Daily GK Update- 19th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Arvind Kapil named CEO of Poonawalla Fincorp: Poonawalla Fincorp has appointed senior HDFC Bank executive Arvind Kapil as its chief executive. Kapil is currently the group head mortgage banking business at the bank which includes home loans, loans against property (LAP) and the sales business of the erstwhile Housing Development Finance Corp (HDFC) which was merged with the bank last year. Poonawalla Fincorp Limited is an Indian non-banking financial company that is engaged in consumer and MSME financing.

 

2. New Delhi Ranked World’s Most Polluted Capital City: New Delhi is ranked the world’s most polluted capital city for the fourth consecutive year since 2018. According to the Air Quality Report 2023 conducted by Swiss organisation IQAir, Delhi’s PM2.5 levels worsened from 89.1 micrograms per cubic metre in 2022 to 92.7 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. Bihar’s Begusarai has emerged as the world’s most polluted metropolitan area. With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic metre.

 

3. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan Submits Her Resignation: Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Lt. Governor of Puducherry and Governor of Telangana has submitted her resignation with immediate effect. Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad informed this in a communique that the resignation letter has been submitted to the President of India. The resignation is yet to be accepted. While asking about her future plan, she informed the Media that after acceptance of her resignation she would announce her plan publicly.

 

4. Election Commission appoints Sanjay Mukherjee as West Bengal DGP: Election Commission of India appointed Sanjay Mukherjee (1989 batch IPS officer) as the new state director general of police. He was previously posted as the Director of Security of the West Bengal police in the rank of the additional director general of police (ADG).  In 2017, he was appointed as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief.

 

5. Kashmir hosts first Formula-4 Car Racing Event along Dal Lake: Srinagar hosted the first-ever Formula 4 car racing demonstration event on the banks of the world-famous Dal Lake. The event enthralled locals and motorsport fans as they witnessed stunts performed by professional Formula 4 drivers. Sleek racing cars roared along a 1.7 km track from Lalit Ghat on the banks of Dal Lake to Nehru Park in the city.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Putin wins Russian presidential election in landslide: President Vladimir Putin won a record post-Soviet landslide in Russia’s election. Putin, 71, is set to embark on a new six-year term that will see him overtake Josef Stalin and become Russia’s longest-serving leader for more than 200 years if he completes it. Putin won 87.8% of the vote, the highest ever result in Russia’s post-Soviet history, according to an exit poll by pollster the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM).

 

2. Nepal Declares Pokhara as Its Tourism Capital: The government of Nepal has officially declared Pokhara, a picturesque city in the Gandaki province, as the tourism capital of the Himalayan nation. The formal declaration was made during a special ceremony held at the Barahi Ghat, situated on the shores of the stunning Phewa Lake. Pokhara, known for its natural beauty and adventure tourism, has long been recognized as a tourism hub in Nepal.

 

3. EU and Egypt sign €7.4 bn deal focussed on energy, migration: The European Union has announced a landmark partnership agreement with Egypt, elevating the bloc’s relationship with the North African nation and unveiling a substantial funding package to support Egypt’s faltering economy and address shared challenges. The deal, unveiled during a high-level delegation visit to Cairo, encompasses cooperation in key areas such as renewable energy, trade, security, and managing migration flows.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian troops deploy to Seychelles for Joint Military Exercise: A contingent from the Indian Army embarked on a journey to Seychelles to participate in the Tenth edition of the Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024” alongside the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). This biennial training event holds significant importance in fostering cooperation between the two nations. The term ‘LAMITIYE’, translating to ‘Friendship’ in the Creole language, encapsulates the spirit of camaraderie underlying this exercise.

 

2. Guyana to acquire 2 HAL-Made Dornier 228 Aircraft from India: The Indian defence industry is making forays in the Caribbean with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) planning to soon acquire two new aircraft from New Delhi with a $23.27 million loan from Export-Import Bank of India. An agreement in this regard was signed between Guyanese Finance Minister and Deputy GM of EXIM Bank. Guyana, which has a substantial Indian diaspora, plans to purchase two HAL (Dornier) 228 planes from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

 

3. India-US Joint Military Exercise “EX TIGER TRIUMPH 2024”: A joint military exercise called Tiger Triumph-24 between India and the United States started on March 18 and will continue until March 31. This exercise is taking place on the Eastern Seaboard (East Coast) of India. The exercise, Tiger Triump-24, is aimed at “developing interoperability” for conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations and “refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enable rapid and smooth coordination between forces of both countries.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Srinagar hosts first-ever Formula 4 racing event: The beautiful Dal Lake in Kashmir witnessed an exciting event on March 18. Formula-4 car racing was held for the first time in the region. The sleek racing cars raced along the Boulevard road near the lake, creating a thrilling atmosphere.

