Daily GK Update- 10th Dec, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi launched ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ for women: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ in Panipat to promote financial literacy and insurance awareness among women.This initiative of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is designed to empower women aged 18-70 years, who are Class X pass. They will receive specialized training and a stipend for the first three years to promote financial literacy and insurance awareness.After training, they can serve as LIC agents and the graduate Bima Sakhis would have the opportunity to qualify for being considered for Development Officer roles in LIC.Additionally, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of the Main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal. The main campus and six regional research stations, spread over 495 acres, will be established at a cost of over Rs 700 crore.

 

2. Union Minister Jitin Prasada inaugurated Fourth Edition of India Internet Governance Forum: The India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2024 was held at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Center, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), this initiative by India’s multi-stakeholder community aims to explore critical aspects of Internet governance, foster meaningful dialogue, and highlight India’s leadership in the global digital landscape.The event was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, in the presence of S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY.

 

3. Centre to launch ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ campaign for improving service delivery: The Centre will launch “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore”, a nation-wide campaign to redress public grievances and improve service delivery, during the good governance week from December 19 to 24.In this campaign, over 700 district collectors will be participating and officials will be visiting tehsils and panchayat samiti headquarters.Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore is a decentralised version of special campaign 4.0 conducted in central ministries and departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs) from October 2 to 31, 2024.This is the third time that the government of India will be conducting a national campaign at the tehsil level to address public grievances and improve service delivery, the personnel ministry statement said.The preparatory phase of the good governance week 2024 will start from December 11-18.

 

4. Dharmendra Pradhan launches PMeVIDYA DTH 24×7 Channel No. 31 for Indian Sign Language: Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan has launched the PMeVIDYA DTH 24×7 Channel No. 31 for Indian Sign Language (ISL) in New Delhi.This move aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and is set to transform the educational experience for hearing-impaired students across the country.The establishment of a dedicated PM e-VIDYA DTH Channel for ISL reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the educational needs of children with hearing impairments.The PM e-VIDYA ISL channel aims to make ISL more widely recognised and accepted, not only as a communication tool but as a subject of study akin to other languages such as Hindi and English. 

 

5. Govt appoints Vaibhav Chaturvedi as RBI representative on IBBI board: The government has appointed Vaibhav Chaturvedi as the ex-officio member of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).Currently, Chaturvedi is the Chief General Manager of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).As the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) representative, Chaturvedi will contribute to the IBBI’s efforts in ensuring a smooth and transparent resolution process under the Code, which aims to resolve stressed assets and enhance credit discipline in the financial sector.IBBI, established in 2016, under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, is responsible for the implementation of the code. The board plays a critical role in promoting transparency and accountability in the insolvency resolution process.

 

6. 6 December – Mahaparinirvan Diwas: Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed annually on December 6, marks the death anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the architect of modern India and a tireless advocate for social justice.Ambedkar, a principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a pioneer in the fight against caste-based discrimination, passed away in 1956. This year, the 69th Mahaparinirvan Diwas commemorated at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House Complex.Ambedkar’s contributions to Indian society are celebrated for his unwavering commitment to social equality and justice. Born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, he emerged as a distinguished scholar, lawyer, economist, and a leader for the oppressed.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Wipro and SIAM.AI tie up to develop AI-powered assistant ‘Sukjai’ for Thailand’s tourism authority: Wipro has collaborated with SIAM.AI, a member of the NVIDIA Cloud Partner program in Thailand.The companies will leverage NVIDIA computing and software to develop an AI-powered digital assistant for the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This collaboration will utilise infrastructure, data, and networks within the country.‘Sukjai’ will also provide 24/7 support and information on transportation guidelines and schedules, destinations and lodging availability, recommended activities based on interest, and crowd flow information at top attractions. It will offer customised recommendations based on individual preferences and include information on emergency services and safety and security alerts.

 

2. India and Norway forge deeper economic partnerships, tackling business collaboration challenges: The India-Norway Business Forum was held in Mumbai organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.The forum brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss avenues for deepening India-Norway trade and investment ties across priority sectors.The forum featured a presentation of the Business Climate Survey by Innovation Norway, which outlined the growing confidence of Norwegian companies in India.Many companies expressed satisfaction with India’s improving business environment and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding operations in the country.The forum also provided a platform for constructive dialogue between Indian and Norwegian industries, offering opportunities to explore synergies and shared challenges across sectors such as, energy, maritime, and sustainability.

 

3. Burkina Faso Junta Chief appoints new PM after Dissolving Government: Captain Ibrahim Traore, the junta leader in Burkina Faso has appointed Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo as the country’s new prime minister, a day after dissolving the government.Ouedraogo, a journalist and former communications minister, replaces Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela, who had led three military-appointed governments since Traore’s rise to power in September 2022.Ouedraogo, a close ally of Traore, has served as editor-in-chief and director of state television and was the government’s spokesperson after Traore’s coup.

