Daily GK Update- 8th Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India's first underground transformer unveiled in Bangalore: Bengaluru’s first underground electric transformer was inaugurated at Malleshwaram by the city’s civic body and electricity board together. Aim: To ensure the safety of people and to maintain the aesthetics of India’s garden city. This adds to the overall safety of the environment, encouraging the citizens to use footpaths without any hassles since they’d be free from interruption during maintenance works of overhead cables and related equipment.

 

2. Ahmedabad becomes second city in India to implement emission trading scheme: The Gujarat government announced that after Surat, Ahmedabad has become the second city in the country to implement an emission trading scheme (ETS) for particulate pollution that will help regulate industrial emissions and reduce the state’s pollution levels. Aim: To reduce particulate pollutants PM2.5 and PM10. Objective:  to ensure a balance between economic development and environment preservation. The scheme will cover 118 industries in Ahmedabad.

 

3. Jharkhand Cabinet approves 1k pension for transgender community: Jharkhand Cabinet gave its approval for transgender persons to be provided benefits of the State Social Security Scheme under which they will be given a pension of Rs 1,000 per month.  Transgenders are included in the category of OBC. Proposals are first, transgender persons should be declared as a third gender Second, Those transgender persons who are not covered under any other category for reservation should be included in the OBC at serial number 46 in the list

 

4. Anushka Sharma appointed as Brand Endorser by “W”: Women’s fashion brand W has on-boarded actor and entrepreneur Anushka Sharma as its brand ambassador. The brand has launched its festive campaign featuring Sharma that talks about every festival having a story. With this partnership, the brand prepares to launch its high-decibel festive campaign that beautifully merges the warmth of festivities with the spirit of modernity.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Japan launches rocket carrying ‘Moon Sniper’ lunar lander: Japan launched a lunar lander on 7th Sep 2023, aiming to become the fifth nation to achieve a soft landing on the moon's surface following India's success. The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) was sent to space on an H-IIA rocket.  SLIM is a light and small spacecraft developed by Mitsubishi Electric. One of the goals of the mission is to demonstrate precision landing technology.  The spacecraft is expected to land within 100 meters of a target site.

 

2. International Literacy Day is observed on 8th September: The world observes International Literacy Day on September 8  to signify the role of literacy and education in one's life. Theme 2023 - Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies.' The day reminds us of the importance of personal development, literacy, and progress of society. The day is a stark reminder of the fact that literacy is not a luxury but a fundamental right important for a person's dignity.

 

3. Telangana govt partners with Tabreed for cooling infrastructure: UAE-based leading cooling utility firm Tabreed has signed MoU with the Government of Telangana to build 1.25 lakh refrigeration tonne (RT) of district cooling plants and networks.  Aim:  To aid 6,800 GWh of power as well as 41,600 megalitres of water savings, and has the potential to reduce over 200 MW of peak electricity demand. Telangana is set to house Asia's largest district cooling system to establish cooling infrastructure for industrial parks.

 

4. Amazon Signs MoU With 5 Indian States To Empower People With Disabilities: Amazon India signed a MoU with five State Governments, including Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, to train employable Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and bring them to the mainstream workforce. Aim: To provide skilling and employment opportunities to PwD candidates in these five states. Under this initiative, Amazon has a focus on skilling and livelihood for PwD across Amazon India’s Operations network, over a period of three years.

 

5. World physiotherapy day is observed on 8th September: World Physical Therapy Day observed on 8 September celebrates the significant contributions of physical therapists and physiotherapists in promoting health and well-being. The Theme of 2023 is  "prevention and management of arthritis". It serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the crucial role these professionals play in helping people recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall physical function and quality of life.

 

6. Kerala to Host Inaugural Zayed Charity Marathon in 2024: The Higher Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Marathon has announced that the inaugural edition of the marathon in India will be held in Kerala in 2024. The marathon will be held in collaboration with the authorities in Kerala State and the Indian community in the UAE. The proceeds from the marathon in Kerala will be used to support healthcare initiatives in the state. Zayed Charity Marathon is a prestigious event that honors the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Former President of the United Arab Emirates. The Zayed Charity Marathon was launched in 2001 in Abu Dhabi to spread humanitarian and charitable messages that embody the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

 

7. India will open embassy in Timor Leste: At the ASEAN-India summit, the prime minister announced the decision to establish an Indian Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste. PM Modi announced the decision while co-chairing the annual ASEAN-India summit in this Indonesian capital. The decision is a reflection of the importance India attaches to ASEAN and its relations with Timor Leste. Timor Leste joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2022 as an Observer, before becoming its full member. ASEAN is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan, and Australia are its dialogue partners.

