Daily GK Update- 1st Dec, 2023

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Twinkle Khanna launches her fourth book 'Welcome to Paradise': The renowned actress & author Twinkle Khanna celebrated the launch of her fourth book, “Welcome to Paradise,” in Mumbai The book is a collection of short stories, delves into the complex lives of women navigating love, marriage and loneliness, all presented with Twinkle’s signature wit and honor.

 

2. Jal Shakti Ministry to organize Jal Itihas Utsav in New Delhi: Jal Shakti Ministry will organize Jal Itihas Utsav in New Delhi today.  Aims: To raise public consciousness about safeguarding water heritage sites, creating a sense of ownership among the masses as well as promote tourism.  The grand event marks the culmination of Water Heritage Fortnight being celebrated in various districts across the nation at 75 Natural Water Heritage Structures.

 

3. Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates new factory of Dixon Technology in Nodia: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated a new factory of Dixon Technology in Nodia, UP  to boost the local smartphone ecosystem.  Dixon Technologies is a contract manufacturer of televisions, washing machines, smartphones, LED bulbs, battens, downlighters and CCTV security systems for companies such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Panasonic and Philips.  It has 17 manufacturing units in India.

 

4. Nagaland celebrates its 61st Statehood day today: Nagaland is celebrating its 61st Statehood day today. It became the 16th State of the Union of India on 1st December 1963.  A state level function will be held at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Kohima this morning. On the occasion, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will launch Nagaland School Safety Policy Digital Training Platform and Nagaland Disaster Risk Reduction Road Map. 

 

5. PM Modi dedicates 10,000th Jan Aushadi Kendra at Deoghar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone in the healthcare sector by inaugurating the 10,000th Jan Aushadhi Kendras at AIIMS, Deoghar. This event also witnessed the launch of an ambitious program aimed at increasing the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country from 10,000 to 25,000.

 

6. Border Security Force raising day is celebrated on 1st December.: On December 1 every year, the Border Security Force (BSF) of India celebrates its Raising Day. This day marks the creation of BSF, which is India’s main border-guarding organization established on December 1, 1965. BSF, known as the First Line of Defence for Indian Territories, is a paramilitary force responsible for protecting India’s land borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh in times of peace. Their role includes preventing transnational crime.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World AIDS day is being observed today: World AIDS Day 2023 observed annually on December 1, serves as a crucial occasion to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. The theme for World AIDS Day 2023, “Let Communities Lead!” AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body's immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.

 

2. Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurates 5th Global Ayurveda Festival at Thiruvananthap: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the 5th edition of Global Ayurveda Festival (GAF) 2023 in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. GAF- 2023 would be held in the state capital of Kerala from December 1-5, with the theme 'Emerging Challenges in Healthcare and a Resurgent Ayurveda'. Delegations from over 70 countries will be present at the event, which underlines the growing recognition of Ayurveda's relevance in addressing global health concerns.

 

3. Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia becomes 8th wonder of the world: Angkor Wat temple, located in northern province of Siem Reap in Cambodia has become the eighth Wonder of the World. The unofficial title Eighth Wonder of the World is sometimes given to buildings, structures, projects, designs, or even people who are thought to be comparable to the seven Wonders of the World. The Angkor Wat was built as a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and gradually progressed to become a major temple of Buddhism.

 

4. Nepal is the first country in South Asia to register same sex marriage.: Nepal has witnessed its initial same-sex marriage, as a trans-woman and a gay man legally tied the knot in the Lamjung district. Nepal has officially documented its first same-sex marriage, and this comes five months after the Supreme Court legalized it. According to PTI, a 35-year-old trans-woman named Maya Gurung and a 27-year-old gay man, Surendra Pandey, got legally married in Dordi Rural Municipality in the Lamjung district of Western Nepal. This was confirmed by Sanjib Gurung ,the president of Blue Diamond Society.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Coast Guard Commander Conference’s 40th edition inaugurated by the Defence Minister.: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 40th coast guard commander conference. He has urged the Indian Coast Guard to keep working hard to strengthen the country’s coastal defenses and maritime abilities. Speaking at the 40th Coast Guard Commanders Conference in New Delhi, he praised them for leading in search and rescue and pollution response. He also highlighted the importance of fighting against drug trafficking. During the conference he learned about the Coast Guard’s ongoing projects, readiness, and future plans from Director General Rakesh Pal. The three-day conference focuses on addressing current maritime challenges and enhancing coastal surveillance.

