Daily GK Update- 29th Dec, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Praveen Kumar Srivastava appointed as acting Central Vigilance Commissioner: Government of India has appointed Vigilance Commissioner, Praveen Kumar Srivastava as the acting Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC). He has replaced Suresh N Patel, who completed his term as the chief of CVC on December 24, 2022. Srivastava is a 1988-batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre. He was retired as Secretary (Coordination), Cabinet Secretariat on January 31, 2022. The tenure of a CVC is of four years or till the incumbent attains the age of 65 years. Srivastava’s appointment comes after Suresh N Patel completed his term as the chief of the anti-corruption watchdog Central Vigilance Commission on December 24, they said. The commission is headed by a CVC and can have a maximum of two Vigilance Commissioners.

 

2. IndianOil embarks on TB Elimination Project in UP and Chhattisgarh: IndianOil has signed an MoU with the Central TB Division (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh to undertake intensified TB elimination project. Aim: To end TB in India by 2025, five years ahead of SDG It also aims to provide sustainable and equitable access to free TB treatment, and support services to the citizens of UP and Chhattisgarh. IndianOil will also introduce Mobile Medical Vans equipped with modern diagnostic technology. In a historic milestone that underscores India's commitment to counter the menace of Tuberculosis, IndianOil (Indian Oil Corporation Limited) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central TB Division (CTD) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), and the states of Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to undertake intensified TB elimination project. The MoU bolsters Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision to end Tuberculosis in India by 2025, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

 

3. ADB ranks WAPCOS amongst Top Consulting Services Firm: According to the report on Annual Procurement, released by the Asian Development Bank, WAPCOS (under the Ministry of Jal Shakti) has been ranked as top amongst Consulting Services Firm in Water and other Infrastructure Sectors. WAPCOS is the only Indian Public Sector featuring in the above categories. It is a leading technology driven Consultancy and Engineering, Procurement and Construction firm in the fields of Water Resources, Power and Infrastructure Development. In a major breakthrough for WAPCOS, a Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its report released on Annual Procurement, ranked WAPCOS as Top amongst Consulting Services Firm in Water and other Infrastructure Sectors, with highest sanctioned financed amount.

 

4. Telangana govt launches 10th phase of Rythu Bandhu: Telangana government has launched the 10th phase of Rythu Bandhu, the investment support scheme for farmers. Under this phase, 7,676 crores rupees will be deposited in the bank accounts of over 70 lakh 54 thousand farmers towards investment support for the Rabi crop season.

Rythu Bandhu scheme: It is a cash transfer programme. It provides investment support for agriculture and horticulture crops by way of a grant of Rs 5,000 per acre to farmers each season. Telangana government has launched the 10th phase of Rythu Bandhu, the investment support scheme for farmers. Under this phase, 7,676 crores will be deposited in the bank accounts of over 70 lakh 54 thousand farmers towards investment support for the Rabi crop season.

 

5. World-class Kayaking-Canoeing Academy to be set up in Uttarakhand: Union Minister of Power, RK Singh has inaugurated the National Championship "Tehri Water Sports Cup" at Tehri Lake, Uttarakhand. During the event, he has also announced that world-class Kayaking-Canoeing Academy will be set up at Tehri in Uttarakhand. This is the first time that the national-level sports competition is being organized at Tehri Lake. CM, Pushkar Singh Dhami has also informed that the new sports policy has been implemented in the State. Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy RK Singh said, a world-class Kayaking-Canoeing Academy is to be set up at Tehri in Uttarakhand. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Championship "Tehri Water Sports Cup" at Tehri Lake today, he exclaimed, the promotion of sports is the priority of the Union Government.

 

6. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launches ‘Stay Safe Online’ Campaign: Minister of Meity, Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched the "Stay Safe Online" campaign and "G20 Digital Innovation Alliance" (G20-DIA) Aim of 'Stay Safe Online': To raise awareness about the online world due to the widespread use of social media and rapid adoption of digital payments Aim of G20-DIA: To identify, recognize, and enable the adoption of innovative and impactful digital technologies developed by startups Nodal Ministry for G20 Digital Economy Working Group: MeitY The event was graced by Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, dignitaries from Union Ministries and Departments, representatives of Embassies and Consulates, invited guests from the Government, Industry associations, social media platforms, start-ups, and civil society organisations.

