Daily GK Update- 2nd May, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting: India will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) from 20 to 30 May 2024 in Kochi, Kerala. The meeting is organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), these meetings aim to facilitate global discussions on environmental conservation and scientific cooperation in Antarctica.

 

2. India Reduces Windfall Tax on Petroleum Crude: India has cut its windfall tax on petroleum crude to 8,400 Indian rupees ($100.66) a metric ton from 9,600 rupees with effect from May 1.

The tax, which is revised every fortnight, was left unchanged at zero for diesel and aviation turbine fuel. The government had on April 16 raised the windfall tax on petroleum crude to 9,600 rupees a metric ton from 6,800 rupees. This tax is levied as the Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED).

 

3. Hitesh Sethia appointed as MD & CEO of Jio Financial Services: Corporate Affairs Ministry (MCA) has given its nod for appointment of Hitesh Kumar Sethia as Managing Director and CEO of Jio Financial Services for three years period. The appointment effective from November 15, 2023, is valid for three years, Jio Financial Services said in a regulatory filing.

 

4. Pratima Singh appointed as Director in DPIIT: Pratima Singh (IRS) has been selected for the appointment as Director of the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

She has been selected for the appointment under the Central Staffing Scheme for a period of five years. Singh is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of 2009-batch. She was recommended for the Central deputation by the Department of Revenue.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to train Bangladeshi’s civil servants for the next 5 years: The government of India has signed an agreement with the government of Bangladesh to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train 1500 Bangladeshi officers from 2025 to 2030. The agreement was signed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the government of India and the Bangladeshi Ministry of Public Administration, Government of Bangladesh. An MoU was signed between the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), India and the Bangladesh Ministry of Public Administration in 2014 to train the Bangladeshi civil servants.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army and Punit Balan Group develop Constitution Park in Pune: Constitution Park, jointly developed by Indian Army and Punit Balan Group, was inaugurated in The park was inaugurated by GOC-in-C, Southern Command, Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh. It delineates our Fundamental Rights and underscores our Fundamental Duties. It’s crucial for every citizen to understand their rights and fulfill their duties.

 

2. DRDO successfully test SMART missile system for Indian Navy: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the next-generation Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. SMART is a next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system designed and developed by DRDO to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedoes. This canister-based missile system incorporates several advanced subsystems, including a two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, and precision inertial navigation system.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. China to launch Chang’e-6 Lunar probe mission: China is set to launch the Chang’e-6 lunar probe on a round trip to the Moon. It aims to gather soil and rock samples from the far side of the Moon, a region that has remained permanently hidden from Earth’s view. This will be the first-ever attempt to retrieve lunar samples from the far side, providing valuable insights into the early evolution of the Moon and the inner solar system. This mission will also involve the first-ever ascent from the Moon’s far side during its return journey to Earth.

 

2. China launches sea trials for next-generation aircraft carrier: China has launched sea trials for the Fujian, its third and most advanced aircraft carrier. The start of tests by the Chinese navy came nearly two years after the aircraft carrier was first unveiled in June 2022. The Fujian, entirely designed and built domestically, is larger and more advanced than the Shandong, commissioned in late 2019, and the Liaoning, which China bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. GST revenue collection hits record high of Rs 2.10 lakh cr in April: India’s Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections hit a record high of Rs 2.10 lakh crore in April, growing 12.4 per cent on year-on-year basis. GST collection in March stood at Rs 1.78 lakh crore. Previously, the highest-ever GST collection figure stood at Rs 1.87 lakh crore in April 2023. This is also the first time GST collection has crossed the ₹2 trillion mark, since the unified indirect tax regime was rolled out seven years ago.

 

2. UPI transactions dip marginally in April to Rs 19.64 trn: Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transactions declined in volume and value in April by 1 per cent and 0.7 per cent, compared to March 2024. Transactions stood at Rs 19.64 trillion in value terms, down from Rs 19.78 trillion in March. There were 3 billion transactions in April, compared to 13.44 billion in March. Y-o-Y, UPI transactions increased by 50 per cent in terms of volume and 40 per cent in value. In February 2024, transactions stood at 12.10 billion and Rs 18.28 trillion, respectively. Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) transactions declined by 7 per cent in value and 5 per cent in volume in April compared to March.