 

4. UNGA declares December 21 as World Meditation Day: India co-sponsored a UN General Assembly draft resolution that was unanimously adopted to proclaim December 21 as World Meditation Day.India, including Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico and Andorra, was a member of the core group of countries that guided the unanimous adoption of the resolution titled ‘World Meditation Day’ in the 193-member UN General Assembly.The resolution, introduced by Liechtenstein, was also cosponsored by Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Burundi, the Dominican Republic, Iceland, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Portugal and Slovenia.

 

5. 9 December – International Anti-Corruption Day: International Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually on 9 December to raise awareness about corruption and promote measures to combat it.Theme 2024 – Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity

Established by the United Nations, the day highlights the role of governments, organizations, and individuals in eradicating corruption to foster accountability, transparency, and sustainable development worldwide.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Western Air Command Commanders’ Conference 2024: Enhancing Readiness and Operational Excellence: The Western Air Command’s (WAC) two-day Commanders’ Conference, held in New Delhi, featured Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), as the chief guest, who was received with a ceremonial Guard of Honour.The CAS emphasized the need for focused training to ensure readiness for multi-domain warfare, aligning with the theme “Bharatiya Vayu Sena – Sashakt, Saksham, Atmanirbhar” and urged collective efforts to advance the Indian Air Force (IAF).Discussions included enhancing operational capability through better training and planning, early operationalization of new equipment, ensuring safety and security, and empowering leadership to build a future-ready force.The CAS commended WAC for their prompt humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) responses domestically and internationally, maintaining high operational excellence, and upholding IAF’s core values of “Mission, Integrity, and Excellence.”

 

2. 7 December – Armed Forces Flag Day or Flag Day: Armed Forces Flag Day or Flag Day is celebrated every year on 7 December.The day is commemorated to honour the soldiers and the bravehearts, who lost their lives in the line of duty. Since December 7, 1949, this day has been observed to pay respect to the military forces. The Armed Forces Flag Day is also dedicated to raising funds from Indian citizens for the welfare of Indian Armed Forces troops.The Defence Minister’s committee created the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund in 1949. In 1993, the Indian Defense Ministry merged all related welfare funds, including those for war victims, the Kendriya Sainik Board Fund, the ex-servicemen’s welfare fund, and other units, into a unified Armed Forces Flag Day fund.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Former Assam Cricketer Devajit Saikia appointed as BCCI’s acting Secretary after Jay Shah: Former Assam cricketer Devajit Saikia has been named as the acting secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).He will replace BCCI president Jay Shah who recently took over the reigns as ICC chairman.Board president Roger Binny used his constitutional powers for the appointment. Saikia worked as a joint secretary at BCCI earlier.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India in association with INSOL India organizes International Conclave 2024: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) in association with INSOL India organized an International Conclave focusing on “Insolvency Resolution: Evolution & Global Perspective”.The event brought together distinguished experts and practitioners from across jurisdictions to share insights and experiences in insolvency resolution.

The Conclave included three panel discussions. The first Panel Discussion was on the theme “Issues, Recent Developments & New Trends in Restructuring & Insolvency Across Jurisdictions”. The session was chaired by Mr. Sumant Batra, President of the Insolvency Law Academy.The second Panel Discussion was on the theme “Judgment Enforcement, Asset Recovery and Personal Guarantees”.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 9th Dec, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 25 years of Hornbill Festival of Nagaland: Nagaland’s signature tourism and cultural festival, “Hornbill Festival”, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024 that is annually held from December 1 to 10The Hornbill Festival, also famous as the “Festivals of Festivals”, derives its name from the elusive Hornbill bird.The Hornbill Festival was launched in 2000 by the Nagaland government as a celebration of Naga culture but over a period of time has grown in popularity and stature, attracting national and international visitors.During the festival,17 tribes of Nagaland showcase their culture and tradition through dances, processions, art exhibits and musical performances.The Opening ceremony of the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival was held in the Kisama Heritage Village on 1 December 2024 and it was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio.

 

2. Union Cabinet approves Rithala-Kundli corridor of Delhi Metro: The Union Cabinet has approved the 463-km Rithala-Kundli corridor of the Delhi Metro’s Phase-IV project that will further enhance connectivity between the national capital and neighbouring Haryana.The entire stretch will comprise 21 stations, all of them elevated. The corridor is scheduled to be completed in 4 years from the date of its sanction.This line will be an extension of the presently operational Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda) – Rithala (Red Line) corridor and will boost connectivity in the north western parts of the national capital in areas such as Narela, Bawana, parts of Rohini etc. This entire stretch will comprise of 21 stations.A total of 12 metro lines of about 392 km with 288 stations are being operated by DMRC in Delhi and NCR at present. Delhi Metro has the largest Metro network in India and is also one of the largest Metros in the world.

 

3. Centre approves ₹944 crore as Cyclone Fengal relief to Tamil Nadu, promises more after assessment reports: The Centre has approved the release of ₹944.80 crore to Tamil Nadu as two instalments of its share from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to help the state government’s relief efforts in areas ravaged by Cyclone Fengal.Concerning overall funds for disaster relief, the Centre claimed that more than ₹21,718.716 crore has already been released to 28 states so far, this financial year.This includes ₹14,878.40 crore from SDRF to 26 states, ₹4,808.32 crore from NDRF to 18 states, ₹1,385.45 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 11 states and ₹646.546 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to seven states.

