Daily GK Update- 16th Dec, 2023

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, ADB sign $200 million loan agreement for Uttarakhand power system project: The Centre has signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a $200 million loan from the latter to improve the quality, efficiency, and reliability of power supply in the State of Uttarakhand. The ADB funding for the project will strengthen power system infrastructure and help Uttarakhand in achieving its goal of providing 24×7 power to its residents. The project will modernize Dehradun city’s power network infrastructure by introducing an advanced and climate-resilient underground cable system comprising 537 km subterranean cables, 354 ring main units, and 99 compact substations. Additionally, it will enhance the current power system by installing upstream substations and their associated power lines that will help meet increasing electricity demand, reduce network congestion, and improve power distribution reliability in urban and suburban areas.

 

2. India’s Uma Sekhar elected to Governing Council of UNIDROIT: In a historic moment for India, Ms. Uma Sekhar has secured a remarkable victory by garnering 45 out of 59 votes in the initial round of elections for the Governing Council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) held in Rome, Italy. This win not only signifies Ms. Sekhar’s individual achievement but also elevates India to a prominent position on the Governing Council for the term spanning 2024-28. Securing a position on the Governing Council required a minimum of 21 votes, and Ms Uma Sekhar’s substantial support of 45 votes underscores the confidence and trust vested in her capabilities. The Governing Council, comprising 25 positions occupied by distinguished legal experts, holds a pivotal role in shaping international legal frameworks.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, South Korea, and US to launch technology dialogues: India, South Korea and the United States will start an informal trilateral technology dialogue in the first quarter of 2024 in response to China's rapid progress in critical technologies within the Indo-Pacific region. The decision was made during the inaugural US-South Korea Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technologies Dialogue held in Seoul. The aim of this programme is to increase cooperation in strategic and defense technologies between the two countries.

 

2. Shah Rukh Khan tops UK’s 2023 South Asian celebrity list: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, referred to as the King Khan of the Indian film industry, has topped a UK list of the ‘Top 50 Asian Celebrities in the World’. The 58-year-old actor, who had double box-office success this year with action thrillers “Pathaan” and “Jawan”, is currently preparing for the Christmas release of comedy-drama “Dunki”. Popular actor Alia Bhatt came in second for her impact in Bollywood and Hollywood and also for being a strong role model for working mothers. Third-placed Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the most famous Indian on the planet, has been recognised for her ground-breaking work on the international stage, including with big-budget series “Citadel”, Hollywood film “Love Again”, humanitarian work and lighting up the red carpet globally. Fourth-placed Diljit Dosanjh confirmed his place as the biggest Punjabi star, with stunning work as an actor and singe.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Leander and Vijay Amritraj make it to the Tennis Hall of Fame: Olympic medallist and multiple Grand Slam champion Leander Paes, along with two-time Davis Cup finalist Vijay Amritraj, has made it into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Leander makes it in the player category and Vijay in the contributor category for his multi-faceted role in the game. They are the first two Indians to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Leander has won eight Grand Slam doubles titles and 10 mixed doubles titles. He is only one of three men in tennis history to complete a career Grand Slam in both doubles and mixed doubles. Since 2006, Vijay Amritraj Foundation has provided education and basic needs for women and children in the Indian community.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI increases UPI Automatic Payment Limit: The Reserve Bank of India  increased the limit for automatic payments through Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to Rs 1 lakh per transaction from the existing Rs 15,000 for certain categories, including subscription to mutual funds. As of now, relaxation in Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) is permitted while processing e-mandates/standing instructions on cards, prepaid payment instruments and UPI for subsequent recurring transactions with values up to Rs 15,000

 

2. Reliance Industries Collaborates with DBS Bank: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and DBS Bank India have collaborated to establish a financing programme customized to the requirements of the compressed biogas project initiated by RIL. The financing initiative aims to support the ecosystem development for vendor partners involved in aggregating agri-residue as inputs for Reliance's CBG production plants across India. The CBG plants are expected to mitigate nearly 2 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

 

