Daily GK Update- 9th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM launches Aspirational Block Programme: PM Modi has launched the Aspirational Block Programme at the second National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi. Aim: To develop backward districts This programme is on the lines of the Aspirational District Programme (launched in 2018). The programme will cover 500 districts across 31 states and Union Territories initially. Over half of these blocks are in 6 states—UP (68 blocks), Bihar (61), MP (42), Jharkhand (34), Odisha (29) and WB (29). “Launching the Aspirational Block Programme, Prime Minister underscored the success achieved in various Aspirational Districts in the country under the Aspirational District Programme.

 

2. Talcher fertilizer plant to be functional by Oct 2024: Union chemicals and fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya has informed that the Fertilizer projects in Odisha’s Talcher will be operational by October 2024. It will be the largest and first coal gasification plant in India. The government to revive the erstwhile Talcher plant of FCIL by setting up a new coal gasification-based urea plant with an installed capacity of 12.7 lakh tonne per annum (LMTPA) has mandated Talcher Fertilizers Ltd. Talcher (Odisha) [India], January 7 (ANI): Fertilizer projects in Odisha’s Talcher will be operational by October 2024 and once launched will be India’s largest and first coal gasification plant, said Union chemicals and fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday.

 

3. India's First Festival of Inclusion, Purple Fest kicks off: The India's first-of-its-kind inclusivity, 'Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity' has been started in Panjim, Goa from January 6–8, 2023. The event was attended by Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar; Goa CM, Dr Pramod Sawant; and Minister for Social Welfare, Goa government Subhash PhalDessai. Aim: To showcase how we can come together to create a welcoming and inclusive world for everyone.

 

4. BPCL launched low-smoke Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) for Indian Army: Indian state refiner Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has launched low-smoke Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) for the Indian Army in Jammu. BPCL has emerged as the first OMC to commence the supply of the new LSLA grade SKO supplies to the Army, which will go a long way in improving the serving environment and alleviating the issues related to smoke and smell in the use of SKO. Normal kerosene emits substantial smoke, which poses a health hazard to personnel who use it at higher altitudes, where oxygen level is very low. The low-smoke kerosene will provide cleaner fuel to soldiers.

 

5. Maharashtra to set up 122 new sports complexes in rural areas: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that 122 new sports complexes will soon be built in rural areas to reinforce the state’s status as a sporting powerhouse in the country. The state government will also provide our athletes with every possible facility and support so that they can excel not only at the national level but internationally too. The state has to develop players from a young age at every level — village, district, taluka, and state – to create international-class sportspersons.

He also revealed that an exhaustive database of every sportsperson in the state is being maintained to ensure their progress in the world of sports. Maharashtra Sports Minister Girish Mahajan promised to hold the Maharashtra Games every two years from now on. National Games winners will receive cash awards to the tune of 50 lakh rupees for a gold, 30 lakh rupees for a silver, and 20 lakh rupees. Over 10,000 athletes and officials are taking part in 39 disciplines in the Maharashtra State Olympic Games which is being staged at nine venues across the state from January 2-12.

 

6. Bangalore, Delhi one of the Top-Performing Global Airports of 2022: Tracking performance of airports and airlines, Cirium issued a list of the top-performing global airports of 2022 in which Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport won the 2nd rank, whereas Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport acquired the 7th spot. While Kempegowda International Airport saw on-time departure for 84.08% of 201,897 flights, Delhi’s IGI witnessed 81.84% on-time departure for 411,205 flights. The top 10 Rankings for best-performing global airports of 2022 according to Cirium’s report are as follows –

 

7. Kerala University won ‘Overall Championship’ at youth festival: The University of Kerala bagged the ‘Overall Championship‘ at the 36th Inter University South Zone Youth Festival in Tirupati. Mahatma Gandhi University came as the runners-up. Noted Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer Alekhya Punjala was the chief guest of the event. Championships were awarded in each of the five categories viz., music, dance, fine arts, theatre, and literary events, which were respectively won by MGU Kottayam, Sri Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Yogi Vemana University, University of Kerala (last two categories).

