Daily GK Update- 10th Feb, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves telecom spectrum auctions at base price of Rs 96,317.65 cr: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved auctions in eight spectrum bands for mobile phone services at a base price of Rs 96,317.65 crore to improve the quality of telecom services and coverage for consumers. The Ministry of Communication has announced auctions for spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz frequency bands.

 

2. Govt launches SARATHI portal to help insurance companies reach out to farmers: The Centre Government has launched a portal ‘SARATHI’ that aims to help insurance companies reach out to farmers and rural population with tailored products as well as the government’s subsidised insurance products including Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Sarathi (Sandbox for Agricultural and Rural Security, Technology and Insurance) In the first phase, personal accident and hospital cash policies, while in the second phase health, shop and home insurance and in the third phase tractor, two-wheeler, livestock and non-PMFBY insurance products.

 

3. Indian Oil-Adani Gas joint venture announces Rs 2,500 crore investment: Indian Oil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd will invest 25 billion rupees ($301.24 million) over four years as it looks to double gas sales to small industries and households in India. The company, an equal joint venture of refiner Indian Oil Corp and Adani Total Gas, daily sells about one million standard cubic metres of gas through its 300 retail outlets. The joint venture aims to double gas sales in four years and strengthen infrastructure to more than 600 retail outlets during the period to meet India’s rising gas demand.

 

4. India ranks 3rd in USGBC’s list on green building certification for 2023: India ranked third in the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) annual list of top 10 countries and regions in the world for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in 2023. While mainland China and Canada held the first and second positions, respectively. The United States has not been included in the list. LEED is a green building rating system and the certification is a globally recognised symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.

 

5. Papanasam beach at Kerala’s Varkala secures spot among world’s 100 best beaches: Varkala’s Papanasham Beach has achieved a significant milestone by securing a place among the world’s top 100 beaches in Lonely Planet’s renowned guidebook, “Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches.” Situated approximately 45 kilometers north of Kerala’s capital, the beach is easily accessible via road and rail, attracting a plethora of backpackers due to its stunning cliffside setting. Recognized as a geological monument by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the beach offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and serves as a popular destination for both international and domestic tourists.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 11 February – International Day of Women and Girls in Science: The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on February 11 every year. The day is observed by the United Nations to promote full and equal access and participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. This year will be the ninth International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly. Theme – Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability and the subtheme is “Think Science … Think Peace”

 

2. 10 February – World Pulses Day: World Pulses Day is a global event observed on February 10 every year with the primary aim of educating the masses about its nutritional value and environmental benefits. According to United Nations, the celebration of World Pulses Day offers an opportunity to highlight the role of its sustainable option for diversification as well. Theme 2024 – Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People Pulses, also known as legumes, are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated to consume. Among the variety of types, dried beans, lentils, and peas are the most commonly consumed across the globe.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India declared joint winners Of SAFF Women’s U-19 Championships with Bangladesh: India was declared joint winners of the SAFF Women’s Under-19 Football Championships with hosts Bangladesh though the visitors initially thought they have won the title through the toss of coins, in an unprecedented change of decision made by the match officials. The match ended 1-1 after the regulation 90 minutes of play and direct penalty shootout was ordered by the referee.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Bharat Ratna For Former PMs Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Charan Singh, and scientist Dr MS Swaminathan will be conferred with the Bharat Ratna. Mr Narasimha Rao was the prime minister from 1991 to 1996 and is known to be the man who heralded the economic liberalisation of India.

Mr Charan Singh, a champion of workers and farmers’ rights, briefly served as the prime minister in 1979.

Daily GK Update- 9th Feb, 2024

  

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. President inaugurates cultural extravaganza 'Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav’: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the four-day cultural extravaganza 'Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav: A cultural odyssey' unveiling the richness of Northeast India at Amrit Udyan, Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. On the occasion, the President said that the diverse culture of our country is our strength and soft power. Celebrating this diversity at the Mahotsav will showcase and experience India's rich cultural heritage and unity.

 

2. CCEA approves ‘Doubling of Motumari - Vishnupuram’ & ‘Rail Over Rail: The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs approved “Doubling of Motumari - Vishnupuram” and "Rail Over Rail at Motumari ” at an estimated cost of nearly 1,740 crore rupees Motumari - Vishnupuram section, stretching for a distance of 88.81 Km, connects the Kazipet - Vijayawada High-Density Network with the Secunderabad - Guntur Highly Utilised Network The Rail Over Rail at Motumari Station will avoid cross movement of trains, avoid detention of trains

 

3. Centre awarded over Rs 30 crore to athletes under Khelo India scholarship: The Centre has awarded over 30 crore rupees to athletes under the Khelo India scholarship scheme during the 2023-24 financial year. The Sports Authority of India has granted a total annual scholarship of over six lakh 28 thousand rupees to almost three thousand athletes under the Khelo India scholarship scheme. The Ministry said this amount was spent on training, coaching, diet, medical insurance, kits and out-of-pocket allowance for the athletes.

