Daily GK Update- 19th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurated projects in Karnataka, Maharashtra: PM Modi has laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several projects in the northern districts of Yadgiri, and Kalaburagi (Karnataka), and Maharashtra. Developmental projects in Yadgiri district: Related to irrigation, drinking water, and NH development project Kalaburagi district: Distribution of title deeds to the eligible beneficiaries of newly declared revenue villages. Maharashtra: Inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of projects worth around ₹38,800 crores

 

2. Tourism Ministry to organize 1st Global Tourism Investors Summit: The Ministry of Tourism will organize the first Global Tourism Investors Summit from 10th to 12th April 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Aim: To bring together global policymakers and business leaders to understand and explore Tourism Business opportunities in India In this regard, Tourism Ministry has organized a Roadshow for the Northern region, Chandigarh. Focus: Promoting India as an investment destination for travel, tourism, and hospitality

 

3. Army organised ‘Sainya Ranakshetram 2.0’ Seminar-cum-workshop: The second edition of “SAINYA RANAKSHETRAM 2.0” was organized by the Indian Army under the aegis of HQ Army Training Command from October 2022 to January 2023. Aim: To provide a platform to identify indigenous talent in niche domains and enhance the standard of training in domains of Cyber Deterrence, Security Software Coding, Electro Magnetic Spectrum Operations. Gen Manoj Pande (Chief of the Army Staff) felicitated the winners of the event.

 

4. Adani, Ashok Leyland to develop Asia's first hydrogen-mining truck: Adani Enterprises, Ashok Leyland, and Ballard Power have signed a deal to develop Asia's first hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Truck (FCET) for mining logistics and transportation. The FCET is scheduled to be launched in India in 2023. Adani Enterprises Limited will lead the demonstration project. Ballard will supply the FCmoveTM fuel cell engine for the hydrogen truck. Ashok Leyland will provide the vehicle platform and technical support.

 

5. Uttar Pradesh tops charts for mobile gaming destination in India: Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the top destination for mobile gamers, followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, and West Bengal, according to India Mobile Gaming Report 2022 by gaming platform Mobile Premier League. Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Himachal Pradesh have seen the highest increase in mobile gamers in 2022 compared to 2021. In terms of games, Ludo Dice, Snakes and Ladders, Carrom, Fruit Dart, Block Puzzle and Poker were some of the top games played by gamers across different Indian cities. In Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Ghaziabad, and Allahabad have the highest share of gamers. Thirty-six percent of the total gamers in UP hail from these cities. India’s gaming market was worth $SD 2.6 billion in the financial year 2022 and it will reach $8.6 billion by 2027 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27 percent.

 

6. Pankaj Kumar Singh appointed as Deputy NSA: Former Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Pankaj Kumar Singh has been appointed as the Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) in National Security Council Secretariat for two years. He is a 1988-batch IPS officer of the Rajasthan cadre. He retired as the BSF chief on December 31, 2022. He had earlier served as inspector General of CRPF in Chhattisgarh and IG (Operations) at CRPF Headquarters in Delhi. He has also served in the Rajasthan Police and CBI. National Security Adviser -Ajit Doval

 

7. ISRO ‘Shukrayaan I’ mission to planet Venus reportedly shifted to 2031: According to a report, P. Sreekumar, the Satish Dhawan Professor at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and advisor to its space science programme, stated in a talk that the organization has not yet received approval from the Indian government for the Venus mission ‘Shukrayaan I’ and that, as a result, the mission may be delayed until 2031 The mission was scheduled to launch in December 2024. The concept was conceived in 2012; five years later, after the Department of Space got a 23% increase in the 2017–2018 budget, ISRO started preliminary investigations. In April 2017, the organization requested payload proposals from research institutions. The best time to launch from Earth to Venus is once every 19 months or thereabouts. In case it misses the 2024 window, ISRO has “backup” launch dates in 2026 and 2028. But every eight years, new better windows present themselves that further cut down on the quantity of fuel needed for takeoff. The VERITAS and EnVision missions of the American and European space agencies, respectively, both have Venus missions scheduled for 2031, but China might go anytime: 2026, 2027, whenever they want to go.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NASA awards 425 million to Boeing for fuel-efficient airliner research: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded $ 425 million to Boeing for the agency's sustainable flight demonstrator project. Boeing and NASA will work together to build, test, and fly a full-scale demonstrator aircraft. They will also validate technologies, that aimed to lower emissions.

NASA will invest $425 million and the Boeing and its partners will contribute the remaining amount of the agreement funding (estimated at 725 million dollars).

