Daily GK Update- 23rd May, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Noise acquires women’s wellness platform SocialBoat: Leading smartwatch and connected lifestyle brand, Noise has acquired AI-powered women’s wellness platform SocialBoat for an undisclosed amount. This strategic move is part of Noise’s broader strategy to advance innovation in smart rings. This acquisition will expand its tech offerings and build specialized innovation capabilities for its flagship smart wearable, Luna Ring. Noise aims to redefine consumers’ experience of its smart ring, by strengthening the health tracking analytics and will now be able to integrate AI to ensure overall wellbeing of the women cohort as well, enabling them to achieve their full potential and ‘rise to brilliance.

 

2. Government appoints Ramesh Babu V as Member in Central Electricity Regulatory Commission: Shri Ramesh Babu V. has taken oath of office and secrecy as Member, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. The oath of office and secrecy was administered to him, by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) was established by the Government of India under the provisions of the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998.

 

3. 23 May – 2586th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha: Buddha Purnima, or Buddha Jayanti or Vesak, is an annual celebration observed on the first full moon of the Hindu calendar month Vaishakha. Buddhists worldwide celebrate Buddha Purnima with great fervour. This year, Buddha Purnima observed on 23rd May (Thursday). This significant day commemorates the birth of Lord Gautam Buddha, who was born as Prince Siddhartha Gautam in Lumbini, present-day Nepal, around 563 BC. He overcame the cycle of birth and rebirth, taking on the roles of philosopher, spiritual guide, religious leader, and devoted meditator. Buddha Purnima celebrates the ‘Enlightened One’, who achieved liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cisco and Tata Communications partner to launch Webex Calling in India: Cisco and Tata Communications have launched their Webex Calling solution in India with cloud public switched telephone network (PSTN), aimed at helping enterprises move from on-premises phone systems to a global cloud calling system. The calls will be routed via Tata Communications’ data centre in the Mumbai region, thereby helping organisations stay compliant with local regulations Webex Calling is a modern and complete business phone system that delivers enterprise-grade calling through a globally available cloud platform with over 14 million users around the world.

 

2. Spain becomes 99th member of International Solar Alliance: Spain has become the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance. Spain handed over the International Solar Alliance Instrument of Ratification, during the meeting of Ambassador José María Ridao Domínguez of Spain with the Head of Depository, Joint Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry Abhishek Singh in New Delhi. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries. The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilize efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar energy solutions.

 

3. University of Tokyo inaugurates world’s highest observatory in Chile: The University of Tokyo has inaugurated the Atacama Observatory (TAO) in Chile’s Antofagasta Region. It has been built on the summit of Cerro Chajnantor in the Antofagasta Region, at 5,640 meters above sea level. TAO also houses a 6.5-meter optical-infrared telescope. The telescope will focus on understanding the nature of the universe, according to Emol’s academic section. This new observatory is located near the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array) radio telescope, one of the largest astronomical projects in the world, in which an international association of countries participates.

 

4. 23 May – World Turtle Day: World Turtle Day is observed every year on 23 May. Objective – To raise awareness about the lifestyle and habitat of turtles as well as tortoises and urge people to understand them better and contribute to their wellbeing. It was started in the year 2000 by American tortoise Rescue as a way of urging people to come together to understand tortoises and turtles better.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. CDS Anil Chauhan attends Exercise Cyber Suraksha 2024: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan attended ‘Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024’ and underscored the importance of strengthening India’s cyber defence capabilities. The comprehensive cyber defence exercise is being conducted by Defence Cyber Agency. It aims to further develop Cyber Defence Capability of all Cyber security organisations and promote synergy amongst all stakeholders. It focusses on enhancing collaboration and integration among participants from various military and prominent national organizations.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. 2nd stage of Archery World Cup 2024 begins in Korea: The second stage of the Archery World Cup 2024 begins at Yecheon in Korea. India has sent the same 16-member team that took part in the first stage in Shanghai, China last month. The Indian contingent emerged as the champion team in the first stage, with a total of eight medals, including five gold medals, two silver, and one bronze. This was India’s highest medal tally at any single edition of an archery World Cup. Stage three of the prestigious tournament will be held in Antalya, Turkiye, while the final stage will be held in Tlaxcala, Mexico.

