Daily GK Update- 30th Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi to launch railway projects worth over Rs 5,800 cr in Bengal: PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated railway projects worth over Rs 5,800 crore in West Bengal through video-conferencing. The projects include Joka-Taratala stretch of the Joka-Esplanade Metro Project (Purple Line) and Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express. Joka-Taratala project is 6.5-km stretch having six stations has been constructed at a cost of more than Rs 2,475 crore. He has also laid the foundation stone for redevelopment of New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.

 

2. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates new Zuari bridge in Goa: Nitin Gadkari (Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways) has inaugurated the phase 1 of Zuari bridge in Goa, that connects North and South Goa. It is located on the Zuari river at Cortalim village on Margao-Panaji National Highway Under this phase, the 4 Lane Right Hand Side Corridor of the 8 Lane Stayed Cable bridge has been inaugurated. This new bridge approaches from Bambolim to Verna and has a total project length of 13.20 KM. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated phase 1 of the New Zuari Bridge in Goa today. Located on the Zuari river at Cortalim village on Margao-Panaji National Highway, the bridge aims to ease the traffic woes of the state. Under the 1^st Phase, the 4 Lane Right Hand Side Corridor of the 8 Lane Stayed Cable bridge has been inaugurated. The Rs.2530 Crore project consists of the new bridge and the approaches from Bambolim to Verna and has a total project length of 13.20 KM.

 

3. Home Minister Amit Shah launches mobile App ‘Prahari’: HM Amit Shah has launched the Mobile App ‘Prahari’ and Manual of Border Security Force in New Delhi. This app will provide personal information and information related to accommodation, Ayushman CAPF and leaves on their mobiles to jawans. It will also connect jawans with the portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs. He has also launched revised version of manuals which will increase the understanding of operations, administration and training. BSF DG: Pankaj Kumar Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the security of the border can be ensured only when the border villages are populated. He said, along with the deployment of Jawans on the borders, only the patriotic citizens living in the village can provide permanent security. Mr Shah said this while launching the Mobile App ‘Prahari’ and Manual of Border Security Force in New Delhi today.

 

4. Govt introduces National Geospatial Policy to promote startups: The Ministry of Science and Technology has notified the National Geospatial Policy, 2022 to promote country's geospatial data industry and develop a national framework to use such data for improving citizen services, and more. Aim: To develop high resolution topographical survey and mapping, and high-accuracy digital elevation model by 2030. The government will also look to improve availability and access of “better location data" for companies by 2025.

After liberalising the use of geospatial data under the draft geospatial data policy in February last year, the Ministry of Science and Technology on Wednesday notified the National Geospatial Policy, 2022.

 

5. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for Indian Railways: The Ministry of Railways has launched a scheme ‘Amrit Bharat Station scheme’ for the modernisation of railway stations across the country. Aim: Infrastructural development of more than 1,000 stations on a continuous basis with a long-term vision. High level platforms (760 to 840 mm) will be provided at all categories of the railway stations. The plan has provision to provide free WiFi access to its users. The amenities for Divyangjan will be provided at railway stations Ministry of Railways has formulated a new policy for modernization of stations named “Amrit Bharat Station” scheme. Amrit Bharat Station scheme envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long term vision. It is based on Master Planning for long term and implementation of the elements of Master Plan as per the needs and patronage of the station.

 

6. World-class Kayaking-Canoeing Academy to be set up in Tehri, Uttarakhand: Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy RK Singh announced to set up a world-class Kayaking-Canoeing Academy in Tehri, Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also inaugurated the National Championship “Tehri Water Sports Cup” at Tehri Lake. In this academy, the youth of Uttarakhand will be prepared to play at the national and international level by providing all the facilities along with free training. The new sports policy has been implemented in the state and the government has also announced the re-implementation of the sports quota in jobs.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Benjamin Netanyahu sworn-in as new Prime Minister of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu (73) has been sworn-in as the new prime minister of Israel for a sixth time, after Israel's parliament (Knesset) has passed a vote of confidence in new government. Out of 120 members, 63 lawmakers have voted in favour of new government. He is the longest-serving Prime Minister of Israel. He served as premier of country from 1996 to 1999 and a record 12-year tenure from 2009 to 2021. He also served as deputy foreign minister in 1988. Benjamin Netanyahu was on Thursday sworn-in as Israel's prime minister for a sixth time, leading the Jewish state's most right-wing government to date. Netanyahu, 73, already Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister, has the support of 63 lawmakers in the 120-member Knesset (Israeli parliament). In the house, 54 lawmakers voted against his government.

 

2. India and Cyprus sign agreement on defence and military cooperation: India and Cyprus have signed agreements in various areas including on Defence and Military Cooperation.

Both countries have also signed a Letter of Intent on Migration and Mobility Partnership to provide a common framework of arrangement and cooperation to facilitate the mobility of students, business people and professionals. It will also help in combating irregular migration. The agreements were signed between EAM Dr. S Jaishankar and Foreign Minister of Cyprus. India and Cyprus have signed a number of agreements in various areas including on Defence and Military Cooperation between the two countries. A Letter of Intent on Migration and Mobility Partnership was also signed to provide a common framework of arrangement and cooperation to facilitate the mobility of students, academics, business people and professionals. It will also help in combating irregular migration.