 

7. Road accidents decreased by 8.1% in 2021: According to the report, released by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry, the road accidents in India have been decreased by 8.1% in 2021 as compared to 2019. Report title: Road accidents in India – 2021 The injuries due to road accidents have also decreased by 14.8%. But the fatalities on account of road accidents have increased by 1.9% in 2021 The MoRTH has also implemented a scheme Grant of Financial Assistance for Administering Road Safely Advocacy and Awards

 

8. DGCA accords Marut Drones with DGCA Type Certification & Approval: The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has accorded the Marut Drones with the DGCA Type Certification and Approval. Marut Drones product, 'AG 365 Agricopter’ is India’s first Multi-utility Agriculture Medium Category Drone to receive the prestigious certificate. It is extensively tested in Agriculture in collaboration with agriculture universities and research institutes. It is designed and developed for Indian conditions and can be used for multiple purposes.

The Director General of Civil Aviation today accorded Marut Drones DGCA Type Certification and Approval. Marut Drones in a release stated in Hyderabad that its product -‘AG 365 - Agricopter’ is India’s first Multi-utility Agriculture Medium Category Drone to receive the prestigious certificate.

 

9. President Murmu lays foundation stone for PRASHAD project in Telangana: President Droupadi Murmu has laid the foundation stone of the project for development of pilgrimage facilities at the Bhadrachalam group of temples in Telangana under the ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ scheme. She also laid the foundation stone for another project called ‘Development of Pilgrimage and Heritage Infrastructure of UNESCO World Heritage Site at Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple’ at Mulugu in the state. Both these projects have been approved under the PRASHAD (National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism. PRASHAD scheme has launched in the year 2014-15, the scheme aims to provide integrated infrastructure development to pilgrimage and heritage tourism destinations in the country. The temple at Bhadrachalam, Sri Seetha Ramchandra Swamyvari Devasthanam, is said to be more than 350 years old and is closely associated with epic of Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama with his wife Goddess Sita and brother Lakshmana spent some part of their 14 years of exile at a village called Parnasala, a part of Dandakaranya forest near Bhadrachalam Temple.

 

10. LG Arvind Walia appointed as Engineer-in-Chief of Army: Lieutenant General Arvind Walia has been appointed as the Engineer-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He would be succeeding Lt Gen Harpal Singh who is superannuating on December 31. An officer of the 1986 batch Walia is an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.

·       Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) – Santosh Kumar Yadav

·       CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) – Ganji Kamala V Rao

·       Chief advisor to the Gujarat CM – Hasmukh Adhia

·       Chairman of Railway Board – Anil Kumar Lahoti (replace Vinay Kumar Tripathi)

·       Captain Indian team at the FIH men’s world cup 2023 – Harmanpreet Singh

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina inaugurates first Metro rail in Dhaka: Bangladesh PM, Sheikh Hasina has flagged off the first metro rail in Dhaka for its first journey between Diabari and Agargaon station. This is part of the ambitious Bangladesh project of Mass Rapid Transit to be completed by 2030, that will cover a total length of 129 kilometres out of which 61 kilometres will be underground. The rail service was built with financial and technical support from Japan.

The event was attended by Kiminori Iwama (Japanese Ambassador). The first metro rail in Bangladesh was inaugurated in Dhaka by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday. The train was flagged off in Dhaka for its first journey between Diabari and Agargaon station. This is part of the ambitious Bangladesh project of Mass Rapid Transit to be completed by 2030.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Banks' balance sheet grows in double digits after 7 years: RBI report: According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) annual report on trend and progress of banking in India, the health of Indian banks continued to improve in 2021–2022 with their balance sheet rising at double digits after a gap of seven years. PSBs account for 62% of the deposits of scheduled commercial banks, while on loans, they corner 58% market share. Credit growth of banks was at a 10-year high at the end September 2022. “If downside risks materialise, asset quality could be affected. Hence, slippages in restructured assets need to be monitored closely,” it said, adding that timely resolution of stressed assets was essential to prevent asset value depletion.

