Daily GK Update- 14th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ashok Leyland delivers India’s first LNG-powered haulage truck: Ashok Leyland becomes the first Indian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to unveil an in-house LNG engine -powered haulage truck - AVTR 1922 compliant with BSVI Stage II emission standards. The AVTR 1922, powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), is built on the AVTR platform and shares a high degree of commonality with Ashok Leyland's existing diesel truck range.  This ensures that our customers benefit from streamlined service and maintenance processes.

 

2. Meghalaya launches ‘Food Security’ campaign to achieve zero hunger: Meghalaya has launched the ‘Food Security’ Campaign, which focuses on sensitizing the public about the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 and strives to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 – ‘Zero Hunger. Objective: To create general awareness about food security being a right of the citizen and calls upon the public at ground zero community level to work together towards ‘Zero Hunger’ to meet the needs of the public at the bottom of the poverty pyramid.

 

3. Ayodhya sets Guinness Record by lighting 22 Lakh Diyas: Uttar Pradesh has set a new Guinness world record by lighting over 22 lakh Diyas (lamps) in Ayodhya. Ayodhya began the Deepotav festival with the formation of the Yogi Adityanath government in 2017. The government lit up around 51,000 diyas in 2017, and then 4.10 lakh Diyas in 2019. The number then every year goes up with over 9 lakh diyas illuminated in 2021. In 2022, over 17 lakh diyas were lit up across the Ram ki Pairi ghats. However, that year Guinness Book of World Records considered only those diyas that remained lit up for at least five minutes, hence the record was set at 15,76,955 diyas

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. INS Sumedha makes port call at Walvis Bay, Namibia: In a strategic move as part of the Indian Navy’s mission-based deployment to West Africa and the Atlantic, INS Sumedha conducted a port call at Walvis Bay, Namibia, from November 10-13, 2023. Aim: To bolster maritime security, foster warm relations with Namibia, and demonstrate solidarity with its allies. Objective: To facilitate professional interactions, cross-deck visits, and social engagements with the Namibian Navy

 

2. World Diabetes Day is observed on 14th November: Around the globe on November 14th, World Diabetes Day raises awareness and provides education concerning a disease that affects over 400 million adults internationally. The theme for 2023 is 'Access to diabetes care' Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is also a leading cause of blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease.  Besides causing severe medical issues, the condition also causes millions of premature deaths each year.

3. India's Tejas Aircraft Soars to New Heights at Dubai Airshow: India's indigenously developed Tejas aircraft stole the spotlight at the Dubai Airshow, showcasing its exceptional performance capabilities It is a single-seat, single-jet engine, multi-role light fighter, that wowed spectators with precision during a series of thrilling aerobatic maneuvers The Dubai Airshow provided a platform for Indian defense manufacturers to showcase the Tejas as a cost-effective and reliable option for countries seeking advanced fighter aircraft

 

4. US, South Korea Revise Security Agreement to Deter North Korea Threats: The United States and South Korea have revised a bilateral security agreement aimed at deterring North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile threat.  Aim: To counter the threat of nuclear weapons and other armaments by North Korea The strategy, which holds that the US will use strategic military assets, including nuclear forces, to defend its allies, has taken on a greater significance as North Korea pushes ahead with its ballistic missile and nuclear programs

 

5. India ranked 117th among 129 nations in inclusiveness index by US varsity: India is ranked 117th in the list of 129 countries in the world in the inclusiveness index published at California University, United States. New Zealand finished first in the index for the second consecutive year. Portugal recorded its best showing by securing second place followed by the Netherlands in third place. The index examines inclusivity in terms of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and the general population using several measures.