 

2. Sachin Khilari clinches gold medal in shot put at World Para Athletics Championship: In Para Athletics, India’s Sachin Sarjerao Khilari clinched the gold medal in the men’s shot put at the World Para Athletics Championship in Kobe, Japan. He also set a new Asian record with a throw of 16.30 metres in the F46 category, to defended his title at the world championships. Another Indian, Dharambir bagged the Bronze Medal in the Men’s Club Throw. His final throw distance of 33.31 metres not only secured him the Bronze Medal but also set a new Asian Record in the F51 Category.

 

3. Australia and Uzbekistan host AFC Women’s Asian Cups: Australia and Uzbekistan have been confirmed as hosts for the 2026 and 2029 AFC Women’s Asian Cups, It highlights the growing importance of women’s football in Asia. This marks Australia’s second time hosting after 2006 and makes Uzbekistan the first Central Asian nation to host the event.

President of AFC – Shaikh Salman.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI approves ₹2.11 lakh crore dividend payout to govt for 2023-24: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a ₹2.11 lakh crore dividend payout to the central government for 2023-24, more than double the amount it paid for the previous 2022-23 financial year. The decision was taken at the 608th meeting of the Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India held under the chairmanship of Governor Shaktikanta Das. The Board approved the transfer of ₹2,10,874 crore as surplus to the Central Government for the accounting year 2023-24. The dividend payout was ₹87,416 crore for 2022-23.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. NTPC gets third rank at ATD BEST Award 2024 for talent development: NTPC, one of the largest power utility public sector companies, has secured a significant milestone by securing the third rank globally at the ATD BEST Award 2024. Rachana Singh Bhal, CGM (Strategic HR and Talent Management), accepted the award at a ceremony held in New Orleans, USA. The ATD BEST Award, established by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), USA, is one of the most esteemed international recognitions in the field of Learning and Development (L&D).

 

Daily GK Update- 22nd May, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Assam unveiled the” DRIMS” platform For Disaster Management: Assam Government has launched the Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS) platform to facilitate efficient disaster reporting and aid distribution in collaboration with UNICEF. DRIMS captures critical impact data, expediting relief delivery for damaged crops, livestock losses, and other post-disaster restoration efforts.

 

2. DAHD & UNDP MoU on Digitalisation of Animal Vaccine Cold Chain Management: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has signed an MoU with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India on Digitalization of Vaccine Cold Chain Management, Communication Planning and Capacity Building. The agreement was signed by Alka Upadhyay, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in India in New Delhi.

 

3. Mahindra Finance appoints Mahesh Rajaraman as CRO: Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services has appointed Mahesh Rajaraman as Chief Risk Officer (CRO) of the company with effect from August 1, 2024. He replaces Mallika Mittal. Rajaraman has been associated with various banks namely Yes Bank, HDFC Bank, HSBC Bank and ANZ Grindlays Bank. During his overall banking career, his areas of expertise and specialisation include retail assets, credit cards, agri lending and SMEs in the domains of policy /risk, underwriting, fraud risk management and anti-money laundering across all banking products.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India climbs to 39th position in World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index: India’s rank on the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 has risen to 39th place, with global tourism activities returning to pre-pandemic levels, the annual report showed. While the US topped the list, India is ranked highest in South Asia and among the lower-middle-income economies, the WEF said. India was ranked 54th in the previously published index in 2021, though changes made to the index parameters limit its comparability to earlier years.

 

2. Pakistan’s Sirbaz Khan conquers Mount Everest without Oxygen.: A notable mountaineer, Sirbaz Khan scaled Mount Everest without supplementary oxygen, making him only the 2nd Pakistani to achieve this feat. Khan aims to be the 1st Pakistani to climb all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, having already climbed 13, two with oxygen support. Khan had previously scaled the 8849-metre peak using bottled oxygen. The only other person in Pakistan to achieve this feat is mountaineer Sajid Sidpara. He began his mountaineering career in 2016 and has since become a pioneering figure in Pakistani high-altitude climbing.