The Zabarwan Hills provided a stunning backdrop for the event.

 

2. 3rd Edition Of North East Games 2024 Begins In Nagaland: In Nagaland, the 3rd edition of North East Games 2024 kick-started with a glittering opening ceremony at Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence, Sovima. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio officially declared open the 3rd North East Games 2024. More than 3000 athletes from eight North Eastern states are competing in 15 disciplines. The events are being held in 12 venues across three districts Chumoukedima, Dimapur and Kohima.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Axis Bank to support Tata Memorial-supported National Cancer Grid: A national tumour biobank and cancer teleconsultation network are among the projects that will be supported by a ₹100 crore contribution towards the National Cancer Grid (NCG), from Axis Bank. As part of the five-year partnership, Axis Bank will support NCG, a network of 300-plus cancer centres across the country, coordinated by the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), under the Tata Memorial Centre.

The aim is to improve cancer care and research, in terms of access and digital adoption on formalising a Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Memorial.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ratan Tata awarded PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award: Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons, was bestowed with the prestigious PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for his outstanding philanthropic contributions. The PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award, named after the former Prime Minister of India, is an award of recognition for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to social welfare and humanitarian causes.

 

2. Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna to be conferred with the Sangita Kalanidhi award: Renowned Carnatic vocalist Thodur Madabusi Krishna will be conferred the 2024 Sangita Kalanidhi award by the Madras Music Academy. The Sangita Kalanidhi award is considered one of the highest honours in Carnatic music. The musician will preside over the academic sessions of the 98th Annual Conference and Concerts of The Music Academy, the Deccan Herald reporting quoting Murali. The session will be held

 

Daily GK Update- 18th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government launches alternate Auto Fuel Ethanol100: Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri has launched Ethanol100, an alternate auto fuel in New Delhi. Ethanol100, a cleaner and greener alternative to gasoline, is a blend of 92 to 94 percent ethanol, 4 to 5 percent motor spirit to provide colour to flame and 1.5 percent Co-solvent higher saturated alcohol. The fuel produces lower emissions of greenhouse gases, a reduction by around 63% on well to wheel basis.

 

2. Rahul Singh appointed as new chief of CBSE: The Central Government has appointed senior IAS officer Rahul Singh the Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Rahul Singh will replace Nidhi Chiber in this post because Nidhi Chiber has recently been made an advisor in NITI Aayog. Singh, a 1996-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Bihar cadre, is currently serving as the Additional Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

 

3. NK Sehgal becomes new chairman of Prasar Bharati: The Central Government has appointed retired bureaucrat Navneet Kumar Sehgal the new Chairman of Prasar Bharati. The chairperson’s post has been vacant since A Surya Prakash reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 in February 2020. Navneet Sehgal has become the seventh president of Prasar Bharati. Sehgal is a retired IAS officer of the 1988 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He is known for playing a significant role in UP’s global investor summit.

 

4. EC announces Para Archer Sheetal Devi as National PwD icon: Election Commission has announced Para Archer and Arjuna Awardee, Sheetal Devi as its National PwD Icon. Her name was announced at an Exhibition Cricket Match between the Indian Deaf Cricket Association Team and the Delhi and District Cricket Association team in Delhi. The match was organized by the Election Commission in association with the Board of Control for Cricket in India to foster voter education and inclusivity.

 

5. 18 March – Ordnance Factories Day: Ordnance Factories Day is observed every year on March 18. Indian Ordnance Factories play an important role in safeguarding us and providing strength to the Indian Armed Forces. Indian Ordnance Factories provide arms and ammunition to the Indian Armed Forces, in turn providing them strength to protect us with more zeal and determination. During the British rule in India, the British East India Company realized the growing demands of arms and ammunition for the British army in India. In 1775, the Board of Ordnance was formed in Fort William, Kolkata.