 

4. India’s first Hyperloop train test track completed by IIT Madras: IIT Madras has completed a 410-meter Hyperloop test track, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward futuristic transport systems.The project is being led by IIT Madras’s Avishkar Hyperloop team in partnership with TuTr, a startup incubated at the institute. The Avishkar Hyperloop team comprises 76 undergraduates and postgraduate students from IIT Madras.The Hyperloop concept, originally popularised by Elon Musk in 2012, is now gaining traction worldwide, and this development takes India closer to adopting cutting-edge transportation technology.The technology will be implemented in two phases: the first phase will feature an 11.5-kilometre test track to validate and certify the technology. Upon successful trials, the second phase will expand the track to nearly 100 kilometres.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to chair UN Commission on Narcotic Drug: The Indian Embassy in Austria announced that India has been chosen to Chair the 68th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran, officially assumed the Chairmanship of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs.This is the first time that India has been named to Chair this important UN body.The CND is the principal policy-making body of the United Nations on drug-related matters. It is mandated to monitor global drug trends, support Member States in formulating balanced policies, and oversee implementation of the major international drug conventions.

 

2. 7 December – International Civil Aviation Day: International Civil Aviation Day is celebrated every year on December 7.It is important to recognize the role of aviation in global connectivity, economic development, and fostering cultural exchange.Theme 2024 – Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 yearsThis day also draws attention to the challenges faced by the aviation industry and the progress made in ensuring the safety, sustainability, and accessibility of air travel.7 December 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation in Chicago, United States. For eight decades, this defining international agreement has served as the foundation for the development of the global civil aviation system to the benefit of all nations.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Andhra Pradesh ties up with Google for harnessing AI tech: Andhra Pradesh has entered into an agreement with Google under which the tech giant will help the state in adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in various fields including healthcare, and also give a fillip to the local startup ecosystem there.The collaboration will also focus on promoting skill development and bridging the digital divide by providing citizens with the necessary training and resources to thrive in an AI-driven economy.Additionally, Google will support the state’s startup ecosystem, to fuel innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of AI.Google Cloud will also collaborate with the government to provide skilling programs for government agencies, including Google Cloud Certifications and Skill Badges in areas like cybersecurity, data analytics, and generative AI.

 

2. ISRO successfully launch ESA Probe 3 Spacecraft using PSLV C-59 Rocket: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the European Space Agency (ESA) Probe 3 Spacecraft from the First Launch Pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota Andhra Pradesh.The ESA Probe 3 was launched onboard ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C-59.It was NewSpace India Limited’s (NSIL) second successful mission in a fortnight after the launch of the GSAT-20/ GSAT-N2 satellite aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Innovation Hub develops MuleHunter.ai to combat mule account fraud: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das said that the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub has developed an AI/ML-based model, MuleHunter.ai, which will be used to address the issue of mule bank accounts being used to commit financial frauds.As part of the Reserve Bank’s continued efforts to prevent and mitigate digital frauds, an innovative AI/ML-based model, namely MuleHunter.ai, has been developed by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), Bengaluru. This will help banks deal with the issue of mule bank accounts expeditiously and reduce digital frauds.The RBI has taken several measures to prevent and mitigate digital frauds in the financial sector, including the issuance of cybersecurity and cyber fraud prevention guidelines, among others. According to the RBI, fraudsters use money mule accounts to channel the proceeds of frauds.

 

2. RBI allows small finance banks to offer pre-sanctioned credit via UPI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to permit Small Finance Banks to extend pre-sanctioned credit lines through the UPI.This will further deepen financial inclusion and enhance formal credit, particularly for ‘new to credit’ customers.Credit line on UPI was first introduced in September 2023 and was made available through Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs).This move aims to support underserved groups, including small businesses, micro-entrepreneurs, and individuals in rural and semi-urban regions.This development follows an important update from September 2023, when the RBI allowed Scheduled Commercial Banks to link pre-sanctioned credit lines to UPI accounts. Previously, this feature was unavailable to SFBs, Regional Rural Banks, and Payments Banks.

 

3. Neysa and DSW join hands to launch Advanced AI Cloud Platform for Indian Insurance Sector: Neysa, an AI Acceleration Cloud System provider, and Data Science Wizards (DSW), a deep-tech AI platform company, have launched a fully managed Insurance AI Cloud Platform tailored for the Indian insurance industry.The platform is designed to help insurers confidently build, optimize, and deploy AI/ML-powered digital solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, risk management, and customer-centric innovation.With India’s insurance penetration at a modest 4.2% of GDP in 2023, the need for digital transformation in the sector is critical.The platform aims to bridge this gap, offering cutting-edge AI/ML solutions to boost consumer trust, drive efficiency, and enable insurers to scale up with customized offerings.