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates 2023 International Kite Festival: Gujarat Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel has inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2023 in Ahemdabad, organised from the 8th to 14th January, 2023. The theme of this festival will be held with the theme of G20 - 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. The event is organized after a gap of two years due to the covid 19 pandemic. The delegates from G20 countries have been invited to the inauguration of the international kite festival 2023 to exchange their culture. This year, The International Kite Festival will be held with the theme of G20 and it will be held from the 8th to the 14th of January, 2023. The event is organized after a gap of two years due to the covid 19 pandemic. During the inauguration, CM Bhupendra Patel said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the defense system and Digital economy of India are strengthening day by day and India has become the 5th largest economy in the World.

 

2. India surpasses Japan to become world's 3rd largest auto market: According to the Nikkei Asia report, India has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest auto market for the first time. As per the report, the India's sales of new vehicles totalled at least 4.25 million units, based on preliminary results, topping the 4.2 million sold in Japan. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, New vehicles delivered in India totalled 4.13 million between January and November 2022 China has topped the list, followed by US India for the first time surpassed Japan in auto sales last year and moved up to third place globally, according to a Nikkei Asia report published on Friday. At least 4.25 million new cars were sold in the country, surpassing Japan's 4.2 million sales. As per the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, the total number of new vehicles delivered in India between January and November 2022 is 4.13 million.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Anahat Singh wins Girls U-15 squash title at 2023 British Junior Open: Indian squash prodigy, Anahat Singh (14) has clinched the girl's Under-15 squash title at the 2023 British Junior Open tournament, held in Birmingham (United Kingdom) from January 4-8, 2023. She has defeated Sohaila Hazem of Egypt by 3-1 in the final. The British Junior Open is held in January every year in the UK. She has also won the 2022 Scottish Junior Open held in Edinburgh, Scotland in the Girls under-17 categories. She hails from New Delhi.

 

2. Surya Kumar Yadav becomes fastest player to reach 1,500 runs in T20I: Indian batter, Suryakumar Yadav has become the fastest player to reach 1,500 runs in T20 International cricket in terms of balls faced. He took only 843 balls to reach this landmark. In 45 matches and 43 innings, Suryakumar has scored 1,578 runs at an average of 46.41. He has three centuries and 13 half-centuries in the format, with the best individual score of 117. However, he is the third-fastest batter to reach the 1,500-run mark in terms of innings. Suryakumar Yadav has become the fastest player to reach 1,500 runs in T20 International cricket in terms of balls faced. He took only 843 balls to reach this landmark. However, he is the third-fastest batter to reach the 1,500-run mark in terms of innings.

 

3. Khelo India National Women Kho Kho leagues set to take place in Punjab: The Khelo India Senior Women National Kho Kho league will be held at Chandigarh University, Punjab from January 10 to January 13, 2023. The league is being organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India. It will be held over three phases with full financial support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Kho Kho women's league for junior and sub-junior age groups is scheduled from January 16 to 19 at the Alberta Ekka Kho Kho stadium in Hotwar, Ranchi.

 

4. Sania Mirza announced her retirement from Professional Tennis: Indian Tennis Player Sania Mirza has announced her retirement from professional Tennis. The former doubles World No. 1 champion has announced that she will retire at the WTA 1000 event in Dubai in February. The 36-year-old will be playing in women’s doubles at the Australian Open in January alongside Kazakhstan’s Anna Danilina. This is her final appearance at a Grand Slam event after she missed the US Open last year due to an elbow injury. Mirza became the first Indian to win a WTA singles title, when she won her hometown Hyderabad event in 2005. She broke into the top 30 by 2007 and reached her career-high ranking of world number 27. She won her first mixed doubles title at the Australian Open in 2009, partnering with Mahesh Bhupathi. The pair earned a second victory at the 2012 French Open. Mirza’s third mixed doubles title came at the 2014 US Open, where she partnered with Brazilian player Bruno Soares. In 2015, she partnered with Swiss legend Martina Hingis and won three back-to-back Grand Slam doubles titles.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. CJI Chandrachud to be conferred with 'Award for Global Leadership': Chief Justice of India (CJI), D.Y. Chandrachud has been selected for the "Award for Global Leadership" by the Harvard Law School Center. Reason: In recognition of his lifetime service to the legal profession in the country and around the world. The award will be presented to him at an online event on January 11, 2023. He took over as the 50th CJI on November 9, 2022. He obtained an LL.M. degree and a Doctorate in Juridical Sciences (SJD) from the Harvard Law School.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former West Bengal governor, Keshari Nath Tripathi passes away: Senior leader of BJP, Keshari Nath Tripathi has been passed away at the age of 88 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

He was a governor of West Bengal from July 2014 to July 2019. He had also served as the governor of Bihar, Meghalaya and Mizoram, and speaker of UP legislative assembly. He had also worked as a senior advocate at the Allahabad High Court. He authored several books such as "The Age of Wings", "Sanchayita:Kesharinath Tripathi", "Destination Jesus".