 

8. 7 September – International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies: International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed annually on 7 September. The day is dedicated to recognizing the vital importance of clean air for people’s well-being and daily life. Theme 2023 – Together for Clean Air Resolution 74/212 of January 22, 2020, established September 7 as the “International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies”.

 

9. 8 September – International Literacy Day: International Literacy Day is celebrated every year on 8 September. The day aims to highlight the importance of literacy for human rights, dignity, and the development of sustainable societies. Theme 2023 – Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies UNESCO introduced International Literacy Day in 1966 at its 14th General Conference. The first International Literacy Day was celebrated in 1967. The official date of International Literacy Day is 26 October, which was established during the 1966 UNESCO conference.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian men’s team won bronze medal at Asian Table Tennis Championships 2023: In Table Tennis, the Indian men’s team finished with a bronze medal at the Asian Table Tennis Championships 2023 following a semi-final defeat to Chinese Taipei in Pyeongchang, the Republic of Korea.  Indian men’s team comprising Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran lost in their final four match.  The two losing semi-finalists are awarded bronze medals at the competition. This championship was also a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

 

2. Amul to sponsor Indian Contingent at Hangzhou Asian Games 2023: Amul is named as the official sponsor of the Indian Contingent for the 19th Asian Games 2022 to be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8, 2023. Amul has partnered with Indian sportspersons through the Indian Olympic Association since the London 2012 Olympics for all Indian contingents to Olympics, Commonwealth Game. The XIX Asian Games 2022 will feature 482 events across 40 sports. The Asian Games, also known as Asiad, is a continental multi-sport event held every fourth year among athletes from all over Asia. The upcoming event is officially called the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022. It was originally slated to be held last year but was postponed due to Covid-19. The India contingent will field 634 athletes at the Asian Games across 38 different sports with the largest contingent of 65 in athletics. At the last edition, Jakarta 2018, India sent a contingent of 570 to compete in 36 sports and won 70 medals.

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Card launches credit card for MSMEs to cater to short-term credit needs: Credit card issuer SBI Card launched a new credit card SimplySAVE Merchant SBI Card for MSMEs to cater to their short-term credit requirements.  Available on RuPay network, the card can be linked to UPI for payments through various UPI-enabled third-party apps.   MSMEs contribute significantly towards economic growth and job generation Launch of SimplySAVE Merchant SBI Card is an attempt to address this larger segment by extending interest-free short-term credit to MSME

 

2. Mastercard partners with KredX to Make B2B Payments Rewarding for Vendors: Mastercard collaborated with KredX, a supply chain finance platform, to make B2B digital payments rewarding for both enterprises and vendors.  Aim: To integrate its commercial card service with the KredX platform, eliminating the complexities associated with B2B payments, especially those made via cards. Equipped with features like dynamic discounting, early payment and price discovery, the platform will enable enterprises and vendors to improve their cash flows.

 

3. SBI Card adds new features to AURUM super premium credit card: SBI Card, the country’s largest pure-play credit card issuer, has unveiled new features of its super-premium card ‘AURUM’, targeted at C-suite executives and high net-worth individuals.  Aim: To enhance benefits to its users, ranging from the introduction of new annual spending-based milestones and welcome benefits to additional international lounge benefits AURUM cardholders will now be able to derive benefits of up to worth ₹ 2 lakh annually, basis their spends.

 

4. NPCI launches slew of new payment options on payment platforms UPI: The National Payments Corporation of India has launched Credit Line And Voice-Enabled Payments on popular payment platforms UPI. Aim: To create an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable digital payments ecosystem that will help UPI achieve the target of 100 billion transactions per month.  NPCI has partnered with AI4Bharat at IIT Madras, to co-develop Hindi and English payment language models.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Adeeb Ahamed wins Leading Fintech Personality of the Year Award: Global Fintech Awards (GFA) 2023 is held annually as part of the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2023 in Mumbai, India. This year, the coveted global award for ‘Leading Fintech Personality of the Year’ from the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) region was awarded to Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi-based Lulu Financial Holdings. A visionary entrepreneur in the financial services world, Adeeb has been instrumental in revolutionizing cross-border payments between the GCC and India. His company operates a network of 300+ customer engagement centres and digital payment solutions in 10 countries across the Middle East, Asia Pacific and GCC regions.

