Daily GK Update- 16th Jan, 2024

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurates NACIN Campus in Andhra Pradesh: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN) at Palasamudram in Andhra Pradesh. NACIN, spread over 500 acres, is dedicated to capacity building in indirect taxation and narcotics control administration. Mr modi will be interacte with the Officer Trainees of the 74th and 75th batch of IRS Custom and Indirect Taxes) as well as the Officer Trainees of Royal Civil Service of Bhutan.

 

2. National Startup Day 2024:16th January: PM Narendra Modi proclaimed January 16 as National Startup Day 2024, marking a pivotal moment in India's recognition and celebration of its burgeoning startup ecosystem. The day holds immense significance as it provides a dedicated platform to celebrate the triumphs of the startup community. It serves as an occasion for entrepreneurs to share insights, discuss innovations, and reflect on their journey.

 

3. Kerala comes up with Operation AMRITH to tackle AMR: The Kerala Drug Control Department recently launched Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health) to prevent the overuse of antibiotics in the state. The aim is to conduct surprise raids in pharmacies to detect over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription. AMR refers to the ability of bacteria and microbes to resist the drugs used to inhibit or kill them.

 

4. Pench Tiger Reserve: India’s First Dark Sky Park: The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has been marked as India's first Dark Sky Park and the fifth such park in Asia for protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution, making the facility ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) emphasises on the recognition of the intrinsic value of the night sky as a natural, cultural, and historical resource.

 

5. Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve becomes India’s First Dark Sky Park: The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has been marked as India’s first Dark Sky Park and the fifth such park in Asia. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores the reserve’s unwavering commitment to protecting the sanctity of the night sky and creating an optimal setting for astronomy enthusiasts. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) emphasizes on the recognition of the intrinsic value of the night sky as a natural, cultural, and historical resource. The IUCN also highlights the need to preserve natural darkness for the sake of nature conservation, ecological integrity in protected areas, and the well-being of communities in healthy cities.

 

6. Maiden National Highway steel slag road on NH-66 Mumbai-Goa inaugurated: V.K. Saraswat has inaugurated the first National Highway Steel Slag Road section on NH-66 Mumbai-Goa. Developed by CSIR-CRRI, converts steel industry waste into a resource, contributing to the construction of robust and eco-friendly national highways. This innovation aligns with the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) efforts to enhance infrastructure sustainability in the country. Under the technological guidance of CSIR-CRRI, JSW Steel has successfully constructed a 1 km long four-lane steel slag road section on the Indapur-Panvel Section of NH-66 Mumbai-Goa.

 

7. Wholesale inflation rises to 0.73% in December: The wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation rose in December at 0.73% mainly due to a sharp rise in food prices. The WPI inflation was in the negative zone from April to October and had turned positive in November at 0.26%. Positive rate of inflation in December 2023 is primarily due to the increase in prices of food articles, machinery & equipment, other manufacturing, other transport equipment and computer, electronics & optical products, etc. Food inflation rose to 9.38% in December from 8.18% in November 2023.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. South Korean firm Simmtech signs MoU for creating semiconductor ecosystem in Gujarat: After US chipmaker Micron and Tata group, South Korean firm Simmtech has signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to set up its plant in Sanand at a cost of Rs1,250 crore as part of creating a semiconductor ecosystem in the state. South Korean firm has been allotted 30 acres of land and the work will start in the next two-three months. The company will need 6-7 months to set up the plants. Simmtech is the world’s biggest manufacturer of semiconductor substrates. The company has been given subsidy under SPECS (Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) by the centre as well as state government.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Defense Minister Sanctions Insurance Scheme for BRO Workers: India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh has approved a proposal to provide insurance cover to casual workers employed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to build infrastructure in remote areas. The scheme will provide INR 10 lakh ($13,500) to the families of casual-paid labourers in the event of death. The insurance scheme will serve as a social security and welfare measure and will go a long way in securing the livelihoods of their families. BRO employs up to one lakh casual workers for infrastructure projects in border areas. BRO has completed around 300 crucial projects during the last three years at a cost of ₹8,000 crore.