 

2. RBI released web publication entitled ‘Statistical Tables relating to Banks in India: 2021-22’: The Reserve Bank of India released its web publication entitled ‘Statistical Tables relating to Banks in India: 2021-22’ covering the activities of the Indian banking sector. The publication presents entity-wise information on major items of liabilities and assets along with their maturity profile; income and expenses; select financial ratios, number of employees, and details of priority sector advances for scheduled commercial banks excluding regional rural banks. In addition, capital-to-risk-weighted asset ratios, non-performing assets, exposure to sensitive sectors, contingent liabilities, and unclaimed deposits are included. State-wise distribution of consolidated balance sheet of rural cooperative banks are also presented. The publication can be accessed on the RBI website through the link ‘Time Series Publications’ under the Database on Indian Economy.

 

3. Bajaj Allianz launched Respect Senior Care Rider: Leading private general insurer of India Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has launched a unique health insurance rider ‘Respect Senior Care Rider’. It might become difficult to fulfil all the responsibilities associated with caring for aging parent; this rider helps one fulfill their parental responsibility smoothly. The company offers a comprehensive network of services and professionals who collaborate with one another to ensure that senior citizen will always receive the highest possible level of care. This network can be accessed by them or their family members at any time, this product will protect the customers from shelling out significant sums of cash and reduces worries and brings a plethora of services at their fingertips.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Chhattisgarh police ‘Nijaat’ campaign received IACP 2022 Award: The anti-drug & illicit liquor campaign of Chhattisgarh police named ‘Nijaat’ has been selected for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 2022 award under the 'Leadership in Crime Prevention' in the institutional category. This campaign was launched under the leadership of the IPS officer Santosh Kumar Singh. Under this campaign, strict action taken against illegal drug dealers, intensive public awareness and rehabilitation of the addicts. International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the US-based international organisation has selected the anti-drug & illicit liquor campaign ‘Nijaat’ of Chhattisgarh police for 'Leadership in Crime Prevention' in the institutional category.

 

2. Arshdeep Singh, Yastika Bhatia and Renuka Singh nominated for ICC emerging cricketer of the year 2022: The International Cricket Council (ICC) named the nominees for the Emerging Cricketer of the Year for 2022 Indian Arshdeep Singh has been included in the men’s and Yastika Bhatia and Renuka Singh in the women’s section of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC)  emerging player of the year 2022 award nominee list.  ICC emerging Men’s player of the year award 2022 nominee

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Sanskrit scholar, Sribhashyam Vijayasarathi passes away: Veteran Sanskrit scholar, Sribhashyam Vijayasarathi, who is known for his poetry, has been passed away at the age of 86 in Telangana. In 2020, he was honoured with the Padma Shri for his excellent work in the field of Literature and Education. He was also the founder of Sri Yagna Varaha Swamy Kshetram (temple complex). He has written 100 books in Sanskrit and Telugu. He also introduced Seesam, a Telugu poetic form, in the Sanskrit language.

 

Daily GK Update- 28th Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Baskar Babu Ramachandran re-appointed as MD & CEO of Suryoday SFB: The Reserve Bank of India has approved the re-appointment of Baskar Babu Ramachandran as MD & CEO of Suryoday Small Finance Bank for three years, with effect from 23 January 2023. He has several years of experience in the banking and finance sector. Prior to co-founding the Suryoday Micro Finance Private Limited, he had worked with various companies including GE Capital Transportation Financial Services and HDFC Bank. Suryoday SFB is a scheduled commercial bank. Suryoday Small Finance Bank advanced 2.58% to Rs 109.35 after the bank said that the RBI has approved the re-appointment of Baskar Babu Ramachandran as the MD & CEO of the bank for a period of three years, effective from 23 January 2023.

 

2. Meity becomes nodal ministry for India's online gaming sector: The govt of India has designated the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) as the nodal ministry to oversee the online gaming industry in India. The ministry will soon release rules for online gaming intermediaries and start public consultation on these rules In May 2022, the govt set up a seven-member inter-ministerial task force, chaired by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MoS, IT. Aim: To work on online gaming regulations and identify a nodal ministry. The government has been deliberating on plans to regulate the online gaming sector since early this year. However, in absence of a nodal ministry to oversee the sector, online gaming intersects with multiple ministriesincludingMeitY,MinistryofIn...

