Daily GK Update- 10th Jan, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India's first indigenously manufactured UAV ‘Drishti 10 Starliner’ flagged: Adani Defence and Aerospace introduced the Drishti 10 Starliner Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the Indian Navy, manufactured within the country. The commencement ceremony, overseen by Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy, took place in the presence of 75 Navy personnel. The UAV embarked on its journey from Hyderabad to Porbandar, marking its induction into naval maritime operations.

 

2. Nitin Gadkari inaugurates and lays foundation stone of 12 National Highway projects in Kerala: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated and lays foundation stone of 12 National Highway projects with a total length of 105 km worth over Rs 1464 Crore in Kerala. The proposed projects aim to enhance seamless connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, ensuring swift and trouble-free transportation. This initiative holds the promise of reducing overall transportation costs. Furthermore, a focus on eliminating black spots on National Highways is anticipated to contribute to a significant decrease in road accidents. The undertaking is poised to generate substantial employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, fostering socio-economic growth in Kerala.

 

3. Indian Railways Electrifies 6,577 Route Kilometers in 2023: Indian Railways has achieved 6,577 route kilometers electrification in the calendar year 2023. Till December 2023, 61,508 route Kms have been electrified, which is 93.83 percent of total Broad-Gauge route of 65,556 kms. With a vision of providing an eco-friendly, faster and energy-efficient mode of transportation, Indian Railways is marching ahead towards 100 per cent electrification of Broad-Gauge tracks. The Indian Railways has set a target to become the world’s largest green railway by 2030.

 

4. Seema Kumar takes charge as Member of Railway Board: Seema Kumar has taken over the charge of the post of Member (Operations & Business Development), Railway Board. Prior to this, Ms Seema Kumar was Additional Member (Tourism & Catering), Railway Board. She also held the additional charge of Additional Member (Traffic), Additional Member (Marketing & Business Development) and also of Chairman & Managing Director of IRCTC at various intervals.

Seema Kumar joined Indian Railways Traffic Service (IRTS) in 1988. She is a Gold Medalist in M.Sc. (Physics) from Meerut University and an M. Tech. from IIT Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurates Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar. The three-day event is witnessing the participation of 34 partner countries and delegates from over 130 countries. It will also celebrate ‘20 years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success’. The concept of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit was started in 2003 under the leadership of PM Modi when he was the CM of the state.

 

2. Indra Mani Pandey will be the next Secretary General of BIMSTEC: Indramani Pandey, a senior Indian diplomat has assumed the post of Secretary General of BIMSTEC for three years. He replaced Bhutan's Tenzin Lekfel. Prior to this, Indramani Pandey had been India's permanent representative to the United Nations. BIMSTEC (established in the year 1997) is an international organization of South Asian and Southeast Asian countries.

 

3. India's Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO): Senthil Pandian (IAS officer -2002 of the Uttar Pradesh cadre) has been appointed as India's ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved Pandian's appointment for a three-year term, effective from the date of assuming charge. The appointment comes as the tenure of Brajendra Navnit, India's current ambassador to the WTO, concludes on March 31, 2024.

 

4. India to chair, host UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in 2024: In a first, India is set to chair and host UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in New Delhi. As UNESCO's official statement, “At its 19th extraordinary session (UNESCO, 2023), the World Heritage Committee decided that its 46th session will take place in India. The dates & venue of the 46th session have been announced: 21st to 31st July, 2024 in New Delhi (India).

 

5. World Hindi Day 2024: 10th January: Every year, World Hindi Day is celebrated on January 10. In 1949, Hindi was spoken for the first time in the United Nations General Assembly. In 2006, the first Vishwa Hindi Diwas was observed by the then Prime Minister of the country – Dr. Manmohan Singh. Since then, January 10 has been observed as World Hindi Day everywhere.