 

2. 15 January – Indian Army Day: Indian Army Day is celebrated every year on 15 January. This year, we are celebrating 76th Army Day. This day is celebrated to commemorate the victory of the Indian Army over the British Army. On 15 January 1949, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa became the first Commander-in-chief of the Indian Army and took over the authority from the British Commander-in-Chief General Francis Butcher. Theme 2024 – In Service of the Nation The Indian Army hold its 76th Army Day parade at the 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre in Lucknow — the headquarters of the Army’s Central Command.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lionel Messi Won The Best FIFA Men's Player 2023: Argentina superstar Lionel Messi won the best men's player award for the second successive year after winning a tie-breaker with Erling Haaland. Spain's Aitana Bonmati was the stand-out winner for the women's best player award.

Pep Guardiola was honoured with the best men's manager award.

 

2. Australian cricketer Shaun Marsh announces retirement: Australian cricketer Shaun Marsh has announced his retirement from professional cricket. With the Melbourne Renegades’ fixture against Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League being his last assignment. Marsh also had a great stint with Australia across formats, scoring more than 5,200 runs and 13 centuries, while his last outing for the Kangaroos was against Sri Lanka at The Oval during the 2019 ODI World Cup.

 

3. Rohit Sharma Become First Men’s Player To Play 150 T20Is: India captain Rohit Sharma has become the first men’s player to play 150 T20Is. Rohit achieved this feat during the second T20I match against Afghanistan at the Holkar Cricket Stadium. Rohit returned to India’s T20I setup for the first time since the end of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. He led his side to a 6-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first T20I in Mohali. Rohit also secured another milestone by becoming the first player to win 100 T20I Stirling has played 134 matches in his career. His Ireland colleague, George Dockrell, is third on the list, having played 128 matches.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Yes Bank deploys Veefin’s SmartFin supply chain finance solution: Yes Bank has announced the launch of SmartFin, an end-to-end digital supply chain finance (SCF) platform, powered by Veefin Solutions. The SmartFin platform, through its end-to-end digital offerings, will help us drive the required operational & financial efficiencies for all stakeholders. Veefin continues investing in its SCF product capabilities to see that our clients have the latest SCF technology in the market.

 

2. RBI imposes fine on Dhanlaxmi Bank, ESAF Small Finance Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank over non-compliances: The Reserve Bank has imposed penalties totalling ₹2.49 crore on three banks, including Dhanlaxmi Bank and Punjab and Sind Bank, for contravention of regulatory norms. A penalty of ₹1.20 crore has been slapped on Dhanlaxmi Bank for non-compliance with certain directions on ‘Loans and Advances — Statutory and Other Restrictions’, KYC, and certain norms related to interest rate on deposits. Further, a fine of ₹1 crore has been imposed on Punjab and Sind Bank for non-compliance with certain directions on ‘Loans and Advances — Statutory and Other Restrictions.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. US Air Force officer Madison Marsh crowned Miss America 2024: Madison Marsh( 22-year-old) was crowned the Miss America 2024. Madison, a second lieutenant in the US Air Force and master's student at the Harvard Kennedy School's public policy program, won the beauty pageant in Orlando, Florida. The Miss Colorado 2023 winner is the first-ever active-duty Air Force officer to receive the national title. Ellie Breaux of Texas is the first runner-up in the beauty pageant.

Daily GK Update- 15th Jan, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Karnataka Govt. Launched ‘Yuva Nidhi’ Scheme For Jobless Youth: Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar have launched the Yuva Nidhi scheme in Shivamogga, Karnataka. The scheme offers financial aid to graduates and diploma holders who are yet to get a job, but only for a maximum of two years. Training will be provided to the graduates and diploma holders who register themselves on the Skill Connect portal of the State Government. The government has promised ₹3,000 per month to degree holders and ₹1,500 per month to diploma holders who were unable to get a job in the past six months and are not pursuing higher studies. The aid will be paid for two years. The launch was held on the birth anniversary of youth icon Swami Vivekananda.

