Daily GK Update- 8th Feb, 2024

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill – 2024: The Bill seeks to continue the existing rates of income tax for the financial year 2024-2025 and to provide for certain relief to taxpayers and to make amendments in certain enactments. The Bill had been moved by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Finance Bill, 2024, does not propose any change in the tax structure as the final budget will be tabled in July after the new government assumes office post the general elections in April-May.

 

2. 'Kilkari' programme launched in Gujarat and Maharashtra: MoS for Health Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar launched 'Kilkari' programme, a mobile health initiative for beneficiaries, in local content, in Gujarat and Maharashtra as part of Digital Health India Programme. Kilkari is a centralized interactive voice response (IVR) based mobile health service which delivers free, weekly, time appropriate AV messages about pregnancy, childbirth, childcare to the mobile phones of beneficiaries. It is operational in 18 States and UTs.

 

3. Uttarakhand becomes first state to clear Uniform Civil Code Bill: The Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Uttarakhand, Bill 2024, which seeks to “govern and regulate the laws related to marriage and divorce, successions, live-in relationships, and matters related thereto” was passed in the Assembly following a two-day discussion. Now, the Bill will be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent after which it will become a law. Although Goa is governed by a UCC (Portuguese Civil Code), the Assembly did not pass any law.

 

4. Mubadala Investment Company announces investment in Manipal Health Enterpri: Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment Company has confirmed its latest venture into the Indian market with an investment in Manipal Health Enterprises This move comes hot on the heels of a subsidiary of Mubadala gaining approval from India's fair-trade regulator,the Competition Commission of India

The deal, as revealed in a filing to the Competition Commission on January 15,was swiftly approved under the green channel route, facilitating immediate clearance upon submission

 

5. Aether Industries to commission 15 MW solar power plant in Gujarat: Aether Industries will commission a 15 MW solar power project (Auto-Tracker Modules) under the Captive Power Producer (CPP) segment in the Bharuch district of Gujarat with an aim to become more sustainable. Earlier, in July 2023, Aether Industries had commissioned a 16 MW solar power project (Fixed Modules) under the CPP segment and this new solar power plant under CPP will add to its renewable energy sources and further move towards sustainability. The solar power farm will be in Gujarat’s Bharuch District and spread across 60 acres. The phase-wise commissioning of the solar power plant is set to begin as early as the next financial year starting April.

 

6. 7 February – National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed every year on 7 February. National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) was first observed in 1999. Theme 2024- Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities This observance is a day to acknowledge how HIV disproportionately affects Black people.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurates World Sustainable Development Summit in Delhi: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit in the presence of Prime Minister of Guyana Mark Phillips and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi. The optimum utilisation of natural resources should be a norm, ingrained not only at a wider policy level but also within the conscience and consciousness of each individual. The Summit was organised by 'The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)'.

 

2. EAM Jaishankar to attend Indian Ocean conference in Perth: India will be participating in the forthcoming 7th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference in Perth (Australia) on February 9 -10, 2024. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be heading there to attend the conference. The 'Indian Ocean Conference' is a flagship consultative forum for countries in the region. The theme for this edition is “Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean”.

 

3. Anurag Singh Thakur kicks off 1st BIMSTEC Aquatics Championships: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur kicked off BIMSTEC Aquatics Championships 2024 in New Delhi. The BIMSTEC Aquatics Championships is being held for the first time. The announcement for the same was made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in 2018, where he announced the organizing of the BIMSTEC Youth Water Sports competition in India. The event was initially proposed for the year 2021, however, it was later postponed to 2024 due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic across the world.

 

4. Iran announces visa-free travel for Indian nationals: The Iranian government has approved a visa-free policy for Indian nationals. This policy will be only valid for tourism purposes. With this exemption, Indian citizens holding ordinary passports can enter Iran without a visa once every six months for a maximum stay of 15 days. In December, Iran approved a new visa-free programme for India and 32 other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia.

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India Decided to Fence its Border with Myanmar: The Indian government has decided to build a fence or close border along the 1,643-kilometer border with Myanmar, according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Several thousand anti-Junta rebels have fled to India since the Myanmar military coup in 2021 and tribal militants are also believed to enter into India through the porous border.

