (NCD), including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and lung disorders. AIIMS New Delhi was established in 1956 and is under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

 

2. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kaam Karyakram PMKKK renamed as PMVIKAS Scheme: The central government has renamed the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Ko Kaam Karyakram (PMKKK) as Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) PM VIKAS aims to improve the livelihoods of the minorities, particularly the artisan communities, using the components of skill development, education, women leadership & entrepreneurship. This integrated scheme amalgamates the five earlier schemes of the Ministry – Seekho aur Kamao, Ustad, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni and Nai Manzil. The scheme has been approved by the cabinet for the period of the 15th Finance Commission.

 

3. 8th India International Science Festival 2022 to be held in Bhopal: The eighth edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2022 will be held in Bhopal In January 2023. The IISF 2022 is the eighth edition since its inception in 2015. Objective -To celebrate the country’s achievements in the field of science, technology, and innovation. IISF is the initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences in association with Vijnana Bharati.

14 events will be organized during the four-day event beginning January 21 at the Maulana Azad Institute of Technology, Bhopal. The first and second IISF were held in New Delhi, the third in Chennai, the fourth one in Lucknow, fifth in Kolkata, sixth through virtual mode and the last one IISF was held in Goa.

 

4. 48th GST Council meeting held in New Delhi: The 48th GST Council meeting was held in New Delhi. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the meeting. Tax rates, rules, and regulations under GST are governed by the Council, which consists of the Finance minister, and her counterparts. The GST Council agreed to decriminalize certain offences and doubled the threshold for launching prosecution to ₹2 crore. The Council has recommended to raise the minimum threshold of tax amount for launching prosecution under GST from Rs. One Crore to Rs. Two Crores, except for the offence of issuance of invoices without supply of goods or services or both.

Monetary threshold will be increased, from the current Rs 5 crore to Rs 20 crore, for launching legal proceedings against offenders.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India announced candidature for UNSC membership for 2028-29 term: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar announced the candidature of India for non-permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term. India assumed the monthly rotating Presidency of the UNSC in December. This is the second time India got the Presidency after holding the top spot in August 2021. India has presided over the Security Council during its two-year tenure as an elected member. UNSC rules of procedure say that the Council presidency rotates between each of the 15 members of the UNSC in alphabetical order.

 

2. Leo Varadkar re-elected as Prime Minister of Ireland: Indian-Origin Leo Varadkar has been re-elected as the Prime Minister of Ireland in line with a coalition deal struck in 2020. Varadkar replaced Micheal Martin as Taoiseach (premier) in a rotation between his Fine Gael and Martin’s Fianna Fail parties. He was born in Dublin to an Irish mother who worked as a nurse and an Indian immigrant father, who was a qualified doctor. He became the country’s youngest Taoiseach at the age of 38 as well as its first openly gay head of government and first of Indian heritage. In 2007, he secured the election for Fine Gael in Dublin West.

 

3. Iran Removed From UN Commission on the Status of Women: Iran has been expelled from the United Nation’s Commission on the Status of Women (UNW) in a vote on which India abstained. The US proposal at the UN Economic and Social Council to remove Iran from the panel received 29 votes, while there were eight votes against and 16 abstentions in the 54-member elected body. Mahsa Amin who died after being held by “morality police” in September. Her death sparked the protests, during which, “government security forces have reportedly detained and tortured thousands of people, killed hundreds of peaceful protestors, and badly injured many more. Men supporting women in the streets are now being targeted with the death penalty.

The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) was established in 1946, and has become instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women. Its 45 members are elected by ECOSOC, based on equitable geographical distribution, and serve for four years.

 

4. New York, Singapore most expensive cities, List of top universities and tuition fees: New York and Singapore are the most expensive cities in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Worldwide Cost of Living Index for this year. For many students, pursuing higher education in New York has long been a dream. Students will be exposed to the rich culture and way of life of the Big Apple while studying there, which will open up various job prospects. Ivy League institutions like Cornell University and Columbia University are located in New York.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Neeraj Chopra becomes the most written-about athlete in 2022: Tokyo Olympics gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra (India) has the most written-about track and field athlete in 2022, displacing the Jamaican legend Usain Bolt from the top lists. World Athletics said that in 2022, Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra displaced the charismatic Bolt, who is still the world record holder in the 100m and 200m despite retiring in 2017. Chopra leads the way with 812 articles ahead of a troika of Jamaican women sprint stars, Elaine Thompson-Herah, with 751 articles, world 100m champion Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce (698) and world 200m champion Shericka Jackson (679), with Bolt still featuring in 574 articles. Neeraj Chopra also became the first athlete from India to win the Diamond League final this year.

 

2. India won blind T20 cricket world cup for 3rd consecutive times: India defeated Bangladesh by 120 runs in the final to win the 3rd T20 World Cup for Blind played at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It was the third title for India having won it in 2012 and 2017. All three T20 World Cup for Blind has been hosted by India. India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Australia, Bangladesh, and South Africa competed in the tournament. The Pakistan team was denied a visa by the Indian government. It was organized by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI). The 4th T20 World Cup for Blind will be held in Pakistan in 2023.

 

3. Rehan Ahmed Becomes England’s youngest Cricketer to Debut in Test Cricket: Rehan Ahmed becomes England’s youngest-ever Test Cricketer to debut in the final match between Pakistan and England. Rehan Ahmed will be 18 years and 126 days old when the match begins. Till now, Brian Close, who was 18 years and 149 days old, was the youngest player in England during the New Zealand vs England match in 1949. Ben Stokes announced the debut of Rehan Ahmed in the Final match of England vs Pakistan. Rehan Ahmed beats Brian Close for being the youngest cricketer to debut for England in Test Cricket. Rehan Ahmed is 18 years and 126 days old.

 

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. TPG to acquire Poonawalla housing finance: US-headquartered private equity major TPG Capital wraps the deal with Poonawalla Fincorp to acquire 100 percent stake in its housing finance arm. The transaction is sized at ₹3,900 crore. TPG Capital will deploy ₹1,000 crore into Poonawalla Housing Finance as part of its capital infusion commitment. In May, Poonawalla Fincorp’s board had approved a capital raise permitting an equity dilution by the promoter of up to 15 percent in the housing finance company. However, with limited interest, Poonawalla Fincorp started exploring a complete exit from the business by July. The existing management team led by ManishJaiswal will continue to carry out the operations. PHFL currently has over 153 branches spread across 20 states. The group had planned for value unlocking for the housing finance business with an IPO planned in 2025.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Nation Pays Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on His Death Anniversary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 71st death anniversary. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the “Iron Man of India,” was born in Nadiad village in present-day Gujarat on October 31, 1875. In India’s freedom struggle, he was a political and freedom leader. He is known as the Iron Man of India because of his strong views on the union of princely states into one nation, his good attitude toward women’s emancipation, and his active participation in shaping India into what it is now. Vallabhbhai Patel was given the title of ‘Sardar’ by Mahatma Gandhi. In 1991, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna. Since 2014, his birthday has been celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day). Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel joined the princely kingdoms in British Indian territory, preventing India from becoming divided.