 

6. New Zealand launches interactive map for biodiversity restoration: New Zealand launched a new interactive map to restore a minimum of 15 percent local biodiversity within every catchment in the next nearly 100 years. Aim: To provides a tool for those seeking to make strategically significant investment decisions on biodiversity redress The interactive map from Eco-index includes information on the type of habitat that existed there historically and targets for restoring 15 percent of biodiversity in each area.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Canada won its first Billie Jean King Cup: Leylah Fernandez and Marina Stakusic won their singles matches as Canada beat Italy 2-0 to claim its first-ever Billie Jean King Cup. Stakusic ranked 258th in the world, put Canada ahead by defeating No. 43 Martina Trevisan 7-5, 6-3 for the biggest win of her career, then Fernandez sealed the victory by beating Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-3 at La Cartuja Stadium. Canada, captained by Heidi El Tabakh, became the 13th nation to win the Billie Jean King cup and the second consecutive new champion after Switzerland won in Glasgow 12 months ago. The Canada men’s team is the current Davis Cup champion. The women’s teams competed in four round-robin groups, with the winners advancing to the semifinals. The United States was eliminated by the Czech Republic in a group that also included title-holder Switzerland. The biggest team competition in women’s tennis started two days after the end of the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, which featured the top eight players on the tour — including winner Iga Swiatek.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ICICI Bank receives RBI nod to make Securities a wholly owned subsidiary: ICICI Bank received approval from the Reserve Bank of India for making ICICI Securities a wholly-owned subsidiary.

In June, the private lender approved a proposal to delist ICICI Securities and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the bank after delisting.  ICICI Securities, promoted by ICICI Bank, is the country's leading retail-led equity franchise, distributor of financial products, and investment bank.

 

2. India & ADB sign $400 million loan to support urban reform agenda: The Indian government has signed a $400 million policy-based loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support its urban reform agenda, which includes building high-quality urban infrastructure, increasing service delivery, and fostering efficient governance systems. While Sub-programme 1 was approved in 2021 with a $350 million budget to implement national-level policies and guidelines to strengthen urban services, Sub-programme 2 supports investment planning and reform measures at the state and urban local body (ULB) levels. The programme supports the Government of India’s urban sector strategy, with a focus on urban reforms aimed at making cities livable and centres of economic growth through the provision of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. Moreover, cities will be incentivised to become creditworthy through different reforms aimed at increasing revenues, such as property taxes and user fees, improving efficiency, and rationalising expenditures.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, Oberoi Group Chairman passed away: Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi aka ‘Biki’, the doyen of Indian hospitality and Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group passed away

He was 94 years old. He was the Executive Chairman of EIH Limited, the Flagship Company of The Oberoi Group, and the Chairman of Oberoi Hotels Private Limited, the major shareholder of EIH Limited. Popularly known as the man who changed the outlook of the hotel business in India.

Daily GK Update- 13th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Uttarakhand To Become The First State To Adopt The Uniform Civil Code: Uttarakhand is reportedly set to become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code. The UCC is a proposal to formulate and implement personal laws that will apply uniformly to all citizens regardless of their religion, gender, or sexual orientation.  Aim: To strengthen the social fabric, promote gender equality, and help fight economic, social, and religious inequalities. The code comes under Article 44 of the Constitution.

 

2. 11 November – National Education Day: National Education Day is celebrated on November 11 every year to mark the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first education minister. This day is observed to honour the remarkable contributions of Maulana Azad in the field of education and institution building in the country. Theme 2023 – Embracing Innovation Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was the first Education Minister of independent India and served in the position from 1947 to 1958. His work towards making the education system better and accessible is praised and respected even today.

 

3. CDC Identifies New Sub-Variant JN.1 of Omicron: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States have reported the emergence of a new sub-variant of the Omicron variant, known as JN.1, with limited information available about its characteristics and potential impact. Discovery of Sub-Variant ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. New Delhi to host 33rd Conference on World Animal Health: The 33rd Conference of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific will begin in New Delhi. The delegates from 36 member countries including India, senior officers from regional and international organizations, and representatives from the private sector and private veterinary organizations will participate in the conference. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic emphasize the crucial role of scientific expertise in assessing risks at the human-animal-environment interface. Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala will inaugurate the four-day conference. The decision to host this event was made during the 90th General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the WOAH in Paris in May this year.