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India & Singapore sign MoU on Law and Dispute Resolution: India and Singapore have signed a MoU on cooperation in the sphere of law and dispute resolution. This agreement will further enhance the cooperation between the two countries in areas of common interest such as international commercial dispute resolution The agreement was signed in a virtual meeting of the Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal and Singapore Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Mr. Edwin Tong.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Army raises helicopter unit at Jodhpur to induct Apache attack choppers: The Indian Army has raised its first squadron of Apache attack helicopters in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur with the aim of supporting ground operations near the Pakistan border. Developed by the US aviation giant Boeing, Apache choppers are known as the ‘tanks in the air’. They are advanced multi-mission helicopters with the latest technology and have come to be known the best attack helicopters in the world. These advanced attack helicopters are expected to land at the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Hindon Air Force Station and then will be deployed in Jodhpur, near the India-Pakistan border.

 

2. Defence Ministry contract with HAL for upgrade of 25 Dornier aircraft: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth ₹2,890 crore with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the midlife upgrade of 25 Dornier patrol aircraft of the Indian Navy. The midlife upgrade for Dornier aircraft includes an upgrade to incorporate state-of-the art avionics systems and primary role sensors. The upgrade would significantly enhance the operational capability of the Dornier aircraft of the Indian Navy to perform primary roles of maritime surveillance, coastal surveillance, electronic intelligence and development of maritime domain awareness.

 

3. Indian Army contingent departs for Seychelles for Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024”: A contingent from the Indian Army embarked on a journey to Seychelles to participate in the Tenth edition of the Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024” alongside the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). Scheduled to take place from March 18th to 27th, this biennial training event holds significant importance in fostering cooperation between the two nations. The term ‘LAMITIYE’, translating to ‘Friendship’ in the Creole language, encapsulates the spirit of camaraderie underlying this exercise, which has been a tradition since its inception in 2001.

 

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. Matthew Wade retires from first-class cricket: Australia keeper Matthew Wade has announced his decision to retire from first-class cricket. The left-hand batter stated that he will continue to feature in shorter formats of the game. The 36-year-old announced his decision just before the upcoming Sheffield Shield final, marking his 166th and final first-class match as Tasmania takes on Western Australia. Wade has been a crucial part of Australia’s T20I squad, having scored 1175 runs from 64 innings since his debut back in 2011.

 

2. RCB triumphs over Delhi Capitals in WPL 2024 final: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) beat Delhi Capitals in the final of the 2024 Women’s Premier League to break their 16-year-long trophy drought. RCB defeated DC by eight wickets to lift the WPL trophy at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. RCB made easy work of their 114-run chase against DC to lift their maiden WPL title. A wonderful first innings performance from RCB’s spin-attack helped them clinch their first-ever trophy as a franchise. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Captain – Smriti Mandhana

Delhi Capitals (DC) Captain – Meg Lanning (Australia)

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SANY India signs MoU with J&K Bank to give finance solution: SANY India, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, has taken a significant stride towards offering improved financial solutions to its customers. The company has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with J&K Bank, aiming to stimulate substantial growth and development opportunities within the region, while facilitating easier access to SANY India’s advanced product line along with readily available financial solutions. This collaboration between SANY India and J&K Bank is strategically designed to leverage the strengths of both entities, providing comprehensive financial solutions to

 

2. Kotak Bank appoints Jaideep Hansraj as President of ‘One Kotak’: Kotak Mahindra Bank has appointed Kotak Securities MD and CEO Jaideep Hansraj as Group President – One Kotak, with effect from 1 April 2024. This marks a pivotal move towards leveraging the Group’s financial conglomerate model and delivering holistic propositions to customers. Jaideep will spearhead a cultural shift towards driving collaboration to unlock internal synergies across the Bank and its subsidiaries.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Uday Bhatia & Manasi Gupta honoured with Diana Memorial Award: India’s Uday Bhatia and Manasi Gupta were honored with the ‘Diana Memorial Award’. Along with them, a total of 20 people from the world were honored with the ‘Diana Memorial Award’. Uday Bhatia, founder of Uday Electric, and Manasi Gupta, founder of Huesofthemind Foundation, received their awards from Prince William, the older son of Princess Diana, at an awards ceremony in London’s Science Museum.

