Daily GK Update- 11th Nov, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nitin Gadkari inaugurates 83rd Indian Roads Congress at Raipur: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has inaugurated the 83rd session of the Indian Roads Congress at Raipur, Chhatisgarh.The 83rd session of the Indian Road Congress has been organised by the apex body of Indian highway engineers.The main aim of the Indian Road Congress is to formulate Standards, Codes, Specifications, and Manuals related to roads, bridges, and road transport for adoption by central government road agencies to construct and maintain sustainable road infrastructure for the country’s overall development.Based on the recommendation of the Jayakar Committee on Indian Road Development, the Indian Road Congress was constituted in 1934. The Indian Road Congress is the apex body of Highway engineers in the country, with its headquarters in New Delhi.

 

2. AMU case: SC overrules 1967 order denying minority status: The Supreme Court of India ruled that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) overruled the 1967 verdict, noting that the university may be entitled to minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution of India. However, the court has transferred the case to a regular bench.Chief Justice of India, Justice D Y Chadrachud led 7-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court (4 in favour and three against) overturned the previous 5-judge constitutional bench judgement in the Azeez Basha vs Union Of India 1967 case on the ‘minority status’ of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).In the Azeez Basha vs. Union of India case, the Supreme Court declared that AMU was not a minority educational institution as it was established through an act of legislature. The court opined that an institution established by an act of legislature cannot claim to be a minority institution.

 

3. Nirmala Sitharaman launches National MSME Cluster Outreach Programme: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National MSME Cluster Outreach Programme, organised jointly by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).Around 150 MSME Clusters were connected virtually for the launch with senior bank officials being present in each of these Clusters. The programme aims to ensure access to Financial Services and promote the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.The Union Finance Minister also virtually inaugurated six new SIDBI Branches in Karnataka, located at Tumakuru, Raichur, Shivamogga, Kalaburagi, Mangaluru and Vijayapura, thereby expanding SIDBI’s reach and financial assistance to MSMEs in these Clusters.

 

4. Emami MD Agarwal to take over as new FICCI president: Emami Limited Vice Chairman and Managing Director Harsha Vardhan Agarwal has been elected as the FICCI president for 2024-25.

Agarwal is currently serving as the Senior Vice President of FICCI.He will succeed Mahindra & Mahindra’s Group CEO and Managing Director Anish Shah as the new president at the conclusion of the 97th Annual General Meeting of Ficci, which will be held on November 21.

 

5. Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as 51st Chief Justice of India: Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India in Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was following the retirement of his predecessor, Justice DY Chandrachud.Justice Khanna’s name was recommended by Justice Chandrachud, who retired from the post on November 10 at the age of 65. He will serve as the Chief Justice till May 13 next year.Born on May 14, 1960, Justice Sanjiv Khanna studied law at the Campus Law Centre of Delhi University. He was a third-generation lawyer before being appointed as judge of the Delhi High Court. He also served as the executive chairman of the National Legal Service Authority (NALSA).Justice Khanna was appointed to the Supreme Court in January 2019. During his tenure as a top court judge, he headed the benches of several politically sensitive cases, including hearing the bail applications of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Hyderabad to host international poultry expo from November 27: The Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) will organise a three-day poultry expo in Hyderabad from November 27.A technical seminar with the theme ‘Unlocking Poultry Potential’ will be held on November 26.Over 400 exhibitors from about 50 countries will take part in the expo. Over 40,000 poultry farmers and others in the ecosystem are expected to participate in the 16th edition of the event.The Knowledge Day event on November 26 will feature sessions on modem poultry production, innovations in feed mills nutrition, and animal health.The seminar provides an exceptional opportunity to learn from the best minds in the industry.

 

2. IIT Delhi No. 1 Indian Institute in QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has been ranked as the top Indian educational institution in the latest QS World University Rankings Asia 2025.IIT-Delhi has been ranked 44th best educational institution, while China’s Peking University retained the top spot amongst the list of educational institutions in Asia as per the QS World University Rankings: Asia (2025).Out of the 984 educational institutions included in the ranking, the highest, 162 were from India. IIT Delhi was the highest-ranked Indian institution, with a rank of 44, up from 46 last year. IIT-Delhi was also the highest-ranked educational institution in the South Asian Region.In the South Asian region, among the top 10 institutions, seven are Indian institutions. After IIT-D, IIT-Bombay was second highest, with a rank of 48, and IIT-Madras was third, with a rank of 56.

 

3. India ranked 6th in WIPO Global Patent Filings in 2023: India has, for the first time, has been ranked 6th in the world for Global Patent Filings in 2023.According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) annual World Intellectual Property Indicators Report 2024, global patent filing increased by 15.7 % in 2023, primarily due to a strong increase in patent filing in India.In 2023, the maximum patent filing was in China (1.64 million), followed by the United States of America (518,364), Japan (414,413), South Korea (287,954), Germany (133,053) and India (64,480).According to the WIPO report, More than 35 lakh patents were filed in 2023 across the world. The number of patents filed in India in 2023 was 64,480.The country’s growth rate in patent filing was 15.7 % compared to 2022. The patent filing in India has shown the 5th consecutive year of a double-digit growth rate.