 

2. PM Modi Inaugurates 27th National Youth Festival In Nashik: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival in Nashik, Maharashtra. The festival, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, celebrated youthful talent and skills across the nation. He also witnessed a march past by the state’s team and a cultural program on the theme of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047 – Yuva ke liye, Yuva ke dwara’ which included Rhythmic gymnastics, Mallakhamb, Yogasana and National Youth Festival song.

 

3. First ‘Made In India’ Memory Chip Is Expected To Be Produced In 2024: Ashwini Vaishnav: Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said the first ‘Made In India’ Memory chip is expected to be produced in Gujarat this year. Addressing a seminar on Semiconductors and Electronics at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar, the Minister said Micron’s investment in Gujarat will pave the way for creating a Semiconductor ecosystem in India. The Minister also asked Semicon Giant Micron to undertake research in the semiconductor industry and set up a research centre at IIT Gandhinagar. During the summit, an MoU was exchanged between Gujarat Government and Korean company Simmtec. Also, partnership agreements were signed between Micron and Nantech, and Cisco and Nantec.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Camel Festival Organized In Bikaner, Rajasthan: The three-day International Camel Festival has organized with great fervor in the culturally rich district of Bikaner, Rajasthan.

The festival commenced with an enthralling Heritage Walk, setting the stage for a celebration of folk culture that captivated both domestic and foreign tourists. The Tourism Department organized Rangoli, Mehndi, and drawing competitions for the participants at Bikaji ki Tekri, with the winners receiving mementoes in recognition of their skills and talents. Camels have always been an integral part of Bikaner’s culture and history. The Bikaner army had a Camel corps called “Ganga Risala”, which played a vital role in both the World Wars and conflicts in Somaliland, Egypt, and China.

2. 2nd International AYUSH Conference Inaugurated In Dubai: The second International AYUSH Conference and Exhibition was inaugurated at the Dubai World Trade Centre, orchestrated by the Science India Forum and the Ministry of AYUSH. The three-day event was dedicated to showcasing AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) as a reliable healthcare system for preventing and managing Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases (NCDs). The focal theme of the conference, “Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases – Prevention & Management through AYUSH,” aims to highlight AYUSH as a prevention-oriented and cost-effective approach to creating a disease-free society.

 

3. South Korea Bans Trade Of Dog Meat In New Law: The South Korean parliament has passed a Bill banning the production and sale of dog meat, in a decision that campaigners hailed as a “historic victory” for animal welfare. Although the Bill does not criminalise the consumption of dog meat, it aims to ban the sale, distribution, butchery, and breeding of dogs for their meat by 2027.

 

4. Denmark’s King Frederik X Takes The Throne After Abdication Of Queen: Denmark’s King Frederik X took the throne after the abdication of his mother Queen Margrethe II. For many in Denmark, his mother Margrethe was the only monarch they had ever known. But her shock abdication, after more than five decades on the throne, paved the way for her son, the former Crown Prince Frederik, to succeed her. The Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen then publicly proclaimed the King’s accession from the balcony of the palace – a tradition in place since the constitution of 1849.

 

5. William Lai Elected President Of Taiwan: William Lai, also known as Lai Ching-te, from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won Taiwan’s presidential election. Lai, the current vice president of Taiwan garnered around 40% of the vote share after counting was done from over 90% of polling stations. He was competing against two other candidates, including Hou Yu-ih from the conservative Kuomintang (KMT) and former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan People’s Party which was only founded in 2019. Lai, 64, grew up poor in a coal-mining village in northern Taiwan. His father, a miner, died in a coal mine disaster when he was two years old. Lai was brought up by his mother alongside five siblings.

