Daily GK Update- 3rd Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1 Amara Raja Batteries to set up lithium-ion battery unit in Telangana:Amara Raja Batteries Ltd will be setting up a state-of-the-art research and manufacturing facility for lithium-ion batteries in Mahbubnagar district, Telangana. It intends to invest over ₹9,500 crore over the next 10 years in the lithium cell giga factory.The facility will be set up with an ultimate capacity up to 16 GWh and a battery pack assembly unit up to 5 GWh.The upcoming facilities are expected to provide employment opportunities to about 4,000 people. 

This was announced by Jayadev Galla, Chairman and MD, Amara Raja Batteries, in the presence of KT Rama Rao, State’s Minister for Industries, after signing a formal MoU here on Friday. “This strategic partnership with the Government of Telangana is a giant leap for Amara Raja and will bring in the impetus for innovations in sustainable technologies for the whole region, in addition to generating employment opportunities,’‘ Galla said.

2. India to assume chairmanship of Wassenaar Arrangement on 1 Jan: India will assume the chairmanship of the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) on 1 January 2023, for a period of one year. Wassenaar Arrangement is a multilateral technology control agreement. The primary goal of the organisation is to restrict access to sensitive technologies for terrorist outfits.The Wassenaar Arrangement came into being in 1996 and has 42 members. India joined the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) in 2017 and became its 42nd member.“WA is a multilateral export control regime, which, through regular information exchange among members on transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies, seeks to promote transparency and greater responsibility in such transfers and prevent destabilising accumulations," according to a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs. The primary goal of the organisation is to restrict access to sensitive technologies for terrorist outfits.

3. Odisha transforming women SHGs into SMEs: Odisha Govt announced to transform the SHGs into Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and turn them into vibrant financial hubs.It is to be noted that six lakh SHGs are working in Odisha. The government’s decision to provide interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh to the women under Mission Shakti will benefit lakhs of women. Mission Shakti intiative started in 2001 has now become a huge force of 70 lakh empowered women in Odisha. “In Odisha, six lakh SHGs are functioning. The objective of our government is to transform women SHGs into SMEs. We are prepared to run the extra mile to make this happen and will do everything required for this,” asserted Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while addressing the ‘Make in Odisha’ conclave here.

4. 3 December 2022 – Gita Mahotsav: Gita Jayanti is the day when Lord Shri Krishna explained the Gita Gyan to Arjuna. It is observed on Ekadashi tithi (11th day) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha. In 2022, Gita Jayanti is celebrated on 03 December 2022. The conversations between Arjuna and Shri Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra on the days of Margashirsha, Shukla Paksha, and Ekadashi Tithi are chronicled in the Hindu holy book known as the Bhagavad Gita (waxing phase of the Lunar cycle). Also known as Gita Mahotsav, this day commemorates the creation of the Gita. It’s interesting to note that Hindus commemorated the 5,159th anniversary of the Bhagavad Gita this year, a date that ordinarily comes in Gregorian December.It is believed the Bhagavad Gita was revealed to Arjuna by Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

1. List of countries at risk of mass killings: India ranked 8th; Pakistan topped: Pakistan has topped the list of countries at the highest risk of experiencing new mass killings, according to a new report by a US think-tank, Early Warning Project. The list included other Asian countries namely Yemen and Myanmar in the second and third spots respectively, while Afghanistan and India were placed in the seventh and eighth spots respectively. India was placed ahead of Syria, Iraq, China, and Iran on the list of countries at the highest risk of experiencing mass killings. While Syria and Iraq were placed in the 11th and 12th spots respectively, China was placed 23rd and Iran has the 30th spot in the list.

What is Early Warning Project (EWP)?

·       The Early Warning Project (EWP) is a research organization that identifies countries at risk of mass violence.

·       The Early Warning Project assesses the risk of mass atrocities in countries around the world using state-of-the-art quantitative and qualitative methods and a range of widely available data,’ as per its website.

2. Global Aviation Safety Rankings: India ranked 48th; topped by Singapore: India has jumped to the 48th position in the global aviation safety ranking by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), according to the DGCA report. Four years ago, the country was ranked at the 102nd position. Singapore is at the top, followed by the UAE and South Korea at the second and third positions The Indian aviation safety has scored the highest-ever El score of 85.49 percent which puts India in the 48th spot. In 2018, India scored 69.95 percent at the 102nd rank. India has performed better than China which stands in 49th rank in the audit. Israel has been ranked 50th. The audit was conducted in the areas of – Legislation, Organization, Personal Licensing, Operations, Airworthiness, and Aerodromes. Teams from the UN agency went to Delhi Airport; IGI Airport air traffic control; Airport Authority of India’s communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) wing.

 

3. Wearables brand Noise signs Virat Kohli as brand ambassador:Wearables technology company, NOISE has roped in cricketer Virat Kohli as its new brand ambassador for its smartwatch range. Kohli was earlier the brand ambassador of Boltt Games Pvt. Ltd owned Fire-Boltt. The former Indian cricket captain saw his brand value drop by 21% to $185.7 million in 2021. However, he still topped the rankings in a survey of most valuable Indian celebrities by consultant Kroll Inc.  Nexxbase Marketing Pvt Ltd-owned Noise, a wearables technology company, has roped in cricketer Virat Kohli as its new brand ambassador for its smartwatch range. Over the tenure, the cricketer will be involved in a campaign that entails all touchpoints, the company said.