Daily GK Update- 7th Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Country's first solar city to be inaugurated in Sanchi of Madhya Pradesh: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the country's first solar city Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh. Aim: To reduce Annually about 13 thousand 747 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in Sanchi Solar City

An effort has also been made to attract tourism by reducing environmental pollution through eco-friendly facilities in Sanchi. Battery operated e-rickshaws and garbage vehicles will also run in the city. E-vehicle charging stations have also been installed.

 

2. Indian Army’s new Thal Sena Bhawan will conform to GRIHA-IV green norms: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone of the Army headquarters Thal Sena Bhawan's new building in Delhi Cantonment conforming with GRIHA-IV (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) norms.  The Army headquarters (AH) is currently housed in the iconic South Block at Raisina Hill in Lutyens' Delhi On completion of the new building, it will not only cut down carbon footprint but is expected to get together all the different pockets of AH

 

3. Dharmendra Pradhan launches Teachers Training Program of UGC: Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Malaviya Mission- Teachers Training Programme by the University Grants Commission at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi. He also inaugurated the Portal of the Programme and released its information brochure.  Aim: To provide tailored training programmes for teachers.  This programme will work for the capacity building of faculty members in higher educational institutions.

 

4. TDB partners with Aloe Ecell for ecofriendly primary battery: Technology Development Board (TDB) has joined forces with Aloe Ecell Pvt. Ltd., a Lucknow-based startup, to support the project Commercialization of Eco-friendly 1.5V AA size Aloe Vera-based batteries. It is Valued at Rs. 2.98 crores, TDB’s substantial contribution of Rs. 1.91 crores as a soft loan aims to boost green innovation. Aloe Ecell has already received recognition, including the National Startup Award in the Energy Sector 2020 and the Global Winners 2019 award

 

5. India extends support to SCO member countries to enhance legal capabilities: The 10th meeting of the Ministers of Law and Justice of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries was held in September 2023. Highlights include To cooperate between Ministries of Law and Justice of SCO Member nations to enhance cooperation in legal and judicial spheres. Continue   to work on the implementation of the Co-operation Agreement Organise conferences, legal cooperation fora etc for better exchange of experience

 

6. India Post and Shiprocket partner to strengthen e-commerce export: The Department of Posts has entered into an agreement with Bigfoot Retail Solution Pvt Ltd (Shiprocket), a leading e-commerce enablement platform. The collaboration aims to enhance e-commerce exports by leveraging India Post’s extensive presence and shipping solutions. This agreement will lead to technical integration between Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra and Shiprocket and enable India-based sellers, using Shiprocket, to directly generate e-PBE and shipping labels from Shiprocket platform itself. India Post has taken a series of steps in the recent past like expansion of Foreign Post Offices, introduction of Postal Bill of Export to enable commercial exports through post offices, launch of a competitive International Tracked Packet Service and setting up of Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) across the country. The online order processing, export documentation, compliances and Customs clearance has been made easy through electronic Postal Bill of Export (PBE) which can be filed on DNK portal.

 

7. Neeraj Mittal appointed as Secretary of DoT: Neeraj Mittal has been appointed as Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). He is replacing K Rajaraman, who is now the chairman of the International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA) in Gujarat. Neeraj Mittal is a 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. He is currently serving as the Principal Secretary in the Department of Information Technology, Tamil Nadu. Prior to this, he worked as Senior Advisor in the World Bank Group and as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. While, S Krishnan, a 1989 batch IAS officer, was appointed as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. His appointment comes after the retirement of the previous secretary Alkesh Kumar Sharma on August 31.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World's tallest Nataraja statue installed at G20 summit venue: The world's tallest Nataraja statue has been installed at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the G20 summit in Delhi.  The 28-foot-tall statue weighing 20 tonnes was made in a record time of seven months by sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapathy and his team at Swamimalai in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. The statue was built in Ashtadhatu (8 metals) using the traditional casting method.  The statue was transported to the New Delhi in four days.