 

4. UN Climate Change Conference starts in Azerbaijan: The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) kick off in the Azerbaijani capital Baku, aiming to address escalating climate challenges.Leaders from around the world are set to gather in Baku for the event, running until Nov. 22.A key focus of COP29 will be on finance, as trillions of dollars are required for countries to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change.The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a multilateral treaty established in 1992, following the first assessment report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

 

5. China’s Li Quanhai re-elected as World Sailing president: Li Quanhai was re-elected as president of World Sailing for a new four-year term at the organization’s Annual General Meeting continuing as the only Chinese president of an Olympic International Sports Federation.Founded in Paris in 1907, World Sailing is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the global governing body for sailing, with 137 member national authorities.The organization holds leadership elections every four years, and Li first assumed the presidency in November 2020.

 

6. 10 November – World Public Transport Day: World Public Transport Day is observed annually on November 10, encourages people to embrace public transit options and raise awareness of the significant environmental and social benefits of sustainable transportation.Celebrated globally, this day emphasises the importance of accessible, efficient, and eco-friendly public transport systems for reducing pollution, easing traffic congestion, and enhancing quality of life.Theme 2024 – Connecting Communities, Reducing Emissions

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. CDS Gen Anil Chauhan inaugurates 2nd Indian Military Heritage Festival: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has inaugurated the 2nd edition of the annual Indian Military Heritage Festival in New Delhi.The two-day festival aims to engage global and Indian think tanks, corporations, government and private sectors, non-profits, and academics, focusing on India’s national security, foreign policy, and military heritage.General Chauhan also launched Project Shaurya Gatha, which aims to conserve and promote India’s military heritage through education and tourism. He also released key military publications, including Because of This: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971 by Air Marshal Vikram Singh (Retd), Valour and Honour, and War-Wounded, Disabled Soldiers and Cadets.

 

2. Theatre Command Level Ex Poorvi Prahar to commerce along China border: The Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy will jointly commence a command-level tri-service theatre exercise code-named ‘Poorvi Prahar’ along the India-China border.The Poorvi Prahar exercise will be held from 10-18 November 2024. The exercise assumes significance in the Indian government’s effort to set up an integrated theatre command in India.The Poorvi Prahar exercise will take place along the mountainous terrain of the India-China border in the eastern theatre. It will be held from the airfields of Assam in Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and Tezpur to the valleys and mountains of Arunachal Pradesh along the India-China border.Theatre in the military refers to a specific geographical area, whether in the sea, air, or land. These areas could potentially become areas of conflict or war in the future.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Senior National Wrestling Championship set to be held in Bengaluru in December: The Karnataka Wrestling Association will host the 2024 Senior National Wrestling Championship in Bengaluru from 6th to 8th December.This prestigious event will showcase India’s top wrestlers, including Olympic Bronze Medalist Aman Sehrawat and U-20 World Champion Antim Panghal, among others.The championship marks a significant moment as it will be held in Karnataka for the first time, aiming to revive the sport’s legacy in the region.The Competitions will span three disciplines: Free Style, Greco Roman Style, and Women’s Wrestling.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ADB approves $200 million for Uttrakhand Livability Improvement Project: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a $200 million loan to finance the Uttarakhand government’s Livability Improvement Project, which aims to upgrade and strengthen its urban infrastructure and make it climate resilient.The Uttarakhand Livebality Improvement Project is implemented by the Government of Uttarakhand and co-financed by the Asian Development Bank and the European Investment Bank.The total cost of the Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project is $465.9 million, of which the State government will provide $74.9 million, the European Investment Bank $191 million, and the ADB $200 million.The Livability Improvement Project seeks to enhance the quality of life and climate resilience by upgrading the state’s water supply, sanitation, drainage, flood management, urban mobility, and other urban services.

 

Daily GK Update- 10th Nov, 2024

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Shiv Nadar India’s most generous philanthropist, Nikhil Kamath youngest: Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies, has retained his position as India’s most generous philanthropist for the third time in five years.The 79-year-old tech magnate donated Rs 2,153 crore in the financial year 2024 — translating to Rs 5.9 crore every single day, according to the EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024.Nadar’s philanthropic work is primarily channeled through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, with a strong emphasis on education and technology-driven initiatives.Rohini Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and wife of Nandan Nilekani, took the lead as the most generous woman on the list with an annual donation of Rs 154 crore.The EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024 has revealed a remarkable surge in charitable donations across the country, with a collective donation of Rs 8,783 crore by 203 philanthropists, marking an impressive 55% increase in donations compared to two years ago.