3. Reliance Industries partners with DBS Bank for financing programme: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and DBS Bank India have collaborated to establish a financing programme customized to the requirements of the compressed biogas project initiated by RIL. The financing will enable the ecosystem development for vendor partners to aggregate agri-residue as inputs for the Reliance compressed biogas production plants across India. The company targets to establish 100 compressed biogas (CBG) plants in the next five years, consuming 5.5 million tonnes of agro-residue and organic waste. The move would help in mitigating nearly 2 million tonnes of carbon emissions and producing 2.5 million tonnes of organic manure annually.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Rijul Maini Crowned Miss India USA 2023: Rijul Maini crowned Miss India USA 2023 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey. The title of Miss Teen India USA was awarded to Saloni Rammohan of Pennsylvania, while Mrs India USA was won by Sneha Nambiar of Massachusetts. Greeshma Bhat of Virginia was declared first runner-up and Ishita Pai Raikar of North Carolina was the second runner-up. Ms Maini is a model and a medical student.

 

2. Kabir Bedi awarded Italy's civilian honour 'Order of Merit': Veteran actor Kabir Bedi has been honoured with the highest civilian honour of Italy. He was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Merito della Repubblica Italiana). Niccolo Fabi gave a unique live musical performance following the occasion in Mumbai. The scroll of honour was signed by President Mattarella and counter-signed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

 

3. Ali Abu Awwad and Daniel Barenboim won Indira Gandhi Peace Prize: The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023 has been jointly awarded to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for their efforts in bringing together the youth and peoples of Israel and the Arab World for a non-violent resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The International Jury of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace was chaired by former CJI T.S. Barenboim and Mr. Awwad have fostered meaningful, mutual social, and cultural understanding, and peaceful public cooperation via the tools of music, dialogue and people’s participation.

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Daily GK Update- 15th Dec, 2023

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bhajan Lal Sharma sworn-in as Chief Minister of Rajasthan: BJP legislature party leader Bhajan Lal Sharma sworn-in as Chief Minister of Rajasthan at Albert Hall in Jaipur. Governor Kalraj Mishra administered the oath to Mr Sharma and his two deputies -  Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa. Mr. Sharma was elected as an MLA from the Sanganer Assembly constituency. Vasudev Devnani has been named the state assembly speaker.

 

2. Madhya Pradesh govt to set up PM College of Excellence in all districts of the state: Madhya Pradesh government will set up PM College of Excellence in all districts of the state. The decision to this effect was taken at the first Cabinet meeting chaired by new Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in Bhopal. In Madhya Pradesh, the government will upgrade one college in every district out of total 570 government colleges as “PM College of Excellence”. More than Rs 460 crore will be spent on the development of these colleges. Apart from this, degree and mark sheets of students in all government and private universities will be uploaded in DigiLocker.

 

3. NHAI inks pact to develop multi-modal logistics park at Nagpur: State-owned NHAI has signed an agreement to develop a multi-modal logistics park (MMLP) in Nagpur at a cost of Rs 673 crore. This project is poised to be the first MMLP in Maharashtra under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. NHAI has signed an agreement with M/s DC Multi-Modal Park (Nagpur) Limited, an SPV of M/S DeltaBulk Shipping India Pvt Ltd, for the development of Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Nagpur. The MMLP will be developed in an area of 150 acres under the Public Private Partnership model at an estimated cost of Rs 673 crore. The MMLP will provide facilities, such as warehouses, cold storages, intermodal transfers, handling facilities for container terminals, and bulk/break-bulk cargo terminals, along with value-added services.

 

4. Parama Sen appointed part-time member of PFRDA board: The Centre has appointed Parama Sen, Additional Secretary, Department of Expenditure in the Finance Ministry, as a part-time member in Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). Sen, a 1994 batch Indian Audit and Accounts Services (IAAS) officer, replaces Anne George Mathew, Additional Secretary in Finance Ministry, who demitted office this year. PFRDA has a chairman besides three whole-time members and three part-time members. The post of Member (Law), which fell vacant in May last year, remains to be filled. The two other part-time members — Rahul Singh (Department of Personnel and Training) and Pankaj Sharma (Department of Financial Services) — were appointed last year.

 

5. 14 December – National Energy Conservation Day: National Energy Conservation Day is observed in India every year on December 14. Objective – To raise public awareness about the value of energy efficiency and conservation. Every year, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power spearheads the celebrations. Since 1991, December 14 has been designated as the National Energy Conservation Day. In 2021, the power ministry also observed the Energy Conservation Week from December 8 to 14 as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s plan for 50,000 e-buses on its roads gets US support: India is aiming to get 50,000 electric buses on its streets by 2027 with help from a joint finance mechanism with the The $390 million fund will act as a guarantee for manufacturers seeking loans to expand production. India currently only has 12,000 e-buses in operation. The payment security mechanism, established with $150 million from the US government and philanthropic groups, and $240 million from the Indian government, is the bedrock of risk management for building out the financial system for electric mobility at scale in India.