 

3. John Slaven appointed as VC of International Aluminium Institute: Vedanta Aluminium has appointed its CEO John Slaven as Vice-Chairman of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI).

In this capacity, Slaven will spearhead global initiatives aimed at fostering the sustainable transformation of the aluminium industry and promote the critical role of aluminium in enabling the energy transition to a zero-carbon modern world. Slaven is a global leader with over three decades of rich experience in the metals, mining and modern manufacturing industries.

 

4. 22 May – International Day for Biodiversity: International Day for Biodiversity is celebrated every year on May 22. Theme 2024 – Be Part of the Plan The International Day for Biological Diversity was established by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in 1993. Initially, it was celebrated on December 29 to mark the day the Convention on Biological Diversity came into effect.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Ekta Bhyan secures Gold Medal in Women’ F51 Club Throw Competition at World Para Athletic Championship: India’s Ekta Bhyan has secured a gold medal with a season’s best throw of 20.12 metres in the women’s F51 club throw competition at the World Para Athletic Championships at Kobe in Japan. While Kashish Lakra took the silver with an effort of 14.56 metres, Nadjet Boucherf of Algeria won the bronze with a score of 12.70 metres. Deepthi, Para Asian Games gold medallist, had smashed a world record time of 55.07 seconds in the women’s 400 metre T20 category race to win gold medal.

 

2. Germany midfielder Tony Kroos to retire after Euro 2024: The Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has announced he will retire after this summer’s European Championship.

The 34-year-old is to hang up his boots after a trophy-laden decade at the Bernabéu. Signed from Bayern Munich, Kroos made 463 appearances for Madrid and won 21 trophies including four Champions Leagues, five Club World Cups and four La Liga titles.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Swiggy joins hands with device-first risk AI platform SHIELD: Online food delivery platform Swiggy has partnered with SHIELD, a device-first risk AI platform, to enhance its fraud prevention and detection capabilities. SHIELD’s Device Intelligence will enable Swiggy to reduce promo abuse and deter fraudulent practices within the Delivery Partner ecosystem. It will enable Swiggy to reduce promo abuse, including the exploitation of platform discounts, sign-up incentives, referral bonuses and monopolisation of limited-time deals to reduce promo abuse and prevent fraudulent practices within the Delivery Partner’s ecosystem.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI General Insurance signs bancassurance partnership with Jana SFB to increase insurance penetration: SBI General Insurance has signed a strategic bancassurance collaboration agreement with Jana Small Finance Bank to facilitate the sale of non-life insurance products. Under this strategic relationship, SBI General Insurance will provide Jana Small Finance Bank customers with a comprehensive variety of general insurance products. These products will include a broad range of insurance options, such as health, personal injury, house, auto, and travel insurance. MD & CEO of SBI General Insurance – Kishore Kumar Poludasu

 

2. Airbus Helicopters, SIDBI sign MoU for helicopter financing in India: Airbus Helicopters and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for financing the purchase of Airbus helicopters in India. Under the MoU, Airbus Helicopters and SIDBI would identify potential civil helicopter operators in India interested in financing solutions for purchasing the helicopters. While Airbus would provide the technical and helicopter-industry knowledge, SIDBI would be responsible for evaluating the prospects and financing them exclusively for Airbus.

 

3. NPS assets surge 26% y-o-y to ₹11.94 lakh crore as of May 11: PFRDA: Riding on buoyant equity markets, National Pension System (NPS) assets grew 26 per cent year-on-year to touch ₹11.94 lakh crore, according to PFRDA data. This overall AUM including that of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) — slightly short of ₹12 lakh-crore milestone mark —was higher than end March 2024 level of ₹11.73 lakh crore. The frenetic pace of overall NPS assets growth can be gauged from the fact that only in August last year the NPS assets had touched the ₹10-lakh crore mark.

 

Daily GK Update- 21st May, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar receives first Stamp released: Indian spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar received the first stamp released commemorating the completion of 200 years of Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka. Governor of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka Senthil Thondaman presented the stamp to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The stamp is a way to attain recognition for the community which has been neglected for decades. He thanked the Indian government as well as the Sri Lankan government for the assistance given to the IOT community.