 

2. 2024 Became the Hottest Year Ever Recorded: Recent analysis shows that 2024 could break global temperature records for the second consecutive year. The C3S evaluated data from the first ten months of 2024. October was recorded at 1.65°C above preindustrial levels. This marks the 15th month in the last 16 where temperatures have exceeded the critical 1.5°C threshold. The average global temperature anomaly for 2024 has reached unprecedented levels. The WMO utilises various datasets to compile temperature records. These include data from NOAA, NASA, the UK Met Office, and other reputable sources. The datasets incorporate observational data and weather models. This combination allows for a comprehensive overview of global temperatures, including areas lacking observational sites.

 

3. Ladki Bahin Yojana Scheme: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed a rally in Nashik. He brought into light the Mahayuti government’s ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’. This scheme aims to empower underprivileged women in Maharashtra. Modi’s remarks came amid the upcoming assembly elections on November 20. His speech focused on women’s issues, farmer welfare, and infrastructure development. The Prime Minister emphasized his government’s dedication to women’s welfare. He mentioned that three crore women have become ‘Lakhpati Didi’ through self-help groups. These women earn an annual income of Rs 1 lakh or more. Modi also brought into light housing initiatives under the PM Awas Yojana, which are allocated in women’s names.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Australia proposes ban on social media for children under 16: The Australian government will legislate for a ban on social media for children under 16.Australia is trialing an age-verification system to assist in blocking children from accessing social media platforms, as part of a range of measures that include some of the toughest controls imposed by any country to date.A number of countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, though Australia’s policy is one of the most stringent.No jurisdiction so far has tried using age verification methods like biometrics or government identification to enforce a social media age cut-off, two of the methods being trialed.Australia’s other world-first proposals are the highest age limit set by any country, no exemption for parental consent and no exemption for pre-existing accounts.

 

2. 10 November – World Science Day for Peace and Development: World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated annually on November 10, serves as a significant reminder of the vital role that science plays in society and its contribution to global peace and sustainable development.Organized by UNESCO since 2001, this day emphasizes the importance of connecting science with society and ensuring that scientific knowledge is shared widely, making it relevant and accessible to everyone.Theme 2024 – Youth at the Forefront

 

3. 10 November – World Immunization Day 2024: World Immunization Day is observed annually on November 10.Objective – To raise awareness about the vital role vaccines play in preventing infectious diseases and protecting public health.Immunization is one of the most effective and cost-efficient intervention for controlling and eradicating diseases, saving millions of lives globally each year.The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is one of India’s most comprehensive public health initiatives, aiming to provide life-saving vaccines to millions of newborns and pregnant women each year. Initially launched in 1978 as the Expanded Programme on Immunization, it was rebranded as the UIP in 1985 when its coverage was extended beyond urban centres to rural areas.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-Australia Joint Military Exercise “AUSTRAHIND” Begins: Exercise AUSTRAHIND has commenced in Pune, Maharashtra. This joint military exercise runs from 8th to 21st November 2024. It involves troops from India and Australia. The exercise takes place annually, alternating between the two nations. The last edition occurred in Australia in December 2023. The primary aim is to enhance military cooperation. It focuses on improving interoperability. This is essential for conducting joint sub-conventional operations. The operations will occur in a semi-urban environment. The exercise will also address challenges in semi-desert terrain.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Harmanpreet Singh wins FIH Player of the Year; PR Sreejesh receives Goalkeeper of Year title at FIH Hockey Awards: Indian Men’s Hockey Team captain Harmanpreet Singh and former goalkeeper PR Sreejesh have won the FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year titles for the year 2024. Both Harmanpreet and Sreejesh received recognition during the 49th FIH Statutory Congress in Oman.Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Harmanpreet received over 63 per cent of all votes cast in his category. Similarly, Sreejesh was highly popular among voters, polling over 62 per cent of all votes in his category.The winners were selected through a voting process involving an expert panel, national hockey associations, fans, and media.Harmanpreet Singh won his third FIH Player of the Year award in 2024, having won it in 2021 and 2022. Incidentally, another Indian, Hardik Singh, won the 2023 Award.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Cashfree launches pilot for cross-border payments: Cashfree Payments has partnered with Indian companies like Swiggy and Nykaa to enable international customers to make payments in India.This pilot program caters to users of RuPay cards and UPI, which are not typically recognized for global transactions.Cashfree’s cross-border payments license allows them to facilitate seamless transactions for both import and export businesses, as well as individual users.This pilot programme caters to UPI and RuPay card users, which are not typically recognised for global transactions.