 

4. Uttarakhand CM launches “Dhami against drugs campaign”: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has initiated the “Dhami against drugs campaign,” a significant effort led by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Metropolitan Dehradun. The “Dhami against drugs campaign” is a testament to Uttarakhand’s proactive stance on public health and social well-being. The campaign aims to eradicate drug abuse and cultivate a healthier, drug-free society by 2025. The state aims to achieve a “Drugs Free Uttarakhand” by 2025.

 

5. Venkatachalam H appointed as MD & CEO of Tata AIA Life: Private life insurer, Tata AIA Life Insurance has appointed Venkatachalam H as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of the company. The appointment is subject to approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Venkatachalam will take over from the incumbent, Naveen Tahilyani, who will be moving to another role in the Tata Group and has been elevated as a Non-Executive Director of Tata AIA Life Insurance Company. Naveen Tahilyani has been serving as MD & CEO of the life insurance company since 2020.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Türkiye & Qatar Named Guests of Honor at 2024 World Governments Summit in Dubai: India, Türkiye, and Qatar have been declared the guests of honor at the 2024 World Governments Summit which set to take place in Dubai from February 12-14. The summit, themed ‘Shaping Future Governments,’ will see the participation of over 25 government and state heads from around the world.

 

2. The delegations from Türkiye, India, and Qatar will be led by their respective leaders: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The guest countries will showcase their successful government experiences and best developmental practices during the summit, which will bring together thought leaders, experts, and representatives of over 85 international and regional organizations with 120 governmental delegations, and 4,000 attendees.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. SCA Stadium Renamed in Honor of Niranjan Shah: The Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) stadium in Rajkot has been re-named as the Niranjan Shah Stadium. This change comes as a tribute to the former first-class cricketer and senior cricket administrator, Niranjan Shah, marking his immense contributions to the sport and the region. Niranjan Shah’s legacy in cricket extends beyond his playing days; from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, he represented Saurashtra in 12 first-class games, laying the groundwork for a lifelong association with cricket.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Ravi Kumar Jha named MD & CEO of LIC Mutual Fund: LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management announced the appointment of Ravi Kumar Jha as its MD and CEO. Jha, with a distinguished career and prior association with LIC, comes with a track record of over 30 years in handling diverse positions and he was serving as Executive Director - Corporate Strategy till December 2023. His previous roles include Executive Director Corporate Strategy – LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management and various positions at LIC of India.

 

2. HDFC Bank raises $300 million through maiden sustainable finance bond issue: HDFC Bank has raised $300 million through its first-ever sustainable finance bond issue. The fund raise is part of an overall raise of $750 million through Regulation S Bonds. The lender has raised $300 million for three years with a 95 bps spread over US Treasury, and another $450 million for 5 years with a 108 bps spread over US Treasury. These are the tightest credit spreads achieved by an Indian issuer for a three-year sustainable bond and five-year senior unsecured bond for a similar size of USD Reg S issuance. The proceeds of the sustainable finance bond will be utilized for funding green and social loans, and towards financing general banking activities.

 

3. SBI partners with Flywire to modernize international education payments for students: State Bank of India (SBI) has partnered with Flywire Corporation to revolutionize the landscape of international education payments for Indian students. This strategic partnership aims to simplify the traditionally complex payment process, offering students a seamless and fully digital experience. Integrated directly into SBI’s platform, Flywire’s technology would enable Indian students to complete their international education payments effortlessly in Indian rupees.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. CC Singh, Narsimha Rao & Dr. Swaminathan to be conferred with Bharat Ratan: The government has announced India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna to Former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and Father of Green Revolution, Dr. M S Swaminathan. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his social media post. Mr. Modi said, Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity.

 

2. Stunning Sleepy Polar Bear Image By UK Photographer Wins Top Picture Prize: A stunning picture of a sleeping polar bear has won the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award. The portrait titled ‘Ice Bed’ has been clicked by British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani. His photo was crowned as champion following a contest in which a record 75,000 people voted. Notably, Mr Sarikhani captured the image after three days of searching for polar bears off the coast of Norway. When his expedition vessel changed course, he finally encountered two polar bears and caught the younger one climbing onto a small iceberg and carving out his bed.

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.