 

2. 10 November – World Science Day for Peace and Development: World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated annually on November 10. It is a day to acknowledge the role of science in society and highlights the significant role of involving the public in debates surrounding the effects of new scientific innovations and to create awareness among people. Theme 2023 – Building Trust in Science The day aims to connect science with society to provide citizens with knowledge of science for sustainable development and peaceful cohabitation. The origin of World Science Day for Peace and Development is linked to the positive outcomes that emanated from the 1999 World Conference on Science in Budapest, Hungary. These achievements led UNESCO to formally declare the celebration of this day in 2001.

 

3. 13 November – World Kindness Day: World Kindness Day is observed every year on 13 November to promote and celebrate acts of kindness. This day serves as a reminder of the positive impact that kindness has on individuals, communities, and the world at large. Theme 2023 – Be Kind Wherever Possible World Kindness Day was first introduced by the World Kindness Movement (WKM) back in 1998. The World Kindness Movement is a coalition of nations and organizations dedicated to promoting kindness and goodwill on a global scale. The idea behind World Kindness Day was to highlight the positive power of kindness and encourage people to practice acts of kindness in their daily lives. A conference was held in Tokyo in 1997, where representatives from various countries came together to discuss different ways to promote kindness and compassion in society. The following year, on November 13th, 1998, in Japan and Singapore, the first World Kindness Day was observed.

 

4. Iceland Declares Emergency as Quakes Portend Volcanic Eruption: A state of emergency was declared in Iceland after powerful earthquakes rocked the Reykjanes peninsula, signaling a possible volcanic eruption could occur within days. Earthquake Swarm Near Populated Areas Thousands of tremors have hit near Grindavik village since October. Friday ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rachin Ravindra & Hayley Matthews won ICC Player of Month award: New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra claimed the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for October 2023. Ravindra, the 23-year-old Blackcaps batter, claimed his first Men’s Player of the Month award, showcasing exceptional form in the World Cup 2023 group stages. Ravindra beat India’s speedster Jasprit Bumrah and South Africa opener Quinton de Kock for the prestigious accolade after a scorching start to the 2023 World Cup, claiming his award. His remarkable 406 runs at an average of 81.20 included a superb 123 not out against England and a blazing 116 against Australia. While West Indies captain Hayley Matthews bags ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for October 2023. Matthews, the top-ranked all-rounder in the women’s T20I rankings, secured her second Women’s Player of the Month award. She led West Indies with scintillating performances in the T20I series against Australia, amassing 310 runs at an average of 155, with a standout unbeaten 132.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Moody’s retains India’s 2023 growth forecast at 6.7%: Moody’s Investors Service retained India’s economic growth forecast for 2023 at 6.7 percent and said strong domestic demand will likely sustain the growth in the near term. With exports remaining weak against an unfavourable global economic backdrop, Moody’s in its Global Macroeconomic Outlook 2024-25 said sustained domestic demand growth is propelling India’s economy. Moody’s expects India’s real GDP to grow about 6.7 percent in 2023, 6.1 percent in 2024 and 6.3 percent in 2025.

India’s real GDP rose 7.8 percent year-over-year in June quarter, up from 6.1 percent in March quarter and bolstered by a 6 percent increase in household consumption and solid capital expenditure and service sector activity.

 

2. World Bank Approves $150 Million to Strengthen Sri Lanka’s Financial Sector: The World Bank has recently approved a substantial financial assistance package of USD 150 million to bolster Sri Lanka’s financial and institutional sectors. This support comes at a crucial time as the country grapples with a severe economic crisis. Addressing ..

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Dr. Somdutta Singh presented with Coveted Champions of Change Award: Seasoned entrepreneur Somdutta Singh has been bestowed the prestigious “Champions of Change Award” by the Interactive Forum on Indian Economy, for her exemplary work in entrepreneurship, innovation, and social development. The award was presented to her in the form of a Gold Medal and a Citation by the Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawad Chand Gehlot.

The selection of the awardees was done by Constitutional Jury members headed by Justice K G Balakrishnan, Former Chief Justice of India and Former Chairman, NHRC. The award was bestowed on eminent personalities for their work in areas like social development, community services, and acts of courage.

