Daily GK Update- 1st Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India's unemployment rate rises at 8.30% in Dec 2022: According to the data, released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), India's unemployment rate in December 2022 has been increased to a 16-month high at 8.30% from 8% in November 2022. The urban unemployment rate has been increased to 10.09% in December from 8.96%. While, the rural unemployment rate has been slipped to 7.44% from 7.55%. In December, the unemployment rate rose to 37.4% in Haryana, followed by Rajasthan (28.5) and Delhi (20.8%). India's unemployment rate in December increased to a 16-month high at 8.30 percent from 8.00 percent in the previous month, data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) showed on 1 January.

 

2. REC limited organized 'Bijli Utsav' in Assam: REC Limited, a Maharatna Company under the Ministry of Power, has organized ‘Bijli Utsav’ in Anandapur Gaon of Baksa district and adjoining villages in Assam. The event has highlighted the consumer rights of electricity, benefits and the challenges faced during electrification in remote areas. Various competitions and cultural programs were also organised. It was concluded with distribution of LED bulbs and geometry boxes as prizes to the winners of the competitions. As a part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ – to celebrate 75 years of Independence, REC Limited, a Maharatna Company under the Ministry of Power, Govt. of India organized ‘Bijli Utsav’ in Anandapur Gaon of Baksa district and adjoining villages in Assam. Numerous dignitaries such as Shri Katiram Boro, Speaker – Bodoland Territorial Council, Dr. Ashraful Amin – Addl.

 

3. Rajeev Badyal named to National Space Council Advisory Group: USA Vice President, Kamala Harris has named Indian American Rajeev Badyal to a key national space advisory group. He will be responsible to maintain a robust and responsible US space enterprise and preserve space for current and future generations. Presently, he is serving as the vice-president of Project Kuiper of Amazon. Prior to this role, he was the vice president of satellites at SpaceX. Harris had named US Air Force Rtd General Lester Lyles as chair of the UAG.

 

4. IDBI Bank re-appoints Suresh Khatanhar as deputy MD for a year: IDBI Bank's Board of Directors have approved the re-appointment of Suresh Kishinchand Khatanhar as Deputy Managing Director (DMD) for a period of one year with effect from January 15, 2023. This re-appointment is as per approval of the Reserve Bank of India received in this regard. Khatanhar has joined IDBI Bank in 1997 from Dena Bank. He was appointed as DMD by IDBI Bank’s Board on January 15, 2020 for a period of three years. IDBI Bank's Board of Directors have approved the re-appointment of Suresh Kishinchand Khatanhar as Deputy Managing Director (DMD) for a period of one year with effect from January 15, 2023. This re-appointment is as per approval of the Reserve Bank of India received in this regard. Khatanhar has joined IDBI Bank in 1997 from Dena Bank. He was appointed as DMD by IDBI Bank’s Board on January 15, 2020 for a period of three years.

 

5. Amit Shah inaugurated Mega Dairy at Mandya, Karnataka: Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah has inaugurated Mega Dairy at Mandya in Karnataka. The mega-dairy inaugurated at a cost of Rs 260 crore would process 10 lakh liters of milk per day and will have the capacity to increase it up to 14 lakh liters per day. Currently, there are 15,210 village-level cooperative dairies in Karnataka, in which about 26.22 lakh farmers deliver their milk daily and through 16 district-level dairies, Rs 28 crore is deposited into the accounts of 26 lakh farmers every day. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) will get all technical support and cooperation from Amul. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Ministry of Cooperation will establish a primary dairy in every panchayat of the country in the next three years.

 

6. PM Modi flagged off West Bengal’s first Vande Bharata Express train: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has virtually flagged off Vande Bharat Express from Howrah Railway Station connecting Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. It is the first Vande Bharat Express to operate in West Bengal and on the Eastern parts of the country. Also, it is the seventh Vande Bharat train by Indian Railways in the country. Covering a distance of 564 km in 7.45 hours, this train will save three hours in travel time as compared to other trains on the route. He also inaugurated the Joka-Taratala Stretch of the Joka-Esplanade Metro Project (Purple Line) of Kolkata Metro.