 

3. NaBFID expects cumulative loan sanctions to top ₹2-lakh cr in FY25: The Government-owned National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) expects its loan sanctions pipeline to swell to about ₹2 lakh crore by March-end 2025 against about ₹1 lakh crore as of March-end 2024. To support loan growth, the development financial institution (DFI) is planning to mop up about ₹53,000 crore this year via bond market, bank and multilateral credit lines. The All India Financial Institution was set up in 2022 under the NABFID Act, 2021, as the principal entity for infrastructure financing in the country.

 

Daily GK Update- 1st May, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mines Ministry inks MoU with Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation for knowledge support on critical minerals: The Ministry of Mines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the non-profit, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, to enhance the knowledge base of the critical minerals processing industry in India. This partnership will help in creating a robust domestic critical minerals processing sector to support the country’s economic growth and enable a transition to clean sources of energy. The partnership will help promote India as a global hub for critical minerals processing and make it a self-reliant and globally competitive player in the critical minerals arena.

 

2. UP govt to establish cyber police stations in 57 districts: The Uttar Pradesh government is to establish cyber police stations in 57 districts after the parliamentary polls with each cyber police station having 25 posts for officers and employees. The state government plans to create a total of 1,425 posts in the designated 57 police stations across the state. The state government, in response to the rising incidents of cybercrime nationally and globally, has decided to establish cyber police stations across all 75 districts of the state.

 

3. NHPC Limited to collaborate with Ocean Sun for implementation of Floating Solar Energy Technology: NHPC Limited, the largest organization for hydropower development in India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with M/s Ocean Sun, a Norwegian company operating as a technology provider to the floating solar industry. As per the MoU, NHPC and Ocean Sun will explore key areas of cooperation for demonstration of Ocean Sun’s floating solar energy technology based on photovoltaic panels. The panels would be mounted on hydro-elastic membranes, at relevant sites to be identified by NHPC.

 

4. Bharat Biotech promoter Krishna Ella becomes new IVMA president: Bharat Biotech co-founder Krishna M Ella was appointed president of the Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) for a two-year term from April 2024 to 2026. Ella takes over the presidency from Adar C Poonawalla, who held the post from 2019 to March 2024. Adar Poonawalla has served as the chief executive officer of Serum Institute of India since 2011. SII became the first Indian company to roll out the AstraZeneca and Oxford vaccine, under the brand name Covishield, during COVID-19.

 

5. 1 May – Maharashtra & Gujarat Foundation Day: Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day is celebrated every year on May 1st to commemorate the formation of the state in 1960. Following the implementation of the Indian constitution, the country was divided into states on the basis of linguistic borders. At that time, Bombay was recognised as a state under the State Recognition Act of 1956. Bombay had people speaking languages such as Marathi, Konkani, Gujarati, and Kutchi. However, this merger of various vernaculars into one state did not work out and resulted in uproar and distress. The sanctity of the state was being jerked time and again due to these linguistic differences.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IndiGo airline appoints former Porqueras Orea as ‘Chief of Transformation’: IndiGo has named Isidro Pablo Porqueras Orea, former COO of European airline Volotea, as a chief of transformation. Orea has 25 years of professional experience in different functional areas such as operations, commercial, strategy and finance. He was with European airline Volotea from 2016-2023 and served as their COO for the last 5 years. Currently, Wolfgang Prock-Schauer is the COO of India’s largest airline.