 

2. Student Enrollment Under SC Category Grows By 44 %: The student enrollment under the Scheduled Caste category has grown by 44 per cent, from 46 lakh in 2014-15 to 66 lakh in 2021-22, according to a report of the National Commission for Backward Class. In the report, minority female student enrollment also witnessed over 42 per cent increase, from over 10 lakh in 2014-15 to 15 lakh in 2021-22. Female SC enrollment increased by 51 per cent, whereas that of ST students went up by 65.2 per cent.

 

3. Conference on Administration of Criminal Justice held in Guwahati: The Union Ministry of Law and Justice in association with the Assam Government has organized a two-day conference ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System’ in Guwahati, Assam. The aim of the conference was to create awareness about the recent changes made by the government in repealing British-era criminal law and the enactment of new laws related to the criminal justice system in the country.

 

4. BARC appoints Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri as chief of measurement science: The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has appointed Bikramjit Chaudhuri as Chief of Measurement Science and Analytics. He will succeed Dr. Derrick Grey, who is leaving the organization after a six-year stint. He comes in with a rich experience spanning over three decades in the areas of Statistics, Stochastic Modelling, Market Measurement, Consumer Segmentation, AI & ML, Demand Forecasting and Big Data Analytics.

 

5. Honeywell India appoints Atul Pai as MD: Atul Pai has been appointed as the Managing Director of Honeywell Automation India Ltd (HAIL). He succeeds Ashish Gaikwad who is taking on a broader responsibility as India Leader for Industrial Automation, one of Honeywell International Inc’s strategic business groups. Atul brings more than two decades of Honeywell experience in various regional and global roles across Honeywell and its finance division.

 

6. 21 May – National Anti-Terrorism Day: In India, the National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on May 21 each year to commemorate the date when the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the sixth Prime Minister of India, was killed by a suicide bomber from the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) in Sriperumbudur, a village near Madras (now Chennai). Gandhi was sworn in on October 31, 1984 as the Prime Minister of India when he was 40 years old, after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. He became the youngest PM of India. The Anti-Terrorism Day in India was founded by the VP Singh government in the memory of Rajiv Gandhi and was intended to educate the people of India about the adverse impacts of terrorism and violence on society and the country.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Lai Ching-Te sworn in as president of Taiwan: Lai Ching-te of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was sworn in as the self-governing island’s new President. A trained physician Lai succeeds Tsai Ing-wen to lead the democracy amid increasing threats from China, which claims the self-governing island as its territory. Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949. She was Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the US from 2020 to 2023 and formerly served as a DPP lawmaker for several terms.

 

2. 20 May – World Refugee Day: World Refugee Day is observed every year on 20 May. Objective – To raise the world’s consciousness about the plight of the refugees who have left their homes due to war, persecution, violence or due economic factors, etc. Theme 2024 – Hope Away from Home In 1975, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) passed a resolution to observe 20 May as African Refugee Day to pay tribute to the resilience of those who had been forcibly displaced in Africa due to conflict.

 

3. 21 May – International Tea Day: International Tea Day is celebrated every year on 21 May. Objective – To raise awareness regarding the working conditions of people in the tea industry. The International Tea Day was first initiated in 2005 by trade unions, small tea growers, and civil society organizations in Asia and Africa. The day was established with the goal of addressing the issues faced by tea workers, including living wages and fair prices for small tea producers.

 

4. 21 May – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed every year on 21 May. Objective – To create a better understanding of the values of culture, tradition and education among people.

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was first celebrated in 2002

UNESCO leads the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development highlighting not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi clinch Gold Medals at Elorda Cup: In Boxing, Two-time world champions Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi won two gold medals for India in the 3rd Elorda Cup 2024. The Indian contingent finished the Elorda Cup with 12 medals—2 gold, 2 silver, and 8 bronze. The 3rd Elorda Cup was held in Kazakhstan’s capital city of Astana. Nikhat in the women’s 52 kg category, triumphed over Zhazira Urakbayeva of Kazakhstan with a 5-Nil victory, while Minakshi defeated another Uzbekistan boxer Rahmonova Saidahon, 4-1 in the women’s 48 kg event.

