Daily GK Update- 12th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 12 January – National Youth Day: National Youth Day is celebrated every year on January 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Objective – To promote awareness of people’s rights and to provide information about them Theme 2022 – Viksit Yuva-Viksit Bharat In 1984, the Indian government declared Swamiji’s birth anniversary as National Youth Day and since 1985, it has been celebrated to honor and recognize Vivekananda’s teachings. The Pre-monastic name of Swami Vivekananda was Narendra Nath Dutta. He was born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata and died on July 4, 1902. He became a disciple of Saint Ramakrishna Paramhamsa after being introduced to him by one of his English professors in 1881 at Dakshineshwar’s Kali Temple. He introduced the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western World. Vivekananda is best known for his speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893, when he began his speech by saying “Sisters and brothers of America…” and introduced the culture of India, its importance, Hinduism, etc.

 

2. Centre renamed Integrated Food Security Scheme: The government of India has named the new Integrated Food Security Scheme as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY).

Prior to this, the Union Cabinet had approved this scheme for providing free food grains to Antodaya Ann Yojna (AAY) and Primary Household (PHH) beneficiaries. This scheme came into effect on 1st January 2023. Under PMGKAY, free foodgrains will be provided to all PHH and AAY beneficiaries, as per entitlement under National Food Security Act.

 

3. Indian High Commission to establish Hindi Chair at Sabaragamuwa University: The Indian High Commission has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a Hindi Chair at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. The MoU was signed between Gopal Baglay (High Commissioner) and Prof. Udaya Rathnayake (Vice Chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University). Aim: To help in familiarizing students with India, its history, and culture as well as pave way for popularising Hindi by deputing Indian faculties.

 

4. PM Modi inaugurates 26th National Youth Festival at Hubbali in Karnataka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 26th National Youth Festival, organized in Hubballi, Karnataka from 12th -16th January 2023. This festival is held every year to provide exposure to our talented youth at the national level. It is being held on National Youth Day (12th January), which is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Theme of this event: “Viksit Yuva - Viksit Bharat” The event also included folk dances and songs.

 

5. Petta Thullal organised with ritualistic fervour in Kottayam: Petta Thullal, the ritualistic sacred dance by the Ambalappuzha group, was held at Erumeli town in the Kottayam district, Kerala. Reason: To celebrate the victory of Lord Ayyappa over demon princess Mahishi. This event marks the beginning of the last leg of the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season. The devotees started the ceremonial dance after sighting the sacred eagle (Krishna Parunthu) in the sky from Kochambalam.

 

6. Assam CM launched Jio 5G services in Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched Jio True 5G services at Guwahati in Assam. Jio also started its True 5G-powered Wi-Fi services at Maa Kamakhya Temple complex in Guwahati. Apart from Jio’s existing investment of Rs 9,500 crore, the company is additionally investing over Rs 2,500 crore to deploy True 5G network in Assam. By December 2023, Jio True 5G services will be made available in every town and taluka of Assam. Other than the launch, Smart Healthcare Solutions like teleradiology and connected ambulances were showcased during the event.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Japan tops the Henley Passport Index 2023: According to the Henley Passport Index 2023, released by Henley & Partners, Japan with 193 destinations topped the list. While, Singapore and South Korea with 192 destinations ranked second, followed by Germany and Spain (190 destinations); Finland, Italy, and Luxembourg (189 destinations). India has ranked 85 with 59 destinations worldwide. Bottom: Afghanistan The list was prepared on the basis of data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

 

2. Punjabi will be taught in Australian schools: Punjabi is all set to be the newest language to be taught in public schools of Western Australia. The Australian government is adopting Punjabi as the newest language after a 2021 census showed that it was the fastest-growing language in Australia with more than 239,000 people using it at home, an increase of over 80 percent from 2016. The syllabus for pre-primary to year 12 will be developed this year. The move to teach Punjabi in schools was considered after the syllabus included Tamil, Hindi, and Korean languages in 2021.