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 8th Dec, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. U.S. approves $1.17 billion deal for support systems for MH-60R helicopters: The United States has approved a possible $1.17 billion deal to sell India support equipment for MH-60R multi-role helicopters under its Foreign Military Sales programme.Nine of the 24 choppers contracted under a $2.2 billion deal with Lockheed Martin in February 2020 have been inducted into India’s armed services so far.The Indian Navy has already received six MH-60R helicopters which are deployed in Kochi with the same configuration used by the US Navy. The remaining 18 helicopters will include customised configurations to meet Indian requirements.The MH-60R helicopters have emerged as a major force multiplier for the Indian Navy amidst the growing challenges from China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

 

2. MS Dhoni joins Eurogrip Tyres as Brand Ambassador: Eurogrip Tyres, a leading brand specialising in two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and off-highway tyres, has appointed cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador.As part of this collaboration, Dhoni will endorse the Eurogrip brand and its entire product portfolio.TVS Srichakra Ltd, the manufacturer of Eurogrip, TVS Eurogrip, and TVS Tyres, was established in 1982 and operates as a key vertical of the USD 3 billion TVS Mobility.

 

3. India  Chairs 68th Commission on Narcotic Drugs: India has been selected to  chair the 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). This announcement was made by the Indian Embassy in Austria. Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran has officially assumed the role of Chairman, which marks India’s first time leading this UN forum. The CND will concentrate on global cooperation against drug trafficking. It will address substance abuse and its social impacts. The focus includes health impacts related to drug use. Ensuring the availability of controlled substances for medical use is also a priority. India aims to promote dialogue on these issues.India plans to work closely with other member states. The goal is to create fair and inclusive strategies.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Gita Mahotsav 2024 inaugurated in Kurukshetra: The Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has inaugurated the International Gita Mahotsav at Kurukshetra, Haryana.The International Gita Mahotsav commemorates the birth of ‘Srimad Bhagwat Gita’, the sacred scripture containing advice of Lord Krishna that he gave to Arjuna in Kurukshetra on the first day of the famous 18-day battle in the Mahabharata.The annual International Gita Mahotsav is organised by the Kurukshetra Development Board of Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Government of Haryana.This year, Tanzania, an African country, is the foreign partner country, and Odisha is the State partner.

 

2. India’s IndiGo ranked among ‘world’s worst airlines’ in survey: According to the report, IndiGo has been ranked among the “world’s worst airlines” in the 2024 AirHelp Score report, securing 103rd place out of 109 with a score of 4.80. The low rating is attributed to underwhelming customer satisfaction and poor handling of flight disruption claims.Meanwhile, Tata’s Air India fares slightly better, standing at 61st. At the top of the list, Brussels Airlines has been named the best airline, followed by Qatar Airways.Conducted by AirHelp, an EU-based claim processing agency, the survey evaluates airlines globally on punctuality, quality of service, and handling of compensation claims. These criteria weighed equally, form the overall score.The analysis covers data from January to October, incorporating on-time performance, customer claims processing, and feedback from passengers across 54 countries on food, comfort, and service.

 

3. Human-Cape Buffalo Conflicts in Tanzania: Recent studies in Tanzania’s  Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) reveal the escalating conflicts between humans and Cape buffaloes. The Cape buffalo, an aggressive species, faces population decline, currently listed as Near Threatened. Between 1999 and 2014, its numbers fell by 18%. The global population is now estimated at 569,000-573,000, with about 398,000 being mature. Human-buffalo conflicts arise from several factors including increasing human populations, habitat loss, changes in land use, buffaloes invading farmland, and,  damaging crops, which leads to confrontations with local farmers. Additionally, poaching exacerbates the situation, resulting in approximately 200 people losing their lives in these encounters.

 

4. International Advisory Body for Submarine  Cable Resilience: Submarine telecommunication  cables are vital for global connectivity, and carry approximately 99% of internet traffic, which supports essential services like commerce, healthcare, and education. However, they are susceptible to damage and each year, around 150-200 faults occur globally. Common causes include fishing activities, anchoring, natural disasters, and equipment malfunctions. The Advisory Body focuses on promoting best practices among governments and industries. Its goals include improving cable resilience, minimizing damage risks, and expediting repairs. The group will also address increasing internet traffic, aging infrastructure, and environmental threats.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-Vietnam Hold 3rd Security Dialogue: India and Vietnam recently held the 3rd  Security Dialogue in Hanoi to strengthen their partnership and focus on global and regional security issues. Pavan Kapoor represented India as Deputy National Security Adviser and Lt. Gen. Pham The Tung represented Vietnam as Deputy Minister of Public Security. They led discussions on various security topics. The dialogue addressed several critical areas including terrorism and organized crime were high on the agenda. Both nations emphasized the need for improved information sharing. They recognized that collaboration is essential for effective law enforcement.Economic security issues were also a focal point. Both countries agreed to work together on new technologies. Combating cybercrime emerged as a concern. They acknowledged the importance of staying ahead in technological advancements.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UPI rule changes: UPI Lite transaction, wallet limit hiked: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the transaction limit for offline digital payments through UPI Lite. The move can benefit many people, especially those who live in places with poor internet connectivity. UPI Lite transactions are offline in the sense that there is no need to enter a UPI PIN while making payments.The RBI has hiked the per-transaction limits on UPI Lite from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. The overall wallet limit of UPI Lite has also been raised from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000.UPI Lite is designed to enable instant, low-value offline payments which form the bulk of retail payments made across India.Customers can use the replenishable balance to make cashless payments for any low-value item from Kirana stores, pharmacies, restaurants, shops, fuel retail outlets, and more.