 

6. 14 January – International Kite Day: International Kite Day is observed on 14 January every year. The day celebrates the end of winter and the onset of summer. It also marks the arrival of harvest season. It is believed that the kite was invented in China in the 28th century BC and the popularity of kite-flying peaked in Lucknow in the 1700s. Benjamin Franklin, an American scientist and author, stated that lightning is electricity with the help of a kite. International Kite Day was first observed in Gujarat. Individuals from across the globe came to show off their kites

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 14 January 2024 – 7th Armed Forces Veterans Day: Armed Forces Veterans Day is celebrated every year on 14th January. The day was first celebrated in 2016. The 14th of January is commemorated as Armed Forces Veterans Day as a mark of respect and recognition for the services rendered by Field Marshall KM Cariappa. He was the first Indian Chief of the Indian Army. He retired from service on 14th January 1953.

 

SPORTS

 

1. MP emerges overall Champion of first ever Beach Games held in Diu: Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the overall champion at the inaugural Beach Games 2024, held at the pristine blue flag-certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu. The landlocked state secured a staggering total of 18 medals, including an impressive haul of 7 golds, highlighting the depth of talent within its contingent. The competition witnessed 1404 young athletes from 28 states and Union Territories participating in a diverse array of disciplines. Maharashtra clinched 14 medals, including 3 golds, while Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and hosts Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Diu & Daman secured 12 medals each. Notably, Assam secured 8 medals, with an impressive 5 golds.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Launches Green Rupee Term Deposit: State Bank of India (SBI) has launched the SBI Green Rupee Term Deposit (SGRTD) of 1,111 days, 1,777 days, and 2,222 days tenor for resident individuals, non-individuals, and NRI customers. The deposit has been introduced with the aim of mobilizing funds to support environment-friendly initiatives and projects, thereby fostering the growth of a green finance ecosystem in India. Currently, the scheme is available through the branch network, and it will soon be made available through other digital channels such as YONO and Internet Banking Services (INB).

 

2. Govt approves reappointment of RBI Deputy Governor Michael Patra for 1 year: Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Michael D. Patra, who is in charge of monetary policy and is a member of the monetary policy committee, has been given a one-year extension ahead of the end of his tenure. Patra, with RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, played a vital role in dealing with COVID-related impact on the economy. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the re-appointment of Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a further period of one year with effect from 15.01.2024 or until further orders. Patra was appointed as RBI Deputy Governor in January 2020, and last year he got an extension of one year.

Daily GK Update- 14th Jan, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Uttar Pradesh To Welcome 5 New Airports In Expansion Drive: Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has announced the inauguration of five new airports in Uttar Pradesh. New airports in Azamgarh, Aligarh, Moradabad, Chitrakoot, and Shravasti aim to improve air connectivity in the state, facilitating greater accessibility and economic development.

 

2. Maheshwar Rao Appointed As MD Of Bangalore Metro: The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has appointed Maheshwar Rao as the full-time managing director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). The appointment addresses the demand for a full-time MD, which has been persistent since the former MD, Anjum Parvez, assumed the additional chief secretary role in rural development last year. Rao has served as the commissioner of industrial development and director of industries and commerce. He has also served as the deputy commissioner and district magistrate in Dakshina Kannada and Mandya districts. BMRCL recently reached a new milestone when it recorded a whopping 2 crore ridership in December 2023—around 6.8 lakh passengers on an average daily—fetching a fare revenue of Rs 55 crore.

 

3. Supreme Court Questions Govt on GM Crops: On January 11, the Supreme Court asked why the government’s Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) did not consider expert reports on genetically modified (GM) crops. The GEAC approves the release of GM organisms. SC Hearing Pleas Against GMOs The court ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Henley Passport Index 2024; India Ranks 80^th: The Henley Passport Index 2024 has been released to highlight the “power” of passports of 199 countries. The index, which ranks countries based on the number of destinations that allow visa-free entry to their passport was topped by France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain. Passports of all these countries have visa-free access to 194 destinations, three more than last year. Japan and Singapore have continued to top the list for five years now. South Korea, Sweden, and Finland rose one spot to take joint second place, with access to 193 countries.