 

2. GenWise launches UPI payments for senior citizens with secure interface: GenWise has launched the UPI payments on its app for senior citizens. This is the industry’s first-ever introduction of UPI for elders, offering a simple user interface, enhanced security, and cyber fraud awareness.GenWise UPI has been developed in collaboration with Axis Bank, which is acting as the sponsor bank for facilitating transactions.Over the years, UPI has become an integral part of everyday transactions, with over 400 million unique users.In October alone, the platform processed over 16.5 billion transactions. However, over 250 million Indian elders have remained less connected to this transformation due to fear of the unknown and the complex interfaces of other apps.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Winners of the 2024 FIH Hockey Star Awards:  Rising Star of the Year Award

 

Male-Sufyan Khan (Pakistan)

Women-Zoe Diaz (Argentina)

 

Coach of the Year Award

Men- Jeroen Delmee (Netherlands)

Women-Alyson Annan (China)

 

Umpire of the Year

Male – Steve Rogers (Australia)

Women-Sarah Wilson (Scotland)

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 9th Nov, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Govt launches Rs 500 crore scheme to strengthen medical devices industry: Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister JP Nadda has launched a Rs 500 crore scheme to strengthen India’s medical devices industry, focusing on critical areas such as manufacturing key components and accessories, skill development, support for clinical studies, development of common infrastructure, and industry promotion.This initial outlay of Rs 500 crore will be for three years, up to financial year 2026-27.The overall scheme consists of five components, including common facilities for medical device clusters, capacity building and skill development, a marginal investment scheme for reducing import dependence, clinical studies support.

 

2. Shiv Nadar India’s most generous philanthropist, Nikhil Kamath youngest: Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies, has retained his position as India’s most generous philanthropist for the third time in five years.The 79-year-old tech magnate donated Rs 2,153 crore in the financial year 2024 — translating to Rs 5.9 crore every single day, according to the EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024.Nadar’s philanthropic work is primarily channeled through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, with a strong emphasis on education and technology-driven initiatives.Rohini Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and wife of Nandan Nilekani, took the lead as the most generous woman on the list with an annual donation of Rs 154 crore.The EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024 has revealed a remarkable surge in charitable donations across the country, with a collective donation of Rs 8,783 crore by 203 philanthropists, marking an impressive 55% increase in donations compared to two years ago.

 

3. Govt reconstitutes CAC to drive reforms, boost apprenticeship training: With an eye on boosting apprenticeship in the country, the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship (MSDE) has reconstituted the central apprenticeship council (CAC) to mull over reforms in the existing rules and suggest measures to increase the uptake of on the job training by the industry.

The reconstituted CAC will have a tenure of three years and will comprise 54 members consisting of representatives from various industry associations, public sector undertakings, state governments and independent experts. The erstwhile council constituted in March 2019 had 46 members.MSDE Minister Jayant Chaudhary will be chairing the new council, while Rajya Sabha member Vikramjit Singh Sahney will be the vice-chairman of the council. Earlier, union minister of state, MSDE was the vice-chairman.

 

4. 9 November – National Legal Service Day: National Legal Services Day is observed every year on 9 November across the country.The day is primarily celebrated to promote legal awareness and ensure access to justice for all citizens, especially those from marginalized communities.This day is to educate people about their legal rights and promote mechanisms for dispute resolution through a number of projects and activities to create a more equitable society.Theme 2024 – Celebrating equal access to justice On November 9, 1995, the Legal Services Authorities Act was created with the intention of providing legal aid to underprivileged and marginalized people. As a result of the historic law, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was established on December 5, the same year. Since then, National Legal Services Day is observed every year.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Australia proposes ban on social media for children under 16: The Australian government will legislate for a ban on social media for children under 16.Australia is trialing an age-verification system to assist in blocking children from accessing social media platforms, as part of a range of measures that include some of the toughest controls imposed by any country to date.A number of countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, though Australia’s policy is one of the most stringent.No jurisdiction so far has tried using age verification methods like biometrics or government identification to enforce a social media age cut-off, two of the methods being trialed.Australia’s other world-first proposals are the highest age limit set by any country, no exemption for parental consent and no exemption for pre-existing accounts.

 

2. 9 November – Uttarakhand Foundation Day: Uttarakhand Foundation Day is annually celebrated on November 9, and in 2024, it marks the 24th anniversary of the formation of the state.Uttarakhand is commonly referred to as the “Land of the Gods (Devbhumi),” due to several Hindu pilgrimage sites in the state.The state of Uttarakhand was formed on November 9, 2000, after a prolonged struggle by the people of the region, who sought a separate state due to cultural, geographic, and administrative differences from Uttar Pradesh.Originally known as Uttaranchal, it formed the 27th state of India, with the name being officially changed to Uttarakhand in 2007.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Harmanpreet Singh wins FIH Player of the Year; PR Sreejesh receives Goalkeeper of Year title at FIH Hockey Awards: Indian Men’s Hockey Team captain Harmanpreet Singh and former goalkeeper PR Sreejesh have won the FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year titles for the year 2024. Both Harmanpreet and Sreejesh received recognition during the 49th FIH Statutory Congress in Oman.Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Harmanpreet received over 63 per cent of all votes cast in his category. Similarly, Sreejesh was highly popular among voters, polling over 62 per cent of all votes in his category.The winners were selected through a voting process involving an expert panel, national hockey associations, fans, and media.Harmanpreet Singh won his third FIH Player of the Year award in 2024, having won it in 2021 and 2022. Incidentally, another Indian, Hardik Singh, won the 2023 Award.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI and APIX team launches SBI Innovation Hub for Fintechs: State Bank of India (SBI) has launched the ‘SBI Innovation Hub’ in partnership with APIX, a global collaborative innovation platform for financial institutions and FinTechs.SBI Innovation Hub provides a dedicated space for FinTechs, startups, and innovators worldwide to design next-generation financial solutions tailored to meet the digital needs of SBI’s diverse customer base.The initiative seeks to promote financial innovation, and digital transformation, and enhance financial inclusion.To facilitate this digital transformation, the SBI Innovation Hub provides participants with access to over 250 financial service APIs from SBI. This allows them to create and customize their solutions within a secure Sandbox environment.