 

2. 1 May – International Labour Day: International Labour Day is observed every year on 1 May. It’s a day dedicated to honouring the contributions of working people in every industry and sector. It’s not just about celebrating their hard work, but also empowering them to be aware of their rights. In 1886, a large demonstration happened in America where the labours demanded eight hours of work on a daily basis. However, soon the demonstration went out of hand and in Chicago and lot of people got hurt.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Dinesh Tripathi take charge as 26th Naval Chief: Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi assumed command of the Indian Navy as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff. He succeeds Admiral R. Hari Kumar who retires upon superannuation after over 40 years of service. Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi is an alumnus of Sainik School Rewa, Madhya Pradesh and the National Defence Academy. He was commissioned in the Indian Navy in 1985. He rose through the ranks to become the Commander of the Western Naval Command before becoming the vice-admiral (vice-chief) of the Indian Navy in June 2019. He was also made the commandant of the prestigious Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala, Kerala. He was the director general of naval operations from July 2020 to May 2021.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Velavan Senthil Kumar Wins His Eighth Professional Squash Association Tour Title In Paris: India’s Velavan Senthilkumar won his eighth Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour title yesterday by winning the Batch Open, a PSA Challenger event, at the Societe Sportive du Jeu de Paume in Paris. World No. 58 Senthilkumar, the top seed, beat Frenchman Melvil Scianimanico 11-6, 11-9, 11-6 to clinch the title. The final was held as part of the 12,000 dollars PSA Challenger Tour event.

2. Rohit Sharma to lead Indian team for the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup: The five-member Senior Men’s Cricket Selection Committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, announced the 15-member Indian squad for the 2024 ICC men’s T20 cricket World Cup. The 9th ICC Men’s T 20 Cricket World Cup will be held from 1-29 June 2024. It is being co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America. Nine of the 15 players selected, including captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, played in the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup. which lost to England in the semi-finals. India has been placed in group A along with Pakistan, Canada, the United States and Ireland.

 

3. India to host BWF World Junior Badminton Championships 2025: India will host the BWF World Junior Championships 2025 at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati. The 2025 edition in India will mark the return of the BWF Junior World Championships to the country for the first time since 2008 when Pune hosted the event. The team as well as individual events will be held at the National Centre of Excellence, which was inaugurated by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) last year. It boasts 16 badminton courts, a 4,000 square feet gymnasium, a hostel for players and a dedicated 2,000 square feet physiotherapy centre.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Indian economy likely to grow over 7% in 2024-25: Economic think tank NCAER: The Indian economy could grow more than 7 per cent during the current fiscal amid a benign global outlook and expected above-normal monsoon, according to economic think tank NCAER. In its April 2024 issue of Monthly Economic Review (MER), NCAER said a range of high-frequency indicators reveal the resilience of the domestic economy with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for manufacturing at a 16-year high and UPI, the leading digital payments system, touching the highest volume since its inception in 2016.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Alok Shukla wins prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize 2024: Alok Shukla, convenor of the Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan and founding member of the Hasdeo Aranya Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, has been awarded the 2024 Goldman Prize from Asia. Shukla has been declared winner for his efforts to save the forests of Hasdeo Aranya in Chhattisgarh. Alok Shukla led a successful community campaign that saved 445,000 acres of biodiversity-rich forests from 21 planned coal mines in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

 

Daily GK Update- 30th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Innovative 3D Printed Dummy Ballot Unit unveiled by IIT Guwahati: The Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation Cell (SVEEP) of Kamrup Election District has partnered with Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati to develop a innovative 3D printed dummy ballot unit.

The inauguration of the dummy ballot unit was held at the IIT Guwahati campus and was attended by several dignitaries. Crafted with the objective of acquainting citizens, particularly new voters, and senior citizens, with the intricacies of voting procedures, the 3D printed dummy ballot unit aims to dispel any apprehensions, anxiety or uncertainties associated with the voting process.

 

2. IREDA gets ‘Navratna’ status: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) was granted ‘Navratna’ status by the Department of Public Enterprises. A non-banking financial institution under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, IREDA is engaged in promoting, developing and extending financial assistance for setting up projects related to new and renewable sources of energy. The Indian government grants Navratna status to premier public sector undertakings (PSUs), empowering them to execute significant investments of up to ₹1,000 crore without requiring approval from the central authority.

 

3. Dinesh Kumar takes charge as the SAT Presiding officer: Retired Justice Dinesh Kumar took charge as the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) for a four-year term. Before taking over as the presiding officer of SAT, Justice Dinesh Kumar was the chief justice of the Karnataka High Court. He retired from the post in February 2024. The SAT has been functioning without a presiding officer for the last four months, as the last presiding officer, Justice Tarun Aggarwal, retired in December 2023.