 

2. The first edition of high level virtual interaction MAHASAGAR launched by the Indian Navy.: On November 29, 2023, the Indian Navy reached an important achievement by hosting the first MAHASAGAR, Maritime Heads for Active Security And Growth for All in the Region, a virtual meeting to enhance safety and development in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Leaders from navies and maritime agencies of important coastal regions participated, promoting a joint maritime strategy to tackle shared challenges. On its one-year anniversary, the Indian Navy’s initiative MAHASAGAR, stands as a significant achievement in encouraging virtual meetings among Maritime Heads for the security and growth of everyone in the region.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Punjab lifts 13th Hockey India Senior Men Hockey National Championship 2023: Punjab claimed the gold medal after their penalty shootout victory over defending champion Haryana in the final of the 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023. Punjab defeated Haryana 9-8 in the shootout after both sides played out a 2-2 draw in regulation time. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu overcame Karnataka in penalty shootout to claim the bronze medal.

 

2. West Indies' Dowrich announces international retirement at 32: Former West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich (32-year) has retired from international cricket. He played in 35 tests, scoring 1570 runs with a high score of 125 not out against Sri Lanka in 2018. He also had 85 catches and five stumpings as a wicketkeeper.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Minho & Lee Dong Wook chosen as Global Ambassadors for the Olympics: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has chosen Minho from SHINee and renowned K-drama star Lee Dong Wook to serve as the first Global Ambassadors for ‘OlympicTM Friends.’  The Republic of Korea's Gangwon province will host the 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games.  Gangwon 2024 seeks to give young people a stage on which to celebrate peace and unity via sports, building a common goal for a brighter future.

 

2. French government honours translator and writer Arshia Sattar: Renowned translator Dr Arshia Sattar has been conferred with ‘Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters’ at a special ceremony held at the Consulate General of France in Bengaluru. This award honors her continued commitment to cultural relationship and cooperation between diverse literary worlds. The French government also honored ISRO scientist Dr V R Lalithambika for her engagement in space cooperation between France and India.

 

3. V R Lalithambika was conferred with top French Civilian Award Legion d’Honneur.: V R Lalithambika, who used to lead the Human Spaceflight Program at ISRO, received a top French award called the Légion d’honneur on 28 November. She got this honor because of her important work in strengthening space collaboration between France and India. The Ambassador of France to India, Thierry Mathou, gave her the award on behalf of the French government. This award was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, and it is the most important award given by the French Republic to civilians. People receive it for outstanding service to France, no matter where they’re from.

 

Daily GK Update- 30th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kashi Tamil Sangamam Phase 2 to be held from December 17 to 30, 2023: The second phase of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam programme will be held from the 17th to the 30th of next month. In this regard, the registration portal was launched by IIT Madras yesterday. The programme aims to take forward the objective of reviving the living bonds between Varanasi and Tamil Nadu by facilitating people to connect across different walks of life.

 

2. President inaugurates national conference on integration of Yoga in SES: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a national conference on integration of Yoga in School Education System organized by Kaivalyadhama as part of its centenary year celebrations at Lonavala in Maharashtra. She said that Yoga is an invaluable gift of India to the world community.  Kaivalyadhama is the first Yoga institute to proactively conduct scientific research to demonstrate the benefits and uses of Yoga.

 

3. Railways to upgrade anti-collision tech Kavach to LTE: The Ministry of Railways looks to upgrade to 4G/5G (LTE-based) its indigenous anti-collision system Kavach and expedite its implementation. Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. 

If the driver fails to do so, and prevents the collision between two locomotives equipped with functional Kavach systems. Kavach is already in operation across more than 1,465 route kilometres (rkm) with work ongoing for over 3,000 rkm.