Daily GK Update- 8th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Min Anurag Thakur launches theme of Y20 summit: Anurag Singh Thakur (Minister of Youth Affairs) has launched the themes, logo, and website of Y20 summit India in Curtain raiser event in New Delhi Themes: Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation & 21st Century skills Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction: Making Sustainability a way of life Peacebuilding and Reconciliation: Ushering in an era of No War Shared Future: Youth in Democracy and Governance and Health, Wellbeing & Sports: Agenda for Youth.

 

2. BIS launches portal for mapping of industrial units and laboratories: Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal has launched Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) portal for mapping of Industrial Units and Laboratories. It is a centralised platform. Aim: To provide information on industrial units and laboratories across the country. It will enable analysis of test facilities in the country and help entrepreneurs in accessing information about testing facilities. He has also launched Standards National Action Plan (SNAP) 2022- 27.

 

3. Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi released book 'Chief Minister's Diary No.1': Former Chief Justice of India and member of the Rajya Sabha, Ranjan Gogoi has released a book titled 'Chief Minister's Diary No.1'. This book containing the account of events of the first year in office of Assam CM, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. The book featured accounts of daily activities he undertook as a Chief Minister. His diary essentially featured the growth initiatives that the state has witnessed over the last 11 months.

 

4. Chhattisgarh celebrates traditional ‘Cherchera’ festival: Chhattisgarh CM, Bhupesh Baghel has celebrated the traditional Cherchera festival at Dudhadhari Math in Raipur. This traditional festival is celebrated on the full moon night of ‘Paush’ Hindu calendar month. It is celebrated in the happiness of taking the crops to their homes after cultivation. According to mythological belief, on this day Lord Shankar has begged from Mata Annapurna, so people used to donate green vegetables along with paddy on this day.

 

5. Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates Marjing Polo statue in Manipur: Union Home Minister, Amit Shah has inaugurated the 122-foot-high Sagol Kangjei Statue at the Ibudhou Marjing complex at Heingang in Imphal, Manipur. He has also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several projects in the state. He has also inaugurated Churachandpur Medical College and hoisting of 175 feet tall National flag at INA headquarters, Moirang. Sagol Kangjei: It is the name of the game of polo played in Manipur.

 

6. India to host Voice of Global South Summit: India will host a special virtual Summit on 12th and 13th of January 2023 called ‘Voice of Global South Summit’. The theme of the Summit is ‘Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose. More than 120 countries have been invited for this summit. The initiative is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas and India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. The summit is India’s attempt to provide a common platform to discuss concerns affecting developing countries. India will work to ensure that the valuable inputs generated by participating countries in the Voice of the Global South deliberations receive due cognizance globally.

 

7. 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention organized in Madhya Pradesh: The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being organized in Indore from 8th Jan to the 10th of January in partnership with the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The theme of this PBD conference is “Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”. Over 3,500 Diaspora members from around 70 different countries have registered for the convention. The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention is also significant because it is being organized as a physical event for the first time after a gap of four years. The postal stamp is dedicated to the safe and legal migration of India’s Pravasi. Ministry of External Affairs had launched the “Surakshit Jayen Prashikshit Jayen” – Go Safe, Go Trained The goal of this campaign is to raise public awareness about the importance of using safe and legal channels while traveling for overseas employment.