London is world's slowest city to drive in: London is the world's slowest city for drivers owing to 20mph speed limits, a study suggests. A journey of 10km in central London took an average of 37 minutes and 20 seconds last year, location technology company TomTom said- making it the longest time among 387 cities in 55 countries which were analysed. This also marks the second year in a row that London tops the slowest city ranking. Top five slowest cities include Dublin, Toronto, Milan and Lima.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO launches ‘Ugram’, indigenous assault rifle for armed forces: The DRDO launched Ugram developed and manufactured in collaboration with a private industry partner The assault rifle has been designed for the operational requirements of armed forces, paramilitary and state police entities The rifle has an effective range of 500 m and weighs less than four kilograms and has been developed by DRDO's Pune-based facility Armament Research and Development Establishments (ARDE) in collaboration with Dvipa Armour India Private Limited.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Microsoft launches AI Odyssey to skill 1 lakh developers in India: Microsoft has launched an initiative that aims to skill one lakh developers in India in the latest AI technologies and tools. The program offers a comprehensive learning experience that helps developers acquire and demonstrate relevant skills needed to execute critical projects using AI technologies that align with business goals and outcomes. Through programs like AI Odyssey, Microsoft is offering opportunities for developers to build solutions for India’s growth and showcase their talent to solve real-world problems, said the company. The month-long program is open to all AI enthusiasts in India, regardless of experience level or background. The program has two levels that participants need to complete by January 31, 2024.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Politically Exposed Persons' Term to Meet FATF Norms: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) updated Know Your Customer (KYC) norms for politically exposed persons (PEPs) who transact with regulated entities (REs), seeking to comply with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In the amended KYC master direction, the central bank defines PEPs as individuals who have held or are currently entrusted with prominent public functions by a foreign country.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Odisha's red ant chutney gets GI tag: In Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, red weaver ants are used to make a chutney or a watery semi-solid paste known as "Kai Chutney." This chutney is renowned in the region for its medicinal and nutritional properties. This distinctive savoury chutney was awarded the geographical indication (GI) tag.

 

2. Divyakriti Singh Becomes 1st Indian Woman Arjuna Awardee for Equestrian Sports: 23-year-old Divyakriti Singh Rathore of Rajasthan received the prestigious Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu for her remarkably outstanding stint in Equestrian sports. Singh, the first Indian female to receive the Arjuna in the Equestrian sport, has mastered the tricks of the sport after rigorous practice over the years. It was a proud moment not only for Divyakriti Singh but also for her home state of Rajasthan, as she stands as the sole representative to receive an Arjuna Award not only this year, but for the past five years.

Daily GK Update- 9th Jan, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 68 Rajya Sabha Members Set to Retire in 2024: 68 Rajya Sabha members, including nine Union ministers, are completing their tenures this year, triggering a race of sorts among leaders across political parties to eye a six-year term in the Upper House of Parliament. Of the 68 vacancies, elections have already been called for three seats in Delhi where AAP leaders Sanjay Singh, Narain Dass Gupta, and Sushil Kumar Gupta will complete their tenures on January 27. As many as 57 leaders, including Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, Health Minister Mansukh Madaviya, and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, will complete their tenures in April.

 

2. Uttar Pradesh to set up pharma park: The Uttar Pradesh government will set up a pharma park in Lalitpur, Bundelkhand, covering 1,472-acre across five villages, according to the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA). The plan will unfold in two phases, with an initial focus on immediate development efforts covering 300 acre of land. The villages identified for the survey include Saidpur (426 acre), Gadolikala (249 acre), Largan (239 acre), Karounda (116 acre), and Rampur (441 acre). The establishment of the Pharma Park and the acceleration of associated projects mark a strategic move by the Uttar Pradesh government towards fostering industrial growth and economic development.

 

3. Gangasagar Mela begins in West Bengal: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has inaugurated the Gangasagar Mela. The Mela will continue till 17th of January. The ‘Shahi Snan’ will be held on 15th and 16th January. Chief Minister has also inaugurated nine projects at Sagar.

The state government has sent a letter to UNESCO to declare Gangasagar Mela a heritage site. This year pilgrimage tax has been waived off for the pilgrims, instead 5 lakhs rupees insurance will be given to all.

 

4. 9 January – Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) or NRI Day is celebrated in India every year on 9 January. The day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi from South Africa to India in 1915 for the struggle of Independence. One of the main aims of recognising Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is to pay homage and honour to the Overseas Indian community who play a significant role in the development of the country. The inaugural celebration of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas took place in 2003.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Cabinet Approved India-Guyana MoU For Hydrocarbon Sector: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, India and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Guyana, on cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector. The proposed MoU encompasses a comprehensive range of collaboration across the hydrocarbon value chain, underscoring the depth of engagement between the two nations.