3. Home Ministry gives NOC for name change of two places in Uttar Pradesh: The Uttar Pradesh government has received the ‘no-objection’ certificates from the ministry of home affairs to change the names of two places in state With this consent, ‘Mundera Bazaar’ municipal council in Gorakhpur district has been renamed to ‘Chauri Chaura’ and ‘Telia Afghan’ village in Deoria district to ‘Telia Shukla’ MHA gives a ‘no-objection’ certificate to change the name of any place after taking consent from ministry of railways, department of posts and Survey of India The no-objection certificates were issued by the home ministry on Tuesday for changing the name of ‘Mundera Bazaar’ municipal council in Gorakhpur district to ‘Chauri Chaura’ and that of ‘Telia Afghan’ village in Deoria district to ‘Telia Shukla’

 

4. IISc, Bengaluru to be G20 science working group’s secretariat: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has been named the Secretariat for Science 20 (S20), the G20 summit’s science working group. S20 2023 theme is ‘Disruptive Science for Innovative and Sustainable Development.' S20 has been set up as part of efforts by G20 to address global challenges including climate change mitigation and sustainable development. G20 is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, will function as the secretariat for Science 20 (S20), a working group set up as part of the G20 which will be presided over by India in 2023. S20 has been set up as part of efforts by G20theint...

5. 'Dhanu Yatra' begins in Bargarh, Odisha: The ‘Dhanu Yatra’ festival,11-day long festival, has been started in the Western Odisha town of Bargarh. It was came into existence in Bargarh in 1947-48 as part of the celebration of the country’s Independence. The festival starts with the play of dethroning of Emperor Ugrasen of Mathura by angry Kansa over the marriage of his sister Devaki with Vasudev. It will be concluded with the death of demon king Kansa and restoration of the throne to Ugrasen. The 'Dhanu Yatra' festival, considered to be the world’s largest open-air theatre, began on Tuesday in the Western Odisha town of Bargarh. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered greetings to the people of the eastern state with the commencement of the 11-day festival.

 

6. Santosh Kumar Yadav appointed as chairman of NHAI: Senior bureaucrats, Santosh Kumar Yadav has been appointed as chairman of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He is a 1995-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He is currently serving as an additional secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. Subhasish Panda has been appointed as vice chairman of Delhi Development Authority. Ganji Kamala V Rao has been named CEO of FSSAI, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

 

7. IIT Guwahati, Bombay, European join hands to check Indian water quality: IIT Guwahati and Bombay have joined hands with European universities to develop a technology to check the quality of potable and other water in India. The LOTUS Indo-European project is an initiative of the Dept of Science and Technology and the European Commission Aim: To provide solutions for issues related to the quality of water supplied across Indian households The LOTUS project is built around a novel water quality sensor developed at Ecole Polytechnique in Paris New Delhi, Dec 26 (PTI) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati and Bombay in collaboration with European universities are working towards building a low-cost technology to check the quality of potable and other water in India.

 

8. President Murmu inaugurated project worth Rs 43.08 cr at Srisailam Temple: President Droupadi Murmu has inaugurated the project “Development of Srisailam Temple” at Srisailam Temple Complex Andhra Pradesh. The project has been sanctioned and executed under PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme under the Ministry of Tourism. The project “Development of Srisailam Temple in the state of Andhra Pradesh” has been completed with a cost of Rs 43.08 crores. The project is 100 percent funded by the Ministry of Tourism. Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati.

 

9. Jio launched 5G services in Andhra Pradesh with an investment of Rs 6,500 crore: Reliance Jio has launched its 5G services in Andhra Pradesh with an investment of Rs 6500 crore starting with the cities of Tirumala, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada & Guntur. Andhra Pradesh Information and Technology Minister Gudivada Amarnath and Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy launched the Jio True 5G and Jio True 5G Powered wi-fi services. Apart from their existing investment of Rs 26,000 crore, additionally, Jio has invested over Rs 6,500 crore for deploying 5G network in Andhra Pradesh. By December 2023, Jio True 5G services will be made available in every town, taluka, mandalam, and village of Andhra Pradesh. The Jio True 5G services are available to selected customers at no additional cost. The customers’ 4G tariff plan/package is upgraded to 5G. The only difference is that all upgraded 5G plans have unlimited data allowance.