Daily GK Update- 12th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. THDC India inks pact to develop renewable energy projects in Karnataka: THDC India Ltd is planning to set up 3,270 megawatts of clean energy projects, including pumped storage and floating solar, in Karnataka. In this regard, the Uttarakhand-based company signed two Memorandum of Understanding with Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) and Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) in Bengaluru. These collaborative efforts encompass the development of a diverse range of projects, spanning ground-mounted, floating solar projects, and hybrid projects including pumped storage projects (PSPs) with a cumulative capacity of around 3,270 MW. THDCIL has a portfolio of 10 projects (hydro, thermal, wind & solar) with a total capacity of 4,516 MW

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mika becomes world’s first robot CEO: In the era where many workers are worrying about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing their jobs, one company has announced that it is hiring the first humanoid robot chief executive officer (CEO). Dictador, a spirit brand based in Colombia’s Cartagena, has gone viral for appointing Mika, who is manifested as a robot. Mika is a research project between Hanson Robotics and Dictador. It has been customised to represent company value. Hanson Robotics also created Sophia, the popular humanoid robot. At the event, Mika said, “My presence on this stage is purely symbolic. In reality, conferring an honorary professor title upon me is a tribute to the greatness of the human mind in which the idea of artificial intelligence was born. It is also a recognition of the courage and open-mindedness of the owner of Dictador, who entrusted his company to a humble spokesperson with a processor instead of a heart.

 

2. 10 November – World Science Day for Peace and Development: World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated annually on November 10. It is a day to acknowledge the role of science in society and highlights the significant role of involving the public in debates surrounding the effects of new scientific innovations and to create awareness among people. Theme 2023 – Building Trust in Science The day aims to connect science with society to provide citizens with knowledge of science for sustainable development and peaceful cohabitation. The origin of World Science Day for Peace and Development is linked to the positive outcomes that emanated from the 1999 World Conference on Science in Budapest, Hungary. These achievements led UNESCO to formally declare the celebration of this day in 2001.

 

3. 12 November – World Pneumonia Day: World Pneumonia Day is observed annually on November 12 and is a global effort to educate people about the disease and its effects. On this day, health organizations, together with ordinary people, try to educate, raise awareness, and promote advocacy that pneumonia is curable. On 12 November 2009, the first World Pneumonia Day was observed. On this day, the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia launched the ‘Stop Pneumonia’ campaign, which was backed by governments and civil organizations leading to the enactment of sound policies.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rachin Ravindra & Hayley Matthews won ICC Player of Month award: New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra claimed the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for October 2023. Ravindra, the 23-year-old Blackcaps batter, claimed his first Men’s Player of the Month award, showcasing exceptional form in the World Cup 2023 group stages. Ravindra beat India’s speedster Jasprit Bumrah and South Africa opener Quinton de Kock for the prestigious accolade after a scorching start to the 2023 World Cup, claiming his award. His remarkable 406 runs at an average of 81.20 included a superb 123 not out against England and a blazing 116 against Australia. While West Indies captain Hayley Matthews bags ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for October 2023. Matthews, the top-ranked all-rounder in the women’s T20I rankings, secured her second Women’s Player of the Month award. She led West Indies with scintillating performances in the T20I series against Australia, amassing 310 runs at an average of 155, with a standout unbeaten 132.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SIDBI launches ‘Sumpoorn’ MSME Economic Activity Index with Jocata: A digital lending transformation platform, Jocata has collaborated with SIDBI to launch a one-of-its-kind MSME Economic Activity Index Sumpoorn. For the first time ever, this MSME-specific high-frequency indicator will capture the state of India’s growth engine, its MSMEs, which contribute more than a quarter of the country’s overall Gross Value Added (GVA) and more than 40 percent of its total. It is a relative amplitude-adjusted composite diffusion index developed using consent-led and anonymized monthly sales data reflected in official GSTN returns of more than 50,000 credit-seeking MSMEs over time.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Nagaland Governor Padmanabha Acharya passes away: Senior BJP leader and former governor of Nagaland Padmanabha Acharya passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai. Acharya had served as governor of Nagaland, Tripura, Assam and also handled the responsibilities as the governor of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. The BJP veteran had also worked with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.