 

2. India announces 100 million Maldivian Rufiyaa for development projects: During the visit to Maldives, EAM Dr. S Jaishankar announced an additional grant of 100 Million Maldivian Rufiyaa for community development projects in Maldives. He also witnessed an MoU between Maldivian National University and Kochi University of Science & Technology. He has also announced that India has handed over two sea ambulances to help the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). India has completed 23 out of 45 impactful community development projects.

 

3. Vedanta's Cairn Oil & Gas appoints Nick Walker as new CEO: Vedanta's Cairn Oil & Gas has selected Nick Walker as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of the company, with effect from January 5, 2023. Prior to this post, he served as the president and CEO at Lundin Energy. He has also worked in various companies like BP, Talisman Energy, and Africa Oil. He has over 30 years of diverse international experience in technical, commercial, and executive leadership roles.

 

4. Shah Rukh Khan ranks third on world’s richest actors list: Shah Rukh Khan has been ranked fourth in a list of 8 richest actors in the world, released by World of Statistics. SRK’s net worth is 770 million dollars. Shah Rukh Khan is the only Indian on the list. The actor is ranked above Hollywood star Tom Cruise. The list is led by Seinfeld star Jerry Seinfeld and Tyler Perry with $1 billion. Dwayne Johnson follows them, with $800 million. Richest actors in the world

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Shubman Gill broke records of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar: Shubman Gill (23) has become the fifth Indian player to score a double-hundred in the One Day International (ODI) match against New Zealand. With this feat, he has broken several records including the fastest Indian to score 1,000 runs in ODI cricket (19 ODI innings). He has also broken the records of Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, who complete 1,000 runs in 24 innings. He also broke Tendulkar's record of the highest individual score against New Zealand in an ODI.

 

2. Laxman Rawat clinched NSCI Snooker Open Crown: Laxman Rawat of Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) has defeated Aditya Mehta (his fellow PSPB challenger) by 9-6 to win the final of the ‘Baulkline’ NSCI All India Snooker Open 2023. Cash prize: Rs 3 lakh (winner); Rs 1.5 lakh (Runner-up) NSCI Snooker Open Crown is a snooker tournament, organized by the National Sports Club of India (NSCI). This is open to players from all over India and features a best-of-17-frame final.

 

3. Rohit Sharma breaks MS Dhoni’s record of most sixes in ODIs in India: Indian captain Rohit Sharma has shattered a long-standing record held by MS Dhoni to become India’s most prolific six-hitter in the history of ODI cricket at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad. Rohit achieved this remarkable feat during the first ODI between India and New Zealand. Rohit and Dhoni are the only two Indians with more than 100 sixes in the 50-over format, with Yuvraj Singh a distant third in the list. His effort in the series opener was a testament to his prowess as a batsman, and a reminder of the legacy he is creating in the world of cricket. Most Sixes in ODI in India

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Mastercard expands programme to promote STEM studies among girl students: Mastercard has launched the new phase of its flagship programme 'Girls4Tech' in India. This programme is supported by the Mastercard Impact Fund and American India Foundation. Aim: To reach female students across the country by 2024 to encourage them to take up STEM education. STEM refers to Science, Technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM courses will be offered to girls aged 8 to 14. In 2020-21, the programme reached 17,820 girls across three districts in TN.

 

2. South Indian Bank partnered with SAIL for financing dealers: South Indian Bank has partnered with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) to provide financial assistance to the dealers of SAIL across the country. With the vast network of the bank, they will be able to serve the MSME and corporate customers of SAIL located in different geographies. SAIL has a vast network of dealers who ensure the availability of quality steel in virtually all districts of the country. MD & CEO of South Indian Bank – Murali Ramakrishnan

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Tamilnad Mercantile Bank won Best Small Bank Award 2022: Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) was awarded the Best Small Bank Award 2022 in the 'Best Banks Survey for the year 2022’, conducted by Business Today-KPMG (BT-KPMG Best banks survey). Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari to S.Krishnan (TMB MD and CEO), presented the award. TMB was awarded under the category of banks with a book size of less than ₹1 lakh crore. BT-KPMG: It is conducting BT-KPMG Best banks survey and awarding the best banks with 37 parameters.

 

2. ‘Naanera’ bags ‘Golden Kailasha’ award in Ajanta-Ellora film festival: “Naanera”, a Rajasthani film has bagged the ‘Golden Kailasha’ award for the best movie at the 8th Ajanta-Ellora film festival, organised in Aurangabad from January 11 to 15. It was directed by Deepankar Prakash.