 

2. Kyrgyzstan Declares Snow Leopard As National Symbol: Kyrgyzstan has officially declared the snow leopard as its national symbol, underscoring its commitment to conservation and ecological balance. The snow leopard is not only a symbol of natural wealth and cultural prosperity, but also an indicator of the stability and health of the mountain ecosystem, which occupies 1/3 of the global territory. The loss of snow leopards in the wild will lead to the risk of disturbing the fragile ecological balance, which will have a detrimental impact on various animal species and on humans.”

 

3. Sheikh Hasina wins fifth term in Bangladesh PM: Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been re-elected for a fifth term, marking a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape. The ruling Awami League, under Hasina’s leadership, has triumphed once again, securing more than half of the parliamentary seats. This victory reaffirms Sheikh Hasina’s position as the world’s longest-serving female head of government. Instead of any political party, independent candidates secured a total of 63 seats, the second highest after Hasina’s Awami League (AL), which won 222, creating a problem of finding a parliamentary opposition.

 

4. NIVEA India Appoints Geetika Mehta As New MD: Nivea India has appointed Geetika Mehta as new Managing Director (MD). With this, she joins the growing list of women heading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies. Mehta’s previous stint was at Hershey India for two and a half years as MD, and before that she was at the country’s largest FMCG firm, Hindustan Unilever, for 18 years. Geetika, with a distinguished career in the FMCG sector, has a proven track record of developing small businesses as well as managing large-scale corporations across markets including South Asia, Thailand, Brazil, and South Africa.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Rashmi Shukla becomes Maharashtra’s first woman DGP: The Maharashtra government has appointed 1988 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rashmi Shukla as the Director General of Police. Shukla became the first woman police officer to hold the top police post in the State. She takes over from another 1988 IPS batch officer Rajnish Seth, who retired last week to take charge as chairman of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC). Mumbai police commissioner Vivek Phansalkar has been holding additional charge as Maharashtra DGP Maharashtra since Mr. Seth retired on December 31. Shukla was on Central deputation heading the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) – the border guarding force, before her latest appointment as Maharashtra DGP.

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. South Africa batter Heinrich Klaasen announces retirement from Test cricket: South Africa swashbuckling batter Heinrich Klaasen has announced retirement from Test cricket (longest format of the game). Klaasen, who was among the top run getters for South Africa in last year’s ODI World Cup, wasn’t a regular in the red ball setup. Having made his debut in 2019, the 32-year-old only had four Test matches under his belt. However, on the tour of the West Indies, Klaasen notched up a mere 56 runs from four innings.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Fino Payments Bank applies to RBI for SFB license: Fino Payments Bank has applied to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), seeking a small finance bank license. During the quarter ended 31 December 2023, the RBI received one application under the Guidelines for ‘on tap’ Licensing of Small Finance Banks in the Private Sector dated December 5, 2019 from Fino Payments Bank Limited. According to the guidelines, payments banks were allowed to apply for a conversion into SFB post five years of operations along with meeting other guidelines mandated by the RBI. The bank  must also have a minimum paid-up voting equity capital or net worth of Rs 200 crore

 

2. SEBI Appoints G Ram Mohan Rao As Executive Director: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has appointed G Ram Mohan Rao as Executive Director (ED) for a period of three years. Rao will be handling the investigation department and the internal inspection department.

He has been with the markets regulator for over 25 years during which he has supervised diverse portfolios such as inspections, litigation, recovery, investor awareness, grievance redressal, etc.

Prior to the appointment, Rao was the regional director of the Eastern Regional Office of Sebi.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. President Droupadi Murmu confers 'Khel Ratna' and 'Arjuna' award: President Droupadi Murmu confers the 'Khel Ratna' and 'Arjuna' awards at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Mohammed Shami received the Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports Awards. Chirag and Satwik were honored with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award for their remarkable achievements in 2023.

