Daily GK Update- 11th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Global Investors Summit in Indore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has virtually inaugurated the two-day Global Investors Summit in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Chandrika Prasad Santokhi (President of Suriname) and Dr Mohammed Irfan Ali (President of Guyana) attended the inaugural session of summit. Theme of the Global Investors Summit is ‘Madhya Pradesh - a future-ready state'. Environmental protection has been taken care of in this summit that will be completely based on Carbon Neutral and Zero Waste. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister said India has been on the path of 'Reform, Transform and Perform' since 2014. He said, Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan has imparted greater momentum to it. As a result, India has become an attractive destination for investment, Mr Modi said. Prime Minister said, Institutions and credible voices that track the global economy have unprecedented confidence in India.

 

2. Road Transport and Highways Ministry observed Road Safety Week: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has observed the Road Safety Week from 11 - 17 January, 2023 across the country. Aim: To propagate the cause of safer roads for all under the Swachhata Pakhwada.

Various activities such as awareness campaigns related to causes of road accidents and measures to prevent them, will be organised throughout the Country. Activities like Nukkad Nataks and Sensitization Campaigns will be conducted at various locations in New Delhi. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will observe the Road Safety Week from Wednesday to 17th of January across the country to propagate the cause of safer roads for all under the Swachhata Pakhwada.

 

3. Justice N. Kotiswar Singh appointed as acting Chief Justice of Gauhati HC: The Central government has appointed Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh as the acting Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, effective from January 12. He replaced Chief Justice, Rashmin Manharbhai Chhaya, who superannuated on 11 January 2023. In May 2022, he was appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. While Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65 years, high court judge retire at 62.

 

4. ReNew Power installs India’s first 3x platform wind turbine generators: ReNew Power has installed India’s first 3x platform wind turbine generators (WTGs) in Gadag, Karnataka. The WTGs have a nameplate capacity of 3.3-3.465 MW and are 128-140m in height. Aim: To improve capacity over models installed in India, which typically have a nameplate capacity of 2-3 MW. This project will produce enough energy to power over 1 million households in India annually.Chairman and CEO, ReNew Power: Sumant Sinha

 

5. Kerala becomes country’s first fully digital banking state: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared Kerala as the first state in the country to go fully digital in its banking service. This achievement was possible due to social interventions through local self-government institutions along with infrastructure development and technological advances in the banking sector. He has also announced that the ambitious Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) project of the state government will reduce the digital divide. The K-FON will ensure internet facility to everyone in the state and 17,155 km-long optic fibre cable network has been laid. Once the project gets completed, internet will be available to everyone in the state either for a cheaper price or for free-of-cost.

 

6. Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The KashmirFiles’ nominated for Oscars 2023: Vivek Agnihotri’s film ‘The Kashmir Files‘ has been shortlisted for Oscars 2023. Actors Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborthy, Darshan Kumar, and Pallavi Joshi are also shortlisted for the best actor category. Rishabh Shetty’s ‘Kantara’, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, Paan Nalin’s ‘The Chello Show’ and SS Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’ have also been selected for the Oscars. The film had incidentally collected over ₹200 crores at the box office. Meanwhile, Kannada film Kantara has made it to the Oscars qualification list in the ‘Best Picture and ’Best Actor’ categories. Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, the blockbuster had minted ₹400 crores at the box office worldwide last year.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian-American, A C Charania named new chief technologist of NASA: An Indian-American aerospace expert, AC Charania has been appointed as new chief technologist of NASA. He will serve as principal advisor to Administrator Bill Nelson on technology policy and programmes. He joined the space agency in his new role on January 3, 2023. He has replaced Indian-American scientist, Bhavya Lal, who served as acting chief technologist prior to the former’s appointment. He has also served as vice president of product strategy at Reliable Robotics In his position, Charania will align NASA’s agencywide technology investments with mission needs across six mission directorates and oversee technology collaboration with other federal agencies, the private sector, and external stakeholders, NASA said in a statement on Monday.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Virat Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar's record of slamming 20 ODI centuries: Former captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli has equalled Sachin Tendulkar record of slamming 20 One Day International centuries on the home soil. He has scored a hundred in just 80 balls against Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the three-match series.