It has also bagged awards for best director, best screenplay, and best editor. Best Actress: Akshatha Pandavapura Best Actor: Jeetu Kamal (Bengali film: Aparajito) As many as 55 films were screened in this five day film festival.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. World’s oldest person Lucile Randon dies at the age of 118: The world’s oldest person, French nun Lucile Randon has died aged 118. Randon – who assumed the name Sister André when she took holy orders in 1944 – died in her sleep at her nursing home in Toulon, France. She was born on 11 February 1904 in Southern France. In the year 2022, the world’s oldest person Ken Tanaka of Japan died. He was 119 years old. After Tanaka’s death, 118-year-old Sister Lucille Randon became the oldest person in the world. Guinness World Records had officially recognized her status in April 2022. The record for oldest confirmed age reached by a human belongs to Jeanne Calment, also of southern France, who died in 1997 at the age of 122.

Daily GK Update- 18th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Former BSF chief Pankaj Kumar Singh appointed as Deputy NSA: Former Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Pankaj Kumar Singh was appointed as the Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) in National Security Council Secretariat for two years. He is a 1988-batch IPS officer of the Rajasthan cadre. He retired as the BSF chief on December 31, 2022. Earlier, he served as Inspector General of the CRPF in Chhattisgarh and IG (Operations) at CRPF, Delhi. He has also served in the Rajasthan Police and CBI.

 

2. PM Modi inaugurates the second phase of Saansad Khel Mahakumbh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the second phase of Saansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23 in Basti District of Uttar Pradesh via video conferencing. It organizes diverse competitions in both indoor and outdoor sports. Apart from these, competitions in essay writing, painting, rangoli making will also be organized. This event is being organized in two phases. Basti district is a Lok Sabha Constituency of Harish Dwivedi.

 

3. Punjab government to launch ‘Schools of Eminence’ project: The Punjab government will launch its first major education project, ‘Schools of Eminence’ on 21st January 2023. It will be launched at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Mohali. Under the project, the state government will upgrade existing govt schools into ‘Schools of Eminence’ for classes 9 to 12. Under phase 1, the govt plans to upgrade nearly 110 government schools as ‘Schools of Eminence’. The Punjab govt had set aside a fund of Rs 200 crore for this project.

 

4. The first G20 Health Working Group Meeting begins in Thiruvananthapuram: The first G20 Health Working Group meeting has started at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Bharati Pravin Pawar (MoS Health and Family Welfare) and V. Muraleedharan (MoS External Affairs) attended it. Focus: Health emergencies prevention, preparedness and response; strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector; and digital health innovations to aid universal health coverage Other locations of HWG meetings: Goa, Hyderabad, and Gandhinagar

 

5. Kollam becomes first constitution literate district in India: Kerala CM, Pinarayi Vijayan has declared Kollam district as the first Constitution-literate district in the country. It is achieved through 'The Citizen', a Constitution literacy campaign. The Kollam district panchayat, the District Planning Committee, and the Kerala Institute of Local Administration jointly launched this campaign. Aim: To provide constitution literacy to 23 lakh citizens belonging to 7 lakh families in the district.

 

6. ISRO 'Shukrayaan' mission to planet Venus reportedly shifted to 2031: According to a report, the Shukrayaan I, the ISRO Venus mission may be delayed until 2031 The mission was scheduled to launch in December 2024 The concept was conceived in 2012 After five years, the Department of Space received a 23% increase in the 2017–2018 budget and ISRO started preliminary investigations The best time to launch from Earth to Venus is once every 19 months or thereabouts If ISRO misses 2024, then ISRO has "backup" launch dates in 2026 and 2028

 

7. Maghi Mela festival being held in Punjab: Maghi Mela festival is being celebrated in Muktsar Sahib, Punjab. The Maghi Mela has been celebrated in the city of Sri Muktsar Sahib in Punjab for centuries in memory of the 40 Sikh warriors who died fighting the Mughals in the Battle of Khidrana in 1705. The battle took place near a pool of water, Khidrane di Dhab, on 29th Dec 1705. The Khidrana War began when in 1704, during the siege of Anandpur Sahib by the Mughals, 40 Sikh soldiers deserted their posts.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gogoro, Belrise to invest $2.5 bn on Battery-swapping Infra in Maharashtra: The state of Maharashtra has signed a deal with Taiwan’s Gogoro and automotive system maker Belrise Industries for an investment of $2.5 billion for eight years. Reason: To establish batteries as a leading source for mobility and energy storage in Maharashtra Gogoro is known for its green-hued battery swap distribution network for riders in Taiwan. India’s Belrise Industries Ltd produces about one-third of all two-wheel and three-wheel chassis made in the country.