Daily GK Update- 8th Jan, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sarbananda Sonowal chair first Inland Waterways Development Council Meeting in Kolkata: Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has chaired the first Inland Waterways Development Council Meeting in Kolkata. During the meeting, Mr Sonowal unveiled groundbreaking initiatives, including Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels and the River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047. The Ministry has set a target to elevate the modal share of Inland Water Transportation from the current two percent to five percent, aligning with the goals outlined in the Maritime India Vision 2030.

 

2. Amit Shah chairs ‘National PACS Mega Conclave’ in New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah has chaired the ‘National PACS Mega Conclave’ on ‘Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra’ at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Mega Conclave is being organized by the Ministry of Cooperation in collaboration with the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) provide quality generic medicines to the general public, which cost 50-90 percent less than the branded medicines available in the open market.

 

3. Ashwani Gupta appointed as CEO of Adani Ports: Ashwani Gupta has been appointed as CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone. He was the former global Chief Operating Officer at Nissan Motors. This appointment is part of Adani Port’s internal restructuring that also elevated Karan Adani to the role of Managing Director and Gautam Adani has been re-designated as ‘Executive Chairman’ of APSEZ. Gupta, an automotive market veteran was appointed Nissan COO in December 2019 and has a notable track record in fostering key partnerships worldwide, and brings nearly three decades of experience across the automotive, retail and manufacturing sectors. He has played key role in the Renault Nissan Alliance as well.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet Approves India-USAID MoU For Railways’ Net-Zero Emission Goal: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of MoU between India and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID/India) to support Indian Railways in achieving ‘net zero carbon emission’ by 2030. The MoU provides a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector. The MoU facilitates utility modernization, advanced energy solutions and systems, regional energy and market integration and private sector participation and engagement, training and seminars/workshops focusing on specific technology areas like Renewable Energy, energy efficiency and other interactions for knowledge sharing.

 

2. Ayodhya Airport Renamed As ‘Maharishi Valmiki International Airport’: The Union Cabinet recently gave its approval to declare Ayodhya Airport as an international airport. The airport will be named “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham,” reflecting the historical and cultural significance of the region. The airport is paramount for realizing Ayodhya’s economic potential and its significance as a global pilgrimage site, opening doors to foreign pilgrims and tourists. The first phase of the airport is developed at a cost of more than Rs 1,450 crore. The airport’s terminal building will have an area of 6500 sqm, equipped to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually.

 

3. Suchetha Satish sets new world record for singing in most languages during single concert in Dubai: In a historic and awe-inspiring event, Suchetha Satish (from Kerala) has etched her name in the annals of music history by setting a new world record for singing in the most languages during a single concert in the UAE. The Guinness Book of World Records officially attested to this feat earlier this week. Suchetha’s groundbreaking performance was part of a Concert for Climate, a unique initiative aimed at raising awareness about the critical issue of climate change. The talented artist delivered an astounding rendition of songs in an unprecedented 140 languages, captivating the audience with her musical prowess and a powerful message.

 

4. Indra Mani Pandey assumes charge of BIMSTEC Secretary General: Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, a senior diplomat of India, assumed the position of Secretary General (SG) of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in Dhaka. Pandey, who succeeded Tenzin Lekphell of Bhutan, is the 4th SG of BIMSTEC and will remain in office for a period of three years. The new SG reiterated his commitment to work earnestly and with a new vigour to translate into reality the grand vision of BIMSTEC member states. A career diplomat, Ambassador Pandey joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1990. Prior to taking over as SG, he served as the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva.

 

5. 8 January – Earth’s Rotation Day: Earth’s Rotation Day is celebrated every year on January 8.

It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the pivotal discovery of Earth’s rotation on its axis. In 470 BC, the Greeks claimed that the earth rotated on its own back. In 1851, French Physicist Leon Foucault showed the world’s rotation with the assistance of a pendulum. This was additionally used to exhibit the experimentation and was subsequently shown at the Pantheon in Greece and the Paris Observatory. Earth’s Rotation Day is celebrated to mark the experiment by Leon Foucault to demonstrate the rotation of earth, and this is given importance over other different experiments that were conducted to prove the earth’s rotation around its axis.