 

2. The first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023 held in Gujarat: World Health Organization (WHO) has released the outcome document of the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023 in the form of “Gujarat Declaration”. The declaration reaffirmed global commitments towards indigenous knowledges, biodiversity and traditional, complementary and integrative medicine. WHO underlined that the application of rigorous scientific methods is needed to better understand, assess and, where appropriate, apply more holistic, context-specific, complex and personalized approaches for health and well-being for all. It reiterates that India as host of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre at Jamnagar, Gujarat has an important role in scaling up WHO’s capacities to support member states and stakeholders in taking forward the summit action agenda and other relevant priorities. The First global summit on Traditional Medicine was organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and co-hosted by the Ministry of Ayush, from August 17-18, 2023, at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

Mahindra to sponsor ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023: Mahindra & Mahindra will be an associate sponsor with Star Sports for the ICC Cricket World Cup which starts next month. As the broadcast associate sponsor for Star Sports and co-powered sponsor for Disney+Hotstar during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the auto major aims to reach vast audience across its key target markets, solidifying its visibility throughout the cricketing season. This sponsorship is a key milestone in our mission to connect deeply with the passion of millions of Indians. The automaker sees a strong synergistic resonance between its SUVs and tractor brands and the vibrant spirit of Indian cricket. The World Cup will get underway on October 5 and the final will be played on November 19.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IREDA signs MoUs with Union Bank of India and Bank of Baroda: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has signed an MOU with the Union Bank of India and Bank of Baroda to co-finance renewable energy (RE) projects.  Objective: To collaborate with the banks in co-lending and loan syndication of emerging and established RE projects. Aim: To extend our reach, particularly in tier-2 & tier-3 cities and rural areas, enabling us to provide unique and innovative financial support to existing and new customers.

 

2. SBI announces interoperability of CBDC and UPI for seamless transactions: Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot project, multiple Indian banks have announced the introduction of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) interoperability feature on the Digital Rupee application.  Digital Rupee app users can scan any QR code to make payments for groceries and daily expenses. State Bank of India (SBI), Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, Axis Bank. HDFC Bank, Canara Bank, among others are live with the inclusion of UPI interoperability.

 

3. IDFC First Bank makes digital rupee app interoperable with UPI QR codes: IDFC FIRST Bank has unveiled a new enhancement, the integration of UPI QR Codes with its Central Bank Digital Currency app, the IDFC FIRST Bank Digital Rupee to enhance the adoption of digital rupee and boost its utilization. The UPI interoperability feature will dramatically enhance the adoption of CBDC across the country This development allows individuals to easily use digital rupees for payments through existing UPI QR codes at various merchant outlets. The digital rupee is an initiative by the Reserve Bank of India launched last year. This digital form of legal tender is issued by the central bank and shares the essential attributes of physical currency, such as trustworthiness, security, and transaction finality with instantaneous settlement in the digital realm.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Satyajit Majumdar honored with Dr V G Patel Memorial Award 2023: Mumbai Professor Satyajit Majumdar, dean of School of Management and Labour Studies from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), received the ‘Dr V G Patel Memorial Award-2023 for his work in promoting and strengthening entrepreneurship in India. He is widely acknowledged as the Father of Entrepreneurship Movement in India. He has mentored more than 350 startups, including 40 in Jammu and Kashmir and group startups in Jhabua, West Bengal.

 

2. President confers National Teachers’ Award for 2023 on 75 teachers: President Droupadi Murmu has conferred the National Teachers’ Award 2023 on 75 exceptional educators at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on the occasion of Teacher Day. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan constituted three separate national juries of eminent individuals to meticulously select these outstanding teachers. Each of the awardees will be granted a certificate of merit, a cash prize of Rs 50,000, and a prestigious silver medal. This year’s distinguished recipients include 50 school teachers, 13 college teachers, and 12 educators from the Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. These teachers have been chosen for their unwavering dedication to enriching the lives of students and enhancing the quality of education across the nation. The National Teachers’ Award, organized by the Department of School and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, is an annual event dedicated to honouring the nation’s finest educators.

Daily GK Update- 6th Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Himachal CM Sukhu launches SABAL Yojna to empower specially-abled children: Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Mukhya Mantri Sporting Abilities, Rebuilding Aspirations and Livelihood Scheme (SABAL). Objective:  To take care of specially-abled children in around 400 schools across Hamirpur, Solan, and Shimla districts. Aim: To improve the lives of specially-abled children in the state. The initiative focuses on providing essential facilities and opportunities for them, a statement issued here said.

 

2. Center signs MoU with Adobe to help children learn AI: Union Ministry of Education Dharmendra Pradhan signed an MoU with global software major Adobe to help children develop creative expression in classrooms using the application Adobe Express.  Aim: To provide schools across the country with free access to Adobe Express Premium and the professional development of educators. In the time of digitisation, new ideas, new innovation the partnership will create a new standard and benchmark for students.