 

Daily GK Update- 11th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. National Education Day: 11th November: National Education Day is observed every year on November 11 across India to mark the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was the first education minister of independent India. He served as the education minister from August 15, 1947 to February 2, 1958. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad established the first Indian Institute of Technology – IIT Kharagpur. Maulana Azad was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1992

 

2. Union Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey launched the ‘Annual Capacity Building' : Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) under the aegis of Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) successfully organised “BHEL SAMVAAD 3.0 - अनुसन्धान से आत्मनिर्भरता की ओर, BHEL की एक और पहल” the 3rd edition of its dialogue with domestic business partners, industry associations, academia and research institutes to promote local suppliers, at Bharat Mandapam Five pillars of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (economy, infrastructure, systems, vibrant demography and demand)

 

3. Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023:  In a rapidly evolving media landscape, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry of India unveiled the ‘Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023,’ a significant move to harness the potential of digital media for government communication. This policy empowers the Central Bureau of Communication ..

 

4. Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023: On November 10, 2023, the Information & Broadcasting Ministry unveiled the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, signaling a significant step towards modernizing and regulating India’s broadcasting sector. This proposed legislation aims to replace outdated Acts, Rules, and Guidelines with ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Japan gets a new Island after an undersea volcano eruption: The fourth edition of bilateral exercise between Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy, BONGOSAGAR-23, and the fifth edition of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) by the two navies were conducted in the Northern Bay of Bengal from November 7 to 9. Indian Navy Ships Kuthar, Kiltan and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Dornier took part in the exercise. Bangladesh Navy Ships Abu Bakr, Abu Ubaidah and MPA also took part in the exercise.

 

2. Japan gets a new Island after an undersea volcano eruption: The world’s newest island has been formed off the coast of the Japanese island of Iwo Jima in the Pacific Ocean following an undersea volcanic eruption around 1,200 km south of Tokyo. It located about 1 km off the southern coast of Iwo Jima, started its latest series of eruptions on October 21. The unnamed island was formed after it rose from the ocean and was documented in pictures taken by the country’s Maritime Self-Defense Force on November 1.

 

3. South Africa Paves the Way for Shared Parental Leave in Africa: South Africa has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of family and parental rights as it becomes the first country in Africa to introduce shared parental leave. This groundbreaking development was brought about by a recent high court ruling ..

 

4. Indian and Bangladesh Navies Conduct Bilateral Exercises in the Bay of Bengal: The Indian and Bangladesh navies successfully conducted the 4th edition of bilateral exercises, Bongosagar-23, and the 5th edition of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) in the northern Bay of Bengal from November 7 to 9. These joint exercises aimed to strengthen cooperation ..

 

5. U.S. Air Force’s B-21 “Raider” Takes Its Maiden Flight: The U.S. Air Force’s highly anticipated B-21 “Raider” bomber, with its distinctive flying wing design, successfully completed its inaugural flight on a historic day at the Air Force’s Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the B-21 Raider

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ICC suspends Sri Lanka Cricket after government interference: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) membership with immediate effect for government interference in running the cricket board of Sri Lanka. As per the ICC rule, there should be no government interference in the governance, regulation or administration of the cricket board. The Sri Lankan parliament has passed a resolution for sacking the cricket governing body of Sri Lanka.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Government Eases Rules for Senior Citizen’s Savings Scheme and PPF: The Indian government has introduced revised rules for various small savings schemes, including the Senior Citizen’s Savings Scheme and the Public Provident Fund (PPF), with the aim of making them more attractive to investors. These changes include extending the timeframe ..

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Astronaut Frank Borman Passes Away:  Frank Borman will forever be remembered as the commander of Apollo 8, the mission that circled the moon 10 times and laid the groundwork for the lunar landing that followed. Alongside his crewmates, James Lovell and William Anders, Borman embarked ..

Daily GK Update- 10th Nov, 2023

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Pankaj Tripathi named as 'UPI Safety Ambassador': The National Payments Corporation of India has announced the appointment of actor Pankaj Tripathi as its 'UPI Safety Ambassador.'  Aim: To strengthen safety awareness on digital payment platforms This move comes in the wake of ongoing discussions regarding the safety and security of digital payment platforms, particularly United Payments Interface. NPCI's initiatives such as UPI, RuPay, and IMPS, reach the farthest corners of India, including cities, and villages.