 

2. IIT Madras to create India’s first 155mm smart ammunition: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has partnered with Munitions India Limited (a Defence Public Sector Enterprise) to develop India’s first indigenously-designed 155 Smart Ammunition to achieve indigenization in the defence sector. The objective is to increase the accuracy of 155 mm shell within a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 m. At present, ammunitions developed in India has a CEP of 500 m. Another goal is to increase the lethality at the terminal impact point.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Tawangchu Tides International Kayaking Championship-2024 begins in AP: The three-day Tawangchu Tides International Kayaking Championship-2024 kick started in Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 51 Kayakers from different countries including Britain, Russia and Australia and different states of the country are participating in it. The event is being organized by an organization called “SWYTCH”.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. IIT Kanpur develops India’s first hypervelocity expansion tunnel test facility: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has achieved a major milestone by successfully establishing and testing India’s first hypervelocity expansion tunnel test facility. With this technical facility developed by IIT Kanpur, hypersonic cruise missiles can be prepared for precise targeting. According to IITK, the facility is capable of generating flight speeds between 3-10 km/s, simulating the hypersonic conditions encountered during atmospheric entry. Thus, it is a valuable test facility for ongoing missions of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) including Gaganyaan, RLV (Reusable Launch Vehicle), and hypersonic cruise missiles.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.75%: The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) announced its bi-monthly policy today with the Monetary Policy committee. MPC retained the Policy REPO Rate unchanged at 6.5%. Marginal standing facility and Bank rate was kept at 6.75%. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das in a Monetary Policy statement pegged Real GDP Growth for FY 2024-25 at  7%.

 

2. CCI approves acquisition of 70% stake by Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved acquisition of 70% stake by Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. (Acquirer) in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited (Target). The Proposed Combination involves an acquisition of a majority stake in Target by the Acquirer from Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. Pursuant to the Proposed Combination, the Acquirer will acquire a 51% stake in Target (through a combination of fresh growth capital and share purchase). In addition to the above, the Acquirer will also acquire an additional stake of up to 19% in the Target, over a period of time.

 

3. HDFC Bank rolls out 4 SME credit cards for entrepreneurs, freelancers: India’s largest private sector bank, HDFC Bank has launched four new small and medium enterprises (SME)-focused credit cards to cater to the specific needs of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals. The biggest USP of the cards is that they will provide 55 days of interest-free credit, the highest number of days offered by any bank. In addition, they also provide savings on core business spends like utility bills, GST, income tax, vendor payments, business travel, and business productivity tools.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Dr. Bina Modi selected as ‘Outstanding Business Woman of the Year 2023’: Chairperson of Modi Enterprises, Bina Modi has been honored with the ‘Outstanding Business Woman of the Year 2023’ award by the Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh. The award, presented to her at a prestigious conference by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) on ‘Strengthening Indo-US Relationship in Amritkal-Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Bina Modi, the Chairperson of Modi Enterprises – KK Modi Group, also heads the Group’s FMCG giant Godfrey Phillips India and one of India’s agro-chemical leaders, Indofil, as the Chairperson and Managing Director.

 

2. PT Usha honoured with lifetime award by SJFI & DSJA: Legendary sprinter and IOA president PT Usha received the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award from the Sports Journalists Federation of India and the Delhi Sports Journalists Association. Usha is the fifth recipient of this award after tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, badminton icon Prakash Padukone, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and iconic sprinter Milkha Singh. Usha, throughout her memorable career between 1977 and 2000, won 103 international medals for India. She also claimed four gold and seven silver medals at the Asian Games and competed across three editions of the Olympics.

Daily GK Update- 7th Feb, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Govt. to roll out satellite based GPS toll collection system on NH: The government is set to roll out satellite-based GPS toll collection systems on national highways. Nitin Gadkari said, the satellite-based toll systems will be implemented before the Lok Sabha election this year. Under the new system, the toll will be deducted from the bank accounts directly with the identification of the vehicle number plate. The new toll collection system will help in removing the existing toll plazas and ease travel on the national highways.

 

2. Dharmendra Pradhan launches EdCIL Vidyanjali Scholarship Programme in ND: Minister of Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan launched the EdCIL Vidyanjali Scholarship Programme in New Delhi. Mr. Pradhan said, as envisioned in the New Education Policy 2020, the Vidyanjali Scholarship Program symbolises a whole-of-society approach to empowerment through access and opportunities for education. This scholarship will benefit students belonging to economically disadvantaged sections.