 

2. Alexander Zverev and Iga Swiatek win Singles Title of Italian open: German’s Alexander Zeverv defeated the first-time Masters finalist Nicolas Jarry of Chile in straight sets 6-4, 7-5 to win the 2024 Men’s Single of Italian Open Masters 1000 title. This was also Zeverv’s second Italian Open title. In 2017, he won the Italian Open by defeating Novak Djokovic. It was also his first master’s title. World no.1 Iga Swiatek of Poland defeated Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in straight sets 6-2 6-3 to win the 2024 Women’s Single of Italian Open Masters 1000 title. This was the third Italian Open title for Iga Swiatek in the last four years. Last year she failed to qualify for the final.

 

3. India’s Deepthi Jeevanji smashes World Record in Women’s 400 Metre event: Twenty-year old Deepthi Jeevanji smashed the world record in the women’s 400m T20 and grabbed her first gold at the World Para Athletics Championships at Kobe in Japan. Deepthi clocked 55.07 seconds, breaking American Breanna Clark’s earlier world record of 55.12 seconds, which she had set during last year’s edition of the championships in Paris. Aysel Onder of Turkey finished second with 55.19 seconds followed by Lizanshela Angulo of Ecuador on third with 56.68 seconds.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Maharashtra tops among PSU banks in business growth in FY24: State-owned Bank of Maharashtra recorded the highest growth rate last fiscal in terms of total business and deposit mobilisation among public sector lenders at a time when most banks are facing difficulty in achieving double-digit growth. The lender has registered a 15.94 per cent rise in the total business (domestic) in FY24. Followed by the country’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) with 13.12 per cent growth, according to published financial numbers of the public sector banks (PSBs).

 

2. Tata Motors’ arms partner with Bajaj Finance to provide financing to passenger: Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), subsidiaries of Tata Motors, have joined hands with Bajaj Finance to extend supply chain finance solutions to its passenger and electric vehicle dealers. Under the MoU, the participating companies will come together to leverage Bajaj Finance’s wide reach to help dealers of TMPV and TPEM access funding with minimal collateral.

 

Daily GK Update- 20th May, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IndiaFirst Life Insurance appoints Rushabh Gandhi as MD & CEO: The board of IndiaFirst Life Insurance has approved the elevation of Rushabh Gandhi, deputy chief executive officer, as MD and CEO. He will succeed R.M. Vishakha, Managing Director & CEO, who will be retiring on June 30. Gandhi will have a five-year term effective July 1 or the date of receipt of regulatory approvals, whichever is later. With more than 29 years of experience in Indian and international markets, Gandhi is one of the key driving forces at IndiaFirst Life.

 

2. Sanjiv Puri takes over as CII president for 2024-25: Apex industry chamber Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has a new President in Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Limited. Puri, who is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and Wharton School of Business, has assumed office as the President of CII for 2024-25. While Rajiv Memani, Chairman of EY India, has taken over as CII President Designate for 2024-25. R Mukundan, Managing Director & CEO of Tata Chemicals Limited, has assumed charge as Vice President of CII.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Australia, Indonesia conclude trilateral maritime security workshop: The second edition of India, Australia, Indonesia Trilateral Maritime Security Workshop (TMSW) concluded after discussing the ongoing maritime security challenges and opportunities for collaboration between the three maritime neighbours in the region. The theme of the workshop was ‘Indian Ocean Region: Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Regional Maritime Security’. The exercise was conducted at INS Dronacharya, Kochi, India. The Workshop was conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Southern Naval Command and witnessed participation of delegates from the three participating Navies.

 

2. World highest competition swimming pool opens in Bhutan: World Aquatics has announced the opening of the first-ever competitive swimming pool at a record altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level in Bhutan. The pool is part of the Pools for All Program to promote aquatic sports in the region. Swimming’s global governing body launched the program in 2019 to ensure accessible aquatics facilities to more countries and regions.

 

3. 20 May – World Bee Day: World Bee Day 2024 is observed every year on May 20. Objective – To raise awareness about the essential role of bees and other pollinators in maintaining the health of our planet, ensuring food security, and promoting biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. Theme 2024 – Bee Engaged with Youth World Bee Day was founded by the United Nations in 2017 following a proposal by Slovenia, which has a long tradition of beekeeping.