 

4. Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates ‘Classic Imperial’ Luxury Cruise In Kerala: Nitin Gadkari virtually inaugurated 'Classic Imperial,' a luxury cruise vessel, at the Neo classic Boat Jetty on Marine Drive in Kochi to promote cruise tourism in the region. This event was a significant milestone in the efforts to promote cruise tourism in the region.  The Union Minister commended the commissioning of the vessel, emphasizing the display of professional excellence and entrepreneurial skills.

 

Govt extends Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana for another five years: The Government has extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) for another five years from 1st of January 2024. Under the scheme, five kg of free food grains are being provided per month to over 81 crores poor in the country and Antyodaya households get 35 kg of free food grains per month. The free food grains will concurrently ensure uniform implementation of portability under One Nation One Ration Card across the country.

 

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Narendra Modi to embark on two-day visit to Dubai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the World Climate Action Summit. The aim of the summit would be to focus on reducing emissions and supporting developing countries in dealing with extreme weather events.  The Summit is the High-Level Segment of the 28th Conference of Parties, COP-28 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC.

 

2. World Bank funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project New Delhi: The World Bank funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project and Indian Agricultural Research Project New Delhi, Modern Agricultural Science Technology Center for Climate Adapted Agriculture and Water Management has been launched at MPAU, in Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra. The faculty working in Mahatma Phule Agricultural University will be trained in the use of drones, robots, IOT, artificial intelligence, geographic systems, remote sensing, earth engines, etc.

 

3. India to build 10,000 houses in Sri Lanka's tea plantation areas: India will build 10,000 more houses in the plantation areas of Sri Lanka in an extension of its housing project in the country.

It may be recalled that the overall commitment of the Government of India under the Indian Housing Project currently stands at 60,000 houses.  While 46,000 houses were completed in Northern and Eastern Provinces in the first two phases, the third phase for the construction of 4,000 houses in plantation areas is nearing completion. Historic Milestone: Nepal Officially Registers First Same-Sex Marriage: Five months after the landmark decision by Nepal’s Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage, the country has officially registered its first case. This move positions Nepal as the first South Asian country to recognize and formalize same-sex marriages. The groundbreaking event ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Joint Military Exercise ‘Austrahind’ is being organized in Australia: Indian and Australian armed forces conducted tactical exercises in multi-domain operations in urban and semi-urban terrain during the Joint Military Exercise AustraHind 2023 in Australia. The exercise is being conducted in Western Australia’s Perth from November 22 to December 6. The aim of the exercise is to foster collaborative partnership and share best practices between the two nations.

 

2. Indian Navy Receives Third ACTCM Barge: The Indian Navy celebrated a significant achievement on November 30, 2023, with the delivery of the Third Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 17 (Yard 127). The ceremony was graced by the presence of Shri Shankar Mukharjee, INAS, ..

 

SPORTS

 

1. Uganda qualifies for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024: Uganda caused a major upset as it beat Zimbabwe to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, becoming only the fifth African nation to feature in the history of the competition. This will be Uganda’s first-ever appearance in an ICC World Cup event.  With five wins from their six games, Uganda has ensured a top-two finish in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier and booked it's tickets for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Unveiling the Swift Spin of Sagittarius A: At the heart of our galaxy lies Sagittarius A*, a colossal black hole that has captivated astronomers for years. A recent study, utilizing NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, delves into the mysteries of this black hole, revealing not only its rapid ..

 

AWARDS AND HONORS

 

1. Abdullahi Mire wins 2023 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award: Abdullahi Mire has been named the 2023 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award Global Laureate for his work championing the right to education for displaced children. Abdullahi Mire born in Somalia, Mire grew up in the Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya.  He has put over 100,000 books in the hands of displaced children and youth in the country.  Award will be presented  at a ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 13, 2023.

Daily GK Update- 29th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Department of revenue, ministry of finance is hosting the Asia Pacific workshop for money laundering cases.: A meeting or workshop related to Asia Pacific money laundering is being hosted by the Ministry of Finance and Revenue from 28th November to 1st December,2023 in New Delhi.Every year Asia Pacific group workshops are held to bring delegates together to discuss the cases related to money laundering and terrorist financing trends and the problems emerging from these activities.Shri Vivek Agarwal, additional secretary (Department of Revenue) and Head of the delegation to FATF. This report mainly focuses on virtual asset service providers in recognition of the threat related to money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

 

2. Viksit Bharat sankalp yatra started in Maharashtra.: The Information Education and Communication (IEC) campaign (Vikait Bharat Sankalp Yatra) started in many urban centers within municipal corporation areas of the state.In cities like Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, Pune, Pimpri, Chinchwad, Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, solapur and Nashik municipal corporation the IEC vans have been flagged off.Deputy CM Ajit Pawar flagged off one IEC van from mantralayam from Mumbai. IEC vans are flagged off in many cities by respective cm, deputy CM, commissioner etc for spreading awareness about welfare schemes.