 

2. BharatPe launches ‘Shield’ to protect users from digital transaction frauds: Fintech firm BharatPe has launched a fraud protection plan ‘Shield’ to offer coverage against digital frauds, including protection against fraudulent Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions.The new offering extends protection to users from fraudulent digital transactions up to Rs 5,000. Users will have to pay Rs 19 per month to avail this protection.Users making their first UPI transaction with the fintech app will receive 30 days of complementary fraud protection service.BharatPe Shield covers risks such as computer fraud, phishing attacks, and unauthorised transactions caused by phone loss. It enables claims for losses incurred up to 10 days prior to reporting such frauds.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. EPFO services win India international award: India has bagged the International Social Security Association’s (ISSA) ‘Good Practice Award’ for Asia and Pacific for this year for five services provided by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).ISSA president Dr Mohammed Azman presented the award to the EPFO at the Regional Social Security Forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) received five certificates of merit for communication channels, E-proceedings: A case on the use of information and communication technology in justice delivery, district outreach programme (Nidhi Aapke Nikat), multilingual call centres, and Prayaas —The EPFO received five ‘Certificates of Merit’ for running ‘efficient’ communication channels, conduct of E-proceedings, outreach programme Nidhi Aapke Nikat, running multilingual call centres, and pension order delivery initiative Prayaas.

 

2. Michelle Bachelet Wins 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development: Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile, has been awarded the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust. The jury, led by Shivshankar Menon, selected Bachelet for her outstanding contributions to human rights and equality. Bachelet served as Chile’s president from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2018. Her presidency focused on reforms in education and taxation. She played a key role in establishing a free trade agreement between India and Chile.

 

Daily GK Update- 7th Dec, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nafithromycin: Country’s First Indigenous Antibiotic: India has led the way with the creation of Nafithromycin, the country’s first indigenous Macrolide antibiotic. This remarkable achievement marks a pivotal moment in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in pharmaceutical innovation.Developed by Wockhardt with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Nafithromycin (marketed as “Miqnaf,”) targets Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) caused by drug-resistant bacteria, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune system.Nafithromycin’s development marks a historic milestone as the first new antibiotic in its class to be introduced globally in over 30 years. It was developed with an investment of Rs 500 crore.

 

2. NeGD and ISB launch “Digital Transformation for Senior Leaders” Training Program to empower government officials: The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Indian School of Business (ISB), Mohali, inaugurated a five-day training program titled “Digital Transformation for Senior Leaders”.This program is a pivotal initiative under the Digital India mission aimed at equipping senior government officials with critical knowledge and skills to lead digital transformation across various governance domains.This initiative focuses on fostering leadership capable of spearheading citizen-centric digital governance. Key areas covered include strengthening digital frameworks to deliver quality public services, enhancing cybersecurity to protect digital ecosystems, and building digital leadership skills for transformational project management.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. U.S. approves $1.17 billion deal for support systems for MH-60R helicopters: The United States has approved a possible $1.17 billion deal to sell India support equipment for MH-60R multi-role helicopters under its Foreign Military Sales programme.Nine of the 24 choppers contracted under a $2.2 billion deal with Lockheed Martin in February 2020 have been inducted into India’s armed services so far.The Indian Navy has already received six MH-60R helicopters which are deployed in Kochi with the same configuration used by the US Navy. The remaining 18 helicopters will include customised configurations to meet Indian requirements.The MH-60R helicopters have emerged as a major force multiplier for the Indian Navy amidst the growing challenges from China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

 

2. International Gita Mahotsav 2024 inaugurated in Kurukshetra: The Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has inaugurated the International Gita Mahotsav at Kurukshetra, Haryana.The International Gita Mahotsav commemorates the birth of ‘Srimad Bhagwat Gita’, the sacred scripture containing advice of Lord Krishna that he gave to Arjuna in Kurukshetra on the first day of the famous 18-day battle in the Mahabharata.The annual International Gita Mahotsav is organised by the Kurukshetra Development Board of Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Government of Haryana.This year, Tanzania, an African country, is the foreign partner country, and Odisha is the State partner.

 

3. India’s IndiGo ranked among ‘world’s worst airlines’ in survey: According to the report, IndiGo has been ranked among the “world’s worst airlines” in the 2024 AirHelp Score report, securing 103rd place out of 109 with a score of 4.80. The low rating is attributed to underwhelming customer satisfaction and poor handling of flight disruption claims.Meanwhile, Tata’s Air India fares slightly better, standing at 61st. At the top of the list, Brussels Airlines has been named the best airline, followed by Qatar Airways.Conducted by AirHelp, an EU-based claim processing agency, the survey evaluates airlines globally on punctuality, quality of service, and handling of compensation claims. These criteria weighed equally, form the overall score.The analysis covers data from January to October, incorporating on-time performance, customer claims processing, and feedback from passengers across 54 countries on food, comfort, and service.