 

4. Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, minister die in helicopter crash: Iran President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province. The chopper carrying Iran President Raisi and his foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had disappeared over a mountainous region The eighth President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisolsadati, more popularly known as Ebrahim Raisi, was a principlist and a Muslim jurist, who became the Iranian President in 2021. This incident follows a period of heightened regional tensions, particularly in light of the Gaza conflict and Iran’s recent escalations with Israel.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Nishad Kumar, Preethi Pal win medals at World Para Athletics Championships: Nishad Kumar and Preethi Pal have clinched silver and bronze at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan. Kumar, a Paralympic silver medalist, secures India’s first medal with a 1.99m high jump in the T47 category, finishing second. Preethi Pal then added a bronze to India’s tally after finishing third in the women’s T35 200m final with a time of 30.49 seconds.

 

2. Brazil to host FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027: Brazil was declared the host of the 2027 Women’s World Cup at the FIFA Congress. Brazil beating the joint bid of Belgium, Netherlands and Germany to become the first South American country to hold the tournament. The Brazil bid received the backing of 119 member associations of the FIFA Congress to host the 10th edition of the competition, compared to 78 votes for the European bid.

 

3. Satwiksairaj & Chirag Shetty win Men’s Doubles Title at Thiland Open 2024: Star Indian pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty secured the men’s doubles title at the Thailand Open Super 500 badminton tournament with a straight-game win over Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi of China in Bangkok. In the form of their lives, Satwik and Chirag, the world number three pair prevailed 21-15, 21-15 over Liu and Chen, ranked 29th, for their ninth BWF world tour title. It was also the second title of the season for the Asian Games champions following their triumph at the French Open Super 750 in March. They had also finished runners-up at Malaysia Super 1000 and India Super 750.

 

4. Max Verstappen won Emilia Romagna GP: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinched the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as McLaren’s Lando Norris finished second. It was the 59th career win for the three-time Formula 1 world champion who kept Norris at bay despite struggling with his car.

Verstappen took his third consecutive win in Imola to take his season’s tally to five in seven races.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished fourth to make it a solid performance for the team.

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI raises short-term retail fixed deposit rates by up to 75 bps: State of India (SBI) has increased interest rates on short-term retail fixed deposits (FDs) by 25 to 75 basis points (bps). This is the first increase in the fixed deposit rates by the bank since December 2023. India’s largest bank also increased interest rates on domestic bulk term deposits (₹2 crore and above) by 10-50 basis points on five out of eight maturity buckets. The new interest rates are effective from May 15, 2024. This deposit rate hike comes against the backdrop of credit growth outstripping deposit growth.

 

2. SBI acquires 6.125% stake in CCIL IFSC, strengthens presence in GIFT City: State Bank of India has executed transaction documents to acquire a 6.125 per cent stake in CCIL IFSC Limited for ₹6.125 crore. CCIL IFSC, which will be incorporated with an authorized and paid-up capital of ₹200 crore and ₹100 crore, respectively, will operate the foreign currency settlement system and act as a clearing house and system operator at the IFSC within GIFT City. The indicative period for completion of the transaction (acquisition of 61.25 lakh equity shares at ₹10 each) is up to six months from the date of execution of transaction documents.

 

3. Yes Bank launches premium services under ‘Yes Grandeur’: Yes Bank has launched premium banking services under the label ‘Yes Grandeur’ targeting elite and rising affluent class to drive business growth. The exclusive banking program, tailored to meet distinctive financial and lifestyle needs, has an eligibility threshold of average monthly balance of ₹5 lakh or a Net Relationship Value (NRV) of ₹20 lakh, with additional consideration given to loan relationships.