 

3. Indian origin A C Charania appointed new chief technologist of NASA: An Indian-American aerospace expert, AC Charania has been appointed as the new chief technologist of NASA. He replaced another Indian-American scientist Bhavya Lal, who served as acting chief technologist.

He will serve as principal advisor to Administrator Bill Nelson on technology policy and programmes. He has also served as vice president of product strategy at Reliable Robotics.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. CM Shivraj Singh unveild mascot, torch of Khelo India Youth Games 2022: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has unveiled the mascot, torch, and anthem of Khelo India Youth Games-2022 in a colorful program at Shaurya Smarak in Bhopal. Madhya Pradesh is hosting the fifth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games. The mascot of Khelo India Youth Games 2022 is ‘Asha’. While the theme song is ‘Hindustan Ka Dil Dhadka Do…’ sung by famous singer Shaan. The torch of Khelo India Youth Games was named Amarkantak, on which the figure of Maa Narmada is also engraved. The Games will be hosted in Madhya Pradesh from 31 January 2023 to 11 February 2023. For the first time water sports namely Kayaking Canoeing, Canoe Salaam and Fencing will be part of this edition of Khelo India Games. It will be organized in eight different cities of the state. The eight host cities designated are Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Ujjain, Maheshwar, Mandla and Balaghat. The 4th Khelo India Youth Games was held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula (Haryana) from 4 to 13 June, while some matches were also played in Chandigarh. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nishith Pramanik will be the guest of honour.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Govt approves incentive scheme for promotion of RuPay Debit Cards: The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the incentive scheme for the promotion of RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions. The scheme has a financial outlay of 2,600 crore rupees. Aim: To help in building a robust digital payment system. Besides, the Cabinet has also given its approval to rename the National Centre for Drinking Water, Sanitation, and Quality at Joka, Kolkata as Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institution of Water and Sanitation.

 

2. Axis Bank revised pact with Max Fin Serv: Axis Bank has entered into a revised agreement with Max Financial to acquire the remaining 7% stake in the latter. The parties agreed that the valuation for the right to acquire the remaining 7% stake of Max Life will be through fair market value using discounted cash flow. Axis Entities have earlier acquired 12.99% stake in Max Life at Rs 35 per share with the right to purchase an additional 7% stake in the company.

 

3. EnKash received RBI's in-principle nod as online payment aggregator: Spending management platform, EnKash has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an online payment aggregator. Payment aggregators: They facilitate e-commerce sites and merchants to accept payment instruments from customers. They help to connect merchants with acquirers. BharatPe and Hitachi Payment Services have also received in-principle authorization to operate as payment aggregators.

 

4. World Bank predicts India’s economic growth to slow to 6.9% in FY23: The World Bank has projected that India’s economy would grow 6.9% in FY23, which is much lower than the 8.7% growth achieved by the country in the previous financial year (FY2021/22). Report title: Global Economic Prospects Report The World Bank has also predicted that global growth in 2023 would slow to 1.7%  from the 3%. Reason: Elevated inflation, higher interest rates, reduced investment, and disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Harry Brook & Ashleigh Gardner named ICC Players of the Month: England’s Harry Brook has won his maiden ICC Men’s Player of the Month crown for December 2022. Brook helped England claim a historic World Test Championship (WTC) series victory in Pakistan. While Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner has won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for December 2022 Gardner contributed with bat and ball guided her side to T20I series victory in India, and led her to the summit of the Player Rankings for all-rounders.

 

2. 80th Annual Golden Globes Awards 2023: The 80th Golden Globe Awards honored the best in film and American television of 2022, as chosen by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). The ceremony was held on January 10, 2023, from The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, with it being aired live in the United States on NBC and streamed on Peacock. Jerrod Carmichael hosted the ceremony. Golden Globes 2023 Winners

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India successfully carries out test launch of Prithvi-II ballistic missile: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully launched Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), Prithvi-II from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha coast. Prithvi-II missile is a well-established system. It has been an integral part of nuclear deterrence in India. During the training launch, the missile hit its target with high accuracy and successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile. Range: 350 km.

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.