 

10. Hasmukh Adhia appointed as chief advisor to the Gujarat CM: Former Union finance secretary Hasmukh Adhia has been appointed as the chief advisor to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The government has also appointed SS Rathod, the managing director of Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited and former CMD of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, as the chief minister’s advisor. Hasmukh Adia is a former Gujarat cadre IAS officer. Adhia retired from service in November 2018. He was made the secretary in the Department of Financial Services, Union Ministry of Finance when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India in 2014.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approved opening of Indian Mission in Lithuania and Maldives: The Union Cabinet has approved the opening of new Consulates in Maldives and Lithuania. India has opened missions in 14 African countries out of the 18 announced in March 2018. Three new Missions in Estonia, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic, approved by Cabinet in December 2020, were made operational in January-February, 2022. The decision to open a new Indian Mission in Lithuania is a forward-looking step in pursuit of our national priority of growth and development or ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. South African cricketer Farhaan Behardien announces retirement: South African white-ball specialist and former T20I skipper Farhaan Behardien has announced his retirement from professional cricket. The 39-year-old, who played 59 ODIs and 38 T20Is and captained the Proteas in a three-match T20 series against Sri Lankan in 2017. He represented South Africa in four World Cups. He was part of the Proteas’ T20 World Cup campaigns in 2012, 2014, and 2016 as well as the ODI World Cup in 2015. Behardien played 59 ODIs for the Proteas, in which he scored 1074 runs at an average of 30.69. He also played 38 T20ls and scored 518 runs. He last represented South Africa in November 2018 in a T20I against Australia in Carrara.

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India, ADB sign $125 million loan to improve Urban Services in Tamil Nadu: India has signed a $125 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop climate-resilient sewage collection and treatment, and drainage and water supply systems in three cities of Tamil Nadu. The tranche 3 loan for Tamil Nadu Urban Flagship Investment Program signed between Rajat Kumar Mishra (Additional Secretary, DEA) and Hoe Yun Jeong (Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission). This loan will cover Coimbatore, Madurai, and Thoothukudi The Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed a $125 million loan to develop climate-resilient sewage collection and treatment, and drainage and water supply systems in three cities in the state of Tamil Nadu. The signatories to the tranche 3 loan for Tamil Nadu Urban Flagship Investment Program were Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance who signed for the Government of India, and Hoe Yun Jeong, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission who signed for ADB.

 

2. Indian Bank launched ‘MSME Prerana’ programme in Rajasthan: Indian Bank has launched its flagship business mentoring program for MSME entrepreneurs named ‘MSME Prerana’ in Rajasthan. Aim: To empower MSME Entrepreneurs through skill development and capacity building training in their local languages. This program will also assist them in acquiring necessary financial and managerial skills, capacity to handle crisis in business. The training program will be provided in collaboration with M/s Poornatha & Co.Shri Mahendra Kumar Parakh, Commissioner, Industries, Govt of Rajasthan, Shri Narendra Sharma, GM (MSME) and Shri. Ravinder Singh, FGM (Delhi), Indian Bank and other senior officials of State Government and Bank were present at the event.Ends

 

3. SBI, Axis, ICICI Bank to introduce Rupay Credit card on UPI by March 2023: State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank will start issuing RuPay credit cards over the UPI by March 2023.

Presently, the RuPay credit card segment on the UPI platform is live with Union Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Indian Bank and HDFC Bank. The RBI has authorised the connection of credit cards to UPI in June 2022. Users will benefit from more convenience as a result of the change, which will also expand the adoption of digital payments.