 

4. 30 April – Ayushman Bharat Diwas: Ayushman Bharat Diwas is celebrated annually on 30 April in India to raise awareness of the objectives of the government’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is also known as the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. It is a healthcare scheme launched by the Indian government to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to about 50 crore people who are economically disadvantaged. The government introduced Ayushman Bharat Yojana scheme after it saw the problem of many people facing difficulties in accessing essential medical care due to financial constraints.

 

5. 30 April – National Honesty Day: National Honesty Day is celebrated on 30 April, every year. It is a day dedicated to promoting honesty and building trust. The day is counterbalanced by April Fools’ Day, which is known for jokes and deception. Honesty Day was first suggested by M. Hirsh Goldberg, the author of The Book of Lies in the early 1990s.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s Ecommerce Market will be World’s Third Largest by 2030: India’s e-commerce landscape is poised for a monumental gain by 2030, a report by investment promotion and facilitation agency Invest India has claimed. Forecasting a substantial surge to $325 billion by 2030, the report added that the nation’s digital economy is expected to reach an impressive $800 billion by the same time. Currently valued at $70 billion, India’s online shopping makes up approximately 7 per cent of the country’s total retail market, therefore presenting a huge opportunity for growth.

 

2. 29 April – World Wish Day: World Wish Day is celebrated on April 29 each year. This national holiday is sponsored by the “Make-A-Wish Foundation” — an organization that focuses on making the wishes of terminally ill children come true. It is a holiday that even children take joy in celebrating — as it primarily has to do with them. World Wish Day was first celebrated on April 29, 2010. It is a holiday inspired by the touching story of a young leukemia patient back in 1980.

 

3. 30 April – International Jazz Day: International Jazz Day is celebrated every year on 30 April.

This day is dedicated to the city of Tangier, Morocco, and the cultural heritage of jazz in Africa.

Tangier is known for its rich history of jazz and is home to many world-renowned jazz artists. The four-day celebration of International Jazz Day includes a series of educational programs, cultural activities, and performances. The All-Star Global Concert, the highlight of the event, is held at the new Palace of Arts and Culture of Tangier.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Indian men’s team bag historic gold in archery after 14 years: The Indian men’s recurve team has won a historic gold medal at the Archery World Cup Stage-1 by defeating the world-champion South Korean team for the first time ever. The gold medal ended a 14-year gold medal drought at the men’s recurve team event at the Archery World Cup. The Indian men’s recurve team of Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai and Pravin Jadhav defeated the World no.1 ranked South Korean team in the final.

 

2. V Senthilkumar wins Batch Open Squash Title: National men’s Squash champion Velavan Senthilkumar defeated Melvil Scianimanico of France to win the Batch Open Challenger Squash.

This was the eighth PSA (Professional Squash Association) title for the US-based Indian Velavan Senthilkumar. The Batch Open was organised by the world squash governing body Professional Squash Association with the host French Squash Federation at Jeu de Paume, Paris, France, from 24-28 April 2024.

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. FPI limit in G-sec unchanged at 6% of outstanding stocks of securities: RBI: Reserve Bank kept the limits for FPI investment in government securities (g-secs), state government securities (SGSs) and corporate bonds will remain unchanged at 6 per cent, 2 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively, of outstanding stocks of securities for the current fiscal (2024-25). As of now, all investments by eligible investors in the ‘specified securities’ will be reckoned under the fully accessible route (FAR). The allocation of incremental changes in the g-sec limit over the two sub-categories – ‘General’ and ‘Long-term’ – shall be retained at 50:50 for 2024-25.