 

2. Bhutan’s Tshering Tobgay becomes PM for second time: Bhutanese voters have elected Tshering Tobgay to become Prime Minister for a second time after his party won nearly two-thirds of seats. Tobgay, head of the liberal People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who served as prime minister of the Himalayan kingdom from 2013 to 2018, won 30 of 47 seats in Tuesday’s election, official figures showed. Bhutan also lies sandwiched between the globe’s two most populous countries, China and India, who watched the vote with keen interest as they eye strategic contested border zones. Bhutan is a landlocked mountain nation of about 800,000 people, similar in area to Switzerland.

 

3. Inaugural IUCN Assessment of the Himalayan Wolf: The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco) is a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas. Its taxonomic status had been unclear until recently. The animal has now been assessed for the first time on the International Union for Conservation

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy to host multi-national naval exercise MILAN in Feb: In a move to strengthen maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy will host the 12th edition of the multi-national exercise MILAN 24 in Visakhapatnam from February 19 to 27. Earlier 11th edition of this exercise was held in Feb-Mar 22 in Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command with the theme ‘Camaraderie-Cohesion-Collaboration’. MILAN is a biennial multi-national naval exercise that started in 1995 with participation of four foreign countries (Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand) in consonance with India’s ‘Look East policy’. The MILAN Exercise flourished under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar command till its 10th edition. Visakhapatnam is chosen as the preferred venue for future MILAN exercises.

 

2. Operation Sarvashakti Launched: The Indian Army has launched Operation Sarvashakti in Jammu and Kashmir. It involves security forces on both sides of the Pir Panjal range. The goal is to flush out terrorists who have ambushed Indian troops in Rajouri and Poonch. Background ..

 

3. Army Allows Specialized Lt Cols to Skip Command Roles: The Indian Army is bringing a new policy to let some officers stay longer in their specialty field. Normally, Lieutenant Colonels who are promoted to Colonel must change roles to command assignments. But the new rules let these officers keep.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Indian Bank Launches ‘Indian Bank One Co-Branded Credit Card’: Indian Bank has launched an ‘Indian Bank One co-branded credit card’ with FPL Technologies. Leveraging the Visa and RuPay platforms, these cards will be issued by Indian Bank and managed by FPL Technologies. The Indian Bank One co-branded credit card boasts of international validity with a 1% forex fee and aims to offer a range of features tailored to the diverse needs of digitally savvy Indian consumers. “By offering the card on not one but two networks, we aim to introduce a new paradigm in credit accessibility and usability,” said Anurag Sinha, Co-founder & CEO of FPL Technologies.

 

Daily GK Update- 13th Jan, 2024

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sarbananda Sonowal Laid Foundation Stone Of The Regional Research Institute For Homoeopathy At Guwahati: Union Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has laid the foundation stone of the permanent campus of the Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy and Integrated Ayush Wellness Centre at Azara, Guwahati. A total amount of Rs. 53.89 cr has been sanctioned for this project. This Institute was established as a Clinical Research Unit of Homeopathy in 1984 in the rented building at Odalbakra, Guwahati. Presently it is situated at Bhetapara, Guwahati in old building of Central Ayurveda Research Institute. The Institute is providing laboratory services at very nominal rates and successfully completed clinical trials on Skin disorders, Cholera /Gastroenteritis, chronic sinusitis & bronchitis, Influenza like illness, uterine fibroid, otitis media, Hypertension, vitiligo, psoriasis, migraine etc.

 

2. Sheel Vardhan Singh Assumes Role As UPSC Member: The Central government has appointed former Central Industrial Security Force Director General Sheel Vardhan Singh as a member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Singh is a 1986-batch IPS officer. The President appointed Sheel Vardhan Singh as Member Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under Article 316 (11) of the Constitution of India. The term of his appointment will be regulated in accordance with the provisions of Article 316(2) of the Constitution of India, and the conditions of service will be governed by UPSC (Members) Regulations 1969 as amended from time to time.