 

2. Film ‘Toolsidas Junior’ to be screened at SCO Film Festival 2023: National Award-winning movie “Toolsidas Junior” will be screened at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Film Festival in the Children Focus Section. National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in association with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Film Festival will be hosting the screening. The festival will take place from January 27 to January 31 in Mumbai. ‘Toolsidas Junior’ has already won two National Awards- Best Hindi Film and Special Mention in Child Actor Category for the leading child actor Varun Buddhadev. Marking the last film of late veteran actor Rajiv Kapoor, ‘Toolsidas Junior’ is the first sports film to highlight snooker and traces the story of a young boy determined to return the glory of his father. The film was produced by Ashutosh Gowariker, Sunita Gowariker, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar, and directed and written by Mridul Toolsidass.

 

3. China’s population drops for first time since 1961: The biggest decline in the population of China has been recorded after the year 1961 China had 1.41 billion people at the end of last year, 850,000 fewer than the end of 2021, according to data released by the National Statistics Bureau. That marks the first drop since 1961, the final year of the Great Famine under former leader Mao Zedong. China’s birth rate, or the number of newborns per 1,000 people, declined to 6.77 last year, the lowest level since at least 1978. The main reason for China’s population decline is the one-child policy implemented between 1980 and 2015. Additionally, higher education in China is very expensive, which has prohibited many Chinese people from having more than one child.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Viacom18 gets ‘WIPL’ media rights for Rs 951 crore: Viacom 18 has acquired the media rights of the Women’s Indian Premier League (WIPL), which will start from March-April 2023. Viacom18 has bought the media rights of the women’s IPL for five years from 2023 to 2027 for Rs 951 crore. Viacom 18’s bid is understood to have been almost 10 times more than the Rs. 98 crore bid by Disney-Star, the only other broadcaster that submitted the document. The auction for the T20 League was conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Mumbai.

The WIPL is set to feature 22 games in a five-team format for the first three years. Should the BCCI add a sixth team, the next two editions – in 2026 and 2027 – will see 34 games being played. Their names are Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings. All are showing interest in investing in a team in WIPL. The detailed terms and conditions governing the tender process including eligibility requirements etc. are contained in the ‘Invitation to Tender’ (ITT).

 

2. Victor and Akane won the Malaysia Open Badminton title 2023: Denmark badminton player, Viktor Axelsen won the men’s singles Malaysia Open title 2023, after defeating Kodai Naraoka from Japan. While Japanese player Akane Yamaguchi lifted the title in the women’s final, after beating South Korea’s An Se-young.

·       Men’s doubles – Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto (Indonesia)

·       Women’s doubles – Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan (China)

·       Mixed doubles – Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong (China)

 

3. Barcelona won the Spanish Super Cup for 14th time: Barcelona has defeated Real Madrid 3-1 in Riyadh to win their 14th Spanish Super Cup title. The cup was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Barcelona has won the Supercup for the first time since 2018 and for the 14th time overall. Real Madrid has won the Supercup 12 times so far. This competition is being played since 1982.

The Super Cup was previously played between the winner of the Spanish league and the champion team of the Copa del Rey. From the year 2020, now the runner-up teams of both competitions also take part in it.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. South Indian Bank joins hands with SAIL for financing dealers: South Indian Bank and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) signed an agreement to provide financial assistance to the dealers of SAIL across the country. With the vast network of the bank, they will be able to serve the MSME and corporate customers of SAIL located in different geographies. SAIL has a vast network of dealers who ensure availability of quality steel in virtually all districts of the country.

MD & CEO, South Indian Bank: Murali Ramakrishnan

 

2. Protean’s arm gets RBI nod for account aggregator licence: Protean eGov Technologies has received approval from RBI for its wholly-owned subsidiary to operate as an account aggregator. Account aggregators: they help individuals securely, digitally access, and share information from one financial institution (they have an account with) to another regulated financial entity. It has also collaborated with the govt to create digital public infrastructure and develop innovative citizen-centric e-governance solutions.