 

2. Tata Motors partners with South Indian Bank for commercial vehicle finance: Tata Motors has tied up with South Indian Bank to offer financing solutions to its commercial vehicle customers and dealerships. Objective – To empower fleet owners and dealerships to achieve their business goals. As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), South Indian Bank will offer financing solutions across the auto major’s entire commercial vehicle portfolio.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Hema Malini, Saira Banu to get Pt. Lacchu Maharaj Award: Noted Hindi film superstars Hema Malini and Saira Banu as well as other prominent personalities from the fields of art and culture, will be honoured with the prestigious Pandit Lacchu Maharaj Award. The award will be given on 31 August 2024 at a ceremony in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The Lacchu Maharaj Award, instituted in memory of the famous kathak exponent Lacchu Maharaj, was not given after 2014. Thus, the Pandit Lacchu Maharaj Ballet Foundation has decided to honour 10 personalities this year.

 

2. MAHE Confers Honorary Doctorate on K.V. Kamath: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) held a special convocation in Manipal to confer an honorary doctorate upon KV Kamath, Chairman of National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) and Chairman of Jio Financial Services Ltd. This honorary doctorate signifies the profound impact Mr Kamath has had, and we are confident his example will continue to inspire our students to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 29th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Historical Records Commission adopts a new logo & motto: Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC) adopted a new logo and motto. The design for logo and motto submitted by Shaurya Pratap Singh from Delhi was selected by the IHRC. The commission received a total 436 designs for logo and motto through an online competition that was launched in 2023 on MyGov portal. The logo signifies the theme and uniqueness of IHRC. The pages in the shape of lotus petals represent IHRC as the resilient nodal institution for maintaining historical records.

 

2. Manoj Kumar appointed as CVO of JNPA: Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Manoj Kumar has been appointed as new Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).

Kumar has been appointed as CVO of JNPA for an initial period of three years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Kumar is IRS officer of 2003-batch. With his new assignment, Kumar will replace Vidyadhar A Malegaonkar (IRTS), who is presently serving as CVO of JNPA.

 

3. Sarvadanand Barnwal appointed as Director in Department of Land Resources: Sarvadanand Barnwal (ISS) has been selected for the appointment as Director in the Department of Land Resources. Barnwal has been selected for the appointment under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) for a period of five years from the date of taking over charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Barnwal is an Indian Statistical Service (ISS) officer of 2010-batch. He was recommended for the Central deputation by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Iran unveils new ‘kamikaze’ drone: The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has introduced a new “Kamikaze drone” resembling Russia’s Lancet drone. According to the state Tasnim news agency, the new Iranian drone — which has not yet been publicly named — is similar to the Russian Zala Lancet drone, which was first produced in 2020. The Iranian drone, akin to the Lancet, boasts flight durations of 30 to 60 minutes and can carry payloads ranging from 3 to 6 kg, covering distances of up to 40 km.

 

2. Pakistan PM appoints Ishaq Dar as Deputy PM: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ishaq Dar is currently serving as Pakistan’s Foreign Minister. He has been also included in the Council of Common Interests (CCI). Earlier in March, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the reconstitution of the Council of Common Interests (CCI), replacing the finance minister with the foreign minister.

3. 28 April – World Day for Safety and Health at Work: The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed every year on 28 April. This day is dedicated to preventing work-related accidents and diseases. It is a global commitment to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for all workers. It is now an opportunity for workers, employers, and governments to come together and commit to taking steps towards creating safer workplaces. This day was first observed in 2003 to raise awareness about the toll that work-related accidents and diseases were taking on workers’ lives. The day was established on a date coinciding with the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers.

 

4. 28 April 2024 – World Pinhole Photography Day: World Pinhole Photography Day is observed every year on last Sunday of April. This year was celebrated on 28 April. The day aims to encourage people to pick up pinhole photography as a hobby and profession, and to share their techniques and pictures with the pinhole photography community.

 

5. 29 April – International Dance Day: International Dance Day or World Dance Day is celebrated on 29 April every year. This day is devoted to the fine art of dance, and promoting dance as a widespread value. The day also aims to promote dance in all its forms globally. The International Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute first introduced the concept of World Dance Day in 1982.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Bismah Maroof announces retirement from international cricket: Bismah Maroof, one of Pakistan’s most high-profile women cricketers and former captain, has announced retirement from all international cricket. Bismah, 32, was forced into a long break from cricket, first due to a fitness issue in 2020 and then after giving birth to a baby girl in August 2021. Bismah had grabbed headlines when she took her baby to the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand. She was the first Pakistani woman cricketer to avail a 12-month maternity leave with pay policy.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Hitachi Payment Services launches India’s first upgradable ATM: Hitachi Payment Services has launched an upgradable ATM machine in India. These ATMs can be upgraded to a Cash Recycling Machine (CRM) at any time. Manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, these ATMs offer flexibility and efficiency to banks. Hitachi Payment Services claims that this is the first upgradable ATM in India. Out of the current 2,64,000 ATMs/CRMs currently operational in India, Hitachi manages over 76,000. The company estimates a potential market of around 1,00,000 upgradable ATMs in the next eight years.