 

8. India’s first Inclusion Festival, Purple Fest begins in Goa: Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar has inaugurated ‘Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity’, India’s first festival of inclusion in Goa. Objective – To showcase how we can come together to create a welcoming and inclusive world for everyone. The Purple Fest will feature a variety of thrilling live performances, sporting events, major exhibitions, immersive experience zones, accessible movie screenings, and talks on important topics such as inclusive education, tourism, employment, and independent living. Purple Fest is the first festival of its kind in Goa. It is an inclusive event that aims to highlight how we can work together to make the world a welcoming and inclusive place for all.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI to issue green bonds in two tranches of Rs 8,000 crore each: The Reserve Bank of India has announced that first Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) would be issued in two tranches for an aggregate amount of Rs 16,000 crore. The proceeds will be utilised for funding public sector projects seeking to reduce carbon emissions. The first auction would be done on January 25, 2023 while the second on February 9, 2023

SGrBs will be issued through uniform price auction and 5% of the notified amount of sale will be reserved for retail investors

 

2. NABARD and ‘Hockey Wali Sarpanch’ inks pact to strengthen farmers: Neeru Yadav, who is fondly known as 'Hockey Wali Sarpanch' has signed an agreement with NABARD to start the Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) with the assistance of SIIRD (Society of Indian Institute of Rural Development). This initiative will strengthen farmers of Lambi Ahir Village, Rajasthan. FPO: It is a legal entity formed by primary producers. Producers such as farmers, milk producers, fishermen, etc, can form a company basis equity share.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Director Aparna Sen received lifetime achievement award at Jaipur Film Fest: Veteran actor-director, Aparna Sen was honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the opening ceremony of the 15th edition of the Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF). She made her film debut in Teen Kanya (directed by Satyajit Ray) in 1961. She has directed acclaimed movies like 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981), Paroma (1985), Paromitar Ek Din (2000), and Mr and Mrs Iyer (2002). 282 films from 63 countries are being screened from 6th -10th January 2023.

 

2. President of India conferred 2022 Digital India Awards: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu has conferred the Digital India Awards 2022 to the winners on 7th January 2023. The e-NAM (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare) was awarded the platinum award in Digital Empowerment of Citizens category. The e-Vivechna App (Madhya Pradesh) was awarded the platinum award in Digital Initiatives at Grassroots Level. The Mine Mitra (Uttar Pradesh) was awarded in Digital Initiatives for Ease of Doing Business category.

Daily GK Update- 7th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Paytm bank receives RBI nod to appoint Surinder Chawla as new CEO: Paytm Payments Bank has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India for the appointment of Surinder Chawla as its new chief executive. He is currently serving as head of branch banking at RBL Bank. He had also worked with HDFC Bank as head of retail liabilities product group and senior executive VP. Paytm Payments Bank CEO, Satish Kumar Gupta was retired in October 2022.

Since then, Deependra Singh Rathore has been serving as interim CEO of the payments bank.

 

2. Leh Sub Area and Looms of Ladakh Co-operative Ltd sign MoU: Leh Sub Area and Looms of Ladakh Co-operative Limited under the aegis of Fire and Fury Corps have signed an MoU at Leh,Ladakh. Aim: To impart weaving and tailoring training to Veer Naris, widows and dependent ladies of veterans from Ladakh in three cycles of two months each. Looms of Ladakh will also employ them post-completion of their training. With this agreement, approximately, 200 Veer Naris, widows and dependent ladies of veterans will be benefitted. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Leh Sub Area and Looms of Ladakh Co-operative Limited on Saturday at Leh, under the aegis of Fire and Fury Corps. The aim of the Memorandum of Understanding is to impart weaving and tailoring training to Veer Naris, widows and dependent ladies of veterans from Ladakh in three cycles of two months each.

 

3. Odisha CM Patnaik inaugurates Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium: Odisha CM, Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, the largest hockey stadium in the country Rourkela is the second venue of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2023 after the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar Rourkela will host 20 of the 44 matches while the remaining 24 matches will be played at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. India's first match against Spain is scheduled to be played at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on January 13.

India's first match against Spain is scheduled to be played at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on January 13. Two days later, India will be up against England at the same venue.

 

4. 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention organized in Madhya Pradesh: The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being organized in Indore from 8th Jan to the 10th of January in partnership with the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The theme of this PBD conference is “Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”. Over 3,500 Diaspora members from around 70 different countries have registered for the convention. The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention is also significant because it is being organized as a physical event for the first time after a gap of four years. The postal stamp is dedicated to the safe and legal migration of India’s Pravasi. Ministry of External Affairs had launched the “Surakshit Jayen Prashikshit Jayen” – Go Safe, Go Trained The goal of this campaign is to raise public awareness about the importance of using safe and legal channels while traveling for overseas employment.