 

3. 11 to 17 January – National Road Safety Week: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways provides a platform to celebrate National Road Safety Week every year. This significant week is observed from January 11 to 17 to create awareness around road safety. National Road Safety Week aims to educate the public about the perils of reckless or irresponsible driving. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways published its annual report for 2022-23 with Road Accident statistics. In the report, the total number of road accidents in the year 2021 totalled 4,12,432.

 

4. Kerala Launches ‘Operation Amrith’: The Kerala Drug Control Department recently launched Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health) to prevent the overuse of antibiotics in the state. The aim is to conduct surprise raids in pharmacies to detect over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antibiotics ..

 

5. Significance of Nashik’s Kalaram Temple: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the iconic Kalaram Mandir in Maharashtra’s temple town of Nashik. The site is deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology as part of the Ramayana’s Panchavati area where Lord Ram resided in exile Political Prominence.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Greece Drafts Bill To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage: Greece will publish a bill shortly that will legalize same-sex marriage in a bid to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said. Greece has implemented a series of reforms over the past decade to improve LGBT+ rights in the country where the Orthodox Church has long opposed equal rights for same-sex couples. Mitsotakis, who is trying to break away from the traditional image of a conservative leader, has drafted a national strategy on LGBT+ rights that may win support from the left but create opposition in more conservative quarters. In 2015, Greece recognised cohabitation agreements for same-sex couples providing them with some rights and benefits, but they are still not allowed to have or adopt children as a couple.

 

2. Vivek Murthy Appoints As US Representative On WHO Board: President Joe Biden has reappointed Indian American Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to serve as Representative of the United States on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization. The White House re-sent Murthy’s nomination as a representative to WHO as his confirmation has been pending in the Senate since October 2022. He will continue his duties as Surgeon General. The first Surgeon General of Indian descent, Vivek Hallegere Murthy, was confirmed by the US Senate in March 2021 to serve as the 21st Surgeon General under Biden. He previously served as the 19th Surgeon General under President Barack Obama.

 

3. 2023 Global Water Monitor Report: The 2023 Global Water Monitor report reveals over 77 countries endured their highest average annual temperatures in the last 45 years. The unprecedented heat manifested across all seasons, influencing precipitation patterns along with water budgets. Warming Effects on Weather Systems ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 2024 Is ‘Year Of Technology Absorption’ For Army: The year 2024 will be observed as the “Year of Technology Absorption” by the Indian Army. This theme underscores our commitment to leverage technology as a catalyst for transformative change, as well as to utilize in-house expertise to innovate solutions to our operational and logistic requirements and give shape to these projects in collaboration with the domestic defence industry. The Indian Army personnel are being trained to leverage technology and exploit the cyber domain effectively through institutionalized, procedural and technological measures.

 

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Varanasi wins ‘Cleanest Ganga Towns’ Award: The spiritual city of Varanasi has secured the top spot in the Cleanest Ganga Town category of Swachh Survekshan 2023, surpassing Prayagraj. Despite this achievement, Varanasi faced a setback, slipping to the 41st position from the 21st spot in the national ranking for cities with a population exceeding 10 lakh. Last year witnessed an improvement for Varanasi, climbing nine positions to secure the 21st rank. In 2021, the city held the 30th position. While Varanasi excelled as the ‘Best Ganga Town’ in Swachh Survekshan 2021, it relinquished the top spot to Hardwar in 2022. In the latest survey, among Indian cities with a population exceeding 10 lakh, Noida secured the 14th position, Ghaziabad 38th, Aligarh 40th, Varanasi 41st, and Lucknow 44th.