 

2. IBM And AWS Launched An Innovation Lab In Bengalur: IT major IBM and Amazon Web Services announced an expansion of their services to facilitate mutual clients operations and derive value from generative artificial intelligence (AI). As part of this, IBM launched the Innovation Lab, in collaboration with AWS, at the IBM Client Experience Center in Bengaluru. Objective: To showcase the full potential of the joint value proposition that IBM and AWS offer to our clients from across the world.

 

3. Hermes 900 Starliner drones set to be inducted into Indian Army: The induction of the Heron Mark-2 drones along with the planned induction of the Hermes-900 drones is set to boost the surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of the Indian Army.  Aim: To boost the reconnaissance and surveillance capability of the Indian Army also their teaming with combat helicopters, which will prove to be a game changer in the third dimension India is also expected to receive 31 General Atomics MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones for the Army and IAF.

 

4. Government launches ‘Bharat Atta’ Initiative for affordable wheat flour: The Central government has launched a new wheat flour scheme called ‘Bharat Atta’ at a subsidized price of Rs 27.50 per kg. The scheme is aimed at providing affordable wheat flour to the poor and vulnerable sections of the society. Bharat Atta is a fortified wheat flour that is made with a blend of wheat, rice, and pulses. It is a good source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. The scheme will be implemented through the Public Distribution System (PDS), ensuring easy access to affordable wheat flour for the target population. To ensure widespread availability, Bharat Atta will be sold through cooperatives NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar. These agencies will utilize their extensive network of 800 mobile vans and 2,000-odd outlets spread across the country to effectively distribute the subsidized wheat flour.

 

5. 9 November – Legal Services Day: Legal Services Day is observed every year on 9 November. The day holds historical importance as it marks the anniversary of the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act in 1995. This legislation paved the way for legal protection and provisions for free legal services to the people belonging to marginalised and vulnerable sections. The day is also aimed at spreading legal awareness among all. The Legal Services Authorities Act was passed on November 9, 1995, with a vision to offer legal aid to poor and marginalised people. This landmark legislation led to the establishment of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on December 5, 1995. Since then, National Legal Services Day is celebrated annually. The day focuses on creating awareness about the availability of free legal aid and alternative dispute resolution methods.

 

6. Uttarakhand celebrates 23rd Foundation Day: Uttarakhand has celebrated its 23rd Foundation Day on November 9. It was on this day in 2000, that Uttarakhand was created by carving out from Uttar Pradesh. On this occasion, various programs are being organized in different parts of the state. The main program was organized at Police Line in Dehradun, where President Droupadi Murmu reviewed and took a salute of the Uttarakhand Police parade.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kozhikode and Gwalior Join UNESCO Creative Cities Network: Kozhikode in Kerala and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh have made it to the prestigious creative cities list of UNESCO for contributions in the fields of literature and music respectively. On World Cities Day, 55 cities join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). New cities were acknowledged for their strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as part of their development strategies, and displaying innovative practices in human-centred urban planning

 

2. WHO Confirms India’s Achievement In Decreasing TB Incidents: The Global Tuberculosis Report 2023, issued by the WHO offered a mixed bag for India. While India improved case detection for TB and was able to cover the losses made during the pandemic in this regard, it missed major milestones.  India, incidentally, accounts for the highest TB burden across the world contributing 27% of all the TB cases followed by Indonesia (10%) and China (7.1%).  The current report of 2023 gives figures on various indicators of TB for 2022.

 

3. India and Netherlands sign a MoI to cooperate on medical product regulation : India and Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) to cooperate on medical product regulation and enhance the quality of medical products and healthcare services for both countries at Hague, Netherlands.  An Indian delegation led by Shri Khuba is in Netherlands to participate in the second World Local Production Forum (WLPF) meeting being held in The Hague. Aim: To increase access to medicines and other health technologies.