 

4. Sebi expands committees on cyber security and information systems: SEBI has expanded two of its committees- (1) High Powered Steering Committee on Cyber Security (HPSC-CS) and (2) Information Systems Security Committee (ISSC). High Powered Steering Committee on Cyber Security (HPSC-CS) was expanded to eight members from six earlier. It will continue to be chaired by Navin Kumar Singh (DG at NCIIPC). SEBI has also expanded its panel on Information Systems Security Committee (ISSC) to seven members, chaired by Prof Krishnamurthy. The move comes at a time when Central Depository Services (India) (CDSL), the largest depository in India by number of accounts, faced cyber security issues in November which impacted settlement activities

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Prabhu Chandra Mishra honoured with Atal Samman Award: Prabhu Chandra Mishra was honoured with the prestigious Atal Samman Award during the 9th Atal Samman Samaroh, organised in New Delhi. He was awarded for his excellence in field of science & research. He has worked in the area of StemCell & Regenerative Medicine in infertility especially when In vitro fertilization (IVF) failed. Under his work, diseases like premature ovarian failure, and Asherman syndrome have shown satisfactory results with body’s own cells. On the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister of the country Atal Bihari Vajpayee, many personalities who played an important role in various fields were honored on December 24, 2022, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi during 9th Atal Samman Samaroh.

 

2. IIT Madras won Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards 2022: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT) Madras has won the Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards at the Wharton Campus, Philadelphia, USA. The institute has been awarded and its BS in Data Science and Applications is awarded the silver in the best online programme category. While, the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), a joint initiative of IITs and IISc, run by IIT Madras, won the gold in the lifelong learning category. The NPTEL-National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning has won the Gold in the ‘Lifelong Learning’ category. The Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards are considered to be the Oscars of Education.

Daily GK Update- 27th Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Anil Kumar Lahoti appointed as Chairman of Railway Board: Former General Manager of Central Railway, Anil Kumar Lahoti has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Railway Board with effect from January 1, 2023. He will replace Vinay Kumar Tripathi. Lahoti belongs to the 1984 batch of Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE). Lahoti was appointed as the general manager of Central Railway in July 2021. He has also worked in several key positions in both zonal railways and the railway board in Delhi.

He reportedly also worked on developing the public private partnership model for station redevelopment, along with important infrastructural interventions leading to decongestion in stations in Delhi during his tenure with Northern and North Central Railways.

 

2. Ministry of Power signs MoU with DRDO for Vulnerable Hydro Projects: Ministry of Power has signed an MoU with DRDO for the implementation of Early Warning System (EWS) for Vulnerable Hydro Projects/Power Stations. Alok Kumar (Secretary, Ministry of Power) and Dr. Samir V Kamat (Chairman, DRDO) signed the MoU. Both will work towards developing suitable mitigation measures against avalanches, landslides, and other geo-hazards

Ministry of Power has already signed MoUs with CSIR-NGRI, IMD, WIHG and NRSC-ISRO for implementation of EWS Ministry of Power signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Ministry of Defence today here for Implementation of Early Warning System for Vulnerable Hydro Projects/Power Stations. Shi Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power and Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) & Chairman, DRDO, signed the MoU.

 

3. President Murmu inaugurates project worth Rs 43.08 cr at Srisailam Temple: President Droupadi Murmu has inaugurated the project “Development of Srisailam Temple” at Srisailam Temple Complex, Andhra Pradesh. The project has been sanctioned and executed under PRASHAD scheme, under Ministry of Tourism. The project has been completed with a cost of Rs 43.08 crores. The project is 100% funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India. Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati.

President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the project “Development of Srisailam Temple in the State of Andhra Pradesh” today at Srisailam Temple Complex, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.  The project has been sanctioned and executed under PRASHAD scheme viz. National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive of the Ministry of Tourism.

 

4. IIT Kanpur develops Artificial Heart to deal with Acute Cardiac Problems: IIT Kanpur has developed an artificial heart that would be of great help to people with acute cardiac problems. IIT Kanpur and cardiologists from across the country have developed this artificial heart. As per the IIT Kanpur Director, Abhay Karandikar, the trial on animals would begin next year, after success in the trial, transplantation can be done in humans in the next two years. Most of the implants and stents for heart patients are being imported. "Artificial heart is being developed to reduce the sufferings of the patients," he said, adding, "a team of 10 scientists and doctors has prepared this artificial heart. After the success of the trial on animals, heart transplantation in humans will begin within two years."