 

7. India’s first underwater metro to become operation by December 2023: According to the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation, India’s first underwater metro service, the East-West Metro Corridor project is expected to be completed by December 2023. The East-West corridor of the Kolkata Metro is 15 Km-long and spans from Salt Lake Stadium to Howrah. This metro line between Salt Lake Sector-5 to Salt Lake Stadium has Karunamayi, Central Park, City Center, and Bengal Chemical metro stations. It costs about ₹120 crore per kilometre to build the tunnel but the manufacturing cost of the tunnel underwater, which is deep in the Hooghly river costs increased to around 157 crores by per kilometre. First metro in India, Kolkata Metro which started its operation 24 October 1984 between Dum Dam to Tollygunge. It was started with the help of the Soviet Union. Largest metro rail in operation in India, Delhi Metro (390.14 km). It started operation on 24 December 2002. Smallest Metro- Ahmedabad metro,6 km

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India assumed chairmanship of Wassenaar Arrangement for one year: India has assumed the chairmanship of the plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement for one year on 1st January 2023.

At the 26th annual plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement, Eoin O’Leary (Ireland’s ambassador) has handed over the chairmanship to Jaideep Mazumdar (India’s ambassador). Jaideep Mazumdar is the permanent representative to the UN and international organisations in Vienna. India joined the Wassenaar Arrangement in December 2017 as 42nd participating state.

India will assume the chairmanship of the plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement today for one year. The 42-member Wassenaar Arrangement is a voluntary export control regime that monitors transfers of conventional weapons and dual-use goods.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Hockey Madhya Pradesh Men’s U-18 team won Khelo India Youth Games 2022: Madhya Pradesh has clinched the Qualifiers title of Khelo India Youth Games 2022 Men's Under-18 after defeating Odisha by 6-5 in the final at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Ali Ahmad, Mohammad Zaid Khan and Captain Ankit Pal netted one goal each for Madhya Pradesh. While, Haryana claimed third place in the competition with a win against Jharkhand. With this, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Haryana and Jharkhand have qualified for the 2023 Khelo India Youth Games to be held in MP. In Hockey, Madhya Pradesh defeated Odisha 6-5 to clinch Khelo India Youth Games 2022 Men's Under-18 Qualifiers title in Bhubaneswar yesterday, December 30.

 

2. Koneru Humpy won Silver at the World Chess Blitz Championship: Former world rapid champion Koneru Humpy has won India’s first-ever Silver medal in the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Humpy defeated China’s Zhongyi Tan to win Silver in the 17th and final round. Fourth-seeded Humpy scored an impressive 12.5 points, just half a point behind the gold medal winner Bibisara Balabayeva of Kazakhstan. Humpy is the second Indian to win a medal at World Blitz, after Viswanathan Anand.

 

3. Hockey Haryana Women’s U-18 team won Khelo India Youth Games 2022: Hockey Haryana’s women’s team has won the Khelo India Youth Games 2022 Women’s Under 18 Qualifiers after defeating Madhya Pradesh 2-0 in the final at Bhubaneswar. In the final match, Pooja and Gurmail Kaur scored a goal each for Haryana to end the contest in their favour. Odisha stepped up to claim third place after beating Hockey Jharkhand 2-1 in the 3rd and 4th place encounter. Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand have qualified for the Khelo India Youth Games to be held in Madhya Pradesh next year.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Tripura signs agreement with ADB for power project: Tripura government has signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a power project worth Rs 2,275 crore. Of the total cost of the project, the state government would spend an amount of Rs 455 crore. The project include the replacement of Rokhia’s existing 63 MW (3X21 MW) Open Cycle power project with a 120 MW Combined Cycle power project. The project would also boost the efficiency of the Gumti hydroelectric power plant in Gomati district.