 

4. 5 December – International Volunteer Day: International Volunteer Day, commonly known as IVD, is celebrated on 5 December every year.It is a day where volunteers are acknowledged and the spirit of volunteerism is promoted at the local, national and international levels.Theme 2024 – Volunteer Now for Our FutureIt started as an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985.United Nations Volunteers joins IVD celebrations with UN Volunteers and all volunteers around the world—amplifying the importance of people-led solutions to our common challenges.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 4 December – Indian Navy Day: Indian Navy Day is celebrated every year on 4th December to honor the achievements and dedicated service of the Indian Navy.The day celebrates the success of Operation Trident conducted during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.On this day, the Navy launched a successful attack on Pakistan’s key port city, Karachi. This operation not only marked a major military victory but also showcased India’s growing naval power and influence.The theme for Indian Navy Day 2024, “Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation,” reflects the Navy’s ongoing focus on enhancing its defense capabilities through cutting-edge technology and self-reliance.

 

 

 

 

SPORTS 

 

1. MS Dhoni joins Eurogrip Tyres as Brand Ambassador: Eurogrip Tyres, a leading brand specialising in two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and off-highway tyres, has appointed cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador.As part of this collaboration, Dhoni will endorse the Eurogrip brand and its entire product portfolio.TVS Srichakra Ltd, the manufacturer of Eurogrip, TVS Eurogrip, and TVS Tyres, was established in 1982 and operates as a key vertical of the USD 3 billion TVS Mobility.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SEBI imposes Rs 9 lakh fine on Reliance Securities for ‘flouting market norms’: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed a Rs.9 lakh monetary penalty on Reliance Securities for “flouting market norms” and stock broker rules.The market regulator’s order came after National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) carried out a thematic onsite inspection of the books of accounts, records and other documents of authorised persons (APs) of Reliance Securities Ltd (RSL).The inspection was conducted to ascertain whether the same are being maintained in the manner required by RSL, concerning provisions of stock brokers rules, NSEIL Capital Market (CM) regulations and NSE Future & Options (FO) trading norms.

 

2. UPI rule changes: UPI Lite transaction, wallet limit hiked: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the transaction limit for offline digital payments through UPI Lite. The move can benefit many people, especially those who live in places with poor internet connectivity. UPI Lite transactions are offline in the sense that there is no need to enter a UPI PIN while making payments.The RBI has hiked the per-transaction limits on UPI Lite from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. The overall wallet limit of UPI Lite has also been raised from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000.

 

3. World Bank approves $188 million loan to Maharashtra to stimulate growth in backward districts: The World Bank has approved a $188.28-million loan to stimulate economic growth in Maharashtra, especially in the lagging districts.The $188.28 million Maharashtra Strengthening Institutional Capabilities in districts for enabling growth operation will support district planning and growth strategies.Investments under the operation will equip districts with the necessary data, funds and expertise to maximise the value of public money employed for driving growth and job creation. It will also enhance private sector participation by improving e-government services for businesses in districts, especially in the tourism sector.The $188.28-million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 15 years, including a grace period of 5 years.

 

4. BharatPe launches ‘Shield’ to protect users from digital transaction frauds: Fintech firm BharatPe has launched a fraud protection plan ‘Shield’ to offer coverage against digital frauds, including protection against fraudulent Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions.The new offering extends protection to users from fraudulent digital transactions up to Rs 5,000. Users will have to pay Rs 19 per month to avail this protection.Users making their first UPI transaction with the fintech app will receive 30 days of complementary fraud protection service. BharatPe Shield covers risks such as computer fraud, phishing attacks, and unauthorised transactions caused by phone loss. It enables claims for losses incurred up to 10 days prior to reporting such frauds.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. SECI wins 3rd PSU transformation award for “Innovative Product Development”: Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Ltd under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy bagged the 3rd PSU Transformation Award under the “Innovative Product Development” category for ‘Firm and Dispatchable RE (FDRE) Supply to DISCOMs on a Demand Following Basis’.The award was received by Shri Sanjay Sharma, Director (Solar) along with Shri Joshit Ranjan Sikidar, Director (Finance) and Shri Sivakumar V Vepakomma, Director (Power System) in the presence of Shri Ajay Kumar Sinha, General Manager (Corporate Planning) and other officials of SECI. SECI has introduced the innovative power supply model of Firm and Dispatchable RE (FDRE) working with several DISCOMs and States to understand their energy demands and design models that cater to their renewable power requirement.