 

5. Madhya Pradesh Government to build Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s grand memorial in Gwalior: Madhya Pradesh Government will build a huge statue of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and a research centre as part of his grand memorial in Gwalior. The ‘Gwalior Gaurav Diwas’ function marked the 98th birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The event was also attended by Union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia and Narendra Singh Tomar. The Madhya Pradesh government has allotted nearly 4,050 hectares of land in the Sirol area of Gwalior to build a memorial of Vajpayee. Vajpayee was born in Gwalior on December 25, 1924.

 

6. Bulandshahr prison foods become the 2nd jail in UP to be rated five star by FSSAI: The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has awarded the food provided by the Bulandshahr prison of Uttar Pradesh a five-star rating and the tag ‘Eat Right Campus’. Bulandshahr Jail is the second prison after Farrukhabad jail to get this tag from Uttar Pradesh.

The FSSAI team inspected the kitchen’s food quality, storage and hygiene on stringent measures, based on which the Bulandshahr prison was given a five-star rating, the ‘Eat Right Campus’ tag in addition to the remark of ‘Excellent’ by the FSSAI.

 

7. Losar Festival celebrated in Ladakh: Losar Festival was celebrated in Ladakh on 24 December 2022 to mark the Ladakhi New Year. Ladakhi New Year is the major socio-religious festival of Ladakh celebrated in winter. The Losar festivities continue for nine more days from the New Year with the offering of prayers in the name of God and Goddess, dances and songs in honour of Ibex, and the pilgrimage of Mount Kailash. The lighting of prayer lamps, illumination of buildings, houses, religious places like monasteries, stupas, and other business establishments making appear that the entire Ladakh is lit in lights are part of celebrations of the Losar Festival.

 

8. Kerala’s Dharmadam becomes first complete library constituency in India: Dharmadam, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s constituency has achieved the position of complete library constituency in India, the first in India. Out of the total 138 wards in the constituency, there were no libraries in 63 wards. Dharmadam reached the achievement with the opening of libraries in these wards too. Complete librarianisation was made possible with the support of all sections of the people of the constituency. The People’s Mission for Social Development, a people’s organization, has taken up the work of establishing libraries and expanding the existing ones in Dharmadam constituency A mission was formed to consolidate operations. The District Library Council and local self-governing bodies, which are part of the mission, became active participants in the activities.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s Cuisine Ranked Fifth in the list of best Cuisines of the World: According to Taste Atlas, India is ranked fifth on the global list of the best cuisines for 2022. The ranking is based on audience votes for ingredients, dishes, and beverages. Italy’s food came in first place followed by Greece and Spain. India received 4.54 points and the best-rated foods of the country include “garam masala, malai, ghee, butter garlic naan, keema”. It has a total of 460 items in the list. Furthermore, the best restaurants to try Indian cuisine are Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (Mumbai), Karavalli (Bengaluru), Bukhara (New Delhi), Dum Pukht (New Delhi), Comorin (Gurugram) and 450 others, according to the list. Japan, the United States of America, Turkiye, France, and Peru were also among the top 10 countries with the best cuisines.

Chinese cuisine, which is the world’s most popular, however, ranked 11th on the list.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Nikhat Zareen won gold at 2022 Women’s Boxing National Championship: Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain have won gold medals at Women’s National Boxing Championship 2022, organised in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Lovlina Borgohain has defeated Arundhati Choudhary of Services in the 75kg final. Nikhat Zareen defeated Anamika of Railways in the 50kg category.

While, The Railways team has topped the medals tally with 10 medals – five golds, three silvers and two bronze. MP placed second in medal tally, followed by Haryana. Lovlina Borgohain and Nikhat Zareen have won Gold medals at Women’s National Boxing Championship 2022 in Bhopal. While Lovlina Borgohain beat Arundhati Choudhary of Services 5-0 in the 75kg final, Nikhat Zareen defeated Anamika of Railways 4-1 in the final of the 50kg category.