 

Daily GK Update- 17th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Navneet Kumar Sehgal appointed as new Prasar Bharati chairman: The Central Government has appointed retired bureaucrat Navneet Kumar Sehgal the new Chairman of Prasar Bharati for a period of three years. Navneet Sehgal has become the seventh president of Prasar Bharati. A. Surya Prakash retired in February 2020 after serving for two consecutive terms since 2014. The President of India appoints the chairman and the other Members, except the ex officio members, nominated members and the elected members.

 

2. India, ADB sign $23 million loan for Fintech Ecosystem Development: The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $23 million loan agreement to enhance access to quality fintech education, research, and innovation at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT-City). GIFT City is an initiative of the Government of India and the State Government of Gujarat to foster India’s financial services and fintech ecosystem. The project is expected to establish an International Fintech Institute (IFI) to strengthen fintech education, boost start-up success rates, and drive fintech research and innovation. The ADB programme will support research on innovative solutions and technologies in climate fintech, regulatory technology, social inclusion, and gender equality in finance.

 

3. Shipping Ministry approves projects worth ₹645-crore in Assam to boost tourism: India’s Shipping Ministry has approved waterways projects worth ₹645 crore on Brahmaputra in Assam.

Projects, aimed at boosting river tourism, will be implemented with financial assistance from the Centre. Projects will involve the creation of slipways at strategic locations in Dhubri and Majuli, new passenger terminals at Ghagor in North Lakhimpur and Bahari in Barpeta district of Assam. There will be additional passenger terminals in Goalpara, Guijan, Kurua, Dhubri, Disangmukh & Matmora. Projects, which will be developed under the Sagarmala programme.

 

4. NHPC bags 200 MW capacity solar power project in Gujarat: State-run hydro power major NHPC has bagged a 200-megawatt (MW) capacity solar power project to be set up at the Gujarat State Electricity Corporation’s (GSECL) 1,125 MW RE Park in Khavda. NHPC will develop the project on a build-own-and-operate basis at a tentative development cost of about ₹847 crore.

The project was secured at a tariff of ₹2.66 per unit and will be completed in a period of 18 months. The project will generate about 473 million units (MU) in the first year of commissioning and the cumulative generation from the project over a period of 25 years would be about 10,850 million units.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India ranked 134 out of 193 countries on UN Human Development Index 2022: India’s ranking on the United Nations Human Development Index improved by one position in 2022 to 134 out of 193 countries ranked compared to 135 out of 192 countries ranked in 2021 on the back of a marginal increase in its HDI value to 0.644 compared to 0.633 in 2021. India, Bhutan and Bangladesh are all in the Medium Human Development category. Switzerland has been ranked number one. Nepal (146) and Pakistan (164) have been ranked lower than India. The HDI is a composite index computed based on three parameters – life expectancy, mean years of schooling and average incomes – in contrast to gross domestic product (GDP), which is a gauge only of incomes or output in an economy.

 

2. Mohammad Mustafa elected as new PM of Palestinian: President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority (PA) has appointed Mohammad Mustafa as the new Prime Minister. Mustafa, a U.S.-educated economist, is one of the leading Palestinian business figures with a track record of overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction efforts under Hamas’ rule. The previous prime minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, resigned along with his government last month.

 

3. India-Seychelles Joint Exercise ‘LAMITIYE-2024’: In a significant step towards improving bilateral military ties with Indian Ocean island nations, an Indian Army contingent departed for Seychelles on March 17, 2024, to carry out a joint military exercise named ‘LAMITIYE-2024′ with the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Max Verstappen triumphs at Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinched victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, starting from pole position. It marked Red Bull’s second consecutive one-two finish in the 2024 Formula One season. It was the first time Verstappen, winner of a record 19 of 22 races last year, has won the first two races of a season. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) finished at second and Charles Leclerc finished third for Ferrari. The victory was a ninth in a row for Verstappen, dating back to Japan last September, and the 56th of the 26-year-old Dutch driver’s career.