 

3. Dharmendra Pradhan launches 3-year partnership with Meta: Dharmendra Pradhan has launched a 3-year partnership “Education to Entrepreneurship: Empowering a generation of students, educators and entrepreneurs” between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Meta in New Delhi. Three Letters of Intent (LoI) were exchanged between Meta and NIESBUD, AICTE and CBSE. The initiative launched is in furtherance to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a skilled capital of the world and empowering our Amrit Peedhi. Under the partnership with NIESBUD, five lakh entrepreneurs will get access to digital marketing skills by Meta over the next three years.

 

4. IIT Jodhpur scientists develop ‘CODE’ device for good air quality: Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur researchers have developed a novel Cold-plasma Detergent in Environment (CODE) device for good indoor air quality. The CODE device consumes less power, deactivates bacteria, moulds and viruses, captures dust and pollen, and also removes odours. The device has been tested extensively which deactivates more than 99.99 percent of harmful pathogens and provides quality indoor air. Air pollution is basically one of the top 5 risks causing chronic diseases, according to the World Health Organization. We consume nearly 8 times as much air by volume as food and 4 times as much air as water. Indoor air often contains around 2-5 times more pollution as compared to outdoor air. The concept is based on non-equilibrium cold plasma in combination with nano-technology. This Novel CODE device produces optimum concentrations of negative ions having cold-plasma detergent ions as well as positive ions in an environment similar to mother nature.

 

5. Lokesh Suji elected to IESF Membership Committee for 3-year term: The General Body of the International Esports Federation (IESF) has elected Lokesh Suji, director of the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and vice-president of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF), to its membership committee for a three-year term. The election marks the first time that an Indian has become a part of the membership committee of the International Esports Federation. The elections for Suji’s appointment were conducted during the recent Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of the IESF on August 28 in Iasi, Romania, where out of the 70 voting and present members, a majority of 42 member countries voted in favour of his selection. As part of the membership committee, he will now leverage his experience and expertise to ensure the execution of the process, contributing to a future for esports within the IESF.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nasscom appoints Cognizant India MD Rajesh Nambiar as Chairperson: Rajesh Nambiar, Chairman and Managing Director of Cognizant India, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of Nasscom.  He succeeded Anant Maheshwari, former president of Microsoft India. Chairperson Rajesh Nambiar along with President Debjani Ghosh, will continue to work with the Nasscom Executive Council, industry, and the government in strengthening India's position as a global technology hub while navigating the current volatile macro environment.

 

2. Corning to build $113m India’s First Gorilla Glass plant in India: US-based multinational technology company Corning has announced plans to set up a $113m First Gorilla Glass manufacturing facility in the Indian state of Telangana. Telangana accounts for 6% of the electronic production in India, with more than 250 companies employing over 50,000 people across different industry sub-segments there. Importantly it is a strategic investment in manufacturing for smartphones and other electronic devices.

 

3. 20 Expansion: The arrival of G21 with the African Union: The G20 Summit is poised to make history by transforming into the G21 with the inclusion of the African Union (AU).  This move, proposed by India, reflects a growing recognition of the importance of representing the global south. AU consisting of 55 diverse member countries, is set to join the ranks of the world’s 20 largest economies later this week.  AU also comprises eight regional economic committees each with its own structure and role.

 

4. OpenAI chief Sam Altman becomes the first to get Indonesia’s ‘Golden Visa’: Indonesia has granted its first golden visa to Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, a pioneering firm in artificial intelligence.  Aim: To serve as an incentive for high-profile foreign investors.  The Indonesian immigration authority issued a 10-year visa to Altman, acknowledging his global renown and potential contributions to the nation. He is set to benefit from priority security screening at airports and streamlined entry and exit procedures.

 

5. Bharat Electronics inks pact with Israel Aerospace: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEl) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the defence company, have inked an MoU for cooperation in addressing India’s requirements in the domain of Short Range Air Defence Systems. Objective: To boost the cooperation between the two companies in the field of Short Range Air Defence Systems.  Aim: leveraging IAI and BEL’s capabilities and is in sync with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ policies of the Government of India.

 

6. Vanuatu parliament appointed Sato Kilman as prime minister: Vanuatu’s parliament elected Sato Kilman as the nation’s new prime minister and replaced Ishmael Kalsakau. Kilman, a former prime minister and leader of the People’s Progressive Party, was elected prime minister by 27 of 50 lawmakers in a secret ballot. Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau is a Vanuatuan politician who served as Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu from 4 November 2022 until 4 September 2023.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Hitachi Payment Services launches India's first-ever UPI-ATM with NPCI: Hitachi Payment Services, a subsidiary of Japan-based Hitachi Ltd,  announced the launch of India's first-ever UPI-ATM as a White Label ATM (WLA) named Hitachi Money Spot UPI ATM, with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The ATM will offer cardless cash withdrawals, eliminating the need for physical cards.  A UPI-ATM allows users to withdraw cash from multiple accounts using the United Payments Interface app. WLAs are operated by non-banking entities.