 

2. Germany to give €500 mn for Bengaluru Metro expansion: The payment security mechanism, established with $150 million from the US government and philanthropic groups, and $240 million from the Indian government, is the bedrock of risk management for building out the financial system for electric mobility at scale in India. KfW, Germany’s state-owned investment and development bank, is set to sign an agreement to provide €500 million (around ₹4,500 crore) in financial assistance for the expansion of the Bengaluru Metro. The funding, which includes loan and grants, will help the metro’s expansion plans as well as provide technical expertise to the metro project. KfW, which is looking to expand its funding for green energy and sustainable mobility projects in India, is also financing metro projects in Mumbai and Nagpur among other cities.

 

3. Aditya Jairaj appoints as CEO and MD of Stellantis India: Aditya Jairaj has been appointed as CEO and MD of Stellantis India, with effect from January 1, 2024. Aditya, currently deputy managing director, Stellantis India and head – Jeep India, will succeed Roland Bouchara, who will be assigned to another function in Europe after six and a half years of leading Stellantis in India. Since he was appointed the CEO and MD in 2021, Roland has successfully led Stellantis India’s expansion, playing an instrumental role in establishing a robust foundation for Citroën and Jeep.

Before 2021, Roland successfully launched the Citroën brand in India and led the operations in his capacity as senior vice president of sales and marketing for the brand.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Fast AttackCraft INS Tarmugli commissioned into Navy at Naval Dockyard: INS Tarmugli, a Fast Attack Craft has been commissioned into the Navy at a ceremony held at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Materiel, Indian Navy commissioned the Trinkat Class FAC which was gifted to the Maldivian Naval Defence Forces (MNDF) in 2006 by India. The ship returned in May this year and post extensive restoration work by the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, was reincarnated in its present avatar.

 

SPORTS

 

1. MS Dhoni's iconic No. 7 jersey retired by BCCI: India's former cricket captain, MS Dhoni, will have his iconic No. 7 jersey retired by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as a tribute to his contribution to the sport. Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020 but continues to play in franchise cricket. While wearing the No. 7, Dhoni led India to three white-ball ICC titles: the T20 World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013.

 

2. Antim Panghal named UWW Rising Star of the Year: Indian wrestler Antim Panghal (19-years) has been named the Rising Star of the Year among women by the United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport’s global governing body. She is Two-time World under-20 champion and senior Worlds bronze medallist Antim Panghal (53kg).

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. First Indian astronaut on moon by 2040: ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is planning to send Indian astronauts to the moon for the first time by 2040. Four test pilots from the Indian Air Force have been selected as astronaut designates for the mission. ISRO aims to take the next step in space exploration with the Gaganyaan programme, planning to launch a crew of 2 to 3 Indian astronauts into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for up to three days before safely returning them to a predefined site in Indian waters. Currently, the astronaut designates are undergoing mission-specific training at the Astronaut Training Facility (ATF) in Bengaluru. The inaugural manned space mission Gaganyaan involves developing critical technologies, including a human-rated (capable of safely transporting humans) launch vehicle (HLVM3), an Orbital Module comprising a Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM), and life support systems.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI hikes base rate by 15 bps: The State Bank of India’s (SBI) has hiked its marginal cost of funds-based lending rate (MCLR) and base rate. The new rates are effective from December 15, 2023, according to the SBI website. The MCLR is the lowest interest rate at which a bank can make a loan to a customer.

 

2. Net Direct tax collection surges 23.4 percent to 10.6 lakh crore rupees bet: The government’s net direct tax collection for April to November 2023, stood at 58.34 percent of Budget Estimates (BE) at 10.64 lakh crore rupees. The Gross collections, before issuing refunds, grew at 17.7 percent to 12.67 lakh crore rupees in the April-November period. The Refund amount issued from April to November of the current fiscal stood at 2.03 lakh crore rupees. In the current fiscal, 18.23 lakh crore rupees is expected to be collected in direct taxes.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Activist Ali Abu Awwad and pianist Daniel Barenboim win Indira Gandhi Peace: The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2023 has been jointly awarded to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for their efforts in bringing together the youth and peoples of Israel and the Arab World for a non-violent resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The International Jury of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development chaired by former Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur.