 

4. India and Nepal Border Forces Join Hands to Combat Crime: Border forces of India and Nepal have expressed their commitment to strengthen bilateral security efforts by focussing on curbing trans-border crimes, smuggling of arms and ammunition, and combating human trafficking.  Aim: To facilitate the movement of citizens from both nations, particularly during festive seasons.  The decision was taken in the seventh annual Coordination Meeting between Sashastra Seema Bal of India and Armed Police Force of Nepal in New Delhi.

 

5. 9 November 2023 – World Usability Day: World Usability Day or Make Things Easier Day is celebrated annually on the second Thursday in November. This year celebrated on 9 November.

Objective – To promote the values of usability, usability engineering, user-centered design, universal usability, and every user’s obligation to demand better things. Theme 2023 – Collaboration and Cooperation The User Experience Professional Association established World Usability Day in November 2005. The association was founded in 1991, with a membership of 50, and has since grown to serve a community of nearly 2,400 professionals around the world by promoting user experience (UX) concepts and techniques through annual international conferences, the “Journal of Usability Studies” (JUS), the “User Experience Magazine,” and 59 local chapters in 30 countries.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. R Vaishali and Vidit Gujrathi win FIDE Grand Swiss Women's and Open titles: In Chess, R Vaishali defeated Mongolia’s Batkhuyag Munguntuul to win FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2023 at the Isle of Man in UK.  Vidit Gujrathi beat Alexandr Predke of Serbia to record his seventh victory in the event and take the top spot in open section.  Vaishali became the first Indian to win the Grand Swiss and will have her task cut out in the Candidates alongside India’s first woman Grandmaster - Koneru Humpy.

 

2. Meg Lanning Announces Retirement From International Cricket: Australian Women's captain Meg Lanning has announced her retirement from international cricket.  Meg Lanning quit international cricket after winning seven World Cup titles during a 241-match career. Lanning, with two ICC Women's Cricket World Cup wins and five ICC Women's T20 World Cup victories to her name, retires from cricket at 31.  She has scored over 8,000 runs in all formats for her nation. She won her first ICC trophy at the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2012.

 

3. Novak Djokovic beats Grigor Dimitrov to win 7th Paris Masters title: Top-ranked Novak Djokovic won a record-extending seventh title at the Paris Masters with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Grigor Dimitrov in the final. Djokovic, who had been pushed to three sets in his three previous matches, enjoyed a comfortable afternoon under the roof of the Palais Omnisports. The 36-year-old surpassed his own record as the tournament’s oldest champion, notching his 40th Masters 1000 title and extending his winning streak to 18 matches.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UBS raises India’s GDP Forecast to 6.3% for FY24: UBS has upped India’s GDP growth forecast by 10 basis points (100 basis points mean 1 percentage point) to 6.3 percent. Also, it has increased India’s FY25 GDP growth forecast upwards by 20 basis points to 6.2 per cent. However, it feels that macro risks and next year’s general poll will be key factors to watch. It can be noted that the Reserve Bank has estimated growth to come at 6.5 percent for FY24, while Governor Shaktikanta Das recently said that the number for the July-September 2023 period will surprise on the upside.

 

2. Pankaj Malhotra takes over as Member, Finance at AAI: Executive Director of Central Electronics Limited (CEL), Pankaj Malhotra has taken over the charge of the post of Member (Finance) at the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Prior to this appointment, Pankaj Malhotra was serving as Executive Director (Finance) at Central Electronics Limited, a government of India enterprise under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology. Member (Finance) of AAI, Pankaj Malhotra, will be in charge of finance, accounts, and the overall financial operation of the organization. He will also be responsible for evolving and formulating policies and strategies related to the entire gamut of financial operations, including resource mobilization and statutory compliances.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Karnataka Law minister D. B. Chandregowda passed away: Veteran politician and former minister D B Chandre Gowda, who vacated his Lok Sabha seat for former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that allowed her to stage a political comeback post Emergency in 1978, passed away at the age of 87. Gowda, who had represented all the four Houses — legislative assembly, council, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, was also part of various political parties such as — Praja Socialist Party, Karnataka Kranti Ranga, Janata Party, Janata Dal, Congress and BJP. He was born at Daradahalli of Mudigere Taluk, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka on 26 August 1936 to D. A. Byre Gowda and Puttamma.