 

2. Mumbai Wins Ranji Trophy 2024 after beating Vidarbha: Mumbai has won the Ranji Trophy 2024 after beating Vidarbha by 169 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It also happened to be their 42nd title for Mumbai, which showed why they are deemed as a brute force in Indian domestic cricket. Mumbai also ended their 8-year-long wait to win the championship after they last got their hands on the title back in the 2015-16 edition. In addition to the ₹5 crore prize money announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the Ranji Trophy champions, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has declared an additional ₹5 crore for the winning team. This means the Mumbai team will receive a whopping ₹10 crore as prize money for their triumph.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Astrophysical Tau Neutrinos: Scientists from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory have announced a discovery of evidence for the elusive astrophysical tau neutrinos or ‘ghost particles’. Neutrinos are tiny subatomic particles that rarely interact with matter, making them challenging to detect. However, their ability to ..

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Greeshma and Ritika jointly won Chameli Devi Jain Award 2024: Chameli Devi Jain Award 2024 for Outstanding Woman Media Person of the Year has been given jointly to independent journalist Greeshma Kuthar, and Ritika Chopra of the Indian Express. The Chameli Devi Jain Award 2024 honours the exceptional work and contributions of Greeshma Kuthar and Ritika Chopra in the field of journalism. According to The Media Foundation, an independent jury comprising senior journalist and columnist Radhika Ramaseshan (Chair), award-winning journalist and author Mariyam Alavi, and Down to Earth managing editor Richard Mahapatra, selected the winners from more than 65 entries of women journalists.

Daily GK Update- 16th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Reliance to buy 13% of Paramount’s stake in Viacom18 for Rs 4,286 crore: India’s largest private company Reliance Industries has entered in a binding agreement to buy Paramount Global’s entire 13.01% stake in Viacom 18 Media for Rs 4,286 crore ($517 million). The stake in Viacom18 was held by Paramount Global through its two subsidiaries. Viacom18 is a subsidiary of TV18 Broadcast, which holds preferencial shares worth 57.48% in the company. Post the transaction, TV18 Broadcast’s stake in Viacom18 will increase to 70.49%. Viacom18 has 40 television channels, including Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and MTV.

 

2. India ranked 134 out of 193 countries on UN Human Development Index 2022: India’s ranking on the United Nations Human Development Index improved by one position in 2022 to 134 out of 193 countries ranked compared to 135 out of 192 countries ranked in 2021 on the back of a marginal increase in its HDI value to 0.644 compared to 0.633 in 2021. India, Bhutan and Bangladesh are all in the Medium Human Development category. Switzerland has been ranked number one. Nepal (146) and Pakistan (164) have been ranked lower than India. The HDI is a composite index computed based on three parameters – life expectancy, mean years of schooling and average incomes – in contrast to gross domestic product (GDP), which is a gauge only of incomes or output in an economy.

 

3. India, ADB sign $23 million loan for Fintech Ecosystem Development: The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $23 million loan agreement to enhance access to quality fintech education, research, and innovation at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT-City). GIFT City is an initiative of the Government of India and the State Government of Gujarat to foster India’s financial services and fintech ecosystem. The project is expected to establish an International Fintech Institute (IFI) to strengthen fintech education, boost start-up success rates, and drive fintech research and innovation.

 

4. Parshottam Rupala release Book on Sagar Parikrama: Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry Dairying Parshottam Rupala has release Book and Video on “Sagar Parikrama” at Rajkot, Gujarat. The object of the book is to chronicle the Sagar Parikrama Yatra, encompassing content on diverse elements, such as the Maritime route, cultural and geographical explorations, and notable impacts from all 12 phases of Sagar Parikrama. The Book on Sagar Parikrama contains 7 chapters covering genesis of Sagar Parikrama, Overview and detailed coverage of the journey of West coast, East coast and the key take away.

 

5. 16 March – National Vaccination Day: National Vaccination Day or National Immunization Day is celebrated in India on 16 March every year to raise awareness about the significance of vaccines in the human body. Vaccinations are a cornerstone of modern medicine, and they have played a significant role in improving public health and well-being worldwide. In 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) started the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to get rid of polio from the world. In 1995, the government of India began the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme to eliminate polio from the country. Since then, March 16th has been celebrated as National Vaccination Day.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mohammad Mustafa elected as new PM of Palestinian: President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority (PA) has appointed Mohammad Mustafa as the new Prime Minister. Mustafa, a U.S.-educated economist, is one of the leading Palestinian business figures with a track record of overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction efforts under Hamas’ rule. The previous prime minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, resigned along with his government last month.