 

2. Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar honored with the Karmaveer Chakra Medal: Hemachandran Ravikumar was honored with the Karmaveer Chakra Medal and Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship by ICONGO in collaboration with the United Nations in New Delhi These awards recognized Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar’s exceptional contributions to Research & Development in Physical & Bio-Science and Microbiological Studies. The Rex Karamveer Chakra Medal, considered one of the most prestigious civilian honors, is reserved for individuals who have exhibited outstanding contributions globally towards the well-being of humanity.

Daily GK Update- 14th Dec, 2023

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Parama Sen appointed part-time member of PFRDA board: The Centre has appointed Parama Sen, Additional Secretary, Department of Expenditure in the Finance Ministry, as a part-time member in Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). Mr. Sen replaces Anne George Mathew, Additional Secretary in Finance Ministry, who demitted office this year. Now, All three part-time member posts in the PFRDA board are filled.  PFRDA has a chairman besides three whole-time members and three part-time members.

 

2. MP govt. to set up PM College of Excellence in all districts of the state: Madhya Pradesh govt will set up PM College of Excellence in all districts of the state. The decision to this effect was taken at the first Cabinet meeting chaired by new CM Mohan Yadav. Madhya Pradesh government will upgrade one college in every district out of total 570 government colleges as "PM College of Excellence". Govt. also decided to implement a cyber tehsil system in all the districts and ban on illegal use of loudspeakers at religious and other places.

 

3. National Energy Conservation Day 2023: 14th December: The National Energy Conservation Day is celebrated on 14th December every year, to spread the message of the importance of conserving energy and to showcase the achievements of the nation in energy efficiency and conservation. The President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu will grace the National Energy Conservation Day 2023 function being held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Every year, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power spearheads the celebrations.

 

4. OYO founder launches 5 healthcare centers for underprivileged in Odisha: OYO’s founder Ritesh Agarwal announced the establishment of five healthcare centers for the underprivileged in his home state of Odisha over the next one year. The centers will be operated by the health-tech startup ‘Last Mile Care’, which already runs 11 health centers across India. Each such center will have a team of doctors with specialization in gynecology, eye diseases and heart diseases.

 

5. Update Aadhaar card details online: till 14 March 2024: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on 13 December informed that it had extended the free Aadhaar update of documents by 3 months from 14 December 2023 to 14 March 2023. Among the details sought include name, address, and details of relatives in case of marriage or death, etc. These details can be updated for free on UIDAI's website or physically done at Common Services Centres (CSC).

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nations at COP28 Reach Landmark 'UAE Consensus' for Net Zero by 2050: In Dubai, nations reached for a landmark agreement, the 'UAE Consensus' that calls for a transition away from fossil fuels to achieve net zero by 2050. The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) has come to a historic close, marking a turning point in global efforts to combat climate change. 198 participating Parties outlined an ambitious climate agenda aimed at keeping the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C within reach.

 

2. Bangladesh observes ‘Martyred Intellectuals Day’: Bangladesh is observing the Martyred Intellectuals Day to mark the day of brutality when Pakistani forces killed hundreds of intellectuals including teachers, doctors, journalists and others in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh in 1971. Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to the martyred intellectuals on the occasion of the Martyred Intellectuals Day.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Guwahati Masters Badminton Tournament 2023: India’s Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto won the women’s doubles title at the Guwahati Masters 2023 badminton tournament. Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto, beat Taipei’s Sung Shuo Yun and Yu Chien Hui 21-13, 21-19 to win their second title as a pair. Results at the Guwahati Masters 2023 badminton tournament will count towards players’ qualifying rankings for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UIDAI imposes Rs 50,000 penalty for overcharging Aadhaar services: Any operator found overcharging for Aadhaar services is suspended and the registrar who appointed him faces a penalty of Rs 50,000, Parliament was informed. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has placed an obligation on all Aadhaar operators not to overcharge for Aadhaar services including update of biometric and demographic details. Persons can lodge their grievances with UIDAI through email or call to the toll free number 1947.