 

3. RBI issues guidelines on acquisition in banks: The RBI has issued Directions on “Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights in Banking Companies”. It allows promoters to hold 26% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of the bank after the completion 15 years from the commencement of its business. The promoters of banking companies may be allowed to hold a higher percentage of shareholding as part of the licensing conditions.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Harish Damodaran's ‘Broke to Breakthrough’ wins Gaja Book Prize 2022: Indian Express journalist, Harish Damodaran was awarded the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize 2022 for his book 'Broke to Breakthrough'. This book is a detailed and perceptive account of the rise of dairy company Hatsun Agro and its founder R.G. Chandramogan. Gaja Capital Business Book Prize: It was instituted in 2019. Aim: To encourage Indian entrepreneurs, writers, and journalists to tell stories

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India, France joint naval exercise ‘Varuna 2023’ begins: The 21st edition of the bilateral naval exercise between India and France titled ‘Varuna’ began on the western seaboard. The bilateral exercise between the two navies was initiated in 1993 and was named ‘VARUNA’ in 2001. The exercise will be conducted from 16 to 20 January 2023 and will witness advanced air defense exercises, tactical maneuvers, and surface firings. This edition of the exercise will witness the participation of indigenous guided missile stealth destroyer INS Chennai, guided missile frigate INS Teg, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integral helicopters and MiG29K fighter aircraft.

 

2. India, Egypt to hold first-ever exercises between Special Forces: India and Egypt are set to hold the first-ever military exercises involving the Special Forces in Udaipur, Jaipur and Jodhpur. It is being held to celebrate the 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

India is a major country in the Indian Ocean and the security of the Indian Ocean starts from the security of the Red Sea in the West and for Egypt on the Suez Canal. Egypt has also been invited as a guest country at the G20 summit in 2023. In April 2022, Egypt announced the inclusion of India in the list of accredited countries.

Daily GK Update- 17th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. B-20 inception meeting to be organised in Gandhinagar, Gujarat: As part of G-20 presidency, a Business-20 (B-20) inception meeting will be organized at Gandhinagar in Gujarat from 22- 24 January 2023. Agenda: To formulate policy recommendations to be submitted to G-20 ahead of the leaders' Summit. Attended by: Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Ashwini Vaishnaw, CM Bhupendra Patel, Amitabh Kant (India's Sherpa to G-20), and N Chandrasekaran (Tata Sons Chairman). It will be the first of 15 events that the State is set to organize.

 

2. NTPC REL signed MoU with Government of Tripura: NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Tripura in New Delhi. Reason: For the development of Floating and Ground Mounted based Renewable Energy Projects in Tripura. Rajiv Gupta (Chief GM, NTPC REL) and Mahananda Debbarma (DG and CEO, Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency) signed this MoU. It also embarks upon the journey towards the development of large-sized Renewable Energy Projects in Tripura.

 

3. SPIC MACAY, Culture Ministry collaborate for ‘Music in the Park’ series: The Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY), Ministry of Culture, and New Delhi Municipal Council have organized 'Music in the Park’ series under the name ‘Shruti Amrut’ Under this series, the first event of 2023 was organized in Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The concert started with a Sarod performance by Aman Ali Bangash (7th Generation musician from Senia Bangash Gharana) SPIC MACAY is a voluntary youth movement

 

4. Entire country to be covered by doppler weather radar network by 2025: Union Minister Jitendra Singh has informed that by 2025, the entire country will be covered by the Doppler weather radar network. The purpose is to predict extreme weather events more accurately. The number of Doppler radars in the country has increased from 15 in 2013 to 37 in 2023. India will set up 25 more radars in the next 2 to 3 years, taking the number to 62. Doppler weather radar, commonly known as Weather Surveillance Radar (WSR), is a type of radar used to find precipitation, determine its motion, and also the type of precipitation (rain, snow, hail, etc.). The intensification and frequency of extreme weather events is one of the most evident repercussions of global warming and the usual occurrence of cold waves or heatwaves, heavy precipitation, and droughts are resulting to take a number of human lives as well.

 

5. Indian Railway to run Bharat Gaurav train between Ayodhya and Janakpur: Indian Railways is going to run its Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train on a very special tour “Shri Ram-Janaki Yatra: Ayodhya to Janakpur” covering two most significant pilgrimage sites Ayodhya and Janakpur from the neighboring countries India and Nepal. The tourist train will start from Delhi on 17th Feb 2023 and this initiative will strengthen the bilateral relations and also promote the cultural relations between the two countries. The tourist train will include the visit of Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Kashi and Prayagraj as added attractions in the tour. There will be two-night stay in the hotels, one each at Janakpur and Varanasi respectively, while the visit of Ayodhya, Sitamarhi, and Prayagraj will be covered in the day halt at the destination. The Bharat Gaurav train was run with the theme ‘Dekho Apna Desh’.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 21st edition of naval exercise VARUNA between India and France begins: The 21st edition of the bilateral naval exercise between India and France 'VARUNA' was organized on the Western Seaboard from 16 -20 January 2023. It will witness advanced air defense exercises, tactical manoeuvres, surface firings, underway replenishment, and other maritime operations. This exercise will provide an opportunity to learn best practices from each other. It was initiated in 1993 and was christened ‘VARUNA’ in 2001.