 

3. Kashi Tamil Sangamam is scheduled to be launched in December 2023.: By the launching of the registration portal by IIT Madras, all is set for kashi tamil sangamam phase 2 on 27th of November 2023.Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ s second edition is going to be held from 17 th December to 30th December 2023.By taking inspiration from the first edition, this edition also wants to rejuvenate the bonds between the Tamil and Varanasi culture, these are considered as the two important focus points of the learning and culture in ancient India.It is said that around 1400 participants from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will travel by train to Varanasi for an 8 day immersive tour. They will be divided into 7 groups of 200 each comprising students, teachers, professors, artisans, farmers, religious writers etc.

 

4. India’s first telecom center of excellence is going to be set up in Uttar Pradesh.: India is going to have its first Telecom Centre of Excellence in Uttar Pradesh, located at the IIT Roorkee campus in Saharanpur.The main aim of this center is to find out how to connect artificial intelligence with 5G and make it easy to bring in 6G in India. This project, which will cost ₹30 crores, wants to boost new ideas and provide job opportunities for young people in Uttar Pradesh.The Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath will officially start this project by laying the foundation stone on December 5.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum’s 4th edition launched in Langkawi, Malaysia: 10 ASEAN members and 200 participants with India participated at 4th edition of annual ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation forum launched in Langkawi, Malaysia on 28th November.Minister of science, technology and innovation Mr YB Chang Li kang launched the AIGIF 2023. He noticed that year by year AIGIF serve as a dynamic stage for promoting innovations.He also asked other countries to continue promoting innovations as tomorrow is better than today for everyone. Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, said that “Innovators are the hope of the world”.

 

2. 54th International film festival of India held in Goa between 20th November to 28th November 2023.: The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) wrapped up in Goa. The closing ceremony took place at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Bambolim, Goa.Many movie stars and important people attended the closing ceremony. The final closing film of this year’s IFFI was ‘Featherweight ‘, directed by Robert Kolodny from the United States.

Michael Douglas, veteran Hollywood actor and producer honored with the satyajit ray lifetime achievement award.

 

3. 29th November–International Day Of Solidarity with the Palestinian People: The United Nations decided that every year on November 29, we should celebrate the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People. This was decided in 1977 by the General Assembly and it means we show support and unity with the Palestinian People on this day.In 1947, the Assembly decided to split Palestine. They also suggested celebrating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, encouraging countries to support and promote this day.The UN organized an exhibit to remember the Palestinian Nakba, a painful event from the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Defence ministry contracted with BHEL of Rs. 2956 cr to get 16 super rapid gun tanks for the navy.: Defense ministry has recently contracted with Bharat heavy electricals limited (BHEL) to get 16 upgraded rapid gun mount and equipment for Indian Navy. It is a medium caliber anti missile and anti aircraft defense weapon system which would help in sustained rate of high accuracy and fire.These guns and equipment are installed in Indian Navy’s newly built ships. It is announced that these guns and equipment will be manufactured by BHEL at haridwar plant.These weapon systems are proven to tackle multiple threat scenarios and a good performance against missiles and attack crafts.

 

2. The crest of the yard 12706(Imphal) unveiled by the defense ministry in Imphal.: The crest of the yard 12706 in Imphal unveiled by the defense minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of Imphal CM Shri N Biren Singh on 28 November 2023 in New Delhi.The design of the crest depicts the kangla sha on right and kangla on the left. Kangla is the important historical site of Manipur and considered as the traditional sign of the before kingdoms existing at that time.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Vidya Pillai Clinches 6-Red Snooker World Title.: Vidya Pillai gained a huge milestone by securing the IBSF 6 Red snooker world championship title in Doha, Qatar, which added a new feature in her cap.Vidya Pillai has won many international medals for India, achieving a gold medal in the IBSF World Team Snooker Championship in 2013, secured another gold in the IBSF Australian Women’s Ranking Snooker Championship in 2016.She secured this milestone with a victory of 4-1 against Anupama Ramchandran in the title clash. In acknowledgement of the remarkable achievements ,the government of Karnataka honored her with the Eklavya award in 2016.