 

2. Paytm launches first ‘Card Soundbox’ enabling credit, debit card payment: Paytm has unveiled the Paytm Card Soundbox, a device that allows merchants to accept both mobile and card payments, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and RuPay, through its Soundbox.  Aim: To assist merchants in scaling their businesses by offering a "tap and pay" solution via credit and debit cards. The new in-store payments option also provides audio-based confirmations using Paytm Soundbox.  The Paytm Soundbox features a 4W speaker for clear payment alerts

 

3. Indian Bank collaborates with IBM to deploy new front-end banking apps: Indian Bank has collaborated with Nasdaq-listed IBM to deploy future ready infrastructure to enhance scalability and agility. Aim: To accelerate its modernisation path with flexible and secure infrastructure for deploying new front-end banking applications. The city-headquartered bank wanted to consolidate its front branch servers for better manageability and availability at Data Centres and Disaster Recovery centres under their 'Project Paradise' initiative.

 

4. Paytm launches new ‘Soundbox’ that enables card payments: Paytm has launched its latest innovation – Card Soundbox, which is intended to empower merchants to accept both mobile and card payments across all Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and RuPay networks. UPI payment system has become hugely popular for retail digital payments in India, and its adoption is increasing at a rapid pace. These card-based payments on ‘tap and pay’ basis will help merchants scale their business. With Paytm Card Soundbox, the company solves two problems for merchants – accepting card payments along with instant audio alerts for all payments. Paytm was the first company to launch audio-based confirmations with Paytm Soundbox in 2019. Paytm Card Soundbox has a built-in ‘tap and pay’ functionality through which merchants can accept card payments up to Rs 5,000.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani top the Fortune India Rich List for 2023: Mukesh Ambani, the patriarch of Reliance Industries (RIL), have secured the top position on the Fortune India Rich List 2023, with wealth of $99.7 billion  Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group of companies, secured second position with a wealth of $63.71 billion. With a wealth of $34.6 billion, the Mistry family of Shapoorji Pallonji Group holds the third position on the list The Poonawalla family with a wealth of $32.9 billion, stands fourth.

 

2. Dr Navneet Agrawal won National Diabetologist of the Year Award: Chief Clinical Officer of BeatO, Dr Navneet Agrawal was awarded the ‘Diabetologist of the Year (National Winner)-2023’ for his exceptional medical service and dedication to the cause of improving the lives of people with diabetes. The award, presented by ET Healthcare Awards, recognizes Dr. Agarwal’s unwavering commitment and contribution to improving diabetes management and the lives of lakhs of Indians dealing with the condition. Dr Navneet Agrawal is the Chief Clinical Officer at BeatO – a full-stack digital platform for diabetes control and management. He leads the entire medical operations and medical affairs team, comprising an esteemed panel of doctors, expert coaches and dietitians at BeatO.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former international umpire Piloo Reporter passes away aged 84: Former Indian umpire Piloo Reporter, a pioneer who was among the first neutral umpires to officiate in Test cricket, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 84, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. In addition to international matches, Reporter also had a role in 13 first-class matches, where he served as a match referee in two instances. He embarked on his umpiring journey with the Delhi Test between India and England in December 1984.

 

2. N Valarmathi, the voice behind ISRO mission launches, passes away: Indian Space and Research Organization (ISRO) scientist N Valarmathi, the voice behind the national space agency’s rocket launch countdowns, has passed away. She was a part of the Range Operations Programme Office at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre where she used to announce the countdown on all launches. The mission was launched on July 14 with the aim of achieving a soft landing on the Moon’s South Pole, a feat that was achieved shortly after 6pm on August 23, as scheduled. With this, India became only the fourth country to achieve a lunar soft-landing, the others being the United States, Russia, and China. Also, India is the first nation to reach the Moon’s South Pole.