 

2. IISc and McGill University detect radio signals: Astronomers from McGill University in Canada and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have detected a radio signal, originating from atomic hydrogen in a distant galaxy. The signal was detected with the help of data from the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune. The findings have been published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. It is also the first confirmed detection of strong lensing of 21 cm emission from a galaxy.

 

3. India announced the donation of pentavalent vaccines to Cuba: India has announced, the donation of 12,500 doses of pentavalent vaccines to Cuba. The pentavalent vaccine provides protection to a child from five life-threatening diseases Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib. It was announced during the Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi’s official visit to Cuba. Both the leaders discussed various issues including, the development of indigenous vaccines against Covid and woman empowerment

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Yonex- Sunrise India Open 2023 starts in Delhi: The India Open, officially known as Yonex- Sunrise India Open 2023 started in New Delhi on 17th January and continues till 22nd January 2023. The tournament organized at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall. Since 2008, it will be the first time when India Open is organized in the super 750 status category. The tournament will see some top players from 29 countries, and a total of 97 players will compete in various categories.

2. Viacom18 bags Women's IPL media rights: Viacom 18 has won the bid for the media rights for the Women’s IPL for a whopping Rs 951 crore for five years. The auction for the T20 League was conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Mumbai. BCCI will launch the Women's Indian Premier League in March 2023. The detailed terms and conditions governing the tender process including eligibility requirements etc. are contained in the ‘Invitation to Tender’ (ITT). BCCI president: Roger Binny

 

3. Viktor Axelsen wins men's singles Malaysia Open title 2023: Denmark badminton player, Viktor Axelsen won the men's singles Malaysia Open title 2023, after defeating Kodai Naraoka from Japan. While Akane Yamaguchi (Japanese player) lifted the title in the women's final, after beating South Korea's An Se-young.

Other winners:

·       Men's doubles: Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto (Indonesia)

·       Women's doubles: Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan (China)

·       Mixed doubles: Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong (China)

 

4. Virat Kohli becomes 5th highest run scorer in ODI cricket: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has become the fifth-highest run-scorer in the history of ODI cricket after overtaking Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene (12,650 runs in 448 matches) to enter the top five. He scored this during India’s third and final ODI of the series against Sri Lanka in Kerala. Virat had 12,652 runs in 268 ODIs at an average of 57.78, with 45 tons and 65 half-centuries. As per records, the highest run-scorer in ODI history is Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83. He has 49 centuries and 96 fifties in this format, with the best of 200*.

Followed by Sachin, Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs in 404 matches), Australian great Ricky Ponting (13,704), Sri Lankan all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya (13,430 in 445 matches), and Virat.

 

5. Yuki Bhambri, Saketh Myneni won Bangkok Open tennis title 2023: The Indian tennis pair of Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni has won the Bangkok Open Men’s double tennis championship, held at Nonthaburi, Thailand. Bhambri-Saket, playing their seventh final as a pair, beat Indonesian Christopher Rungkat and Australian Akira Santillan 2-6, 7-6, 14-12. This is their sixth title together on the ATP Challenger Tour. They will compete in the Australian Open 2023, the season’s first Grand Slam-where they have been given a wild card entry.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. WPI inflation eases to 22-month low of 4.95% in December 2022: According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry data, the Wholesale Price-based Inflation (WPI) for December 2022 has been eased to 22-month low of 4.95%. Reason: Due to falling in prices of food articles, especially vegetables, and oilseeds The WPI inflation was 5.85% in November 2022 and 14.27% in December 2021. In a  reported period, food articles segment slipped to 0.65 %. The Fuel and power increased marginally from 17.35% in November to 18.09% in December 2022. Paytm 2. 2. Payments Bank received approval from RBI as BBPOU: Paytm Payments Bank has received final approval from RBI to operate as a Bharat Bill Payment Operating Unit (BBPOU). Under Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), a BBPOU is allowed to facilitate bill payment services for electricity, phone, gas insurance, loan repayments, credit card bill, and municipal taxes.