 

2. Cashfree launches pilot for cross-border payments: Cashfree Payments has partnered with Indian companies like Swiggy and Nykaa to enable international customers to make payments in India.This pilot program caters to users of RuPay cards and UPI, which are not typically recognized for global transactions.Cashfree’s cross-border payments license allows them to facilitate seamless transactions for both import and export businesses, as well as individual users.This pilot programme caters to UPI and RuPay card users, which are not typically recognised for global transactions.

 

3. GenWise launches UPI payments for senior citizens with secure interface: GenWise has launched the UPI payments on its app for senior citizens. This is the industry’s first-ever introduction of UPI for elders, offering a simple user interface, enhanced security, and cyber fraud awareness.GenWise UPI has been developed in collaboration with Axis Bank, which is acting as the sponsor bank for facilitating transactions.Over the years, UPI has become an integral part of everyday transactions, with over 400 million unique users.In October alone, the platform processed over 16.5 billion transactions. However, over 250 million Indian elders have remained less connected to this transformation due to fear of the unknown and the complex interfaces of other apps.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Winners of the 2024 FIH Hockey Star Awards: Player of the Year

 

Male- Harampreet Singh (India)

Women- Yibbi Jansen (Netherlands)

 

Goalkeeper of the Year

 

Male- PR Sreejesh (India)

Women- Ye Jiao (China)

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 8th Nov, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan joint panel formed for coordination on cheetah project: In the wake of incidents of cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh straying into neighbouring Rajasthan, a joint corridor management committee of both the states has been formed to work for conservation of the felines.The panel will also discuss development of suitable areas for future shifting of cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP), and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary area and recommend measures for improvement including the pre-augmentation base, an official said in a statement.Under the ambitious cheetah reintroduction project, eight Namibian cheetahs were released into enclosures at the KNP in Sheopur district on September 17, 2022. Later, another 12 cheetahs were brought to the park from South Africa in February 2023.The committee will also evaluate the possibilities of joint tourist routes in the areas bordering both states like National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary area, Kuno National Park and Ranthambore National Park etc.

 

2. C-DOT, IIT-Roorkee tie-up to develop millimeter wave transceiver for 5G rural connectivity: Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the telecom research and development (R&D) centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), have signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee (IIT-Roorkee) for the development of a “millimeter wave transceiver for 5G rural connectivity”.The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India.The 3rd MAHASAGAR theme was ‘Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR(Indian Ocean Region).”This scheme, designed to fund Indian startups, academia, and R&D institutions, is a crucial enabler for designing, developing, and commercializing telecommunication products and solutions.

 

3. Bihar’s Sultanganj railway station will be renamed as Ajgaibinath Dham: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced that Sultanganj railway station in the Bhagalpur district will be renamed after the revered Hindu shrine, Ajgaibinath Dham.This decision underscores the government’s commitment to honoring the region’s cultural and religious heritage.Ajgaibinath Temple, an ancient site dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Sultanganj and is notable for its intricate carvings and stone inscriptions. Situated along the banks of the holy Ganga River, the temple holds significant spiritual importance for devotees.

 

4. NHIDCL and AICTE Sign MoU for Internship Program for UG and PG Students: National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), a CPSE under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, GoI and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) signed a MoU to provide internship opportunities to Under Graduate (UG)/ Post Graduate (PG) students.NHIDCL also launched an online portal for the Internship Program. The portal was inaugurated in the presence of officials from both NHIDCL and AICTE.This program aims to offer experiential learning opportunities to UG and PG students nationwide specially in the North-Eastern Region, UTs of J&K and Ladakh and A&N Islands.The MoU was signed for a period of five years, outlines the roles and responsibilities of AICTE and NHIDCL. AICTE will provide technical support for the platform, while NHIDCL will oversee programmatic and non-technical support for the programme.