5. India’s first Inclusion Festival, Purple Fest begins in Goa: Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar has inaugurated ‘Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity’, India’s first festival of inclusion in Goa. Objective – To showcase how we can come together to create a welcoming and inclusive world for everyone. The Purple Fest will feature a variety of thrilling live performances, sporting events, major exhibitions, immersive experience zones, accessible movie screenings, and talks on important topics such as inclusive education, tourism, employment, and independent living. Purple Fest is the first festival of its kind in Goa. It is an inclusive event that aims to highlight how we can work together to make the world a welcoming and inclusive place for all.

 

6. Military Tattoo & Tribal Dance Festival to be held in New Delhi: A Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival – Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram Ka will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in New Delhi on January 23 & 24, 2023. The two-day festival will showcase the prowess of the Armed Forces and the ethnic beauty of India’s tribal culture. As part of the Republic Day Celebrations 2023 and to mark the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (celebrated as Parakram Diwas), this festival will showcase the prowess of the Armed Forces and the ethnic beauty of India’s tribal culture. The festival is free to attend, with tickets available through bookmyshow.com.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to host 'Voice of Global South Summit' virtually: India will host a special 'Voice of Global South Summit' virtually on 12th and 13th of January 2023. Theme of the Summit is Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose. The Summit aimed to bring together countries of the Gobal South and share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform across a whole range of issues. This initiative is inspired by PM Modi vision of Sabka Saath, Sabha Vikas, Sabka Vishwas Aur Sabka Prayas and India's principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. India will host a special virtual Summit on 12th and 13th of this month called 'Voice of Global South Summit'. Briefing media in New Delhi this evening, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, the theme of the Summit is Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose.

 

2. Delhi, Bengaluru among 10 best-performing airports globally in 2022: Cirium: According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport and Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport were among the top 10 on-time airports globally. Bengaluru's airport was the second best airport globally in 2022 in terms of on-time arrivals and departures.

While, Japan's Haneda Airport was the best-performing airport. Indira Gandhi Airport stood seventh in the on-time rankings globally. Despite a challenging operational environment, 2022 saw a 26 per cent jump from 2021 in the number of flights operated globally and Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport and Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport were among the top 10 on-time airports globally, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

 

3. World’s first Palm-leaf Manuscript Museum in Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has opened the world’s first museum of palm leaf manuscripts, enriching the state culturally and educationally. The museum, which opened last week, has 187 manuscripts chronicling a mine of stories based entirely on primary sources. These documents are written on clean and clear palm leaves, which are furnished in the record rooms. In that period these palm leaves were treated before writing the description. The museum is a repository of curious nuggets of administrative, socio-cultural and economic facets of the Travancore kingdom which lasted for 650 years till the end of the 19th century. It had been the Central Vernacular Records Office since 1887 before becoming a museum.

 

4. Kevin McCarthy elected as new speaker of the US House of Representatives: Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has been elected as the Speaker of the US House of Representatives. He was serving as the House Minority Leader in the House. He was picked after days of Election Drama, making the election process for electing the Speaker as the longest in 160 years. 57-year-old McCarthy got 216 votes in the final tally, to be elected as Washington’s top legislator, who presides over House business and is second in line to the presidency.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Tamil Nadu's Pranesh M becomes 79th Grandmaster of India: M Pranesh (16) from Tamil Nadu has secured the title in the 2022/2023 Rilton Cup, the first tournament of the FIDE Circuit, to become the 79th chess Grandmaster of India. He has crossed the live rating of 2,500 Elo points. He won his first norm at the 18th Delhi GM Open, second norm at the Sunway Sitges International Chess Festival in Spain and third norm at the Asian Continental Chess Championship in Stockholm, Sweden. He was trained by renowned coach RB Ramesh.M Pranesh clinched the title in the Rilton Cup, the first tournament of the FIDE Circuit, here to become India’s 79th chess Grandmaster.
The 16-year-old Pranesh crossed the 2500-rating threshold and became a GM, having completed his three norms before the Rilton Cup.