 

2. 15 March – World Consumer Rights Day: World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15 across the globe. Objective – To raise awareness about the rights and responsibilities of consumers in the marketplace. Theme 2024 – Fair and responsible AI for consumers. On March 15, 1962, President John F. Kennedy spoke before the US Congress and addressed consumer rights. This incident marked the first time that a world leader spoke of consumer rights. In 1983, the first World Consumer Rights Day was observed. Since then, the United Nations has recognized the special day.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Max Verstappen triumphs at Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinched victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, starting from pole position. It marked Red Bull’s second consecutive one-two finish in the 2024 Formula One season. It was the first time Verstappen, winner of a record 19 of 22 races last year, has won the first two races of a season. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) finished at second and Charles Leclerc finished third for Ferrari. The victory was a ninth in a row for Verstappen, dating back to Japan last September, and the 56th of the 26-year-old Dutch driver’s career.

 

2. Mumbai Wins Ranji Trophy 2024 after beating Vidarbha: Mumbai has won the Ranji Trophy 2024 after beating Vidarbha by 169 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It also happened to be their 42nd title for Mumbai, which showed why they are deemed as a brute force in Indian domestic cricket. Mumbai also ended their 8-year-long wait to win the championship after they last got their hands on the title back in the 2015-16 edition.

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Greeshma and Ritika jointly won Chameli Devi Jain Award 2024: Chameli Devi Jain Award 2024 for Outstanding Woman Media Person of the Year has been given jointly to independent journalist Greeshma Kuthar, and Ritika Chopra of the Indian Express. The Chameli Devi Jain Award 2024 honours the exceptional work and contributions of Greeshma Kuthar and Ritika Chopra in the field of journalism. According to The Media Foundation, an independent jury comprising senior journalist and columnist Radhika Ramaseshan (Chair), award-winning journalist and author Mariyam Alavi, and Down to Earth managing editor Richard Mahapatra, selected the winners from more than 65 entries of women journalists.

 

Daily GK Update- 15th Mar, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gyanesh Kumar And Sukhbir Singh Sandhu Appointed Election Commissioners: Retired IAS officers Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu have been appointed as Election Commissioners. The Ministry of Law and Justice issued a notification in this regard. The posts of the two Election Commissioners were vacant after the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey and the resignation of Arun Goel. They were appointed election commissioners by the selection panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

2. Hardeep Singh Puri Launches Alternate Auto Fuel ‘Ethanol100’: The Unio Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched Ethanol100, an alternate auto fuel in New Delhi. The green fuels like ethanol 100 will play a key role in sustaining the economic growth of the country. Ethanol100 is a blend of 92 to 94 percent ethanol, 4 to 5 percent motor spirit to provide colour to flame and 1.5 percent Co-solvent higher saturated alcohol. The fuel produces lower emissions of greenhouse gases, a reduction by around 63% on well to wheel basis.

 

3. Senior bureaucrat Rahul Singh appointed new CBSE chief: The Central Government has appointed senior IAS officer Rahul Singh (1996 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of Bihar cadre) the Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Rahul Singh will replace Nidhi Chiber in this post because Nidhi Chiber has been made an advisor in NITI Aayog. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Rahul Singh as the Chairman of CBSE.

 

4. L&T Finance Holdings inks pact with JICA for $125 million funding: Non-banking financial company (NBFC) L&T Finance Holdings Limited (LTFH) had signed a financing pact with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for $125 million to support financing in rural and peri urban areas in India, particularly women borrowers. At least 40% of the proceeds will be allocated for women borrowers, while the rest will be allocated to support farmers, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

 

5. Central Govt Proposes Ban On Sale & Breeding Of Ferocious Dogs: The Central government has proposed a ban on the sale and breeding of ferocious dogs. The Animal Husbandry Ministry issued a directive to states and Union Territories to ensure prohibition on the sale, breeding, or keeping of as many as 23 dog breeds that are dangerous for human life. It said that breeds like Rottweilers, Pitbulls, and American bulldogs are under scrutiny.