 

2. EPFO services win India international award: India has bagged the International Social Security Association’s (ISSA) ‘Good Practice Award’ for Asia and Pacific for this year for five services provided by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).ISSA president Dr Mohammed Azman presented the award to the EPFO at the Regional Social Security Forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) received five certificates of merit for communication channels, E-proceedings: A case on the use of information and communication technology in justice delivery, district outreach programme (Nidhi Aapke Nikat), multilingual call centres, and Prayaas —The EPFO received five ‘Certificates of Merit’ for running ‘efficient’ communication channels, conduct of E-proceedings, outreach programme Nidhi Aapke Nikat, running multilingual call centres, and pension order delivery initiative Prayaas.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 6th Dec, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. MOU renew between MEA and Department of Posts for Post Office Passport Seva Kendra Service Enhancement: In a significant development, an MoU was renewed for five years between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts for the continued accessibility of passport services through the Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).Launched in 2017, the Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) service has been instrumental in facilitating passport-related services to over 1.52 Crore citizens, particularly in rural and underserved areas, ensuring wider accessibility to passport services for citizens across India.The network of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) has grown significantly over the years, with 442 centres currently operational nationwide.As part of this initiative, the number of Passport Seva Kendra’s is planned to be extended to 600 centres across the country by 2028-29, ensuring greater accessibility and convenience for citizens expanding the annual customer base from 35 lakh to 1 crore over the next five years.

 

2. Govt launches ‘Anna Chakra’ platform to optimise PDS supply chain: Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has unveiled ‘Anna Chakra’, a groundbreaking supply chain optimization tool for the Public Distribution System (PDS).Developed in partnership with the World Food Programme and IIT-Delhi, the system leverages advanced algorithms to optimize foodgrain movement across the country’s logistics network.The initiative covers 4.37 lakh Fair Price Shops and 6,700 warehouses, targeting the country’s food security programme serving 81 crore beneficiaries.Preliminary assessments across 30 states project annual cost savings of Rs 250 crore with a Rs 58-crore reduction in quantity-kilometer metrics.The tool integrates with the Railways’ Freight Operations Information System and the PM Gati Shakti platform, marking a significant technological upgrade.

 

3. Centre approves ₹50 lakh grants each for 7 startups in technical textiles to boost innovation and sustainability: The Ministry of Textiles has approved the startups in Technical Textiles to boost innovation and sustainability and to foster transformative developments that will shape the industry’s future.Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles Rachna Shah has said this while chairing the 7th meeting of the Empowered Programme Committee of the National Technical Textiles Mission in New Delhi.The National Technical Textiles Mission’s Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles encourages young innovators, scientists, technologists, and startup ventures in the field of Technical Textiles to translate their ideas into commercial products and make India self-reliant.The Empowered Programme Committee has approved 7 startup proposals under the GREAT scheme. The Government is providing a maximum fund support of Rs 50 lakhs per startup.

 

4. India, ADB sign $50 million loan for climate-resilient water security in Meghalaya: The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $50 million loan agreement to strengthen water security in Meghalaya by constructing climate-adaptive water-harvesting systems.The initiative aims to improve access to water, reduce community vulnerability to climate change, and promote sustainable development in the state.The project aligns with the Meghalaya State Water Policy (MSWP) 2019, which seeks to achieve sustainable development, management, and utilisation of the state’s water resources through a participatory approach, reduce vulnerability, and promote integrated water resource management.The project will support the construction of 532 small water storage facilities across 12 districts. These facilities will incorporate climate-resilient designs to capture and manage heavy rainfall and flash floods during monsoon season. The stored water shall improve water security during the dry season.

 

5. Devendra Fadnavis sworn in as Maharashtra CM for 3rd time: Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Devendra Gangadharrao Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time.In a ceremony held at the Azad Maidan of Mumbai, Governor C P Radhakrishnan administered the oath of office to Devendra Fadnavis.Along with Devendra Fadnavis, two deputy Chief Ministers, Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party, were also sworn in as deputy CM .He succeeded his alliance partner Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra.He was sworn in as the 21st Chief Minister of Maharastra and is the second Brahmin after Shiv Sena’s Manohar Joshi to be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats in the 288 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India & Kuwait sign MoU to set up Joint Commission for Cooperation: India and Kuwait have signed an MoU to establish a Joint Commission for Cooperation at the Foreign Minister level to strengthen bilateral ties.The MoU was signed between both countries during Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al Yahya’s visit. This was the first visit to India by Abdullah Ali Al Yahya as Kuwait’s Foreign Minister.The agreement outlines the formation of new Joint Working Groups in sectors including trade, investment, education, technology, agriculture, security, and culture, and these groups will operate under the JCC to review and monitor bilateral relations between the two nations.

 

2. India emerges as Prime Global Target for Mobile Malware Attacks: According to a recently published Zscaler ThreatLabz 2024 Mobile IoT and OT Threat report, India has emerged as the most targeted country for mobile malware attacks.The Report, published by the cloud security company Zscaler Inc., analysed security attacks by hackers on mobile and IoT/OT from June 2023 to May 2024.28 % of the attacks on mobile phones in the world were reported from India. After India, the United States was second, followed by Canada, South Africa, and the Netherlands.In the 2023 report, India was ranked third in the world after the United States and Canada. The United States remains the top target of Internet of Things (IoT) device attacks, followed by Singapore, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada.Within the Asia Pacific region, India accounted for 66.5% of mobile malware attacks. Within the Asia Pacific region, India was ranked seventh as the origin of the malware. Last year, it was ranked fifth.