Customers can also avail zero cross-currency markup charges on international debit card spends, complimentary airport lounge access, and lifestyle privileges across brands like Taj, ITC Hotels, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, Amazon, among others.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 19th May, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nayara Energy to invest ₹600 crore in two Ethanol Plants: Nayara Energy, a private downstream company, is planning to invest Rs 600 crore for setting up ethanol manufacturing plants in the country. The move is in line with the government’s target of 20% ethanol blending for FY26. The company plans to set up two ethanol manufacturing plants, each with a production capacity of 200 kiloliters per day (KLPD), in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The company also aims to increase the number of ethanol plants to with a combined production capacity of approximately 1,000 KLPD with a focus on value enhancement in retail operations and ensuring the reliability of the ethanol blending program in the future.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes again: Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for the fourth time in his career while Spanish golfer Jon Rahm moved up to second following his sensational switch to Saudi-backed LIV Golf. Ronaldo became the world’s highest-paid athlete after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr and Forbes said the 39-year-old’s estimated total earnings were in the region of $260 million, an all-time high for a soccer player. His on-field earnings amounted to $200 million while his off-field earnings were $60 million thanks to sponsorship deals where brands make use of his 629 million Instagram followers.

 

2. Venezuela becomes first country to lose all Glaciers: Venezuela is the first country to lose all of its glaciers, which is a huge change in the environment. New research shows that the Humboldt glacier in the Andes, which used to be very big, has shrunk to less than 2 hectares, which means it is no longer a glacier but an ice field. The Sierra Nevada de Mérida Mountain range in Venezuela used to have six glaciers. As of 2011, five of these glaciers had melted away, leaving only the Humboldt glacier. Professionals thought Humboldt would last for another ten years, but new tests show it has melted much more quickly than expected.

 

3. Armenia, Azerbaijan Agree On Disputed Border Sections In Nagorno-Karabakh: Recently, Armenia and Azerbaijan came to a deal on several border areas in the Nagorno-Karabakh region that were being disputed. This agreement is a big step toward ending problems that have been going on for decades. Background of the Conflict ..

 

4. California Town Campo Listed For Sale At $6.6 Million: Campo is a small town in California. Its owner, Las Vegas real estate investor John Ray, has put it up for sale for $6.6 million. The sale includes more than 20 buildings, both residential and business, and is close to

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Nandini dairy to sponsor for Scotland for T20 World Cup: Scotland cricket team has unveiled its new ICC T20 World Cup jersey with Karnataka Milk Federation’s (KMF) Nandini logo. The Nandini logo is featured in the leading arm of the jersey in both English and Kannada. The jersey was launched in Edinburgh by members of the playing squad. The Nandini brand, which is a household name in Karnataka, is sponsoring Scotland and Ireland teams in the forthcoming T20 World Cup. The tournament is set to begin from June 2 in the West Indies and the USA.

 

2. Sunil Chhetri Announces His Retirement: The leader of the Indian national football team, Sunil Chhetri, has said that he is retiring. One of India’s most famous football players’ long and successful career comes to an end with this important event. Sunil Chhetri is a professional ..

 

3. Brazil to Host 2027 Women’s World Cup Soccer: The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held in Brazil. This is a big deal in the world of international women’s football. Brazil will be hosting this prestigious event for the first time. It will be a chance to ..

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. World’s first 6G device launched in Japan: A Japanese consortium recently introduced the prototype of the world’s first high-speed 6G device, which is claimed to transfer data at lighting speed. As per reports, the purported device can transmit data at a whopping 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) and can cover more than 300 feet. The device is 20x faster than the ongoing 5G technology. With the use of the 100 gigahertz (GHz), the prototype of 6G device can reach speeds of 100 Gbps indoors and the 300 GHz band enables the device to offer 100 gigahertz (GHz) outdoors.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UN revises India’s 2024 growth forecast to 6.9%: The United Nations (UN) has revised India’s growth projections for 2024 and expects the economy to grow by 6.9% for FY24. According to the UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report, India’s economy is now forecast to grow by 6.9% in 2024. This is an increase from the earlier projection of 6.2% made in January.

The report also predicts a growth rate of 6.6% for 2025, which remains unchanged from the previous forecast.