The National Payments Corporation of India owns BBPS. So far, Paytm Payments Bank was undertaking this activity under in-principle authorization from RBI.

 

3. RBI proposes expected loss-based approach for provisioning by banks: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a framework for the adoption of an ‘expected loss-based approach for provisioning by banks. Presently, banks are required to make loan loss provisions based on an ‘incurred loss’ approach. Aim: To enhance the resilience of the banking system Adopting the forward-looking expected credit loss approach to estimating loss provisions is likely to result in excess provisions as compared to a shortfall in provisions.

 

4. States’ gross fiscal deficit set to fall in 2022-23: RBI: According to the RBI report, the Gross fiscal deficit (GFD) of states is budgeted to narrow to 3.4 % of GDP in 2022-23 from 4.1% in 2020-21. While states’ debt is budgeted to ease to 29.5% of GDP in 2022-23 as against 31.1% in 2020-21. But, it is higher than the 20% recommended by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Review Committee in 2018. The RBI has also advised governments to set up a fund for long-term expenditure when revenue collection is strong.

Daily GK Update- 16th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India will be covered by Doppler Weather Radar network by 2025: Earth Sciences Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that India will be covered by Doppler Weather Radar Network by 2025, at the 148th Foundation Day of the Indian Meteorological Department. Aim: To predict extreme weather events more accurately It will enhance weather monitoring capabilities and benefit the farmers to contribute significantly to the economy. IMD has taken proactive steps to increase the Radar Network from a mere 15 in 2013 to 37 in 2023.

 

2. RailTel bags ₹170 cr order for Puducherry smart city project: Indian Railway's wholly owned subsidiary, RailTel Corporation of India Ltd has received an order worth ₹170.11 crores from the Puducherry government. Agenda: To design, develop, supply, install, test, commission, and operations, and maintenance of integrated command control centre (ICCC) and other associated activities for the smart city. The contract is for five years and will be completed in 10 months. PM Modi launched the Smart Cities Mission in 2015.

 

3. G20’s first Infrastructure Working Group meeting to be held in Pune: The first G-20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) meeting under G20 India Presidency is scheduled to be held from 16th-17th January 2023 in Pune. The forum will bring together the IWG member countries, guest countries and international organizations invited by India to discuss the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda under the Indian G20 Presidency. The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India along with Australia and Brazil will host the meeting as the co-chairs. The Indian G20 Presidency’s theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ sets the tone for the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda under the 2023 Indian G-20 Presidency. The theme underlines the message of equitable growth and aptly ties up with the central agenda of the discussions which is building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban infrastructure. In the Pune meeting, discussions will focus on the agenda for the Infrastructure Working Group under the Indian Presidency. The flagship priority to be discussed in this meeting is “Financing Cities of Tomorrow: Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable”.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 organizes in Davos: The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum started in Davos, Switzerland, on January 16 and will continue till January 20, 2023. The theme of the 53rd annual event is ‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World’.

Aim: To address the pressing issues the world is facing and promote innovative solutions A range of topics will be discussed at the 2023 meeting - New Energy,  Climate Change, Jobs, Travel and Tourism, Health, Tech, and Banking.

2. Kerala enters Guinness Book of World Records for goals scored: Kerala has entered the Guinness Book of World Records by taking 4,500 penalty kicks in 12 hours. The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs organized the event to set the Guinness record for a Dream Goal penalty shootout organized in Manjeri, Kerala. Many football lovers, students, teachers and others enthusiastically queued up to take the penalty kicks. Officials representing the Guinness Book of World Records were present at the event organized by the State Department of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Malappuram event obliterated the previous record of 2500 penalty kicks held by Germany. Former Indian player U. Sharafali took the inaugural kick. Minister for Sports V. Abdurahiman took the last penalty kick of the record.

 

3. UAE names ADNOC oil chief Sultan al-Jaber as President of COP28: The president of the UAE’s national oil company Sultan al-Jaber has been named as president of this year’s COP28 climate talks. Jaber, also UAE’s minister of industry and technology and its climate envoy, will help develop the COP28 agenda and play a central role in intergovernmental negotiations to build consensus. The UAE, a major OPEC oil exporter, will be the second Arab state to host the climate conference after Egypt hosted the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) 27th Conference of the Parties (COP 27) in 2022. The chief executive of the ADNOC will be the first CEO to take the role at the UN summit. Jaber is also the Gulf state’s special envoy for climate change and has taken part in more than 10 COP meetings.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian pair of Yuki Bhambri, Saketh Myneni wins Bangkok Open tennis title: In tennis, the Indian team of Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni won the men's double Bangkok Open title 2023 organized at Nonthaburi, Thailand. They defeated Christopher Rungkat and Akira Santillan (Indonesian-Australian team). With this win, Yuki will get a career-high doubles rank of 90 and Saketh should also touch a career-best 74 in the ATP doubles chart. They will next compete in the Australian Open where they have been given a wild card entry.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Research: Retail inflation expected to come down to 5% by March 2023: According to SBI Research's latest Ecowrap report, the retail inflation rate of India based on the Consumer Price Index would remain below RBI's comfort zone of 6% and will decline materially to 5% by March 2023. Reason: Latest figures showed a marginal decline and further moderation in retail inflation as compared with the last month. The retail inflation for December 2022 was at 5.72%.