 

2. Sania Mirza announces her retirement from professional Tennis: Indian tennis player, Sania Mirza has announced her retirement from professional Tennis. She will retire at the WTA 1000 event in Dubai in February 2023. She became the first Indian to win a WTA singles title, when she won her hometown Hyderabad event in 2005. She broke into the top 30 by 2007 and reached her career-high ranking of world number 27. In 2015, she partnered up with Swiss legend Martina Hingis and won three Grand Slam doubles titles.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Sebi issues debt broker license to Zerodha-backed GoldenPi Technologie: The SEBI has issued a debt broker license to the GoldenPi Technologies. With the development, GoldenPi became the first online bond platform provider to receive a debt brokerage license from Sebi. In 2022, SEBI has introduced regulations for online debt trading platforms. As per this platform, no company or individual shall act as an online bond platform provider without the certificate of registration as a stock broker under the SEBI Regulations, 2021.

 

2. Axis Bank partners with OPEN to launch a fully digital current account: Axis Bank has partnered with OPEN to provide a fully native digital current account journey for its customers including SMEs, freelancers, homepreneurs, influencers and more. This agreement offers the larger business community access to the holistic banking experience of Axis Bank with OPEN’s end-to-end financial automation tools for business management. This is Axis Bank’s first-ever partnership with a fintech player to launch a fully digital current account.

Daily GK Update- 6th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Foreign universities will need UGC nod to set up campuses in India: University Grants Commission's (UGC) Chairman, M Jagadesh Kumar has unveiled the draft norms to allow foreign universities to set up campuses in India. As per the draft norms, foreign universities can set up their campuses in India after receiving the approval from UGC. The initial approval will be for 10 years. Foreign varsities with campuses in the country will only be allowed to offer full-time programmes in physical mode (No online or distance learning).

 

2. Hydro Tourism to be developed at NHPC Dam, near Alchi, Leh: Ladakh Tourism department has collaborated with National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) to develop Hydro tourism at world's highest hydro power project on the Indus river, near Alchi in Leh. Aquatic sports like Jet Skiing, Motorboating, Ice Skating during winter, and boating during summer season will be rolled out in a phased manner. Similarly, tourism department is also introducing border tourism in cooperation with Fire and Fury Corps of Indian Army.

 

3. Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurates ‘North East Krishi Kumbha-2023’: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar has inaugurated the three-day ‘North East Krishi Kumbha-2023’ in Meghalaya. He also participated in the 49th Foundation Day celebration of the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam. The event included live demonstrations and exhibition of recent technologies through 102 stalls, by the host institute and its regional centers along with all the ICAR institutes.

 

4. Cabinet approves continuation of Schemes of Ministry of Development of NER: The Govt has approved continuation of schemes of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, with an outlay of 12,882 crore rupees for the balance period of the 15th Finance Commission (2022-23 to 2025-26). Outlay for the North East Special Infrastructure Scheme will be Rs.8139.5 crore. Outlay for ‘Schemes of NEC’ will be Rs.3202.7 crore including committed liabilities of ongoing projects. Outlay for Special Packages for BTC, DHATC and KAATC in Assam is Rs.1540.

 

5. 50 ASI-protected monuments disappear: According to the Ministry of Culture report titled ‘Issues relating to Untraceable Monuments and Protection of Monuments in India’ submit to the Parliamentary Standing Committee, 50 of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments have gone missing. The rapid urbanisation has engulfed 14 monuments. As many as 12 monuments have been submerged by the constructions of reservoirs and dams, while 24 have gone missing. Security guards protect only 248 monuments.

 

6. Silent Valley bird species increases to 175: The bird survey conducted at the Silent Valley National Park in December 2022, 17 new bird species have been added to the existing list. So far, 175 species of birds have been spotted in Silent Valley. The survey was held in the last week of December 2022, to mark the 30th anniversary of the first bird survey in Silent Valley. The first survey was held in the last week of December 1990. The survey was held in association with the Kerala Natural History Society.

 

7. First G-20 meeting to take place in Puducherry on Jan 31: Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan said that the first G-20 meeting will be held in Puducherry on January 31. The Lt Governor released stickers, badges, and posters with the G20 logo and also inaugurated a selfie booth in the presence of Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy at an event. Representatives of different countries will participate in the meeting and many important decisions will be taken. These programs will be organized in different parts of the country in different segments. Kolkata will host the first meeting on the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion.