He took only 99 innings to score his 20th ODI hundred on home soil, while Sachin did so in 160 innings. Kohli now has 73 centuries to his credit across all formats, second only to Tendulkar's 100 centuries.

 

2. Dwaine Pretorius announces retirement from international cricket: South Africa all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius has announced his retirement from international cricket. The all-rounder had made a total of 60 appearances for the Proteas across all formats, with the maximum being in the shorter format. Pretorius had featured in 30 T20ls, 27 ODIs, and 3 Tests, in which he amassed 1895 runs and scalped 77 wickets. He made his international debut in 2016 and was part of the South Africa squad for the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup. Pretorius had finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker from the Proteas camp in the T20 World Cup in UAE, where he picked nine wickets in five matches.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes monetary penalty on 5 cooperative banks for rules violation: RBI has imposed a monetary penalty on five cooperative banks for non-compliance with varied central bank directions. The monetary penalties slapped on these entities range between Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh. Banks: Shree Mahayogi Lakshmamma Co-operative Bank (Andhra Pradesh); The Attur Town Co-operative Bank (TN); Gondia District Central Co-operative Bank (Maharashtra); Shirpur Peoples’ Co-operative Bank (Maharashtra); and Tirupati Urban Co-operative Bank (Maharashtra) The entities are Shree Mahayogi Lakshmamma Co-operative Bank Ltd., Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh; The Attur Town Co-operative Bank Ltd., Attur, Salem District, Tamil Nadu; Gondia District Central Co-operative Bank Limited, Gondia (Maharashtra); The Shirpur Peoples’ Co-operative Bank Ltd., Shirpur (Maharashtra); and Tirupati Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Nagpur (Maharashtra).

 

2. Sebi extended trading hours in case of outage at stock exchanges: As per the guidelines issued by Securities and Exchange Board of India, the trading hours in case of an outage at a stock exchange along with standard operating procedures for stock exchanges for handling such an outage has been extended. An outage would mean stoppage of continuous trading, either suo motu by the exchange or by reasons beyond their control. If there is a failure to start pre-opening by 2:15 pm, then trading hours will be extended till 5 pm for the day. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has issued guidelines for extension of trading hours in case of an outage at a stock exchange along with standard operating procedures for stock exchanges for handling such an outage.

 

3. South Indian Bank launches MSME online portal: The South Indian Bank has launched a MSME online portal providing instant online ‘In Principle’ approval of up to ₹1 crore. Aim: To provide quick loans to micro and small businesses MSME enterprises are the most important pillars of the economy and the government is working towards making the sector stronger. This development is at the backdrop of central government considering to make India a $5 trillion economy. MD & CEO, South Indian Bank: Murali Ramakrishnan

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. RRR wins Best Original Song for ‘Naatu Naatu’ at 2023 Golden Globe Awards: SS Rajamouli's "RRR" has won the 2023 Golden Globe Awards for the best original song–motion picture for "Naatu Naatu" track. The movie was also nominated for the 'best picture-non English'. This track was composed by veteran music director, MM Keeravaani and sung by Kala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj

Best Film

·       Drama: The Fabelmans

·       Musical or Comedy: The Banshees of Inisherin

·       Best Drama Series: House of the Dragon

·       Best Musical or Comedy Series: Abbott Elementary

 

2. Harry Brook, Ashleigh Gardner named ICC Players of the Month: Harry Brook (England) has won his maiden ICC Men's Player of the Month crown for December 2022. Reason: His blistering run of scores which helped England win World Test Championship series in Pakistan.