 

5. 4th edition of AIM-ICDK Water Innovation Challenge paving way for global water solutions through Indo-Danish Collaboration: The fourth edition of the AIM-ICDK Water Innovation Challenge 4.0 successfully concluded at the 2024 Next Generation Digital Action (NGDA) in Copenhagen, Denmark, marking a significant achievement in the growing Indo-Danish Green Strategic Partnership.This year’s challenge reinforced its position as a premier platform for fostering innovative and sustainable solutions to global water issues.The challenge brought together key collaborators, including Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK), and DTU Skylab under the DTU Next Generation Action Program, alongside invaluable support from the International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW), the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Embassy of Denmark, Denmark’s Environmental Protection Agency, and the DANIDA Fellowship.

 

6. 7 November – National Cancer Awareness Day: National Cancer Awareness Day is observed every year on 7 November.The day aims to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.It also marks the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, the Polish-French physicist and chemist, whose groundbreaking discoveries of radium and polonium have played a key role in cancer treatment.Theme 2024 – Hope, love, and strength: our weapons against cancerNational Cancer Awareness Day was established in September 2014 by the then Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan. The day aims to educate the public about cancer, its treatments, and the importance of early intervention in improving survival rates

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. South Africa launches Trusted Tour Operator scheme to boost tourism from India: South Africa has introduced a new scheme called the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to boost tourism from India and China.This initiative aims to increase job creation through higher tourist numbers. Indian tourists account for only 3.9 per cent of all international visitors to South Africa – and China for only 1.8 per cent.Research indicates that boosting tourism by only 10 per cent per year can increase annual economic growth by 0.6 per cent and create thousands of new jobs for South Africans,” the department stated.In 2023, over 100 million Chinese tourists travelled abroad, yet only 93,000 visited South Africa. By contrast, Australia attracted over 1.4 million Chinese visitors.Indian tourists currently represent just 3.9% of all international arrivals in South Africa, while Chinese visitors account for 1.8%. The Department of Home Affairs said that even a 10% rise in tourism could improve economic growth by 0.6% and generate thousands of jobs.

 

2. Donald Trump becomes First Republican To Win Popular Vote In 20 Years: Donald Trump has become the first Republican in two decades to secure the popular vote in the US presidential elections.The former president has reclaimed the White House, potentially becoming the first Republican to secure the popular vote since George W Bush in 2004.Donald Trump registered a landslide win in the 2024 US elections, securing 295 Electoral College votes. His Democrat rival, Kamala Harris, managed to secure 226.In the 2004 US Presidential elections, Bush won 62,040,610 votes and 286 electoral votes compared to Democratic nominee John Kerry who secured 59,028,444 votes and 251 electoral votes.According to election voter data of the past 20 years, Barack Obama achieved the largest popular vote victory with 69.5 million votes (52.9 per cent) and a substantial 365 electoral votes in 2008.

 

3. Visa appoints Rishi Chhabra as country manager for India: Digital payments company Visa named Rishi Chhabra as the country manager for India.Chhabra, who joined Visa in 2023 as VP and head-merchant services and acquiring for India and the South Asia markets, was key to driving the firm’s key merchant, acquirer and cobrand relationships.Before joining Visa, he served as country head-India and Sri Lanka at Fiserv. Previously, he has held leadership positions in organisations like First Data and PayPal, and has worked with JP Morgan, ABN AMRO and General Electric.

 

4. 8 November – World Radiography Day: World Radiography Day is celebrated every year on November 8 to mark the discovery of X-rays.Theme 2024 – Radiographers: Seeing the UnseenWorld Radiography Day marks the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by Professor Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895 at Wuerzburg University in Germany. He discovered X-rays by accident while working with a cathode-ray tube in his lab.This important discovery was quickly recognised and within a month, doctors in Europe and the United States began using X-rays for medical diagnoses. 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 3rd edition of MAHASAGAR virtually hosted by the Indian Navy: The Indian Navy conducted its third bi-annual interaction, ‘MAHASAGAR’, with the head of foreign Navies.The Indian Navy hosted the first high-level virtual interaction, MAHASAGAR, on 29 November 2023. It was hosted by the then-Indian Naval Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar.In the 3rd edition, 10 countries—Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania—participated.The Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy always heads the interactions, which are conducted virtually.Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi chaired the 3rd edition of the MAHASAGAR.

 

2. Northern Command of Army inducts Indigenous 550 Asmi machine pistols: The Northern Command of the Indian Army has inducted 550 indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured Asmi machine pistols. The Asmi machine pistols are manufactured by Hyderabad-based Lokesh Machine Limited.Earlier, the company successfully delivered 550 indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured Asmi submachine guns to the Northern Command of the Indian Army.This is the first batch of the 100 per cent Indian-made weapon intended to equip Special Forces for close-quarter battles and specialised operations in India’s Northern Theatre.