 

2. Italy Defeat Australia To Win Davis Cup For First Time Since 1976.: Italy proved its power as one of the most promising tennis nations in the world by defeating Australia 2-0 to become Davis Cup champions for the first time since 1976.The player ranked fourth in the world won the second singles match. Matteo Arnaldi worked hard to beat Alexei Popyrin 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 in the first match. Italy reached the Davis Cup 2023 final by defeating Novak Djokovic’s Serbia on Saturday. In the final held in Malaga, Spain, Matteo Arnaldi displayed Italy’s determination with a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 victory over Alexei Popyrin.Davis cup championship is named after Dwight Davis Jr(American politician and tennis player) who started competition in 1900.This cup is considered as the oldest international competition.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank Appoints Former NABARD Chairman Harsh Kumar Bhanwala As Director.: The appointment of Harsh Kumar Bhanwala as an additional independent Director of the HDFC Bank for 3 years has been approved by the Board of directors Of HDFC Bank.While after appointment of V Srinivasa Rangan as Executive director is also approved by the director.Bhanwala served as the chairman of NABARD from 2013 to 2020 and also was the Chairman and MD of the India infrastructure finance company. Rangan served as the Executive director CFO of the Housing Development Finance Corporation LTD.

 

2. Odisha Government launched scheme AMA BANK to promote banking services to panchayat level: On 27 of November, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik introduced ‘Ama Bank’ in Bhubaneswar. This bank aims to offer banking services in all the villages that don’t have a single bank. The plan will achieve its aim gradually, covering all 4,373 such villages by the end of this financial year. The state government will provide free space for the bank for five years, and there’s a budget of Rs 500 crore for this project. ‘Ama Bank’ is like a small, cost-effective bank branch that falls between a business correspondent and a tiny bank branch, offering many beneficiary services.

 

3. Rajat Kumar Jain Xerox India And Walt Disney India’s Ex-MD Appointed As Fino Payments Bank Chairman.: Fino Payments Bank has chosen Rajat Kumar Jain as its non-executive chairman.He used to be the MD of Xerox India and Walt Disney India. The RBI approved his appointment, which is from November 24, 2023, to November 1, 2025.Jain, who studied at IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, is also a non-executive director on boards of different companies with those in the Aditya Birla group.Jain has more than thirty years of experience leading in areas like Consumer, Telecom, Media, and Technology. He started PadUp Ventures, a platform which provides strong support and guidance to new tech startups, especially in the early stages, covering various fields, including Fintech.

 

AWARDS AND HONORS

 

1. NTPC Bongaigaon received two awards at the Greentech environment award 2023.: NTPC Bongaigaon received the Environment Protection trophy at the 22nd Annual Greentech Environment Awards 2023 and the Rural Development trophy at the 10th Annual Greentech CSR India Awards. Akonthung Nguli, AGM (EMG Civil) at NTPC received the award at a ceremony in Sonamarg and Jammu and Kashmir.These awards acknowledge NTPC’s efforts in adopting eco-friendly practices that benefit the environment and society in the long run. This award is the sign of commitment towards social responsibility and positive effect on communities.

Daily GK Update- 28th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India's largest tiger reserve to be set up in Madhya Pradesh: The Central government has approved a proposal to merge two wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh to create the largest tiger reserve in the country spanning 2,300 square kilometres. The new tiger reserve will not only provide a safe haven for the area's tiger population, which currently stands at 16 but also boost tourism and development in the region.

 

2. President Droupadi Murmu Unveils BR Ambedkar's Statue At Supreme Court: President Droupadi Murmu today unveiled a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar on the Supreme Court premises during an event to mark Constitution Day.  Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal were present on the occasion.  The statue of BR Ambedkar, in a lawyer's gown, stands 7-feet-tall and is placed on a 3-feet base stand. The statue is seen holding a copy of the Constitution.