 

2. India, ADB sign $200 million loan agreement for Uttarakhand power system: The Centre has signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for availing a $200 million loan from the latter to improve the quality, efficiency, and reliability of power supply in the State of Uttarakhand. The project will modernise Dehradun city’s power network infrastructure by introducing an advanced and climate-resilient underground cable system.

 

3. ACKO & PhonePe collaborate to ensure accessibility of insurance for million: ACKO General Insurance and PhonePe have collaborated to provide a range of inclusive car and bike insurance products directly to users through the PhonePe platform. This strategic partnership combines ACKO’s customer-centric approach with PhonePe’s extensive distribution network, ensuring convenient access to insurance as a readily available financial option for PhonePe users.

 

4. RBI announces community cloud for financial sector: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will set up a cloud facility for the financial sector in India to secure financial sector data and help with scalability and business continuity. The Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS) will set up and operate the cloud facility initially. It will later be transferred to a separate entity owned by the financial sector participants.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. 33rd Vyas Samman will be conferred to Pushpa Bharati 2023: The 33rd Vyas Samman will be conferred to notable Hindi-Writer Pushpa Bharati this year. The award was instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991. It is given annually to an outstanding work of Hindi literature by an Indian citizen published in the last 10 years. The Foundation said that Ms Bharati has been selected for her memoirs- Yaadein, Yaadein aur Yaadein.

 

Daily GK Update- 13th Dec, 2023

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mohan Yadav sworn-in as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Senior BJP leader Mohan Yadav was sworn-in as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh at the Motilal Nehru Stadium in Bhopal.

Governor Mangubhai Patel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr Yadav, along with Deputy Chief Minister-designates Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda. Dr Mohan Yadav is the third-time MLA from Ujjain Dakshin seat.

 

2. Atal Pension Yojana enrolments cross 6 crore mark: The total enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed 6 crore, with over 79 lakh enrolments in the current Financial Year. The APY is a flagship social security scheme of the Government of India which was launched on 9th May 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide old age income security to Indian citizens.

The scheme focuses particularly on the poor, underprivileged, and workers in the unorganized sectors.

 

3. India’s Retail Inflation surges 5.55 % in November: Retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), surged 5.55 percent in November on an annual basis as against 4.87 percent in October this year. Retail Inflation data has remained within the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) tolerance band of 2-6 percent. The data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation showed that the food inflation for November stood at 8.70 percent.

 

4. Vishnu Deo Sai to take oath as Chhattisgarh Chief Minister: Senior BJP leader Vishnu Dev Sai sworn-in as Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh in Raipur. Governor Biswabhushan Harichandan administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Chief Minister and council of ministers. Vishnu Deo Sai won the Kunkuri Assembly seat with a total of 87,604 votes.

 

5. eShram cards issued to over 29 crore unorganized workers registered on eShr: The Government said that eShram cards have been issued to over 29 crore unorganized workers registered on the eShram portal.  The eShram portal was launched in 2021 for registration of unorganized workers.

The main objective of the eShram portal is to create a national database of unorganized workers and to facilitate the delivery of Social Security and welfare Schemes to such workers.

 

6. MHA approves Rs 338 crore for Gujarat,Rs 633 crore for Himachal Pradesh: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has given its nod for the release of ₹338 crore to Gujarat and ₹633 crore to Himachal Pradesh as financial assistance for damages caused by natural calamities. Gujarat, affected by Cyclone Biparjoy, received swift and proactive support from both the Centre and the state, resulting in a zero-casualty rate during the calamity. The MHA also sanctioned an extra financial assistance of ₹633.73 crore from the NDRF for Himachal Pradesh.

 

7. Poonawalla HF gets a new name, rebrands as Grihum Housing Finance: Poonawalla Housing Finance undergoes a significant makeover, becoming Grihum Housing Finance post the acquisition by TPG Capital Asia, holding a 99.02% equity stake. The firm has a customer base of over 75,000 that is served by a network of 195 branches, with plans to add 2-3 branches every month.