 

3. PM Narendra Modi Unveils Projects Worth ₹1330 crore In Goa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has participated in ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047’ programme and inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of projects worth over ₹1330 crore. The Prime Minister inaugurated the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology Goa. The newly built-up campus has various facilities such as tutorial complex, departmental complex, seminar complex, administrative complex, hostels, health centre, staff quarters, amenity centre, sports ground and other utilities to cater to the needs of students, faculty and staff of the Institute.

 

4. Govt plans to have 25,000 Janaushadhi Kendras by March 2026: The government has set a target to have 25,000 Janaushadhi Kendras across the country by March 31, 2026. In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers Bhagwanth Khuba said that about 10,624 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) were functional across the country till January 31, 2024. For further expansion of the scheme, the government has set a target for opening 25,000 Janaushadhi Kendras (JAKs) by March 31, 2026, he added.

 

5. Apurva Chandra appointed as Health Secretary: Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Apurva Chandra has been appointed as the Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare. Chandra is a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Maharashtra cadre. Meanwhile, senior bureaucrat Sanjay Jaju has been appointed as the new Information and Broadcasting Secretary, in place of Chandra. Jaju, a 1992-batch IAS officer, is currently serving in his cadre state of Telangana.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 6 February – International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation: International Day of Zero Tolerance against Female Genital Mutilation is observed every year on 6 February. The main objective of celebrating Female Genital Mutilation Day (FGM) is to give respect to women by completely eliminating female genital mutilation. Theme 2024 – Her Voice Her Future

The United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Children’s Fund launched a joint campaign against female genital mutilation in 2007. In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring February 6 as the International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation with zero tolerance against female genital mutilation

 

2. 6 February – Safer Internet Day: Safer Internet Day is celebrated on 6th February each year. Objective – To promote a safer and more responsible use of online technology around the world

Theme 2024 – Inspiring Change. Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online The day was started in 2004 as an initiative of the SafeBorders project, funded by the European Union (EU). In 2005, Insafe took up the responsibility of organising the day around the world. The European network has multiple awareness centres across the globe, which help people in understanding the various important factors of prioritising internet safety.

 

3. ADB Appoints Mio Oka as New Country Director for India: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Mio Oka as its country director for India. She will succeed Takeo Konishi who has been promoted as ADB Director General for South Asia at the Manila headquarters. Oka will take charge of steering ADB operations in India and fostering relations with the government and the country’s other development partners. India is currently ADB’s fourth largest shareholder and one of its largest borrowers since 2010.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi Appointed Army Vice Chief: Northern Army commander Lt Gen. Upendra Dwivedi will take over as the army’s vice chief on February 15, replacing LG MV Suchindra Kumar. Dwivedi is the frontrunner for the post of army chief as he will be the senior-most general when General Manoj Pande retires on May 31, 2024. Lt Gen. Dwivedi boasts a distinguished career within the Indian Army, having previously served in key positions including Deputy Chief and Director General of Infantry at the Army Headquarters.

 

 

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Microsoft to train over 2 million people in India in generative AI skills: Chairman and CEO of Microsoft Satya Nadella has announced that the company will train over 2 million people in India in generative Artificial Intelligence skills by 2025. The Indian-origin Microsoft chief said that AI can help in boosting GDP growth in the country. Speaking about AI, Mr Nadella said that it is a powerful new technology that needs to be diffused fast to every corner of the world.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI’s Q3FY24 net profit drops 35.5% due to one-time provisions: State Bank of India (SBI) has reported a drop in net profit for the first time in 12 quarters, with its third quarter (Q3FY24) standalone net profit declining 35.5 per cent year-on-year (yoy) to ₹9,164 crore. As it absorbed one-time provisions relating to increase in pension liabilities and dearness relief neutralisation. India’s largest bank had reported a net profit of ₹14,205 crore in Q3 FY 2023. Capital adequacy ratio (CAR) declined to 13.05 per cent in Q3FY24 from 14.28 per cent in Q2FY24.

Daily GK Update- 6th Feb, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurates India Energy Week 2024 in Goa: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated India Energy Week 2024 in Goa. The event is expected to witness the participation of around 17 Energy Ministers from different countries, over 35 thousand attendees, and more than 900 exhibitors.