 

2. Cricket Australia renames Test Player of the Year award: Australia's men's Test Player of the Year award has been renamed to honour legendary spinner Shane Warne. The Shane Warne Men's Test Player of the Year award will be presented annually at the Australian Cricket Awards. Warne himself won the award once, in 2006 after an incredible year that included a record 40 wickets in the famous 2005 Ashes series in England. This Australian Cricket Awards will be announced on January 30, 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India will become third largest economy by 2035 : CEBR: According to the British consultancy, Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) report, India will become third largest economy by 2035 from the current fifth spot. Report title: World Economic League Table

India's annual rate of GDP growth is expected to average 6.4% after which growth is expected to average 6.5% in the subsequent nine years. The world gross domestic product will be doubled by 2037 as developing economies will catch up with the richer ones. CEBR also adds that by 2037, world gross domestic product will be doubled as developing economies will catch up with the richer ones. The shifting balance of power will see the East Asia and Pacific region account for over a third of global output by 2037, while Europe's share shrinks to less than a fifth.

 

2. RBI to migrate payments fraud reporting module to Daksh on January 1: RBI has issued an order to migrate the payments fraud reporting module to DAKSH (RBI’s advanced supervisory management system) on January 1, 2023. Aim: To streamline reporting, enhance efficiency and automate the payments fraud management process. Earlier, it was facilitated through Electronic Data Submission Portal (EDSP). As per the RBI, all authorised Payment System Operators (PSOs) and payment system participants in India are required to report all payment frauds.

 

3. Infibeam Avenues receives RBI nod for Bharat Bill Payment licence: Infibeam Avenues Ltd has received Perpetual Licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for its bill payments business, BillAvenue. The licence will allow BillAvenue to function as a Bharat Bill Payment Operating Unit (BBPOU) under Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS). BillAvenue can operate as both biller and customer operating unit onboarding billers and agent institutions to service customers. It will help the company offer safe, secure and uninterrupted services. Infibeam Avenues Ltd., the country’s first listed payments infrastructure firm, has received Perpetual Licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for its bill payments business, BillAvenue. 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Aleida Guevara to be honoured with first KR Gouri Amma national award: Cuban social worker and human rights activist, Dr Aleida Guevara has been selected for the first KR Gouri Amma national award 2022. She is an active member of the Cuban Medical Mission that works to improve the health profile of children in Latin America. The award will be presented by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan at Olympia Hall at Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium. The award consists of $3,000, a statute and a citation It has been instituted by the K R Gouri Amma Foundation

 

2. IIT Madras wins Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards 2022: IIT Madras programmes on BS Data Science and NPTEL in collaboration with IISc Bangalore, have won the Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards 2022 for the best programmes. The BS in Data Science and Applications programme won Silver in the ‘Best Online Program’ category. The NPTEL-National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning, has won the Gold in the ‘Lifelong Learning' category. The Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards are considered to be the Oscars of Education.

 

3. Cyclist Swasti Singh gets Ekalabya Puraskar: The ‘Ekalabya Puraskar’ for the year 2022 was presented to cyclist Swasti Singh. The award is given every year to encourage young sports talents. Singh was presented with a citation, trophy, and Rs 5 lakh cash in a programme organized by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT). She was honoured for her performance from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022 at both national and international levels. Football player Pyari Xaxa and Hockey player Shilanda Lakra also were honoured with a citation and Rs 50,000 cash each.

 

4. Beth Mead won BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2022 award: English football player Beth Mead has been awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2022 as she was the player of the tournament and top scorer at Euro 2022. Beth Mead has defeated Germany in the finals at Wembley to win England’s first major women’s football trophy. The 27-year-old competed against Ben Stokes and Ronnie O’Sullivan for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2022 award. While Sarina Wiegman (England’s manager) has won the Coach of the Year.

 

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran golfer, Kathy Whitworth passes away: Kathy Whitworth, the winningest golfer in history, has been passed away at the age of 83. She is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. She had 88 wins on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour which include six LPGA major championships. Her 88 wins are six more than Sam Snead and Tiger Woods, who hold the record for the men’s game. In 1981, she became the first LPGA golfer to earn $1 million in career earnings.

 

2. England Football Player George Cohen passed away: England’s 1966 World Cup-winning George Cohen passed away recently at the age of 83. Cohen played every minute of England’s victorious campaign on home soil. He made 37 appearances for his national team as a right-back. Cohen played his entire club career for Fulham, where he made 459 appearances between 1956 and 1969. He retired from playing at 29 after a serious knee injury. Cohen was the vice-captain for England when the team beat West Germany 4-2 in the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley Stadium. England striker Geoff Hurst scored a hat trick in that match, which went to extra time.