 

2. RBI approves appointment of Pradeep Natarajan as IDFC FIRST Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Pradeep Natarajan as Whole Time Director on the Board of IDFC FIRST Bank for three years. IDFC FIRST Bank had reported a net profit of Rs 724 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 2024. The bank’s gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) reduced to 1.88 per cent of gross advances as of March 31, 2024, from 2.51 per cent by the end of March 2023.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 18th May, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nayara Energy to invest ₹600 crore in two Ethanol Plants: Nayara Energy, a private downstream company, is planning to invest Rs 600 crore for setting up ethanol manufacturing plants in the country. The move is in line with the government’s target of 20% ethanol blending for FY26. The company plans to set up two ethanol manufacturing plants, each with a production capacity of 200 kiloliters per day (KLPD), in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The company also aims to increase the number of ethanol plants to with a combined production capacity of approximately 1,000 KLPD with a focus on value enhancement in retail operations and ensuring the reliability of the ethanol blending program in the future.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes again: Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for the fourth time in his career while Spanish golfer Jon Rahm moved up to second following his sensational switch to Saudi-backed LIV Golf. Ronaldo became the world’s highest-paid athlete after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr and Forbes said the 39-year-old’s estimated total earnings were in the region of $260 million, an all-time high for a soccer player. His on-field earnings amounted to $200 million while his off-field earnings were $60 million thanks to sponsorship deals where brands make use of his 629 million Instagram followers.

 

2. Japan’s Mizuho hires Sanjay Nayar as advisor for Mizuho Bank India: Mizuho Financial Group has hired private equity veteran Sanjay Nayar as an external senior advisor for Mizuho Bank India (Mizuho). It is Japan’s third-largest lender with $2 trillion in assets. Nayar, who started his career as a banker at Citibank, served as the CEO of Citigroup’s Indian and South Asian operations and was a member of Citigroup’s management committee and Asia executive operating committee.

 

3. 18 May – World AIDS Vaccine Day: World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, is observed annually on May 18 Objective – To raise awareness about the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS and the importance of developing a vaccine. The day marks the anniversary of a 1997 speech by US President Bill Clinton highlighting the importance of an HIV vaccine.

 

4. 18 May – International Museum Day: International Museum Day is celebrated annually on May 18. Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of museums in cultural exchange, the enrichment of cultures, and the development of mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among peoples. Theme 2024 – Museums for Education and Research Established during the ICOM General Assembly in 1977 in Moscow, Russia, International Museum Day aimed to create an annual event that would unite museums and raise global awareness about their activities.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. A.Y.V. Krishna & N. Venu Gopal appointed as Additional Directors in CBI: Senior IPS officers A.Y.V. Krishna and N. Venu Gopal have been appointed as additional directors in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Krishna, a 1995-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre, is currently working as Inspector General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). He has been inducted as the additional director of CBI for a tenure up to August 6, 2028.

Krishna’s batchmate Venu Gopal (Himachal Pradesh cadre) is presently working as joint director in the CBI.

 

2. 18 May 2024 – Armed Forces Day: Armed Forces Day is celebrated every year on the third Saturday of every May. This year celebrated on 18 May. The best way to celebrate Armed Forces Day is by recogising an armed forces service member and pay your respect. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced that Armed Forces Day will be celebrated every year. President Harry S. Truman was the first person to propose the idea of celebrating a holiday to honour the services provided by the military forces of the country.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. World’s first 6G device launched in Japan: A Japanese consortium recently introduced the prototype of the world’s first high-speed 6G device, which is claimed to transfer data at lighting speed. As per reports, the purported device can transmit data at a whopping 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) and can cover more than 300 feet. The device is 20x faster than the ongoing 5G technology. With the use of the 100 gigahertz (GHz), the prototype of 6G device can reach speeds of 100 Gbps indoors and the 300 GHz band enables the device to offer 100 gigahertz (GHz) outdoors.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IFC extends $500 million financing to HDFC Bank to ramp up microloans: International Finance Corporation (IFC) has provided $500 million loan to HDFC Bank for extending microloans to underserved women” in rural and semi-urban India. It would use IFC’s financing for on-lending as microloans to self-help groups (SHGs) and joint liability groups (JLGs) enrolled in the Sustainable Livelihoods Initiative (SLI). IFC aims to promote greater inclusiveness of underserved women borrowers by showing the viability of scaling up microlending to this segment.