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth over one thousand 330 crore rupees in a public programme. He also inaugurated the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology, Goa to the nation.

 

2. Chhattisgarh govt launched Mahtari Vandan Yojana: Chhattisgarh government has launched a welfare scheme “Mahtari Vandan Yojana”. Under the scheme, government will provide Rs 1,000 financial assistance for married women. Under the scheme, Rs 1,000 per month — i.e. Rs 12,000 per annum — will be sent into the bank accounts of married women accounts through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). The married women who are a domicile of Chhattisgarh and aged above 21 years as on January 1, 2024, will be eligible to avail benefit of the scheme. Besides them, widows, divorced and abandoned women will also be eligible to avail its benefit if they fulfil the criteria.

 

3. Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet Approves 2 new district: The cabinet of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has approved the creation of two new districts for ease of administration.

The cabinet decided to carve out Keyi Panyor district from Lower Subansiri and Bichom from East and West Kameng districts. The number of districts in the northeastern state will now rise to 28.

 

4. Ritu Bahri Took Oath as the First Woman Chief Justice of Uttarakhand HC: Justice Ritu Bahri was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. She became the second woman to hold such a position amongst the 25 high courts in the country. Last year, Sunita Aggarwal, a judge of the Allahabad High Court, was appointed Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court. Prior to her appointment as the Chief Justice of Uttarakhand, Justice Bahri served as a judge in the Punjab and Haryana High Court from 2010.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Yemen appoints Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as its new PM: Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council appointed its foreign minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as the country's new PM. Outgoing PM Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed will take on the role of an advisor to the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council. Bin Mubarak came to prominence in 2015 when he was kidnapped by the country's Iran-aligned Houthis while he served as Yemen's presidential chief of staff during a power struggle with then-President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

 

2. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation:6th Feb: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is a United Nations-sponsored annual awareness day that takes place on February 6 as part of the UN's efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation. The day creates awareness and educates people on the consequences faced by girls who go through a genital mutilation procedure. The theme for this year is ‘Partnership with men and boys to transform social and gender norms to end FGM’.

 

3. El Salvador’s Bukele re-elected as president: President Nayib Bukele has secured a thumping victory in El Salvador’s elections after voters cast aside concerns about erosion of democracy to reward him for a fierce gang crackdown that transformed security in the Central American country. Bukele winning 83% support with just over 70% of the ballots counted. As Bukele embarks on his second term, addressing poverty and fostering economic growth remain paramount. His initiatives, including the adoption of Bitcoin, aim to stimulate economic activity and alleviate poverty, despite skepticism from international observers.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI’s Q3FY24 net profit drops 35.5% due to one-time provisions: State Bank of India (SBI) has reported a drop in net profit for the first time in 12 quarters, with its third quarter (Q3FY24) standalone net profit declining 35.5 per cent year-on-year (yoy) to ₹9,164 crore. As it absorbed one-time provisions relating to increase in pension liabilities and dearness relief neutralisation. India’s largest bank had reported a net profit of ₹14,205 crore in Q3 FY 2023. Capital adequacy ratio (CAR) declined to 13.05 per cent in Q3FY24 from 14.28 per cent in Q2FY24.

Daily GK Update- 5th Feb, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Uttarakhand Police Adopt Self-Balancing e-scooters For Smart Patrols: Abhinav Kumar, Director General of Police, Uttarakhand, has flagged off four cutting-edge self-balancing electric scooters from the Police Headquarters to patrol the vibrant streets of Haridwar. For the safety of tourists and local citizens, police in Haridwar will patrol with self-balancing scooters. Donated by Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, these eco-friendly electric scooters are equipped to navigate narrow streets, allowing police personnel to efficiently monitor walking paths, Ganga ghats, and crowded areas of the city. The partnership between the police department and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank exemplifies a commitment to community welfare and corporate social responsibility. These scooters, which can move easily in narrow streets, will help in crowd management. Apart from this, this electric scooter is also environment friendly.

 

2. PM Modi inaugurates CLEA-CASGC 2024 Conference: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) – Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference (CASGC) 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The theme of the conference is “Cross-Border Challenges in Justice Delivery”. This conference has deliberated on important issues pertaining to law and justice like judicial transition and the ethical dimensions of legal practice; executive accountability; and revisiting modern-day legal education, among others. This Conference have participated of Attorney Generals and Solicitors from the Commonwealth nations spanning the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Caribbean along with various international delegations.