 

2. NABARD & RBI Developed Innovation Hub to fasten digital Agri lending: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has partnered with Reserve Bank’s arm RBIH to put in place a system which will enable faster processing of agricultural loans. NABARD will integrate its e-KCC loan origination system portal with the Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit (PTPFC) of Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the RBI. NABARD has developed the loan origination system portal to facilitate digital Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan processing for cooperative banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).

 

3. RBI open on Tap Licensing for Small Finance Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed the Small Finance Banks (SFB) to apply for Universal Bank licenses as per the on tap licensing norms of the RBI. The SFBs can apply for a universal bank license after fulfilling the norms laid by the RBI.

 

4. Deloitte projected India’s FY25 growth forecast at 6.6%: Deloitte India has estimates India’s GDP growth at 6.6 per cent in the current fiscal helped by consumption expenditure, exports rebound and capital flows. The rapid growth of the middle-income class has led to rising purchasing power and even created demand for premium luxury products and services. Deloitte has revised India’s economic growth prediction for last fiscal to a range of 7.6 to 7.8 per cent. In January, the firm had projected growth for 2023-24 fiscal in the range of 6.9-7.2 per cent.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India Today Group’s AI anchor Sana wins global media award: India Today Group’s AI news anchor, Sana has won the International News Media Association (INMA)’s 2024 Global Media Award for AI-led newsroom transformation. India Today Group has been selected as the best in South Asia for ‘AI-led newsroom transformation’. The company’s human-collaborative AI anchor, Sana, won first place among national brands for the ‘best use of AI in customer-facing products’.

 

2. Gina Justus wins 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards: Gina Justus, a teacher at Our Own English High School, Sharjah Girls’ Branch, has been named the regional winner for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in the 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards. Justus, originally from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has been working in the UAE since 2005 and was recognised for her outstanding mentorship and dedication to charity. This year’s competition saw a record-breaking number of nominations, with over 14,840 submissions from 141 countries.

 

Daily GK Update- 28th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NTPC inks pact with RINL for supply of limestone: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NTPC Limited and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), for the supply of 9 lakh metric tonnes of limestone. Limestone is a raw material for the flue-gas desulphurisation system which is being installed at the coal-based thermal plants of the NTPC for reduction of sulphur di oxide emission. This MoU will cater to the needs of various plants of the NTPC.

 

2. Sunil Kumar Yadav appointed as Director of MoHUA: Sunil Kumar Yadav (IRS) has been appointed as Director of Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Yadav selected for the appointment to the post under the Central Staffing Scheme for a period of five years.

Yadav is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of 2010-batch.

 

3. Madras HC Directs Tamil Nadu Government to Implement Guidelines for Eliminating Corporal Punishment: The Madras High Court has instructed the Tamil Nadu government to implement the Guidelines for Elimination of Corporal Punishment in Schools (GECP) provided by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). Justice S M Subramaniam issued the directive.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 26 April – International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day: International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed every year on 26 April. The day is dedicated to remember the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. It creates awareness about the catastrophic accident, in which approximately 8.4 million people were exposed to the harmful nuclear radiations. The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded on 26 April 1986, spreading a radioactive cloud over the Soviet territory now comprising Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia. The explosion devastated the area, causing extensive damage to crops, plants, and other infrastructure.