 

2. SBI Card, Punjab & Sind Bank join hands to launch co-brand credit cards: SBI Cards has partnered with Punjab & Sind Bank to launch co-brand credit cards for the bank's customers. The new three card variants are - PSB SBI Card ELITE, PSB SBI Card PRIME, and PSB SimplySAVE SBI Card. PSB SBI Card ELITE and PSB SBI Card PRIME have been designed to offer lifestyle privileges and best in class experience to premium and mass premium customers, respectively.

PSB SimplySAVE SBI Card offers rewarding experience to value conscious customers. SBI Cards and Payment Services on Thursday announced that it has partnered with Punjab & Sind Bank to launch co-brand credit cards for the bank's customers.

 

3. IDBI Mutual Fund signs agreement to transfer schemes to LIC MF: IDBI MF has signed an agreement with LIC MF to transfer its schemes of IDBI MF to LIC MF to comply with Regulation 7B of SEBI MF Regulations. MF rules prohibit a single promoter from owning more than 10% stake in multiple asset management companies. Since LIC took over IDBI Bank in 2019, the insurance major ended up holding a majority stake in both LIC MF and IDFC MF.

Hence, the life insurer had only two options — either to sell one of MF or merge the two.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Mandhana & Suryakumar nominated for the ICC T20 cricketer of the year award 2022: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the shortlisted cricket players for its year-end awards. Four players are shortlisted in the men’s and women’s category for its various annual awards taking into account the performance of the players in the calendar year.

About International Cricket Council (ICC)

·       Formation – 15 June 1909

·       Headquarters – Dubai, UAE

·       Chairman – Greg Barclay (New Zealand)

·       Deputy Chairman – Imran Khwaja (Singapore)

·       CEO – Geoff Allardice (Australia)

·       General Manager – Wasim Khan

·       Membership – 108 members

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Pritzker winning architect, Arata Isozake passes away: A Pritzker-winning Japanese architect, Arata Isozaki has been passed away at the age of 91. He was also known as a post-modern giant, who blended culture and history of the East and the West in his designs. He was awarded the awarded the RIBA Gold Medal in 1986 and the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2019.

He started his architectural career under the apprenticeship of Japanese legend Kenzo Tangem who won Pritzker prize in 1987.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Daily GK Update- 31st Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurates Incubation Centre at NRDC: Union Minister of State Science & Technology, Jitendra Singh has inaugurated Incubation Centre at National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), Delhi to provide multi-prong support to StartUps. NRDC has created incubating start-ups facility and is also promoting beneficial schemes to provide support in terms of funding, mentoring, IP assistance and other allied services to the Start-ups. NRDC was established in 1953 with headquarters in Delhi. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated “Incubation Centre” at National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), Delhi to provide multi-prong support to StartUps.

 

2. Centre to roll out new integrated Food Security Scheme from 1st Jan 2023: Centre will roll out new integrated Food Security Scheme from 1st January 2023 to provide free food grains to over 81 crore beneficiaries under National Food Security Act, NFSA in 2023. It will also ensure effective and uniform implementation of the Act and free foodgrains will concurrently ensure uniform implementation of portability under One Nation One Ration Card across the country. Under this scheme, Centre will provide free foodgrains to all NFSA beneficiaries. The Centre will provide foodgrains to states under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) free for one year from today. Last week, the cabinet had decided to provide grains under NFSA free of cost to the 81 crore beneficiaries during 2023. 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. China appoints Qin Gang as country's new foreign minister: China's ambassador to the Unites States (US), Qin Gang (56-years) has been appointed as the country's new foreign minister. This decision was made by the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee He will replace Wang Yi, who is now a Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and State Councilor. He was previously the spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry and later rose to the rank of Vice Minister is closely associated with Mr. Xi. Chinese state media Global Times reported that the decision was made by the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee yesterday, December 30. 56-year Qin is replacing Wang Yi, who is now a Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and State Councilor.