 

3. India launches UPI Payments at Eiffel Tower in Paris: India has officially introduced the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, marking a significant step towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of globalizing UPI. This initiative follows the digital payments sector agreement signed between India and France in July of the previous year, making France the first European country to adopt India’s UPI for retail transactions. NPCI International Payments (NIPL) has partnered with French e-commerce and proximity payments company, Lyra, to facilitate the acceptance of UPI payments in France. The strategic tie-up ensures a seamless integration of the UPI payment mechanism, starting with the Eiffel Tower.

 

4. Bandhan Bank appoints Santosh Nair as its consumer lending and mortgages head: Bandhan Bank has appointed Santosh Nair, chief executive of HDFC Sales Private Limited, as the head of its consumer lending and mortgages. Bandhan Bank’s Shantanu Sengupta will step down from the post of Head. However, he will assist the bank in a smooth transition and will leave the organization in early FY2024–25 to pursue opportunities outside the bank. Nair, a veteran with over three decades of experience in banks and financial services companies, will drive Bandhan Bank’s housing finance portfolio and also the retail lending franchise and distribution. Earlier, Santosh Nair was the CEO of HDFC Sales and also worked at HDFC and HDFC Bank in his three decades of experience in the industry.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mukesh Ambani tops Brand Guardianship Index 2024 among Indians: Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, Mukesh Ambani has been ranked first among all the Indians and second globally in the Brand Guardianship Index 2024 compiled by Brand Finance. The Brand Guardianship Index is a global recognition of CEOs, who are building business value in a sustainable manner by balancing the needs of all stakeholders – employees, investors, and the wider society. Ambani was ranked ahead of global majors like Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Google’s Sundar Pichai, Apple’s Tim Cook and Tesla’s Elon Musk, as well as fellow Indians such as N Chandrasekaran of Tata Group and Anish Shah of Mahindra Group, among many others.

 

2. 4 February – World Cancer Day: World Cancer Day is observed globally on February 4 each year. Objective – To raise awareness about cancer, its prevention, and the importance of early detection. The theme for the 2022-2024 period is “Close the Care Gap: Everyone Deserves Access To Cancer Care”. The sub-theme, “Together, we challenge those in power,” emphasises accountability from leaders to allocate essential resources for eradicating cancer.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Air Force to conduct Exercise Vayu Shakti-2024: The Indian Air Force will be conducting Exercise Vayu Shakti-24 on 17 February 2024 at the Pokhran Air to Ground Range, near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The last edition of exercise Vayu Shakti was held on 16 February 2019.

The exercise will also showcase joint operations with the Indian Army. This year, the exercise will see participation by 121 aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas, Prachand and Dhruv. Other participating aircraft would include the Rafale, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Jaguar, Hawk, C-130J, Chinook, Apache and Mi-17. Indigenous Surface to Air Weapon systems Akash and Samar will demonstrate their capability to track and shoot down an intruding aircraft.

 

SPORTS

 

1. India finished fifth at FIH Hockey5s World Cup: The first ever men’s FIH Hockey5s World Cup came to a thrilling conclusion with the Netherlands overcoming Malaysia to lift the trophy.

Malaysia can be justifiably proud of their silver medal. Six of their players were part of the squad that clinched the gold medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, which was played in the Hockey5s format. Earlier, India had a point to prove against Egypt, having lost to them in the pool stage, and they came out firing in a 6-4 win for 5th place.

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Russian cosmonaut sets world record for time spent in space: Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko has broken the world record for the most cumulative time spent in space, Russia Space agency Roscosmos reported. The 59-year-old has now spent more than 878 days and 12 hours in space, surpassing fellow Russian Gennady Padalka, who set the previous record of 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds in 2015. Kononenko has made five journeys to the International Space Station, dating back to 2008. Kononenko’s current trip to the ISS began on September 15, 2023, when he launched alongside NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and Roscosmos compatriot Nikolai Chub. By the end of this expedition, the cosmonaut is expected to become the first person to accumulate 1,000 days in space.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ESAF Small Finance Bank and Edelweiss Insurance partner to offer Life Insurance: ESAF Small Finance Bank has partnered with a bancassurance collaboration with Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance. The partnership plays a crucial role in ESAF Small Finance Bank’s strategy to broaden its range of offerings, demonstrating its commitment to providing financial security to a more extensive segment of the unbanked and under-banked population. The aim of this partnership is to widen the accessibility of innovative life insurance products, capitalizing on ESAF Small Finance Bank’s strong presence across rural markets in India.