 

3. Pranab Mukherjee's daughter pens his biography: This and other nuggets of Mukherjee's life from an unprepossessing village in West Bengal's Birbhum district to a roller-coaster career thereafter are the highlights of an about-to-be-released biography penned by his daughter, classical dancer Sharmishtha Mukherjee. The book, titled 'Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers', is being brought out by Rupa Publications The book is also a mirror to the father-daughter relationship between Pranab Mukherjee and Sharmishtha

 

4. HDFC Bank appoints Harsh Kumar Bhanwala as director: The board of HDFC Bank has approved the appointment of former NABARD chairman Harsh Kumar Bhanwala as an additional independent director. Board also approved the appointment of V Srinivasa Rangan, chief financial officer of erstwhile Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd, as executive director for three years. Currently, Non-Executive Chairman of MCX, Bhanwala also serves as the Director on the boards of IIM Rohtak and Bayer Crop Science Ltd.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Harin Fernando appointed as Sri Lanka's new sports minister: Sri Lanka's Tourism Minister Harin Fernando was also sworn in as the Minister of Youth Affairs. He replaced sacked Minister Roshan Ranasinghe. Meanwhile, Pavithra Wanniarachchi was sworn in as the Minister of Irrigation. A United Nations Development Programme survey conducted in 2022 and 2023 found that 55.7% of Sri Lanka’s population, or 12.34 million people, are vulnerable across various dimensions due to the economic crisis.

 

2. India and European Union signed an MOU in the field of semiconductor ecosystem: India and the European Union have packed together and signed an MOU regarding the fostering and sustainable development of the semiconductor ecosystem. Ashwini Vaishnav, minister of communication, electronics and information technology and also the minister of railways, and Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal market have signed the MOU. Some major points about this MOU are to share information, combine best practice, develop and promote skills, identify ideas to collaboration, businesses etc.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indigenous tank Zorawar will begin trials soon.: Tackling with the mighty Chinese front India will begin trials of the Zorawar light tank developed by DRDO and Larsen and Toubro. First the testing will be done in the desert sector before taking them to high altitudes of Ladakh. DRDO is working with L&T to develop a 25 tonne light tank which would be efficient in moving fast in the high mountainous regions. This project is under the make in India initiative.An advanced protection system has been installed to tackle with anti-tank guided missiles.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Gautam Gambhir back in Kolkata Knight Riders as mentor: Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Gautam Gambhir (42-years) has been named as the mentor of the franchise for the upcoming IPL season.  Gambhir had a successful stint with KKR from 2011-17, leading the team to title victories in 2012 and 2014. He will work with KKR’s head coach Chandrakant Pandit.

 

2. Vidya Pillai clinches 6-Red snooker world title: Veteran cueist Vidya Pillai clinched the IBSF 6-Red Snooker World Championship title in Doha, Qatar, triumphing 4-1 against compatriot Anupama Ramachandran. Vidya dominated her opponents throughout the championship, with a standout victory of 4-1 against compatriot Anupama Ramachandran in the title clash.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Fino Payment Bank appoints Rajat Kumar Jain as chairman: Fino Payments Bank has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the appointment of Rajat Kumar Jain as Part-time Chairman of the Bank. Fino started operations in 2017, receiving an RBI license two years earlier. The appointment comes at a time when the payments bank is charting out its digital growth plans and targets for the next phase, Fino 2.0.

 

2. S&P Global Ratings raises India's FY24 GDP growth forecast: Global rating agency S&P Global Ratings has revised India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection for financial year 2024 to 6.4 percent from 6 percent earlier on the back of strong domestic tailwinds. However, it lowered the growth projection for financial year 2025 to 6.4% from 6.9% earlier. S&P Global Ratings is a market leader in the field of credit risk research.

Daily GK Update- 27th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Hardeep Singh Puri launches city’s 2nd floating CNG station in Varanasi: Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the city’s second floating compressed natural gas (CNG) mobile refueling unit (MRU) station at Ravidas Ghat  in Varanasi Earlier, Namo Ghat had a floating station for filling CNG in oats.  Puri said CNG boats not only reduce pollution but also lead to savings as it is more efficient. The decision to set-up this floating CNG station is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of clean energy.