For Jan-Mar 2023, the average retail inflation is seen at 4.7%.

 

2. Alibaba sells Paytm stake worth $125 million via block deal: China’s Alibaba Group sold a 3.1% stake in Indian digital payments firm Paytm for a total of $125 million through a block deal. Alibaba, which held a 6.26% stake in Paytm as of end-September, sold the stake at 536.95 rupees apiece. Formally known as One97 Communications, Paytm listed in 2021 after a mega $2.5 billion initial public offer (IPO). Since then, the stock has plunged around 75% from its IPO offer price as investors started questioning the company’s monetization plans amid worries about sky-high valuations of tech companies and fears of a global economic recession. Block deal: Single transaction between two institutional players of a minimum quantity of 5 lakh shares or at least Rs. 5 Crores in value. It happens at the start of trading hours for about 35 minutes through a separate trading window.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel crowned Miss Universe 2022: Miss USA, R'Bonney Gabriel (28) has been crowned the Miss Universe 2022 at the 71st Miss Universe pageant organized in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a model, fashion designer, and sewing instructor who prioritizes the environment in her work. She is also the first Filipino American to win Miss USA. Amanda Dudamel from Venezuela was the first runner-up, and Andreína Martínez from the Dominican Republic was the second runner-up.

 

2. DNPA announces Digital Impact Award 2023: The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) has announced Digital Impact awards 2023 in eight categories.

Categories (Best Use of Digital Media):

·       For Health – CoWIN App

·       For Women & Child Welfare Reforms – (A) Poshan Tracker App, (B) Himmat Plus Ap

·       For Ease of Living –Digilocker

·       For Financial Reforms – PMJDY

·       For Human Resource Development & Education – DIKSHA

·       For Sustainability and Environment Protection – CAMPA

 

3. Writer K Venu received Federal Bank Literary Award 2023: Noted writer K Venu has bagged the first-ever Federal Bank Literary Award 2022 for his autobiography ‘Oranweshananthinte Katha’. The award was presented by the chairman and independent director of the Federal Bank, Balagopal Chandrasekhar. It was presented at an event held as part of the ongoing sixth edition Kerala Literature Festival, Kozhikode beach.The prize money was handed over by Nandakumar V (executive vice-president of the bank).

 

4. 'RRR' wins Best Foreign Language Film at Critics Choice Awards 2023: India's 'RRR' directed by SS Rajamouli has won the Critics Choice Awards 2023 in the Best Foreign Language Film category and Best Song category for 'Naatu Naatu' Television: Best Actor: Bob Odenkirk (Best Drama Series: Better Call Saul) Best Actress: Zendaya (Euphoria)

Film:

·       Best Actor: Brendan Fraser (The Whale as Charlie)

·       Best Actress: Cate Blanchett (Tár)

·       Best Director: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (Best Movie: Everything Everywhere All at Once)

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Mukarram Jah, titular eighth Nizam of Hyderabad, passes away: Mukarram Jah Bahadur, the titular eighth Nizam of Hyderabad passed away at the age of 89 in Istanbul, Turkey. He was the successor and grandson of the last Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur. He was born to Prince Azam Jah and Princess Durru Shehvar, the imperial princess of the Ottoman Empire, on October 6, 1933, in France. He was coronated as Asaf Jah the Eighth on April 6, 1967, after the passing away of Mir Osman Ali Khan in February 1967.

 

2. British linguist Ronald E Ashe passed away: A British linguist and educator specializing in Dravidian languages, Ronald E. Asher passed away at the age of 96. He won a gold medal from Kerala Sahitya Akademi, Trichur, in 1983 and was honored by the Royal Society, Edinburgh in 1991. His relationship with Kerala began during his days at the University of London.

He was also a recipient of a medal from the College de France, Paris in 1970.