Daily GK Update- 5th Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launches 3-year partnership with Meta: Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched a 3-year partnership of his Ministry with Meta in New Delhi. Aim: To provide Digital and marketing skills to students, educators, and entrepreneurs According to Dharmendra Pradhan ‘Education to Entrepreneurship’ partnership is a game-changer that will take Digital skill to the grassroots. Objective: To build capacities of the talent pool, and seamlessly connect students, youth, with futuristic technologies

 

2. Hyderabad Firm Unveils India's First AI-Powered Anti-Drone System: A Hyderabad-based robotics company has introduced a cutting-edge autonomous anti-drone system, utilizing artificial intelligence.  Aim: To offers protection for critical facilities such as nuclear sites and oil rigs and also extends its coverage to include entire cities, effectively countering various types of drones. Claimed to be the world’s only anti-drone system capable of protecting against micro, mini, small, large and extra-large drones.

 

3. AG-365S of Marut Drones becomes first DGCA-certified drone for dual usage: AG-365S kisan drone is India’s first Multi-utility Agriculture small Category Drone to receive the prestigious DGCA approved type certificate. AG-365S has highest endurance of 22 minutes, equipped with high end sensors for smooth operations and tested extensively for best quality.  Marut Drones already boasts a Multipurpose Medium category agricultural drone and multiple RPTOs in partnership with prestigious institutions across India.

 

4. Meghalaya uses AI-enabled tech to clean up tourist hotspot Umiam lake: Meghalaya has adopted Artificial Intelligence enabled robotic technology to keep it's beautiful tourist hotspot Umiam lake clean. It is able to collect huge quantities of garbage in a reasonable time from Umiam Lake, which was formed when a dam was built over the Umiam River as part of a hydel power project. The AI-enabled robotic boat was recently deployed in collaboration with Smart Village Movement and Hong Kong-based technology firm Clearbot

 

5. Koraput Kalajeera Rice Gets GI Tag: Odisha’s ‘Koraput Kalajeera Rice’, which is famous for its unique aroma and nutritional value, was granted the Geographical Indications (GI) status. It is also called the ‘Prince of Rice’. This highly aromatic rice looks like coriander seeds. It is believed that the medicinal quality of this rice enhances memory, controls diabetes, increases hemoglobin levels and the body’s metabolism. It is grown in Tolla, Patraput, Pujariput, and Mohuli areas of the Koraput district.

 

6. R Madhavan appointed as Chairman of FTII Pune: R Madhavan has been named as the chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. In addition to the post of Chairman, Madhavan will also serve as the Chairman of the Governing Council of FTII. Madhavan’s nomination follows the national recognition his film ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’ received. ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’ won the prestigious Best Feature Film award at the 69th National Film Awards. ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’ throws light on the life of former ISRO scientist S Nambi Narayanan and his remarkable contribution to India’s space agency.

 

7. Ministry of Education observes Literacy Week from 1st to 8th September: The Government of India has decided to organize a literacy week from 1st September to 8th September 2023 to celebrate International Literacy Day to generate awareness among all the stakeholders/ beneficiaries/ citizens about the ULLAS- Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. The week-long literacy campaign shall enable mass participation to inculcate a sense of Kartavyabodh and Janbhagidari in each and every citizen of the nation. Another main objective will be to increase the number of registrations for learners and volunteers on the ULLAS mobile app.

 

8. 5 September – National Teachers’ Day: National Teachers’ Day in India is celebrated on September 5th every year. It is a day to honour and celebrate the contributions of teachers to the society. The day is also observed as a tribute to the memory of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. Radhakrishnan was a scholar, philosopher, and teacher. He was also a strong advocate for education and believed that teachers played a vital role in shaping the future of the nation. In 1962, when his students asked him to celebrate his birthday, he requested that they instead observe September 5th as Teachers’ Day.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 43rd ASEAN summit in Jakarta to be held from 5th to 7th September: The 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Jakarta is being held from 5th to 7th of September.

Singapore’s Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement today that ASEAN leaders will discuss ways to ensure the bloc’s continued relevance and centrality in the evolving regional architecture.  Aim: To discuss strengthening ASEAN integration and expanding collaboration in key areas such as the digital and green economies.

 

2. Gabon's military leader Brice Oligui Nguema sworn in as interim President: Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of Gabon's military junta, has been sworn in as the nation's interim President.  Gabon is the sixth Francophone country to fall under military rule in the last three years as former colonial power France struggles to maintain its influence on the continent. Gabon has been suspended from the African Union following the coup, which has been condemned by the United Nations and France.

 

3. Visakhapatnam Port's International Cruise Terminal inaugurated: The International Cruise Terminal at Visakhapatnam Port, is poised to become a pivotal gateway for both domestic and international cruise tourism along India's eastern coast. This world-class facility promises to offer a transformative experience to tourists while fostering economic growth and benefiting local communities. About Cruise Terminal: A berth measuring 180 meters in length. Four mooring dolphins, two on each side, extending the total length to 300 meters.