 

8. Bhajan Lal Sharma becomes CM of Rajasthan: Bhajan Lal Sharma is the next Chief Minister of Rajasthan, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He won the recently concluded elections from the Sanganer assembly seat, defeating Congress’s Pushpendra Bhardwaj with over 48,081 votes. Bhajan Lal Sharma’s name as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan was proposed by BJP’s Vasundhara Raje, who was also among the contenders for the top post. Besides, Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa have been named as Bhajan Lal Sharma’s two deputy chief ministers. MLA Vasudev Devnani will be the Speaker. He hails from Ajmer and has previously served as the state Education Minister. The BJP’s Bhajan Lal Sharma’s political journey in Rajasthan has been marked by significant achievements. He has served as the State General Secretary for the BJP four times.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Russia unveiled two new nuclear-powered submarines: President of Russia, Vladimir Putin has unveiled two new nuclear-powered submarines “Krasnoyarsk and Emperor Alexander”. The Emperor Alexander III is the seventh Borei-class atomic-powered submarine to enter the service. Each of them is armed with 16 nuclear-tipped Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Krasnoyarsk is a nuclear-powered submarine of the new Yasen type. It is armed with cruise missiles and torpedoes, and is designed to hunt for enemy submarines and is also capable of attacking ground targets.

 

2. Donald Tusk elected as PM of Poland: Donald Tusk elected as new Prime Minister of Poland

Members of the Polish Parliament backed Donald Tusk to become Poland’s Prime Minister after current leader Mateusz Morawiecki lost a confidence vote in the country’s Parliament. Tusk previously served as the Prime Minister of Poland from 2007 to 2014 and as president of the European Council from 2014 to 2019. Tusk was also the president of the European People’s Party from 2019 to 2022.

 

3. 12 December – International Day of Neutrality: International Day of Neutrality is commemorated every year on 12 December. Objective – To raise awareness regarding the importance of neutrality in intergovernmental relations and to strengthen peace and security at the global level. As per the United Nations, neutrality is the legal status arising from the abstention of a country from any kind of participation in a war between other states and maintaining an impartial attitude toward the belligerents. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved the proposal on February 2, 2017. On December 12, 2017, the International Day of Neutrality was proclaimed. It also highlights the link between peacekeeping and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India and Vietnam unite for joint military exercise VINBAX-2023: A contingent of 45 personnel from the Indian Armed Forces has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, to participate in the fourth edition of the Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023. The primary objective of VINBAX-2023 is to enhance collaborative partnerships, promote interoperability, and share best practices between the Indian and Vietnamese armed forces. The VINBAX exercise, initiated in 2018, is an annual training event that alternates between India and Vietnam.

 

2. Indian coast guard ship SAJAG strengthens maritime ties with UAE: The Indian Coast Guard Ship SAJAG, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, is on a three day visit to the UAE. This visit marks a crucial milestone in the continuous diplomatic maritime engagement between India and the UAE. The primary objective of the visit is to strengthen professional relationships through joint exercises and interactions, contributing to collaborative efforts in the maritime sector.

 

3. 4th edition of the Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023 begins in Hanoi: A contingent of 45 personnel from the Indian Armed Forces has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, to participate in the fourth edition of the Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023. The exercise is scheduled to take place from the 11th to the 21st of December 2023. Comprising 39 personnel from an Engineer Regiment of the Bengal Engineer Group and six personnel from the Army Medical Corps, the Indian contingent aims to contribute expertise in engineering and medical operations. On the other side, the Vietnam People’s Army contingent will also be represented by an equal number of personnel. The VINBAX exercise, initiated in 2018, is an annual training event that alternates between India and Vietnam. The first edition took place in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and the most recent edition occurred at Chandimandir Military Station in August 2022.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Asad Shafiq announces retirement from all forms of cricket: Pakistan Test batter Asad Shafiq has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after experiencing a dip in his passion for the game. Asad formed the backbone of the Pakistan Test batting line-up from 2010 to 2020 scoring 4660 runs in 77 games at a healthy average of 38.19 including 12 hundreds and 27 fifties. After the spot-fixing scandal of 2010 in England, Asad was seen as the perfect image of Pakistan cricket, clean and non-controversial and throughout his career he preferred to keep away from the media and limelight. Asad, who also played 60 ODIs and 10 T20 Internationals, indirectly also admitted that perhaps in Pakistan cricket there was a tendency to select players on likes and dislikes.