 

2. Pokhara Regional International Airport to get operational from 1st Jan 2023: Pokhara Regional International Airport will be officially brought into operation from 1st January 2023 Inauguration programme of the airport will include different processions, fashion shows at coordination of Pokhara Metropolitan City and Pokhara Tourism Council. This airport is going to be a milestone for the promotion of tourism not only in Pokhara. This is constructed by a Chinese construction company. August 8: The Pokhara Regional International Airport will officially come into operation from January 1, 2023. A meeting of the board of directors of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) on Sunday took a decision to this effect, said CAAN Spokesperson Jagannath Niraula.  The project worth Rs 22 billion has achieved completion of 98 percent of the construction works so far, he said, adding that a calibration flight would take place in upcoming October.

 

3. North Korea fires ballistic missiles towards east of Korean peninsula: North Korea has fired three short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea to the east of the Korean peninsula South Korea's military has said that these ballistic missiles launch is a grave provocation that undermines peace and stability on Korean Peninsula as well as the international community. This latest volley comes 5 days after North Korea flew drones into South Korea's airspace for the first time since 2017. North Korea launched a ballistic missile Wednesday off its eastern coast, according to South Korea’s military. The missile, launched at 12:03 p.m., flew 292 miles toward the East Sea at an altitude of 485 miles, according to messages from the Joint Chiefs of Staff to reporters that afternoon. The East Sea is also known as the Sea of Japan.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Cristiano Ronaldo joins Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr: Portugal Football team captain Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on a contract until 2025 with worth over USD 75 million per year. Al Nassr have won the Saudi top-flight titles 9 times, last in 2019. This move inspires their league, nation, and future generations, boys, and girls to be the best version of themselves. Portugal captain was free after leaving Manchester United following a controversial interview in which he had criticized the club. Ending weeks of speculation about his club future, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr on a two-and-half-year-deal, which will reportedly make him the highest-paid player in the world. Ronaldo heads to play in Asia, ending the years of dominance in Europe.

 

2. Koneru Humpy wins silver at World Blitz Chess Championship: Former world rapid champion, Koneru Humpy has won India’s first-ever silver medal in FIDE World Blitz Chess Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan after defeating China’s Zhongyi Tan. He scored an impressive 12.5 points, just half a point behind the gold medal winner Bibisara Balabayeva of Kazakhastan. He is the second Indian to win a medal at World Blitz, after Viswanathan Anand. Former world rapid champion Koneru Humpy has won India’s first-ever Silver medal in the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan.  Humpy defeated China’s Zhongyi Tan to win Silver in the 17th and final round. Fourth seeded Humpy scored an impressive 12.5 points, just half a point behind the gold medal winner Bibisara Balabayeva of Kazakhastan. 

 

3. Hockey Haryana Women’s U-18 team wins Khelo India Youth Games 2022: Hockey Haryana's women's team has won Khelo India Youth Games 2022 Women’s Under 18 Qualifiers after defeating Madhya Pradesh 2-0 in the final at Bhubaneswar. Pooja and Gurmail Kaur scored a goal each for Haryana to make the team the trophy winner Odisha stepped up to claim 3rd place after beating Hockey Jharkhand 2-1 in the 3rd and 4th place encounter. Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand have qualified for the Khelo India Youth Games to be held in MP in 2023 In a thrilling final, Zameer Mohammad was the star of the final, scoring a hat-trick while Ali Ahmad, Mohammad Zaid Khan and Captain Ankit Pal netted one goal each for Madhya Pradesh. On the other hand, Anmol Ekka, Paulus Lakra, Deepak Minz, Akash Soreng and Anmol Ekka scored one goal each for Odisha.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Brazil's legendary footballer Pele passes away: Brazilian football legend Pele (82 years), who won a record three World Cups has passed away. He was widely regarded as one of soccer’s greatest players and is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career, including 77 goals in 92 matches for his country. He is the only player to win the World Cup three times and lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970 He was named Fifa's Player of the Century in 2000.

 

2. Former Pope Benedict XVI passes away at Vatican city: Former Pope Benedict XVI (95 years) passed away in his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. Pope Francis will preside over the funeral of the Pope Emeritus that will held on 5 January at St. Peter's Square. Pope Benedict XVI led Catholic Church for less than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415. He resigned from the papacy due to his ailing health.

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.