While, Australia's Ashleigh Gardner has won the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for December 2022 Reason: For her contributions to win the T2OI series in India She has scored 115 runs at an impressive strike rate of 166.66 and also took 7-wicket during T20I series.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Defence Ministry approves proposals worth Rs 4,276: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Rajnath Singh, has given its approval to the proposal of worth Rs 4,276 crore with an aim to strengthen the Indian defence system. The amount will utilised to procure the indigenous anti-tank missiles to be fitted onboard the advanced light helicopter and a new short-range air defence missile. All projects are under the Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category. The defence ministry has given its go-ahead for the procurement of indigenous anti-tank missiles to be fitted onboard the advanced light helicopter and a new short-range air defence missile, clearing projects worth ?4,276 crore.

 

2. India and Japan to hold 1st bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian-2023’: India and Japan are all set to commence the maiden joint air exercise Veer Guardian 2023. Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) will hold the first bilateral air exercise at Hyakuri Air Base in Japan from 12 January 2023 to 26 January 2023. Exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ between the Indian Air Force and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will be conducted from January 12 to 26 at the Hyakuri air base and Iruma air base in Japan. During the joint air exercise Veer Guardian 2023, the participating IAF contingent will include four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 & one IL-78 aircraft. On the other hand, the JASDF contingent will consist of four F-2 & four F-15 aircraft.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Father of laparoscopic surgery Tehemton Udwadia passed away: Tehemton Erach Udwadia, an Indian Surgeon and Gastroenterologist, who was known as the ‘father of laparoscopic surgery in India’ passed away at the age of 88. He was the 1st surgeon in India to introduce laparoscopy in surgery in 1972, and the 1st to perform laparoscopic surgery in the developing world in 1990.

The doctor was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian award, in 2017. In 2002, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to the field of medicine.

 

2. Kashmir’s first Jnanpith awardee Rehman Rahi passed away: Renowned poet and Kashmir’s first Jnanpith awardee Prof. Rehman Rahi passed away recently at the age of 98.

Rahi wrote several beautiful poems and also translated the works of many renowned poets of other languages into Kashmiri. In 2007, he received the highest literary award in the country, the Jnanpith award for his collection ‘Siyah Rood Jaeren Manz’ (In Black Drizzle). Earlier, in the year 2000, the poet was also honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award. Rahi received Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961 for his collection of poems called ‘Nawroz-i-Saba’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Daily GK Update- 10th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Govt extends RBI Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra tenure by one year: The government of India has extended the term of the deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Michael Debabrata Patra, by one year with effect from January 15, 2023. His three-year tenure was coming to an end on January 14, 2023. He looks after the monetary policy department as the deputy governor of the RBI. He is also as a member of the Monetary Policy Committee. The three other deputy governors of RBI are M K Jain, M Rajeshwar Rao and T Rabi Sankar. The government on Monday extended the term of the deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Michael Debabrata Patra, by a further period of one year.

 

2. MP Tourism Board signs MoUs with 8 countries: Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has signed MoUs with chapters of eight countries of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at the 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention, Indore. Aim: To boost cooperation in the development of the Tourism sector of the State, and promotion, and publicity of tourist places. These MoUs were signed with France Metropole Paris, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Martinique, Sri Lanka, GOPIO International, Malaysia, and Mauritius. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board signed MoUs with chapters of eight countries of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at the MP Tourism Pavilion of Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore at the 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention.

 

3. Union Minister Jitendra Singh releases theme of National Science Day 2023: Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh has released the theme of National Science Day 2023. Theme 2023: Global Science for Global Wellbeing The theme has been selected for the purpose of raising public appreciation of scientific issues in a global context which is having a bearing on global Well-being National Science Day is celebrated every year on the 28th February to celebrate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian Physicist Sir C V Raman.

 

4. Dhoni releases autobiography of Prof. K.K. Abdul Gaffar: An autobiography of Techno-educationalist, Professor K.K. Abdul Gaffar 'Njaan Sakshi’ (me as the witness) was released by Mahendra Singh Dhoni. It will provide an insight into the journey of Prof. Gaffar and how education and students have changed over the time. The first copy of this book was received by Marwan Al Mulla, the CEO of Dubai Health Authority (DHA). He also presented copies of the book to dignitaries including actor Tovino Thomas at the occasion.