This 100 per cent Made-in-India weapon’s induction demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Indian Army to Atmanirbhar Bharat, propelling the nation toward self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. LG Ladakh, BD Mishra Inaugurates 4th LG Horse Polo Cup 2024: In Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra, inaugurated the 4th LG Horse Polo Cup 2024 at Horse Polo Ground in Goshan Drass.During the event, he also unveiled Ladakh’s first Polo Stadium at Goshan Drass, a landmark facility constructed at a cost of 6.84 crore rupees.This event underscores Ladakh’s dedication to preserving its polo heritage and enhancing sports infrastructure for local talent and tourism alike.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Zimbabwe launches second satellite to advance space programme: Zimbabwe has launched its second satellite, ZIMSAT –2, marking another significant stride in the country’s space programme.In November 2022, the country deployed its inaugural satellite, ZimSat-1.A low earth observation satellite- ZIMSAT-2, was launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in eastern Russia in a collaborative effort between the Zimbabwe National Geo-Spatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) and Southwest State University in Russia.ZIMSAT-2 is equipped with a high-resolution multispectral camera designed to support various applications, including agriculture, resource exploration, and environmental monitoring.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. FC to partner with Bajaj Finance to pump in $400 mn for climate finance: International Finance Corporation (IFC) will partner with Bajaj Finance to invest $400 million out of the $1 billion fundraising to aid in the expansion of the latter’s EV fleet, energy-efficient consumer goods (EECG), and women empowerment.The partnership will also boost Bajaj Finance’s ability to fund and support more women-owned micro-enterprises and women micro-borrowers.IFC’s $400 million loan will enable Bajaj Finance to expand access to finance for customers opting to buy EVs, including 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers, and strengthen its presence in the EECG space.The funding is aimed at increasing competitiveness in the climate finance market, supporting the country’s climate goals, and promoting financial inclusion.IFC is a member of the World Bank Group with focus on the private sector in the emerging market. In the FY 2024, IFC committed $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries.

 

Daily GK Update- 7th Nov, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme to provide financial support to meritorious students: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved PM Vidyalaxmi, a new Central Sector scheme that seeks to provide financial support to meritorious students so that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from pursuing higher studies.As per the scheme, anybody who gets admission to Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs) will be eligible to get collateral-free, guarantor-free loans from banks and financial institutions to cover the full amount of tuition fees and other expenses related to the course.An outlay of ₹3,600 crore has been approved for the scheme under which education loans will be facilitated to students securing admissions in the top 860 QHEIs of the country based on the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). This will cover more than 22 lakh students every year.

 

2. Cabinet approves infusion of Rs 10,700 crore equity in FCI to strengthen: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved infusion of equity of 10,700 crore for working capital in financial year 2024-25 in Food Corporation of India (FCI).The decision is aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector and ensuring the welfare of farmers nationwide. This strategic move shows the Government’s steadfast commitment to supporting farmers and fortifying India’s agrarian economy.FCI started its journey in 1964 with authorised capital of Rs. 100 Crores and equity of Rs. 4 Crores. The operations of FCI increased manifolds resulting in increase of authorised capital from Rs. 11,000 crores to Rs. 21,000 crores in February, 2024.The equity of FCI was Rs. 4,496 Crores in Financial Year 2019-20 which increased to Rs. 10,157 Crores in the Financial Year 2023-24. Now, Government of India has approved significant amount of equity of Rs. 10,700 Crores for FCI which will strengthen it financially and will give a big boost to the initiatives taken for its transformation.

 

3. Andhra Pradesh CM launches Deepam 2.0 Scheme to provides free Gas Cylinders to Eligible Families: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has launched the Deepam 2.0 scheme in Edupuram, Ichapuram Mandal, Srikakulam district, as part of the “Super Six Promises” initiative.This program provides free gas cylinders to eligible families, aiming to improve their quality of life.Marking the formal launch of the Deepam 2.0 scheme, the Chief Minister flagged off gas cylinder delivery vehicles and personally handed over the first cylinder to beneficiary Ambati Shantamma.Addressing the public meeting at ‘Praja Vedika,’ he assured that the cost of the gas cylinders would be refunded to all beneficiaries within 48 hours.He further announced that beneficiaries now could take social pensions once every three months.

 

