Daily GK Update- 20th Dec, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Meghalaya CM inaugurated PA Sangma football stadium: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has inaugurated the PA Sangma sports complex in Dakopgre, Tura Meghalaya. The stadium is a technological marvel, being the country’s largest pre-engineered composite football stadium with a sizeable seating capacity of 9,500. The beautiful stadium is a part of an equally magnificent sports complex built at a cost of Rs 127.7 crore which is also nearing completion.The stadium and the two indoor stadiums are built over a combined area of over 17,000 sqm. The indoor stadiums, along with a gymnasium, swimming pool, table tennis Hall, squash hall, and badminton hall will be ready for inauguration by December 2023.

The government has also launched a talent identification programme for athletes.

 

2. Tamil Nadu government launched ‘Friends of Library’ programme: The Tamil Nadu government has launched the ‘Friends of Library’ programme, under which books would be directly given to those who are unable to access state-run libraries. 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 programme will involve 2,500 libraries in its initial phase, including 31 district libraries.

 

3. India jumped from 7th to 3rd global ranking in scientific publications: India has jumped from 7th to 3rd global ranking in scientific publications. This was informed by the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh after a review meeting with the senior official of the Department of Science & Technology in New Delhi. According to the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s Science & Engineering Indicators 2022 report, India’s global position in scientific publications has improved from 7th in 2010 to 3rd in 2020. China leads the world in the publication of the maximum number of scientific papers followed by the USA.

 

4. Madhya Pradesh government forms task force to prevent online gambling in state: Madhya Pradesh government has constituted a high-level task force, which will make recommendations about regulating online gambling and gaming. It will be headed by the state chief secretary Iqbal Singh Bains. The task force has been constituted to examine various judicial precedents, legal situations, and technical aspects related to prevention and control online gambling and gaming and make recommendations to the state government.

 

5. Nitin Gadkari launches Surety Bond Insurance product from Bajaj Allianz: Nitin Gadkari (Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways) has launched one of India’s first-ever Surety Bond Insurance products from Bajaj Allianz. Surety Bond Insurance: It is a risk transfer tool for the principal and shields them from the losses that may arise in case the contractor fails to perform their contractual obligation. It will act as a security arrangement for infrastructure projects. It will insulate the contractor as well as the principal.

6. Govt accords approval for setting up 21 Greenfield Airports: V. K. Singh (MoS Civil Aviation) has informed that the Rajya Sabha, that govt has accorded in-principle approval for setting up 21 Greenfield Airports across the country So far nine Greenfield airports have already been operationalized and the tenth Greenfield airport at Mopa, Goa. Development of a Greenfield airport is governed under the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008. For setting up of GFA, State Government need to send a proposal to MoCA for 2-stage approval.

 

7. Gaya and Nalanda selected for development under Swadesh Darshan 2.0: Union Tourism Minister, G Kishan Reddy has informed in Lok Sabha, that Gaya and Nalanda in Bihar have been selected for development under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. He has also informed that the Punaura Dham site in the Sitamarhi district of Bihar has been identified for development under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme. The ministry has now revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0.

 

8. Google partners with Digilocker for on-device storage: Google has announced a partnership with the DigiLocker in the Google for India 2022 event. DigiLocker is a govt authorised identification storage system, to bring the govt issued ID to the local storage of Android devices. This partnership is a part of Google’s AI offerings that include on-device processing of text and images to identify important documents, and organise them. The Android operating system of Google will also tap into the DigiLocker API.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 20 December – International Human Solidarity Day: International Human Solidarity Day is observed on 20 December every year. Objective- To develop new initiatives to work towards global challenges in terms of poverty, sustainable development, overall well-being, and world peace. On December 20, 2002, the UN General Assembly introduced a World Solidarity Fund to help counter global poverty. This got included in the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) trust fund in February 2003. To commemorate the above day, the UN declared December 20 as International Human Solidarity Day.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Jaipur Pink Panthers won 9th Pro Kabaddi League title: Jaipur Pink Panthers has defeated Puneri Paltan 33-29 in the summit clash to emerge champions of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 9 champions. V Ajith, Sunil Kumar, and Arjun Deshwal emerged as the best players for Jaipur side with six points each. The tournament was played across Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad while the playoffs were played in Mumbai. Jaipur Pink Panthers team is currently led by Sunil Kumar Malik and coached by Sanjeev Baliyan. The team is owned by Abhishek Bachchan.

 

2. Indian women’s hockey team won FIH Nations Cup: The Indian women’s Hockey team beat Spain 1-0 in the final to win the inaugural FIH Nations Cup played at Valencia, Spain. Captain Savita Punia led the Indian team. With this win, the Indian team has been promoted to the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Women’s Pro League. The winning goal was scored by Gurjit Kaur of India. India finished third in the 2021-22 FIH Pro League. India and Spain had played in the FIH women’s Hockey Pro League 2021-22 season as replacement teams after pull-outs by Australia and New Zealand due to COVID-19-related issues.