 

5. Chetan Sharma continue as chairman of BCCI senior selection committee: Former Indian pacer, Chetan Sharma has been re-appointed as the chairman of the five-member BCCI's senior selection committee. He was the head of the board's selection committee from December 2020. His name was recommeded by the Cricket Advisory Committee.

The committee also named Shiv Sundar Das (Central Zone), Subroto Banerjee (East Zone), Salil Ankola (West Zone) and Sridharan Sharath (South Zone). BCCI secretary: Jay Shah The committee also named Shiv Sundar Das (Central Zone), Subroto Banerjee (East Zone), Salil Ankola (West Zone) and Sridharan Sharath (South Zone) as the other members of the selection panel.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Meta appoints Vikas Purohit as Director of Global Business Group India: Facebook-parent Meta has appointed Vikas Purohit as Director of its Global Business Group in India. He will lead the strategy and delivery units under the advertising wing. He has served as the chief executive at Tata CLiQ till October 2022. He will report to Arun Srinivas, Director and Head of Ads Business for Meta in India. He has also worked in companies such as Amazon, Reliance Brands, Aditya Birla Group and Tommy Hilfiger. Bengaluru: Facebook's parent company Meta has appointed Vikas Purohit, who was CEO of e-commerce company Tata CLiQ, as director of the global business group in India to lead the strategy and delivery of the charter that is focused on the country's largest advertisers and agency partners.

 

2. World Hindi Day 2023: 10th January: World Hindi Day is observed on January 10 every year to promote awareness about the language across the world. Theme 2023: "Hindi – Traditional Knowledge to Artificial Intelligence" On this day, Hindi (India's national language) was spoken for the first time in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The 12th World Hindi Conference will be organised in Fiji by the Foreign Ministry in collaboration with the Fiji government from February 15 to 17, 2023.

 

3. Gabon names vice-president and new prime minister: President of Gabon, Ali Bongo has appointed the country’s first female Prime Minister, Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda (59) as the vice-president of country. She was appointed as the country's PM in July 2020. She was also named budget minister in 2012 before being elected mayor of Libreville (Capital) in 2014. While, former minister, Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze will replace PM Ossouka Raponda to form a new government. Currency: Central African CFA franc

 

4. India signs MoU with Panama to enhance cooperation in training of diplomats: India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Panama to enhance cooperation in the training of diplomats. The agreement was signed by EAM, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Panama's Foreign Minister, Janaina Tewaney Mencomo. Both countries have also discussed the opportunities for greater economic, health, finance and people to people linkages. Panamanian Minister has also joined the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Indore.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Novak Djokovic wins men's single Adelaide International 1 title 2023: Serbian Tennis Player, Novak Djokovic has defeated America’s Sebastian Korda to win the 2023 Adelaide International 1 men’s singles title. While, Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) has won women’s singles title, after defeating Czech Republic's Linda Nosková. Other winner: Men's doubles: Lloyd Glasspool(United Kingdom) / Harri Heliövaara(Finland) Women's doubles: Asia Muhammad (United States) / Taylor Townsend (United States)

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Kerala becomes country’s first fully digital banking state: Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan has declared Kerala as the first state in the country to go fully digital in its banking service. It was possible due to social interventions through local self-government institutions along with infrastructure development and technological advances in the banking sector. He has also announced that the ambitious Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) project of the state government will reduce the digital divide. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 7 (PTI) Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday declared Kerala as the first state in the country to go fully digital in its banking service and said this recognition would boost the state economy.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Kashmir's first Jnanpith awardee, Rehman Rahi passes away: Noted academic and poet, Prof Rehman Rahi has been passed away at the age of 98. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his collection of poems ‘Nawroz-i-Saba’ in 1961. He was honoured with the country's highest literary award, the Jnanpith, for his work "Siyah Rood-e-Jaerenn Manz" in 2007. He has also awarded Padma Shri in 2000 by the govt of India. He was an acclaimed poet who has translated the works of many renowned poets and writers into the Kashmiri language.

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.