 

6. 8 January – South African Native National Congress (SANNC) Day: African National Congress (ANC) was formed on 8 January 1912. Its primary goal was to unite African people and defend their rights and freedoms. South Africa’s governing party is the African National Congress and has been in power since the transition to democracy in April 1994. Initially, the organization was founded as the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) on 8 January 1912 in Bloemfontein. It aimed to fight for the rights of black South Africans, to bring all Africans together as one people, and to defend their rights and freedoms.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Amit Shah inaugurates 58th DGsP/IGsP conference 2023 in Jaipur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated the 58th DGsP/IGsP Conference 2023 at Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur. The three-day Conference was held in hybrid mode with DGsP/IGsP and Chiefs of Central Police Organizations attending physically from Jaipur and over 500 Police officers of various ranks participating through video conferencing from across the country. The Union Home Minister distributed Police Medals for Meritorious Service to IB officers and awarded trophies for the three best Police Stations.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Google DeepMind Introduces Mobile ALOHA Humanoid Technology: Researchers at Google DeepMind and Stanford University has introduced Mobile ALOHA, a low-cost open-source hardware system for bimanual teleoperation. It is a humanoid robot that can be remote operated by a user and perform autonomously by imitation learning. ALOHA can autonomously cook and serve shrimps, call and take the elevator, and store a 3lbs pot in a cabinet – tasks it learned through imitation of 50 demos. Further, through user-controlled teleoperations, it can do laundry, self-charge, use a vacuum cleaner, water plants, load and unload a dishwasher, use a coffee machine and much more.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Indian economy to grow at 7.3 percent in current financial year; NSO: According to the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the Indian economy will grow by a robust 7.3 percent in the Financial Year 2023-24 over and above the provisional growth rate of 7.2 percent during the last financial year. NSO in its report based on First Advance Estimates (FAE) of National Income for the financial year 2023-24, said that the construction sector has been estimated to have double-digit growth of 10.7 percent. It highlighted that all the economic sectors have fared well by witnessing more than six percent, except for the Agriculture and Allied sectors, for which the estimated growth is 1.8 percent.

 

2. Vikas Sheel appointed as ED of Asian Development Bank: India has appointed seven accomplished civil servants to crucial positions abroad, showcasing the country’s global engagement. Senior bureaucrat Vikas Sheel has been appointed as Executive Director of Asian Development Bank (ADB). Sheel, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, is currently Additional Secretary and Mission Director, Jal Jeevan Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. He has been appointed as ED, Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a period of three years from the date of assumption of the charge.

 

3. Rajiv Shah named as ‘Class C’ director on Board of Directors of Federal Reserve Bank of New York: In the US, Dr. Rajiv Shah, current president of ‘the Rockefeller Foundation’ and former head of USAID, has been named as a ‘Class C’ director on the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He has been appointed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for a three-year term ending the 31st of December, 2026. Shah has been leading the prominent philanthropic organization ‘the Rockefeller Foundation’ since 2017.

Daily GK Update- 7th Jan, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. REC limited signs with RVN to finance multi-modal.: REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Power, has signed a MoU with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to extend financial support of up to Rs. 35,000 crore for infrastructure projects over the next five years. The agreement encompasses a wide spectrum of projects, including multi-modal logistics hubs, rail infrastructure, road development, port facilities, and metro projects that RVNL is venturing into. REC Limited, established in 1969, is a “Maharatna” Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) that operates under the Ministry of Power. REC has traditionally focused on the power infrastructure sector, covering generation, transmission, distribution, renewable energy, and emerging technologies like electric vehicles, battery storage, and green hydrogen.

 

2. Ayodhya to host International Kite Festival ahead of Ram Temple consecration: Ahead of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22, the Uttar Pradesh government will host an International Kite Festival here. The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has initiated preparations for the festival, which is likely to take place between January 19 and 21, providing renowned kite flyers from both within the country and around the world with an opportunity to showcase their art. To organize this festival on a grand scale, inspiration is being taken from various kite festivals being held in the country and abroad. A visitors’ area would be designed with seating arrangements for 750 people along with a VVIP lounge to accommodate 50 special invitees to the event.