 

6. Droupadi Murmu To Grace Global Spirituality Mahotsav In Hyderabad: President Droupadi Murmu will be gracing the Global Spirituality Mahotsav in Hyderabad. The Four-Day, one-of-a-kind spiritual congregation will continue till Sunday at Kanha Shanti Vanam. The Global Spirituality Mahotsav is being held with the main theme, ‘Inner Peace to World Peace’. The Event is bringing spiritual leaders from all faiths and beliefs to one platform at the world’s largest meditation centre.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UN Hails India’s Progress In Human Development Index: The United Nations has hailed India’s progress in the Human Development Index, highlighting significant strides made in different parameters, marking overall development. The HDI report has revealed that India’s average life expectancy reached 67.7 years in 2022, up from 62.7 years the previous year. Additionally, India’s gross national income (GNI) per capita has surged to 6951 dollars, marking a 6.3 per cent increase over the span of 12 months.

 

2. UK tests a laser weapon that can hit a coin from a kilometer: The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has conducted successful tests of its first-ever laser weapon, named “DragonFire”. The high-powered laser is designed to target and neutralize drones, offering a potentially low-cost alternative to traditional missiles. The DragonFire laser weapon is expected to significantly reduce the reliance on expensive ammunition, offering a cost-effective solution for air defense.

According to the UK government, firing the laser for just 10 seconds costs the equivalent of using a heater for an hour, typically less than £10 per shot. This cost efficiency makes it a promising option for military operations.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Nausena Bhawan In New Delhi: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi.  CDS General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Navy Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. The newly built Nausena Bhawan is situated at Delhi Cantonment Area.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Max Verstappen Triumphs at Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024: Max Verstappen won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix from pole position as Red Bull continued their dominant start to the Formula One season with a second one-two in as many races. Mexican Sergio Perez was runner-up under the Jeddah Corniche floodlights, last year’s winner taking the chequered flag 13.643 seconds behind his triple world champion teammate. It was the first time Verstappen, winner of a record 19 of 22 races last year, has won the first two races of a season.

 

2. Mumbai win record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title: The Mumbai cricket team, led by Ajinkiya Rahane, defeated Vidarbha in the final of the Ranji Trophy to win their 42nd title at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. On the fifth day of the five-day final, the Mumbai team defeated the Vidarbha team by 169 runs. Musheer Khan of Mumbai was the Player of the Match, while Tanush Kotia of Mumbai was the Player of the Series. The Mumbai team collected the trophy and a Rs 5 crore winning prize.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Max India’s subsidiary partners with IIT Delhi for senior citizen care: Max India Ltd, an integrated service provider for senior care needs, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi). This partnership aims to develop offerings tailored specifically for the senior demographic. Max India Ltd is the wholly owned subsidiary of Antara Assisted Care Services Limited. The company reported, in response to India’s growing elderly population and the accompanying challenges of mobility-related disabilities, the company with IIT Delhi will conduct research and design solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for seniors.

 

2. RBI bars Federal Bank, South Indian Bank from issuing co-branded credit cards: Following the directions by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), private sector lenders Federal Bank and South Indian Bank stopped issuing co-branded credit cards to new customers on account of regulatory deficiencies. South Indian Bank said that it will not onboard new customers on their co-branded credit cards until it is fully compliant with directions under RBI Master Direction on Credit Card and Debit Card issuance. However, the lender added that it will continue to service the existing customers who hold co-branded credit cards. South Indian Bank has one co-branded credit card in partnership with State Bank of India (SBI), which is available in two variants SimplySAVE and Platinum.

 

3. RBI imposes ₹1.40 cr monetary penalty on Bank of India: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 1.4 crore on Bank of India for non-compliance with certain regulatory norms. It has also imposed a penalty of Rs 29.55 lakh on private sector lender Bandhan Bank for noncompliance with certain directions. The penalty on Bank of India has been imposed for non-compliance with the RBI’s directions related to ‘interest rate on deposits’, ‘customer service in banks’, ‘interest rate on advances’, and contravention of provisions of Credit lnformation Companies Rules 2006.