 

3. Namibia elects Nandi-Ndaitwah as country’s first female President: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party has been elected president and will be the country’s first female leader.Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, is the current vice president. Her victory will extend SWAPO’s 34 years in power since it led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.She received roughly 57 per cent of valid votes in the presidential race, according to a breakdown given by the Electoral Commission of Namibia. Nandi-Ndaitwah needed to secure more than 50 per cent of the votes to secure a win.She joined SWAPO in the 1960s when it was fighting for independence and has served in numerous senior roles including foreign minister in the democratic era.

 

4. 5 December – World Soil Day: World Soil Day (WSD) is observed every year on 5 December.Objective – To raise awareness about the critical role soil plays in our lives.Theme 2024 – Soil is LifeWorld Soil Day serves as a global reminder of the need to address soil health challenges. Initiated by the International Union of Soil Sciences in 2002 and officially endorsed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2014, this observance calls for governments, communities, and individuals to take concrete steps toward sustainable soil management.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 2nd India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue held in New Delhi: The second India and the United Kingdom 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue was held in New Delhi.The first was held in New Delhi in October 2023, and both countries have agreed to hold their third Dialogue next year in the United Kingdom.The 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue is different from the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Minister Dialogue.The 2+2 Foreign and Defence dialogue is a Senior official-level mechanism for discussing and reviewing all aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.The 2+2 Foreign and Defence Minister Dialogue is a ministerial-level discussion just below in importance, the summit-level meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and the United Kingdom.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Pavan Kampelli wins historic maiden Medal at Asian Esports Games: India’s Pavan Kampelli has made history by securing a bronze medal in eFootball at the 2024 Asian Esports Games held in Bangkok. Pavan Kampelli also nicknamed “Mr Tomboy”.Pavan Kampelli won a historic bronze medal for India in the e-football event. He defeated 2022 eFootball World Finals Winner (Mobile), Asgard Azizi of Indonesia, 2-1, to win the bronze medal.Pawan Kampelli won a $ 500 cash prize for his bronze medal win in the Games. Also, for the first time, an Indian has won a medal in an international e-football event.Nattawat Namburee of Team Thailand won the gold medal, and Malaysia’s Ahmad Muhaimin “Minbappe” Abdul Razak won the silver.Esports is becoming popular in the world, where players play games over the internet through electronic devices like mobile phones. gaming consoles etc.The International Olympic Committee will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025.

 

2. About Asian Esports Games and Final Medal Tally: The Asian Esports Games was organised by the Asian Electronic Sports Federation and was hosted by the Thailand Esports Federation with support from the Thailand government in Bangkok, ThailandOne hundred seventy-nine athletes from 29 countries from Asia participated in the Asian Esports Games.Thailand topped the medal chart with 2 gold medals.

 

3. India wins 5th Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup after Defeating Pakistan: The Indian Men’s Junior Hockey team crushed Pakistan 5-3 in the final of the 11th Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 to win the Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup title for a record fifth time.The 11th Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 final was played at Muscat, Oman.This was the fifth title win for the India team in the Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup. Before their win in the 2024 edition, the Indian team had won the title in 2023, 2015, 2008 and 2004.The title win in Muscat was also a promising start to the career of the legendary former Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as the Men’s Hockey team coach.

 

4. About 11th Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024: The 11th edition of the Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 was organised by the Asian Hockey Federation, the sports governing body in Asia.

It was hosted by the Oman Hockey Association in Muscat. The tournament was open to players under 21 years of age.Ten teams participated in the tournament and were grouped into A and B

Group A: India, Thailand, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), South Korea and JapanGroup B: Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Oman and India progressed to the final by defeating Malaysia 3-1 in the semifinal, while Pakistan defeated Japan 4-2 in the other semifinals to reach the final.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s external debt rises by $31 bn to $647 bn in 2023: World Bank report: India’s total external debt has increased by $ 31 billion to $ 646.79 billion in 2023, according to World Bank International Debt Report.The report further said that interest payment increased from $ 15.08 billion in 2022 to $ 22.54 billion in 2023.While the long-term debt stocks have risen 7 per cent to $ 498 billion in 2023, short-term debt stocks declined marginally to $ 126.32 billion in 2023.According to the report, external debt stock as percentage of exports was 80 per cent, while debt servicing was 10 per cent of exports in 2023.The World Bank International Debt Report, 2024, further said that net debt inflows during the year worked out to be $ 33.42 billion, while the net equity inflows was higher at $ 46.94 billion in 2023.

 

2. India’s GDP growth aim for FY25 further slashed to 6.3% by Morgan Stanley: Morgan Stanley has again cut its GDP growth projection for India to 6.3 percent for this fiscal year, down from its earlier estimate of 6.7 per cent.This come days after India’s GDP slowed to a seven quarter low in the July-September quarter. Morgan Stanley had cut India’s growth target for FY25 to 6.7% earlier in November and ahead of the Q2 GDP data.India’s GDP growth slowed to 5.4 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in the July-September quarter of 2024, marking its lowest level since March 2023.This was below the 6.7 per cent growth seen in the previous quarter and also fell short of Morgan Stanley’s forecast of 6.3 per cent, as well as the consensus estimate of 6.5 per cent.