 

3. Chahat Arora sets national record in women’s 50m breaststroke: Indian swimmer Chahat Arora set a new national record in the women’s 50m breaststroke at the FINA World Swimming Championships 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. Arora clocked 32.91s to top heat 2 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre’s 25m short course pool and bettered her own previous record of 32.94s set at the National Aquatic Championships 2022 in September. Lithuania’s Ruta Meilutyte, topped the overall heats with a timing of 29.10s. This is the 16th edition of the FINA World Swimming Championships 2022.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. AU Small Finance Bank joined hands with HDFC Life for bancassurance: AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with HDFC Life for the 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. Bancassurance – Bancassurance is the selling of insurance products through banking channels. In Bancassurance, a bank enters into an agreement with an Insurance company. The Bank makes its customer database available to Insurance companies. If the bank customer buys the insurance products then the bank will receive a commission from the Insurance companies.

 

2. Indian Bank launched Ind Shakti 555 days: Indian Bank has launched a new special retail term deposit dubbed “Ind Shakti 555 days”. Special Retail Term Deposit Product “IND SHAKTI 555 DAYS” has offered a 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.

 

3. HDFC Securities launched investor education platform ‘Roots’: Stock brokerage firm HDFC Securities has launched Roots, a dedicated platform providing comprehensive investor education and market analysis. The site 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. The Blog section of Roots is updated with articles addressing all aspects of investing in the Indian financial markets, from intraday trading to ETFs, and more. This platform produces content which are being searched on Google by current or prospective investors and traders. HDFC Securities CEO – Dhiraj Relli

 

4. IDFC FIRST Bank launched ZERO Fee Banking savings accounts: IDFC FIRST Bank has launched ZERO Fee Banking on savings accounts and waived fees on 25 commonly used banking services. The banking services include savings accounts such as cash deposits and withdrawals at branches, third-party cash transactions, demand drafts, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, cheque book, SMS alerts, interest certificates, insufficient balance for ATM transactions, international ATM usage, and so on. The customers maintaining as low as Rs 10,000 Average Monthly Balance, and the Rs 25,000 AMB savings account variant will get these benefits. This is a customer-friendly initiative from IDFC FIRST Bank. The bank has announced the facility on the occasion of its Foundation Day on 18 December.

 

5. Bandhan Bank signed MoU with Defence Ministry for defence pensioners: Bandhan Bank has signed an MoU with the Controller General of Defence Accounts, Ministry of Defence for extending banking services to the Defence Pensioners and their families. The Bank will provide services to Defence Pensioners and their families through 557 branches. The bank is aligned with the vision of the government in being a one-stop solution to all pension-related activities of defence pensioners under the Outreach Programme for Defence Pensioners on System for Pension Administration Raksha (SPARSH).

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India’s Sargam Koushal won Mrs World 2022 title: Mumbai’s 21 years old Sargam Koushal has won the title of Mrs World 2022, after defeating 32-year-old Las Vegas. Aditi Govitrikar became the first Indian woman to win the honour for India in 2001 and after the wait of 21 long years, Sargam has scripted history again. The victory is reminiscent of Harnaaz Sandhu’s win at Miss Universe last year as she too brought home the crown after 21 years of Lara Dutta’s big win in 2000. 32-year-old Sargam who looked stunning in a shimmery pink gown with intricate embroidery work and sequins, trumped contestants from 63 countries. Mrs World began in 1984 and has been conducted in over 80 countries. This is the second time India won the coveted crown after Aditi Govitrikar who was declared the winner of the pageant in 2001. Candidates from 21 to 48 years can participate in the contest.

 

2. West Bengal’s ‘Duare Sarkar’ scheme wins Centre’s Digital India Award: A flagship scheme of West Bengal, ‘Duare Sarkar’ (Government at doorstep) has been selected for the Platinum Award at the Digital India Awards 2022. The scheme has been awarded in the ‘Public Digital Platforms — Central Ministries, Departments and States’ category. President Droupadi Murmu will give the award to the state on January 7,2023 at a function in Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. 'Duare Sarkar' scheme was launched in December 2020.

 

3. RRR bagged three awards at Philadelphia Film Critics Circle Annual Awards: The Indian film, 'RRR' has bagged three awards at the 2022 Philadelphia Film Critics Circle Annual Awards. Categorizes: Best Foreign Language Film, Best Cinematography, and Best Score/Soundtrack categories. Earlier, the film has also received nominations in two categories for 2023 Golden Globes. The film has been nominated in the Best Picture – Non-English Language category and “Naatu Naatu” in the Best Original Song – Motion Picture category.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Lance Naik Bhairon Singh Rathore passed away: Bhairon Singh Rathore, a BSF veteran, and hero of the 1971 India-Pakistan War died in Jodhpur at the age of 81. He served in the 14th BSF unit during the war and retired from service in 1987. The BSF veteran’s bravery at Rajasthan’s Longewala post during the war was portrayed by actor Suniel Shetty in the Bollywood movie ‘Border’. He was awarded the Sena Medal in 1972 for his bravery.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. INSV Tarini to participate in 50th edition of Cape Town to Rio Race 2023: INSV Tarini has set sail for an expedition to Cape Town, South Africa for participating in the 50th edition of Cape to Rio Race 2023. This ocean sailing race will be flagged off on 2nd January, 2023 from Cape Town and will culminate at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Aim: To train crew onboard, in essential seamanship skills including Navigation, Communication, and Planning. The expedition is being undertaken by an Indian Navy crew of five officers including two women officers.

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.