Daily GK Update- 12th Jan, 2024

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurated India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL),the country's longest sea bridge. The 21.8-kilometre-long sea bridge, named the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri--Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, has been built at a cost of more than Rs 17,840 crore. The bridge, connecting South Mumbai to Navi Mumbai (between Sewri and Nhava Sheva), will reduce the current two-hour journey to just around 15-20 minutes.

 

2. Assam Government Initiates 'Gunotsav 2024': 'Gunotsav 2024' has been launched by the Assam Government for holistic assessment of students' performance. It is covering all government primary and secondary schools in the state. 'Gunotsav 2024' will identify learning gaps in each child and ensure quality education with grade-specific outcomes. It has been launched for holistic assessment of the performance of about 40 lakh students of 43,498 government schools in 35 districts of the state.

 

3. Land Ports authority releases report on Gender-Inclusive Framework: Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) has released a report on 'Engendering Land Ports in India' in New Delhi. The main objective of the report is to develop a framework for gender inclusive cross border trade and tourism through land Ports in the country. Chairman of LPAI Aditya Mishra, a step towards making a gender-positive environment. The Land Ports Authority of India will implement the recommendation of the reports to make land Ports more gender neutral.

 

4. Bhupendra Yadav launches book titled 'Modi: Energising a Green Future': Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), has recently unveiled an insightful book titled "Modi: Energising A Green Future". This book, a significant addition to environmental literature, is published by Pentagon Press in collaboration with the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation. The central theme of the book revolves around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and actions for a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

 

5. Chhattisgarh govt launches ‘Ramlala Darshan’ scheme: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai has launched the “Ram Lala Darshan” (Ayodhya Dham) Yojana. Under the scheme, 20,000 eligible residents of the State would be taken to the holy city for pilgrimage every year. The Chhattisgarh Tourism Board will implement the scheme and the budget for it will be provided by the Tourism Department. It added that those between the age of 18 and 75 years and found fit in the health examination by District Medical Board will be considered eligible for the trip under this scheme. In the first phase, however, this facility will be made available for people of age above 55 years.

 

6. 12 January – National Youth Day: Rashtriya Yuva Diwas, commonly known as National Youth Day, is observed on Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary. This day serves to raise awareness and impart knowledge about the rights of individuals in India, emphasizing the importance of proper conduct within the nation. The primary goal of this celebration is to inspire and motivate the youth, disseminating the ideals propagated by Swami Vivekananda to contribute towards creating a more promising future for the country. In 1984, the Indian government initially announced the observance of Swami Vivekananda’s birthday, specifically on January 12, as National Youth Day.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Global Unemployment set to reach 5.2% In 2024, ILO Reports: The International Labour Organization (ILO) released a report named ‘World Employment and Social Outlook Report 2024’.

ILO claimed in its report that the global unemployment rate is expected to increase to 5.2 percent in the year 2024. The ILO's 2024 'World Employment and Social Outlook' report estimates that the number of unemployed people will increase to 2 million. The global unemployment rate will increase from 5.1 percent in 2023 to 5.2 percent in 2024.

 

2. India and UAE Signed Four MOUs at Gujarat Summit: At the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, India exchanged four MOUs with the UAE. The MoUs are related to Investment cooperation in innovative healthcare, renewable energy, food parks and logistics cooperation. Totally 35 countries have participated in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit as partner countries. India and the Czech Republic agreed to build a strategic partnership in fields such as research and technology at the Summit.

 

3. Denmark introduced green fuels alliance in India: Denmark has launched the Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI) initiative to boost collaborative efforts between the two countries in the sustainable energy solutions sector and advance their joint global goal towards carbon neutrality.

The new alliance is a strategic initiative poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the green fuels sector, including green hydrogen, by fostering innovation, collaboration, and partnerships between Danish industries and their counterparts in India. GFAI’s primary objective is to promote sustainable energy growth in India by establishing an ecosystem that encourages collaboration among businesses, government entities, research institutions, and financial stakeholders from both the Indian and Danish sectors. The GFAI aligns with India’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2070 and Denmark’s by 2050.