 

2. 27 April – World Healing Day: World Healing Day (WHD) is celebrated every year on the last Saturday of April. This year, it celebrated on 27 April. World Healing Day is dedicated to promoting the benefits of mind-body practices and the emerging medical research on the subject. The day grew out of the founding event of World Tai Chi & Qigong Day. World Healing Day was initially started by World Tai Chi & Qigong Day organizers in many countries, and it soon became a platform for teachers, groups, and organizations of various mind-body arts to showcase their work.

 

3. REC Ltd Secures Japanese Green Loan: REC Ltd, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has successfully availed a green loan of Japanese Yen (JPY) 60.536 billion (approximately Rs 3,200 crore) to ..

 

4. China Launches Shenzhou-18 Mission: Recently, China launched the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft carrying a three-member crew to its orbiting Tiangong space station. The mission is part of China’s ambitious space program, which aims to put astronauts on the moon by 2030. The Shenzhou-18 spacecraft lifted off 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced India legend Yuvraj Singh as an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador. Yuvraj, who famously hit 36 runs in an over during the first-ever T20 World Cup in 2007 which he and India ultimately won. He joins Chris Gayle and Usain Bolt as the first ambassadors to be announced, who will each add to the excitement of what will be the biggest T20 World Cup ever. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be played from 1-29 June with co-hosts USA taking on Canada in the opening fixture at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.

       

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Mapping Indian Ocean Floor for Climate and Weather Prediction: India is the country being surrounded by the Indian Ocean, plays a critical role in understanding ocean currents and their impact on weather and climate prediction. A recent study by scientists at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services ..

 

2. Astronomers Detect Rare Giant Flare from Magnetar: Scientists have detected the most distant-known instance of a giant flare from a magnetar, a type of neutron star with immensely strong magnetic fields, residing in the Messier 82 (M82) galaxy, also known as the “Cigar Galaxy.” The flare, a ..

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NABARD unveils Climate Strategy 2030: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) unveiled its Climate Strategy 2030 document on the occasion of Earth Day. The comprehensive strategy aims to address India’s escalating need for green financing. Despite the pressing demand, where India requires approximately $170 billion annually to reach a cumulative total of over $2.5 trillion by 2030, current green finance inflows are critically insufficient. 1NABARD’s Climate Strategy 2030 is structured around four key pillars to address this demand:

 

2. NIPFP forecasts India’s FY25 GDP growth at 7.1%: Economic think-tank National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) has estimated India’s GDP growth at 7.1 per cent for the current fiscal, using high-frequency models. NIPFP, in a series of tweets, said the Centre is on a fiscal consolidation path through buoyancy in taxes and revenue expenditure compression. While NIPFP’s forecast stands at 7.1%, other entities such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Fitch Ratings estimate a growth rate of 7%. In contrast, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), S&P Global Ratings, and Morgan Stanley project a slightly lower growth rate of 6.8% for FY25, indicating varying perspectives on India’s economic trajectory.

 

3. RBI Curbs on Kotak Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directed Kotak Mahindra Bank to immediately stop onboarding new customers through online and mobile banking channels. The central bank also barred the private lender from issuing fresh credit cards, citing significant concerns observed during.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. 60-Year-Old Argentinian Wins Miss Universe Buenos Aires Pageant: A 60-year-old lawyer Alejandra Rodríguez created history by winning the Miss Universe Buenos Aires title in Argentina. Rodríguez was contesting the pageant with 34 other contestants aged between 18 to 73 years of age. According to a report on Hola, Rodriquez thought she had surpassed the age limit for global beauty pageants, but her perspective shifted with the revised regulations. Initially, Miss Universe contestants had to be unmarried and childless, aged between 18 and 28, since its establishment in 1952.

Daily GK Update- 27th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ADIF and IIT Guwahati incubation center sign MoU to boost startup ecosystem: The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) has signed MoU with IIT Guwahati Technology Incubation Centre (IIT Guwahati TIC) to promote entrepreneurship and provide support to technology startups. Under the agreement, ADIF will provide alliance membership to IITG TIC’s portfolio startup companies, giving them access to ADIF’s startup toolkit of discounted services, resources and mentorship opportunities.