 

3. Abdullah Abdul Dashti appointed as new coordinator for Black Sea Grain: UN Secretary-General, António Guterres has appointed Abdullah Abdul Samad Dashti of Kuwait as UN Coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative. He has replaced Amir Mahmoud Abdulla of Sudan. The Initiative was launched by Ukraine, Türkiye, Russian Federation and UN on 22 July 2022. Aims: To enable the resumption of exports from Ukraine of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizer, including ammonia, through a safe maritime humanitarian corridor on the Black Sea. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Abdullah Abdul Samad Dashti of Kuwait as United Nations Coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The Initiative was launched by Ukraine, Türkiye, Russian Federation and the United Nations on 22 July to enable the resumption of exports from Ukraine of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizer, including ammonia, through a safe maritime humanitarian corridor.

 

4. India-assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project handed over to Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corp: The India-assisted 720 Megawatts Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project has been handed to Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) in Bhutan. Bhutan’s Minister of Economic Affairs Lyonpo Loknath Sharma and India’s Ambassador to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela, held the handover in Thimphu in a ceremony that was witnessed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering jointly inaugurated the 720 MW project Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project in 2019. The commissioning of the project has increased Bhutan’s Electrical Power Generation Capacity by 44 percent and it is now at 2,326 Mega Watts. The commissioning of Mangdechhu Hydropower Project led to an increase of 31 percent in hydropower revenues of Bhutan in 2020. In 2021, Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project exported electricity worth Rs 12.13 billion to India, increasing Bhutan’s electricity exports to Rs 24.43 billion.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Carlsen and Tan Zhongyi win 2022 World Rapid Championship: GM Magnus Carlsen (Norway) has secured his fourth title of 2022 World Rapid Championship, held in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Vincent Keymer (Germany) has settled for silver and Fabiano Caruana (America) has secured bronze. While, Tan Zhongyi (China) has won gold in 2022 Women's World Rapid Champion. Indian chess player, B Savitha Shri has won bronze medal in women's event and became third Indian after Viswanathan Anand and Humpy to win a medal at the world rapid championship.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Chhattisgarh police ‘Nijaat’ campaign gets IACP 2022 Award: International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the US-based international organization has selected the anti-drug & illicit liquor campaign ‘Nijaat’ of Chhattisgarh police for ‘Leadership in Crime Prevention’ in the institutional category. The Chhattisgarh police under the leadership of the IPS officer Santosh Kumar Singh launched the campaign. The drive took the onus to wipe out the abuse of illicit drugs, narcotics, and bootlegging while simultaneously preventing its smuggling or trading.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. IAF successfully tests extended range version of BrahMos from Sukhoi jet: The Indian Air Force has successfully test-fired the extended range version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile against a ship target in Bay of Bengal from a Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet. Achievement: Carry out precision strikes from Sukhoi against land and sea targets over very long ranges. The current weight of missile is 2.65 tonnes, which will come down to 1.33 tonnes with BrahMos-NG (under development). BrahMos is a JV between DRDO and NPO Mashinostroyeniya of Russia The Indian Air Force (IAF) Thursday successfully test fired the Extended Range Version of Brahmos Air Launched missile against a ship target from a frontline SU-30MKI aircraft. The maiden test of the extended range of the Brahmos Air Launched missile was conducted on May 12 earlier this year, the force said.

 

2. Indian Army inaugurated first-ever two-storey 3-D printed dwelling unit in Ahmedabad: The Indian Army inaugurated its first 3-D Printed House Dwelling Unit (with Ground plus One configuration) for soldiers at Ahmedabad Cantt. The dwelling unit has been constructed by the Military Engineering Services (MES) in collaboration with MiCoB Pvt. Ltd. incorporating the latest 3D Rapid Construction Technology. Construction work of the dwelling unit measuring 71 sqm with garage space was completed in just 12 weeks by utilizing the 3D printed foundation, walls, and slabs. The disaster-resilient structures comply with Zone-3 earthquake specifications and green building norms. The 3-D printed houses are symbolic of the modern-day rapid construction efforts to cater for growing accommodation requirements of the Armed Forces personnel. This structure also stands testament to the commitment of Indian Army in fostering the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The technique utilizes a concrete 3D printer that accepts a computerized three-dimensional design and fabricates a 3-D structure in a layer-by-layer manner by extruding a specialized type of concrete specifically designed for the purpose.

 

 

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Football legend, Pele passes away: Brazilian football legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, who was popularly known as Pele has been passed away at the age of 82 in São Paulo, Brazil. He is the only player to win the World Cup three times (1958, 1962 and 1970). He was named Fifa's Player of the Century in 2000. During his 21-year career, he has scored the most career goals of 1,283 in 1,363 games including 77 goals in 92 matches for his country.

  

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.