 

4. IIT Madras to open new campus at Kandy in Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s Education minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha has said that a new campus of IIT Madras would be started in Kandy in Sri Lanka.

The proposal was part of the Budget 2024 presented by Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremasinghe in his capacity as Finance Minister. Premajayantha added that a team of academics would be sent by his ministry to IIT Madras before the team from IIT would visit Sri Lanka for starting the Campus. Earlier in December it was announced that IIT Delhi is scheduled to inaugurate a campus in Abu Dhabi, while IIT Madras has established a presence in Zanzibar, focusing on addressing the educational needs of African countries. This initiative underscores the internationalization efforts within the Indian education sector.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Adani Group Unveils India’s First Medium Altitude, Long Endurance Drone: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar has flagged off the first indigenously manufactured “Drishti 10 Starliner” Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the Navy. Drishti 10 ‘Starliner’ is an advanced Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform with 36 hours endurance, 450 kgs payload capacity, the only all-weather military platform with STANAG 4671 certification, and clear to fly in both segregated and unsegregated airspace. The sophisticated, state-of-the-art UAV marks a significant step towards strategic autonomy and technological leadership in high-endurance, combat-proven, and indigenized advanced aerial systems.

 

SPORTS

 

1. New Zealand appoints Adams as bowling coach: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has appointed former all-rounder Andre Adams as the bowling coach of the men’s team for the upcoming five-match T20I home series against Pakistan. The 48-year-old will join head coach Gary Stead’s group, which also consists of Luke Ronchi as batting coach. This appointment comes after Shane Jurgensen stepped down from his role following the 2023 ODI World Cup. Adams, who has previously played one Test, 42 ODIs, and four T20Is for New Zealand, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Adams’ coaching career includes a successful stint with the Australia domestic side New South Wales, where he was instrumental in helping Mitchell Starc regain form in 2019. He also worked with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) and with Auckland, contributing to the development of Lockie Ferguson’s career

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Former SBI officer joins NARCL as MD & CEO: Chief General Manager at Canara Bank P Santhosh appointed as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL). Former MD and CEO of NARC Natarajan Sundar resigned from the post. The National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) is the name of the asset reconstruction company incorporated to take over and dispose of the stressed assets of commercial banks.

 

2. Simmtech signs MoU worth Rs1,250 crore for creating semiconductor ecosystem: Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnav revealed this during a seminar, part of ongoing Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar. The South Korean firm has been allotted 30 acres of land and the work will start in the next two-three months. The company will need 6-7 months to set up the plants. The company has been given subsidy under SPECS. Simmtech is the world's biggest manufacturer of semiconductor substrates.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023: Indore, Surat ‘cleanest cities’ in India: Indore and Surat were declared the joint cleanest cities of India as part of the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 presented by President Draupadi Murmu in the category of more than one lakh population.

This was the seventh time that Indore won the accolade of the cleanest city in India Saswad in Maharashtra got the cleanest city award for urban centres with less than 1 lakh population while Patan in Chattisgarh and Lonavla in Maharashtra were the second and third cleanest cities. Meanwhile, Maharashtra got the first prize for cleanliness in the state category, Madhya Pradesh got second and Chhattisgarh got the award of third cleanest state. Varanasi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh clinched the top spots as the Cleanest Ganga Towns.

 

2. Sheetal Devi, the world’s first armless woman archer won Arjuna Award: Sheetal Devi, the teenaged armless archer who has widely earned recognition for India through her performance in para-archery, was conferred with the Arjuna Award, one of the country’s top civilian honours by President Droupadi Murmu. Arjuna Awardee Sheetal Devi is a para-archer from Jammu and Kashmir. She emerged as the first armless woman to clinch a Para World Archery Championships medal in 2023. She defeated Singapore’s Alim Nur Syahidah 144-142 in the gold medal-deciding fixture. Sheetal scripted history at the Para Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, by winning three medals – two gold and one silver. Devi, notably, became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games in October 2023.