 

2. Travis Head, Nahida Akter won ICC Player of the Month awards for November: Australian batter Travis Head and Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner Nahida Akter have won the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month, respectively for November 2023. Nahida is the first Bangladesh women’s player to win the award. The first ODI encounter of the series saw Akter claim three wickets and 30 with a consistent spell of pressure bowling. With Pakistan chasing down a lowly 82 for victory, the spinner kept the contest competitive, claiming the wickets of Sidra Ameen, Bismah Maroof and Aliya Riaz to trouble the tourists in their charge to victory. Head played a major role in his side’s ODI World Cup glory with Player of the Match contributions (62 & 137) in both the semifinal victory over South Africa, and the win over India in Ahmedabad in the summit clash.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Intellect signs ₹80-crore deal with Indian Bank to deploy cash management system: Intellect Design Arena Ltd, the Chennai-based FinTech company for financial and insurance clients, has signed a ₹80 crore, five-year deal with Indian Bank to deploy Intellect’s eMACH.ai powered Cash Management System. The partnership is a pivotal moment – adding another feather to Intellect’s growing footprint in the Indian BFSI industry, rendering the capabilities of a cognitive enterprise for revolutionizing transaction banking. Indian Bank, with a network of 4,900 ATMs and 5,798 domestic branches, serves over 100 million customers with 41,000 employees and $140 billion worth of assets. As part of the project ‘INDLEAP’, the Indian Bank has taken on the objective of digital transformation by leveraging technology wherever possible with transaction banking and supply chain management being the key growth engines.

 

2. Bank of India Unveils Nari Shakti Savings Account: Bank of India (BoI) has launched an exclusive savings bank product for women (Nari Shakti Savings Account) with an independent source of income. The savings account has features such as personal accident insurance cover of up to ₹1 crore, discounted health insurance and wellness products, and rebates on locker facilities for gold and diamond SB A/C holders, among others. Additionally, the account offers a concessional rate of interest on retail loans and waiver of processing charges on these loans, free issuance of credit cards and a higher usage limit of up to ₹5 lakh on POS. The Nari Shakti savings account is conceptualized as a financial savings tool to support working women (18 years and above), with an independent source of income, enabling them to become self-reliant and enjoy a higher degree of financial freedom.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Javed Akhtar to be felicitated with Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award: Veteran lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar will be felicitated with the Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival. Akhtar will be honoured for his contribution to the Indian film industry on the opening day of the festival's ninth edition. The Padmapani Award selection committee included renowned film director Girish Kasarvalli, Hindi poet Ashok Vajpeyi, film critic Latika Padgaonkar, filmmakers Ashok Rane and Chandrakant Kulkarni.

 

2. Nikhil Dey named as International Anti-Corruption champion by US Govt.: Indian social activist Nikhil Dey has been recognized as the International Anti-Corruption Champion by the US State Department for his dedicated efforts against corruption in government welfare programs in India. He has been acknowledged for his noteworthy support of social movements that oppose corruption in government welfare programs in India by encouraging transparency and accountability, public audits, and participatory democracy. Dey’s work has led to significant anti-corruption and transparency reforms in India, particularly in Rajasthan. Dey’s efforts as a co-founder of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) contributed to anti-corruption and transparency reforms in India, assisting the state of Rajasthan in establishing public policies that promote accountability and transparency.

 

3. Kabir Bedi awarded Italy’s highest honour “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic”: Kabir Bedi was awarded the “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic” (Merito della Repubblica Italiana), the country’s highest honour awarded to civilians, at a private ceremony held in Mumbai. The “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic” stands as a testament to Italy’s appreciation for those who have made outstanding contributions to society, embodying the nation’s values of merit and excellence. It is Established on March 3, 1951, the order is bestowed to individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including arts, literature, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic, and humanitarian activities.

 

4. 33rd Vyas Samman to be conferred Pushpa Bharati: Noted Hindi writer Pushpa Bharati’s 2016 memoir, Yaadein, Yaadein aur Yaadein, has been selected for the 33rd Vyas Samman 2023. Born in Moradabad of Uttar Pradesh in 1935, Bharati did her MA in Hindi literature from Prayag University in 1955. In a career spanning decade, Bharati has authored and edited books across genres, garnering critical acclaim. The award is given to an outstanding Hindi literary work by an Indian citizen published during the last 10 years. It carries a cash prize of ₹4 lakh, a citation, and a plaque. The award is given by the KK Birla Foundation Instituted. The award was instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991. It is given annually to an outstanding work of Hindi literature by an Indian citizen published in the last 10 years.

 

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