 

3. P Santhosh appoints as MD & CEO of NARCL: Chief General Manager of Canara Bank, P Santhosh has been appointed as the Managing Director of National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL). He succeeds Natarajan Sundar, who resigned from the post. Canara Bank is the sponsor bank of NARCL with over a 10 percent stake. Public sector banks are major shareholders of NARCL. A total of 10 Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have transferred Non-Performing Assets of over Rs 11,617 crore to NARCL between January and November last year. Sundar was with State Bank of India before taking charge at NARCL.

 

4. 5 January – National Birds Day: The United States of America (USA) declares January 5 as National Bird Day to raise awareness of the significance of birds to our ecosystem. The day is set apart to make all of us understand that birds are not made to be caught or had as showpieces in our homes, rather, they are nature’s lovely creatures that deserve to live with complete freedom.

Theme 2023 – Right To Fight The day was first observed by the Avian Welfare Coalition, which is involved in the cause of promoting awareness about birds that are caught or end up in captivity for either monetary profit or for human entertainment. National Birds Day has been celebrated in America since 2002. This date was picked in light of the fact that it likewise is the day for the yearly Christmas Bird Count.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Inaugural Meeting of Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC): The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Shipping Ministry is hosting the first meeting of recently constituted Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) on January 8th, 2023 in Kolkata. The day-long meeting on board vessel MV Ganga Queen will ..

 

2. Acclaimed Actress Glynis Johns Dies at 100: Glynis Johns, the multi-talented Welsh actress renowned for her six-decade career gracing Hollywood films, Broadway musicals and British cinema, passed away peacefully at age 100 in Los Angeles on January 12th, 2023. Early Life and Career Beginnings Born in South ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Vice Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi appointed as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff: Vice-Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi took over as the Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS). Vice-Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh took over from him as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOCINC), Western Naval Command, at INS Shikra in Mumbai. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R. Hari Kumar, is set to step down on superannuation on April 30 when Vice-Admiral Tripathi will be the senior-most Naval officer.

 

2. iDEX to Showcase Cutting-Edge Defence Technologies at Vibrant Gujarat 2024: Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) under India’s Ministry of Defence is participating at the 10th edition of prestigious Vibrant Gujarat Summit being held from January 10-12, 2024 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. About Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit Vibrant Gujarat Global .

 

SPORTS

 

1. Raghuram Iyer appointed as CEO of Indian Olympic Association: The Indian Olympic Association has appointed Raghuram Iyer as the Chief Executive Officer. The appointment, long-awaited and in response to reminders from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), brings a wealth of experience to the forefront. Iyer was selected unanimously for the post by the IOA Nomination Committee after thorough interviews and careful consideration of the shortlisted candidates. Raghuram Iyer comes with a rich experience in the sports management field, having served as the CEO of Indian Premier League (IPL) sides Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants and Rising Pune Supergiant.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. REC Limited and Bank of Baroda join hands to finance Power, Infra, and Logistics Projects: State-owned REC Ltd has inked an initial pact with Bank of Baroda to jointly offer loans for power, infrastructure and logistics projects in India over the next three years. Both entities endeavour to champion initiatives that will invigorate economic development and enhance accessibility to essential services nationwide. The MoU was signed in the presence of Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Chairperson and Managing Director of REC, and Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO of Bank of Baroda, along with Lalit Tyagi, Executive Director at Bank of Baroda.

Daily GK Update- 6th Jan, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NHAI collaborates with NRSC to develop ‘Green Cover Index’: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has inked a MoU with ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to develop and report a ‘Green Cover Index’ for the extensive network of the Indian National Highways. NHAI’s collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) satellite centre data will take three years to map the entire highway network, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable development. The tech-enabled Green Cover Index The NRSC will undertake a comprehensive pan-India estimation of green cover, referred to as the ‘Green Cover Index’ for National Highways using high-resolution satellite imagery. The index will witness the use of emerging technologies to enhance in-situ data collection, supplement plantation management, and monitoring, including performance audits conducted by NHAI.

 

2. UP distributed loans over Rs 6 lakh crore to boost MSME sector: The Yogi 2. government has distributed loans totaling Rs 6,55,684 crore in the last six and a half years to boost the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in Uttar Pradesh. The sector has provided employment to 2.5 crore youths during the period. The government has been providing loans to aspiring entrepreneurs every year, with the amount exceeding the target each time. The MSME sector, which was dying of neglect during the previous governments, got a fresh lease of life when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took over in 2017 and launched various initiatives such as the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme, Mukhyamantri Gramodyog Rojgar Yojana, Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarojgar Yojana and Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana among others.