 

2. India’s services exports grow 11.4% in 2023: UNCTAD report: India’s services exports jumped 11.4 per cent to USD 345 billion in 2023 despite global economic uncertainties, according to a UNCTAD report. While China’s shipments from the sector contracted by 10.1 per cent to USD 381 billion. Sectors that contribute to India’s services export growth include travel, transport, medical and hospitality. With an 8.9 per cent annual rise in current dollar value terms, the world services exports surpassed USD 7.9 trillion in 2023.

 

3. Tamil Nadu Conducts Nilgiri Tahr Survey with IUCN Observer: The Tamil Nadu government is conducting a three-day synchronised survey of the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), the State animal. The survey aims to estimate the population of the endangered species, which once roamed the Anamalai and Nilgiris landscape. The International ..

 

4. Ozone Depletion and Its Impact on Antarctic Biota: A recent study published in the journal Global Change Biology has raised concerns about the persistent ozone depletion over Antarctica and its potential consequences for the region’s plant and animal species. The study highlights that the ozone hole, which forms ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Arun Alagappan appointed as executive chairman of Coromandel International: Agricultural solutions major Coromandel International, a part of Chennai-based Murugappa Group, has appointed Arun Alagappan as executive chairman of the company. Alagappan has been the executive vice chairman of the company since February 2021. His appointment comes as A. Vellayan retires from the position of chairman and non-executive director.

 

2. The Winner’s Mindset authored by Shane Watson: Shane Watson witnessed one of cricket’s greatest tragedies unfolding on the field. He was one of the players at the Sydney Cricket Ground when Phillip Hughes was felled by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match in late 2014. The talented opener, who played for Australia in 26 Tests and 25 ODIs, died at a hospital two days later. Watson feared it could happen to him, too. All it could take is just one ball. Watson overcame that trauma. He became an even better cricketer than he was before, in fact. In the book, The Winner’s Mindset, he tells us how.

 

3. 27 April – World Veterinary Day: World Veterinary Day is celebrated every year on the last Saturday of April. This year it will fall on April 27, 2024. The day aims to mark the importance of veterinary doctors who work on improving animal lives. It is observed globally through various activities such as seminars, workshops, educational sessions, and campaigns. It provides an opportunity to recognise and appreciate the veterinarians towards animal health, welfare, and the general well-being of society.

 

4. World’s First Personalised mRNA Vaccine for Melanoma Undergoing Trials: A groundbreaking personalised mRNA vaccine for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials in the United Kingdom. The vaccine, developed by Moderna and Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), is designed to help a ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Sana Mir named Ambassador of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the appointment of Pakistan cricket legend Sana Mir as the ambassador for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. Mir represented Pakistan in 226 international games, with 137 of them as captain, will bring her invaluable experience to the event. The Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier will witness 10 teams battling it out for two coveted spots at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Sunita Williams Set to Pilot Boeing Starliner Spacecraft: Sunita Williams, a veteran Indian American astronaut, is preparing for her third space mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). She will be piloting Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on its inaugural crewed flight, known as the Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission, ..

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. AU SFB launches multiple products like credit cards with exclusive features: AU SFB launches multiple products like credit cards with exclusive features Among the latest offerings are two innovative credit cards: the AU SPONT Rupay Credit Card and Secured Credit Card – NOMO (No Missing Out), developed in collaboration with NPCI and VISA, respectively. The NOMO Credit Card marks AU SFB’s debut into the realm of secured credit cards, backed by a fixed deposit.

 

2. NIPFP forecasts India’s FY25 GDP growth at 7.1%: Economic think-tank National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) has estimated India’s GDP growth at 7.1 per cent for the current fiscal, using high-frequency models. NIPFP, in a series of tweets, said the Centre is on a fiscal consolidation path through buoyancy in taxes and revenue expenditure compression. While NIPFP’s forecast stands at 7.1%, other entities such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Fitch Ratings estimate a growth rate of 7%.

 

3. RBI Releases Digital Lending – Transparency in Aggregation of Loan Products from Multiple Lenders: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft guidelines titled “Digital Lending – Transparency in Aggregation of Loan Products from Multiple Lenders” to promote transparency in the digital lending space. The guidelines propose that Lending Service Providers (LSPs) should.