Daily GK Update- 11th Jan, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India's first 'health food street' in MP's Ujjain: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated 'Prasadam,' India's initial hygienic food street, in a grand event at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh ‘This street will provide pure and clean food to the devotees. The ‘PRASADAM’ initiative aims to connect common citizens across the nation with pure and safe local and traditional food He believes that this effort will align people, both residents and tourists, to adopt safe and healthy eating habits.

 

2. DPIIT Organizes Startup India Innovation Week 2024: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is organizing the Startup India Innovation Week 2024 from 10 January to 18 January. This week-long initiative seeks to unite startups, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to celebrate and advance the Indian Startup Ecosystem, culminating in the National Startup Day on January 16th, 2024. The Startup India initiative was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16th January 2016 to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation, boosting startups, and encouraging investments in the startup ecosystem of the country. The Indian startup ecosystem has grown from strength to strength over the years. It said, the number of recognised startups has increased to over one lakh 17 lakh thousand from about four hundred startups in 2016.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gabriel Attal has been named the Youngest PM in France: French President Emmanuel Macron (34-year-old) appointed Education Minister Gabriel Attal as his new Prime Minister of France on 09 January 2024. Gabriel Attal also became the first gay prime minister of France. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne had to resign from her post on January 8, 2024, due to great political pressure. Attal, an associate of Macron, had earned much fame as the government spokesperson during the Covid pandemic.

 

2. India To Host UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee In July 2024: India is set to chair UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee and host its 46th session in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024, marking a historic milestone for our nation. Vishal V Sharma, India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, announced this decision. During its 19th extraordinary session (UNESCO, 2023), the World Heritage Committee resolved to hold its 46th session in India. The World Heritage Committee, comprising representatives from 21 member states, gathers annually to recognize global cultural and natural heritage. Their work contributes to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

 

3. 2023 Recorded Hottest Year Ever As Earth Nears Critical 1.5C Limit: Last year was the planet’s hottest on record by a substantial margin and likely the world’s warmest in the last 100,000 years, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). Scientists had widely expected the milestone after climate records were repeatedly broken. Since June, every month has been the world’s hottest on record compared with the corresponding month in previous years. C3S confirmed 2023 as the hottest year in global temperature records going back to 1850. When checked against paleoclimatic data records from sources such as tree rings and air bubbles in glaciers, Buontempo said it was “very likely” the warmest year in the last 100,000 years.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy's Elite Marine Commandos effectively rescue 21 crew members: The Indian Navy's elite marine commandos successfully rescued 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk. The merchant vessel MV Lila Norfolk sent a distress message on the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) portal, reporting a boarding by five-six unknown armed personnel. The Indian Navy diverted frontline warship INS Chennai from her anti piracy patrol and it intercepted the hijacked vessel.

 

2. Samir Kumar Sinha Takes Over As DG (Acquisition) In Defence Ministry: Senior IAS officer Samir Kumar Sinha has been appointed as Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) in the Defence Ministry. Sinha, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, is currently working in his Assam-Meghalaya cadre. Bharat Harbanslal Khera, a 1995-batch IAS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Chandra Bhushan Kumar will be Additional Secretary as well as Mission Director for the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation’s Jal Jeevan Mission. Puja Singh Mandol, currently Joint Director General in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

 

3. DRDO Launches ‘Ugram’ Assault Rifle For Armed Forces: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched Ugram, a state-of-the-art assault rifle of the 7.62 x 51 mm calibre. It has been indigenously designed, 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 first operational prototype of the rifle, which has been named Ugram, which means ferocious, was unveiled at the hands of Dr Shailendra V Gade, Director General, Armament and Combat Engineering Systems of the DRDO in Pune. The rifle has an effective range of 500 metres 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 Hyderabad-based Dvipa Armour India Private Limited.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Zverev-Led Germany Beat Swiatek’s Poland To Win United Cup: Germany defeated Poland 2-1 in a gripping United Cup final in Sydney. Alexander Zverev emerged as the hero for Germany, as his performance saved two championship points against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz. Zverev and Laura Siegemund defeated Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek 6-4, 5-7, 10-4 in a crucial mixed-doubles match at the Ken Rosewall Arena, guiding Germany to the United Cup title. Germany had a relatively poor group stage and just about qualified for the knockouts, but Zverev and Siegemund formed a formidable pair to rescue their side by winning three deciders in as many days to lead their team to the title.

 

2. FIH and Viacom18 Ink Four-Year Media Rights Deal: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has signed a major media rights agreement with Viacom18. This agreement runs for a four-year cycle (2023-2027) and includes all FIH events, except the FIH Nations Cup. As part of the partnership, Viacom18 will broadcast and stream the upcoming FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, the first ever FIH Hockey5s World Cup, the FIH Hockey Pro League, and the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup on Sports18 and JioCinema, respectively.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. LG Unveils World’s 1st Wireless Transparent OLED TV: LG Electronics has unveiled the world’s first wireless transparent TV. Called LG Signature OLED T, the TV has a glass for a display that looks as if it disappears when turned off. The TV combines transparent OLED technology with wireless AV transmission and reception for viewers to “see beyond the screen and eliminating the need for visible wires around the screen” The TV has a self-lit pixel technology that enables it to maintain the picture quality and it has a 4K resolution. LG Signature OLED T offers two distinctive screen modes: transparent and black. In transparent mode, those watching the TV can watch content overlapping with what’s behind it. If you want to watch the TV in the traditional style, you can click on the remote control to switch the screen to black.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Indusind Bank Introduces The ‘Samman Rupay Credit Card’: IndusInd Bank has introduced the “IndusInd Bank Samman RuPay Credit Card“, equipped with UPI functionality, in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Tailored for government sector employees, the card is designed to offer a variety of exclusive perks, aiming to elevate their banking experience. Combining the advantages of a conventional credit card with the advanced functionalities of UPI, the IndusInd Bank Samman RuPay Credit Card presents a seamless financial instrument. This card comes with a myriad of benefits, such as cashback on various expenses, complimentary movie tickets, zero fees on cash advances, and exemptions from surcharges on IRCTC transactions and fuel purchases.

 

1. World Bank Keeps India’s FY25 GDP Growth Estimate Unchanged At 6.4%: The World Bank kept its FY25 economic growth projection for India unchanged at 6.4 percent, mainly on account of strong domestic demand, rising public infrastructure spending and strong private-sector credit growth. However, it projected that the private consumption growth might taper off due to high food inflation and diminishing pent-up demand. In its biannual ‘Global Economic Prospects’ report, the World Bank said India was likely to maintain the fastest growth rate among the world’s largest economies, but its post-pandemic recovery was expected to slow, with estimated growth of 6.3 percent in FY24, before recovering gradually to 6.5 percent in FY26.

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.