 

3. Shashi Singh appointed as new president of AIRIA: Shashi Singh has been elected as the president of the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA), the apex body for rubber industries in India. Singh will be succeeding Ramesh Kejriwal as the President of AIRIA, playing a pivotal role in steering the association forward. Prior to assuming the role of President, Shashi Singh held the position of senior vice president within AIRIA. His extensive involvement in the association includes serving on various committees and acting as the chief convener for the western region, overseeing the organization the National Rubber Conference in 2019.

 

4. Sanjiv Aggarwal appoints as MD & CEO of IIFL: Government-backed National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited has appointed Sanjiv Aggarwal as its chief executive officer and managing director. Aggarwal succeeds Rajiv Dhar, who served as interim CEO and MD from May 2023. Aggarwal had previous stints with Citigroup and ANZ Investment Bank in the Indian energy and infrastructure sectors. The National Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF) is India’s first-ever sovereign wealth fund (SWF). The state-owned fund was set up by the Indian Government in the year 2015. NIIF, which is 49% owned by the government, manages over $4.9 billion of equity capital commitments across its four funds—master fund, fund of funds, strategic opportunities fund, and India-Japan Fund.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. EAM Jaishankar to represent India at Uganda NAM Summit in January 2024: India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will represent India at the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Uganda’s capital Kampala January 2024. Scheduled from January 17 to 20, 2024, the 19th edition of the NAM summit will be preceded by a crucial foreign ministerial meeting from January 15. Additionally, the African country will host the Third South Summits and G77 meeting from January 21 to 23. At the 2019 NAM summit in Azerbaijan, and the 2016 NAM Venezuela summits, India was represented at the Vice President level. Uganda will be the chair of the NAM grouping from 2024-2027. The African country was chosen to host the 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit on October 19, 2019, during the meeting held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

 

2. 6 January – World Day of War Orphans: World Day of War Orphans is observed every year on January 6 to highlight the plight of children orphaned by wars and conflicts. The day aims to raise awareness about the trauma experienced by orphans and the social, psychological and physical obstacles they often need to overcome to lead a normal life. The World Day of War Orphans was founded by the French organisation SOS Enfants en Detresses. The organisation works to help children in distress. Organizations like UNICEF, the Red Cross, and various NGOs have been actively involved in supporting war orphans by providing assistance, advocating for their rights, and working to ensure their well-being and integration into societies.

 

3. India and Mauritius to Jointly Build and Launch Small Satellite: India has signed an agreement with Mauritius to jointly develop a small satellite, which will be launched by ISRO in early 2024. The cooperation will be between ISRO and Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC). Satellite Development and Launch Timeline ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane’s Book “Four Stars of Destiny”: Excerpts from former Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane’s upcoming book ‘Four Stars to Destiny’ published recently provide hitherto unknown aspects of high-level decision making during the 2020 China border crisis and other key national security developments then. Key Aspects ..

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NASA Tests Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine for Future Mars Missions: NASA has successfully tested a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) that can potentially halve travel time to Mars. The engine detonates fuel in explosive bursts instead of continuous combustion to achieve more powerful and efficient thrust. Key Details About RDRE ..

 

2. ISRO Tests Fuel Cell in Space for Future Missions: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a fuel cell aboard a PSLV rocket launch on January 1st, 2023. The hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell generated electricity along with heat and water – all essential for human spaceflights. Ideal for Sustained ..

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI raises $250 mn via Green Bonds to fund sustainable projects: State Bank of India (SBI) has raised USD 250 million through issuance of the Green Notes to fund sustainable projects. The bank has concluded the successful placement of USD 250 million senior unsecured Green floating rate notes, referred to as ‘The Green Notes’. This issuance, maturing on December 29, 2028, is part of SBI’s USD 10 billion medium-term note programme and was conducted through a private placement facilitated by its London branch. Green Notes were issued on a floating rate basis of 1.20 per cent above the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) and have been listed on the India International Exchange.