4. MP Cabinet Increases Women’s Reservation In State Government Jobs To 35%: Madhya Pradesh cabinet has approved a proposal to raise the reservation for women in state government jobs from 33% to 35%. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.The increased 35% women’s quota will apply to all recruitments conducted by the state Public Service Commission and the Employees Selection Board.The cabinet ratified the chief minister’s September 13, 2023, decision and subsequent notification under the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Special Provisions for Appointment of Women) Rules, 1997.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 7 November – Infant Protection Day: Infant Protection Day is observed every year on November 7.Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of ensuring the safety, health and well-being of infants.Theme 2024 – Protecting Our FutureThis day serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that newborns and infants face and the critical role that society plays in safeguarding their future. It encourages parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals and communities to come together and take actions that can reduce infant mortality rates, promote healthy development, and create a safe environment for infants to thrive.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 21st Edition of India – US Military Cooperation Group meeting held in New Delhi: The 21st edition of India – US Military Cooperation Group (MCG) meeting was conducted at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including capacity building, training exchanges, defence industrial cooperation and the advancement of joint exercises that bolster preparedness for conventional and hybrid threats.The MCG is a landmark forum aimed at enhancing defence cooperation and fostering strategic and operational defence collaboration between the Armed Forces of both countries.The 21st MCG meeting represents a step forward in advancing the shared objectives of India and US to ensure regional and global security, counter emerging threats and build mutual capabilities.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Mandeep Jangra wins WBF super featherweight world title: Haryana’s professional boxer Mandeep Jangra won the World Boxing Federation’s super featherweight world title by beating the British boxer Conor McIntosh.The World Boxing Federation’s super featherweight world title match was held in the Cayman Islands.The 31-year-old Indian boxer who trains under legendary American boxer Roy Jones Junior turned professional in 2021.Before turning professional, Mandeep Jangra won a silver medal in the 2013 Asian Championship and a silver medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.In 2015, the government of India awarded Mandeep the Arjuna Award.

 

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. ISA hosts the third edition of the High-level Conference on New Technologies for Clean Energy Transition: The International Solar Alliance, in a global collaboration with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, the Government of India, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Solar Energy Society, organised the third edition of the High-level Conference on New Technologies for Clean Energy Transition.This significant event took place on the sidelines of the Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly in New Delhi uniting stakeholders worldwide.The conference’s overarching goal is to translate dialogue into action. Deep-dive sessions focusing on new-age solar technologies, emerging storage technologies, and unleashing solar’s role in accelerating equitable economic, and social.An added attraction at the inaugural was the launch of the third edition of the World Solar Report series. Launched in 2022, the series provides a concise overview of global advancements, challenges, and trends in solar technology, markets, and investments.

 

2. ISRO set to launch EU’s Proba 3 Sun observation mission in December 2024: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the European Union’s Proba 3 Sun Observation Mission in December.The two satellites for the Proba-3 mission, aimed at studying the Sun, arrived at Sriharikota to be integrated with ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).The Proba-3 satellite, which arrived in Sriharikota this morning is designed to observe the Sun’s faint corona. This mission marks India’s third launch for the European Union, following support for the Proba-1 and Proba-2 satellites, but stands out due to its focus on solar observation.The two Proba-3 spacecraft will be launched together on a PSLV-XL launcher and placed in a highly elliptical orbit, reaching up to 60,000 km from Earth before descending as close as 600 km.This high orbit is essential because the spacecraft will conduct active formation flying for around six hours at maximum altitude, where Earth’s gravitational influence is weaker, reducing the amount of propellant needed for position adjustments.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Paytm launches UPI statement download for easy expense tracking: One97 Communications Limited (OCL), which owns Paytm, India’s leading digital payments and financial services provider, has launched a new feature allowing users to download UPI statements directly from the app.This service enables users to access and monitor their financial transactions for any date range or financial year in a simple PDF format.The UPI statement download feature addresses the rising demand among Paytm users for greater transparency and control over their finances. Users can now view detailed transaction data, including transaction amounts, recipient information, bank details, and timestamps, all organized for easy reference.In addition to this latest feature, Paytm offers other UPI-based services, such as Peer-to-Peer (P2P) bank transfers, UPI Lite for small transactions under ₹2,000 to prevent cluttered bank statements, and the option to link RuPay Credit Cards with UPI for seamless bill payments. Users can also check bank balances and make self-account transfers with ease on the app.

2. Indian Overseas Bank Unveils Online Re-KYC Service for Hassle-Free Updates: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has unveiled an online Re-KYC service to simplify the Know Your Customer (KYC) update process for its customers.This digital initiative allows clients to update their KYC information without visiting a branch, enhancing convenience and accessibility.With this online Re-KYC option, customers who have already submitted valid KYC documents can update their information using one of three convenient channels: Website: Visit iob.in, go to the Self-Service Digital Hub on the homepage, select “Re-KYC,” and follow the prompts to complete the process.

SMS: Send an SMS in the format “REKYC <Space> CIF ID” to 9643-01-9643 from your registered mobile number (e.g., REKYC 198979695). Email: Send an email with the subject “REKYC <Space> CIF ID” to rekyc@iob.in from your registered email address (e.g., REKYC 198979695).

 

3. GoI and ADB sign $200 million loan to upgrade water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and other urban services: The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $200 million loan to help upgrade water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and other urban services in the state of Uttarakhand.The project aims to create urban infrastructure that is resilient to climate and environmental risks such as floods and landslides, ensuring the safety and health of Uttarakhand’s population.The project will enhance transportation, urban mobility, drainage, flood management, and overall public services in Haldwani, the economic hub of the state. Additionally, it will improve water supply delivery in four cities – Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar – by developing efficient and climate-resilient water supply systems.