 

8. Varanasi Cantt Railway Station awarded ‘Eat Right Station’ with a certification by FSSAI: The Varanasi Cantt railway station has been awarded a 5-star ‘Eat Right Station’ certification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for providing quality and nutritious food to passengers. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) award the “Eat Right Station” certification to the railway stations that set benchmarks (as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006) in providing safe and wholesome food to passengers. FSSAI is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The stations are awarded a certificate following the completion of an FSSAI-empanelled third-party audit. The 5-star rating indicates full compliance by the station to ensure safe and hygienic food is available to passengers,. The other railway stations with this certification include Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station (Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Mumbai), Mumbai Central Railway Station (Mumbai), Vadodara Railway Station, Chandigarh Railway Station.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. G20 Foreign ministers to meet in Delhi in March 2023: The G20 foreign minister meet is scheduled to take place in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi in March 2023. The government has issued an expected guest list that includes Joe Biden (US President), Vladimir Putin (Russia President), Rishi Sunak (UK Prime Minister), Xi Jinping (China Presidet), among others. Special invitee guest countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and UAE. India's G20 Sherpa: Amitabh Kant

 

2. India & France hold 36th Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi: India and France held the 36th Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi. The two sides discussed a wide range of bilateral and global issues. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval led the Indian delegation while the French delegation was led by Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President. The last edition of the Strategic Dialogue was to be held in Paris in November 2021. During the 36th Strategic Dialogue, both sides also agreed to deepen the most significant three pillars of the India-France strategic partnership, including defence to counter-terrorism, civilian nuclear energy, space, and cybersecurity.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Manchester City inks deal with Reliance Jio to spur India push: Jio Platforms Limited (Jio) has signed a partnership agreement with Manchester City to become the Official Mobile Communications Network Partner of Club in the country. Man City's OTT platform 'CITY' will be integrated into the JioTV platform. It will provide fans further access to exclusive club content including match highlights, live Manchester City Women's team and Elite Development Squad fixtures, matchday content and City Studios documentaries.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI issues update for 'Fresh KYC' process: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a periodic updation of Know Your Customer (KYC) details for customers. As per the release, a fresh process of KYC can be done by visiting a bank branch, or remotely through a video-based Customer Identification Process (V-CIP). If there is no change in the KYC, a self-declaration from the individual customer is sufficient to complete the re-KYC process. Customers can use registered details (Such as ATMs) to do re-KYC.

 

2. RBI opens sandbox to 6 firms to test anti-fraud solutions: RBI has selected six entities for the ‘Test Phase’ under regulatory sandbox for the theme ‘Prevention and Mitigation of Financial Frauds’. The selected entities will commence testing of their products from February 2023. The six entities are Bahwan Cybertek, Crediwatch Information Analytics, enStage Software (Wibmo), HSBC in collaboration with Wibmo, napID Cybersec and Trusting Social. Aim: To promote efficiency and bring benefits to consumers

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. SS Rajamouli wins Best Director for RRR at New York Film Critics Circle: Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has honoured with the Best Director Award for RRR at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards 2022. RRR has also been nominated in the Best Foreign Film category, and Best Original Song (for Naatu Naatu Song) at the Golden Globe Awards 2023. Naatu Naatu has also shortlisted in the Best Song category at the 95th Academy Awards.

Other Awards:

·       Best Picture: Tar (Directed by Todd Field)

·       Best Actor: Colin Farrell (Tar)

·       Best Actress: Cate Blanchett

 

2. Odisha wins World Habitat Award 2023 for its JAGA Mission: Odisha has won the UN-Habitat's World Habitat Awards 2023 for Jaga Mission (5T initiative of the state). 5T: Team work, Technology, Transparency, Transformation and Time limit. It is the world's largest land titling and slum upgrading program that aims to empower the lives of slum dwellers. Under this mission, 100% households in 2,724 slums have been provided with pipe water connections, and 8 cities become slum-free.

 

3. Maharashtra Jalna and Nagpur Police win ‘Best Police Unit’ award: Jalna district police and Nagpur city police in Maharashtra have bagged the ‘Best Police Unit’ awards for 2021 in the state. The award has been given under different classes for maintaining law and order, and evolving community policing. The Jalna police got the award in ‘Class A’ and the Nagpur police in ‘Class B’. Police units with less than 6,100 Indian Penal Code cases are grouped in ‘Class A’, while those with more than 6,100 IPC cases are grouped in ‘Class B’.