 

2. UPI transactions reach a record Rs 18.41 trillion in January: NPCI: Unified payments interface (UPI) has started 2024 on a strong note, with transaction spends staying over the ₹18-lakh crore mark and touching a new record high. Transactions worth ₹18.41-lakh crore were processed during January, nearly 1 per cent higher than the previous record of ₹18.23-lakh crore in December 2023. The value of transactions was 42 per cent higher on year, as per data by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The number of transactions on the UPI network remained flat on month at 1,202 crore for January. On year, the volume of transactions was 52 per cent higher.

 

3. Government Boosts Sovereign Gold Bond Issuance to 3,500 Crore in FY 25: The Indian government has decided to substantially increase the issuance of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) for the upcoming fiscal year. The allocation for SGBs has been more than doubled, rising from ₹1,500 crore in the financial year ending March 31, 2023, to a significant ₹3,500 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. Incidentally, gold imports have jumped 20 per cent to 781 tonnes last year even as the run-away prices have suppressed demand, according to the World Gold Council data. The physical domestic demand for gold still ranges between 700-750 tonnes per annum and has not been impacted much by issuance of SGBs.

Daily GK Update- 4th Feb, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Annual Mass Drug Administration Campaign to Eradicate Filariasis by UP: The Uttar Pradesh government will launch the annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to eradicate filariasis diseases from February 5 to 15. The campaign, to be carried out as part of a mission to eradicate filariasis from the state, will be conducted in 17 districts of the state. During the campaign, skilled health workers will go door-to-door and administer the medicine for prevention of filariasis to the entire population. With the exception of children under two years of age, pregnant women and people suffering from serious illnesses.

 

2. PM SVANIDHI provided credit assistance to 78 lakh street vendors: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that PM SVANIDHI, a flagship initiative focusing on street vendors has extended credit assistance to 78 lakh street vendors across the country. 3 lakh vendors have availed loans for the third time under this initiative.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Declaring his entry into the world of politics: Tamil superstar Vijay has announced the name of his new political party “Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam”. Vijay will contest 2026 Assembly Elections in Tamil Nadu, when the current term of MK Stalin-led DMK party ends. The Tamil movie superstar is fondly called by his fans as Thalapathy, meaning General or Commander.

 

2. President Murmu inaugurated 37th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2024: President Droupadi Murmu has inaugurated the 37th Surajkund International Crafts Mela – 2024 at Surajkund in Faridabad district, Haryana. Tanzania is a partner country for the mela, which reflects India’s strong ties with the African Union. Gujarat is the theme state. The Surajkund Fair will continue till February 18.

 

3. 4 February – International Day of Human Fraternity: International Day of Human Fraternity is observed every year on 4 February. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty of unity and the strength found in diversity. On December 21, 2020, International Day of Human Fraternity was established by the United Nations General Assembly.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India, Oman ink pact for collaboration in defence sector: India and Oman has signed an agreement that would provide a framework for collaboration in new areas of defence engagement including procurement of military equipment. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was firmed up at a meeting of India-Oman joint military cooperation committee (JMCC) in Muscat. Both sides discussed effective and practical initiatives to further boost bilateral defence engagements with focus on defence industries collaboration. The two sides also inked an MoU pertaining to procurement of defence material and equipment which would provide a framework for defence collaboration in new areas.

 

2. US State Department approves 31 armed drones to India: The US State Department has given the go-ahead for the possible sale of 31 armed MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, related missiles, and equipment to India for nearly $4 billion. This comes after years of discussions between the two nations about such a deal. India has long expressed interest in buying large, armed drones from the United States, but certain bureaucratic hurdles have hindered progress towards finalizing the potential agreement.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. LK Advani to be awarded Bharat Ratna: BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani will be honoured with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India. This prestigious honour is a testament to Advani’s indelible contribution to Indian politics and society over several decades. Lal Krishna Advani served as the 7th Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004. He is one of the co-founders of the BJP and a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Advani is also the longest-serving Minister of Home Affairs and the longest-serving Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.