 

4. CCI approves merger of Vistara into Air India: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger of Tata SIA Airlines into Air India, subject to certain conditions. This landmark merger also involves Singapore Airlines (SIA) and entails the acquisition of shares in the merged entity, Air India, subject to certain voluntary commitments. TSAL (Tata SIA Airlines Limited) is a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines with the former holding 51% and the latter 49%. As part of the merger transaction, SIA shall also invest Rs 2,059 crore in Air India. Post the consolidation, SIA shall hold 25.1% shareholding in Air India. The consolidation will make Air India India’s largest international carrier and second-largest domestic carrier.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Max Verstappen’s historic 10th consecutive race win at the Italian GP 2023: Max Verstappen made history at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix, scoring his 10th consecutive Formula 1 victory and setting a remarkable new record. Max Verstappen achieved a remarkable feat in one season in Formula One, surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s previous record of nine consecutive wins a decade ago. The victory at Monza takes Verstappen’s total race wins this year to 12 and increases Red Bull’s chances of becoming the first F1 team to win every race in a season. 25-year-old Max Verstappen has won 47 races so far, making him fifth on the all-time list of Formula One race winners. Red Bull also broke the record for most consecutive F1 wins by a constructor with 15 — a record previously held by Ferrari. Max Verstappen (race winner), Sergio Pérez – (2nd place), Carlos Sainz – (3rd place), Charles Leclerc – (4th place)

 

2. Mohun Bagan SG defeats East Bengal 1-0 at Durand Cup finals: Mohun Bagal Super Giant clinched the Durand Cup 2023 trophy beating East Bengal 1-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal. With this victory, Mohun Bagan SG became the first team in Durand Cup history to win 17 titles. With 16 titles, East Bengal are the second-most successful team in the Durand Cup. Earlier, Mohun Bagan had made it to the Durand cup finals in 2004, 2009 and 2019, but could not register a victory back then.

·       Golden Ball Award – Nandhakumar Sekar (East Bengal)

·       Golden Boot Award – David Lalhlansanga (Mohammedan Sporting)

·       Golden Glove Award – Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Airtel to acquire 23,000 MWh of energy for Nxtra data centers: Bharti Airtel has announced its commitment to purchase 23,000 MWh of renewable energy by Q4 FY 23–24 to power its data centre subsidiary, Nxtra. Aim:  To reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability.  Through an open access route, Airtel will acquire stakes in Continuum Green’s project company, which will supply green power from solar and wind projects to six Nxtra Edge data centres located in Madhya Pradesh.

2. Bajaj Auto’s arm gets RBI nod to commence NBFC operation: Bajaj Auto informed stock exchanges in its filing that its subsidiary Bajaj Auto Consumer Finance has received a Certificate of Registration from the RBI to commence the business of a non-banking finance company. Company has also stated that Bajaj Auto Consumer Finance will carry out the business of nonbanking financial institutions without accepting public deposits. The two- and three-wheeler maker had made an application on July 9 2023 to the RBI for an NBFC licence.

 

3. Indian Bank partners with OneCard launch mobile-first, premium credit card: Indian Bank, a public sector bank in India, has announced its partnership with OneCard, aimed at introducing state-of-the-art, mobile-first, contactless, metal co-branded credit cards. Aim: To empower users with full digital control over their credit card interactions ranging from real-time transactions tracking, spends management, EMI conversion, reward redemption, repayments, monthly budget planning to credit limit adjustments and seamless payments, all in-app.

 

4. IDFC First Bank makes digital rupee app interoperable with UPI QR codes: IDFC FIRST Bank has unveiled a new enhancement, the integration of UPI QR Codes with its Central Bank Digital Currency app, the IDFC FIRST Bank Digital Rupee.  Aim: To encourage the use of the digital rupee and make it more accessible. The new feature simplifies the process for merchants to accept payments made with the digital rupee.  This development allows individuals to easily use digital rupees for payments through existing UPI QR codes at various merchant outlets.

 

5. The first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023 held in Gujarat: The WHO has released the outcome document of first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023 in the form of “Gujarat Declaration”.  The declaration reaffirmed global commitments towards indigenous knowledge, biodiversity and traditional, complementary and integrative medicine.  WHO underlined that the application of rigorous scientific methods is needed to better understand, assess and, where appropriate, apply more holistic, context-specific.