 

2. Ayushman Bharat’s Health & Wellness Centres Renamed 'Ayushman Arogya Mandir: The Narendra Modi government has decided to rename the Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres as ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir’. Union Health Ministry asking all states and Union Territories to implement the rebranding exercise by the end of 2023. The Centre has also coined the tagline ‘Arogyam Paramam Dhanam’, a Sanskrit phrase that translates to ‘health is the ultimate wealth’.  While ‘Arogyam’ means health, ‘Paramam’ means ultimate and ‘Dhanam’ means wealth

 

3. Sikhs celebrate 554th Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev: Prakash Purb is a joyous occasion for Sikhs around the world. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, was born on Kartik Puranmashi, in 1469 in the village of Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib).  This year marks the 554th anniversary of his birth, celebrated as Prakash Purb by Sikhs around the world.

 

4. PM Modi Visits Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple In Tirumala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi  visited the famous Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala district of Andhra Pradesh.

According to his itinerary, PM Modi stayed at Tirumala overnight and went to offer prayers at Sri Venkateswara temple in the early hours today. At the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, prayed for the good health, well-being and prosperity of 140 crore Indians.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Malaysia Opens Visa-free Travel for Indian Visitors and Chinese Citizens: Malaysia will grant a 30-day visa-free entry for Indian and Chinese citizens from December 1 this year. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced joining Thailand and Sri Lanka in recent weeks to offer such a facility to foreigners to promote tourism. Mr. Ibrahim said the waiver was an additional facility to the existing visa exemptions currently enjoyed by Gulf nations and other West Asian countries, including Turkiye and Jordan.

 

2. PM Modi to take part in World Climate Action Summit in Dubai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), during the 28th Conference of Parties (CoP-28). Mr. Modi will be present from November 30 to December 1 as part of WCAS proceedings. Summit is a ‘high-level’ segment of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference, being held under the presidency of UAE.

 

3. World’s Biggest Iceberg on the Move after 30 Years: The world's largest iceberg is drifting, for the first time in over 30 years, as per the British Antarctic Survey.  The recent satellite pictures showed that the Antarctic iceberg called A23a was moving beyond the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, propelled by strong winds and currents. It was rare to see an iceberg this big moving and the scientists will be watching its course closely.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. National Cadet Corps celebrates 75th Anniversary day: Today, the National Cadet Corps (NCC), the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces, is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary. NCC Day is observed annually to commemorate the core values encapsulated in the NCC motto, “Unity and Discipline.” The motto of the NCC, Unity and Discipline, encapsulates the values of duty, loyalty, dedication, and self-sacrifice.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Shubman Gill appointed captain of Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill has been appointed captain of Gujarat Titans after the franchise traded Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians.  He takes over from Hardik Pandya, who was traded to Mumbai Indians The 2024 season of the IPL will be Gill's first leadership assignment in senior cricket. Gujarat Titans is a professional franchise cricket team based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ADB approves $500 M in loan for healthcare, medical education in Maharashtra: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million loan to enhance the quality and affordability of tertiary health care and medical education in Maharashtra. “ADB has been working with the state government of Maharashtra to achieve its vision of providing affordable and accessible tertiary health care to all by 2030 and strengthen a cadre of quality and professional medical practitioners.

 

2. FICCI appoints Anish Shah as next president: Anish Shah, the managing director and CEO of the Mahindra Group, has been appointed as president-elect of industry body FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry). Shah is currently the senior vice president of FICCI. He will succeed Subhrakant Panda as president of the apex chamber at the conclusion of the 96th Annual General Meeting to be held on December 8-9, 2023 in New Delhi.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Irish author Paul Lynch wins Booker Prize for 'Prophet Song': Irish writer Paul Lynch has won the prestigious Booker Prize for fiction for his fifth novel, "Prophet Song." The dystopian novel is about a woman's struggle to protect her family as Ireland collapses into totalitarianism in the near future. A civil war in Ireland then forces families to flee the country. Paul Lynch, 46, spent four years writing the book and was brought to the thought by the long years of the civil war in Syria and the "West's indifference.