 

4.  French baguette is added to UNESCO's 'intangible cultural heritage' list: Baguette, the staple French bread was inscribed into the UN’s list of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). UNESCO is a international body which aims at promoting peace and cooperation among nations through education, arts, sciences and culture. The baguette is a long and thin loaf made of flour, water, salt and yeast, and is consumed as a staple in France. In March 2021, France nominated the baguette as its candidate for consideration within the UNESCO ICH list.  While he was giving a speech in the U.S., French President Macron threw shade on baguettes that are made anywhere outside of France. He called the French baguette "250 grams of magic and perfection."

5. 3 December – International Day of Persons with Disabilities: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed every year on 3 December.Objective – To spread awareness about the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.The observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities began in 1992 after the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 47/3 proclaiming it as an international day.Theme 2022 – Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

1. 3rd T20 World Cup cricket tournament for Blind to be held in India:The third T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind will be held from December 5 to 17, 2022 in India. The participating nations for World Cup 2022 are Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the host, India. The tournament is being organised to mark the World Disability Day celebrations universally. Former India batter Yuvraj Singh is the brand ambassador of the tournament.

The third T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind will be held from December 5 to 17, 2022 in India. The participating nations for World Cup 2022 are Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the host, India. Around 150 players will be participating from all the countries and the tournament, which has a total of 24 matches, will take place in nine cities in India. The tournament is being organised to mark the World Disability Day celebrations universally.

2. Saurashtra cricket team won Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022: Saurashtra beat Maharashtra by 5 wickets in the final to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The team won its first Ranji Trophy title in 2019-2020. Sheldon Jackson was named the Player of the Match thanks to his unbeaten 133 off 136 deliveries, while opposition batter Ruturaj Gaikwad was awarded the Player of the Tournament title for his exceptional performances throughout the event. The Vijay Hazare Trophy is also known as the Ranji One-Day Trophy.

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Canara Bank won Banker’s Bank of the Year Award: Canara Bank has received the Banker’s Bank of the Year Award 2022 for the India segment at the Global Banking Summit held in London, UK. The MD and CEO of Canara Bank, L V Prabhakar attended the award ceremony held in London, United Kingdom. The public sector lender has been adjudged as the Best Bank in India for 2022. The Bankers’ Bank of the year awards are considered to be like Oscar awards for the banking sector.

About Canara Bank

Founded – 1906

Headquarters- Bengaluru, Karnataka

MD & CEO – Lingam Venkata Prabhakar

Tagline – Together with Can

 

2. Reserve Bank of India implements 4 tiered regulatory norms for UCB: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a four-tiered regulatory framework for categorisation of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs). Besides, the central bank has come out with norms pertaining to the net worth and capital adequacy of these banks. The Reserve Bank of India had constituted the Expert Committee on Urban Co-operative Banks, under the Chairmanship of Shri N. S. Vishwanathan, former Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank to examine the issues in urban cooperative banking sector and to review regulatory/ supervisory approach for strengthening the sector.

Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee, RBI had released the Revised Regulatory Framework for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) on July 19, 2022. The four-tiered regulatory framework, based on size of deposits of the UCBs, will come into force with immediate effect.

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India's Greenhouse-in-a-Box startup Kheyti wins 2022 Earthshot Prize: A Greenhouse-in-a-Box sustainable solution for small farmers Earthshot Prize 2022. The solution has been devised by Telangana startup Kheyti. The 1 million pounds Earthshot Prize has been founded by Britain's Prince William and dubbed the Eco Oscars'. Kheyti, one of the five winners at a gala green carpet awards ceremony in Boston, won the prize in the Protect and Restore Nature category. Kheyti offers shelter from unpredictable elements and destructive pests. Kheyti, one of the five winners at a gala green carpet awards ceremony in Boston on Friday night, won the prize in the Protect and Restore Nature category from hundreds of entries worldwide.  believe that the Earthshot solutions you have seen this evening prove we can overcome our planet's greatest challenges, and by supporting and scaling them we can change our future, said William, the Prince of Wales.

2. SS Rajamouli wins Best Director at New York Film Critics Circle: Filmmaker SS Rajamouli won the Best Director Award for RRR at the New York Film Critics Circle. The group is one of the first critics’ groups to weigh in on the awards season. At the New York Film Critics Circle, Todd Field’s Tar has won the Best Picture of the year, also nabbing Best Actress for Cate Blanchett’s leading performance. Colin Farrell won Best Actor for two of his performances this year — After Yang and The Banshees of Inisherin. Filmmaker SS Rajamouli won the Best Director Award for RRR at the New York Film Critics Circle on Friday. The group is one of the first critics’ groups to weigh in on the awards season. Rajamouli’s win surprised many as his competitors included Steven Spielberg, Darron Aronofsky, Sarah Polley, and Gina Prince-Blythewood. 

3. Canara Bank wins Banker’s Bank of the Year Award at Global Banking Summit: Canara Bank has won the "Banker's Bank of the Year Award 2022" for the Indian segment of the Global Banking Summit. The public sector lender has been adjudged as the Best Bank in India for 2022. The event was held in London where the bank’s MD and CEO L V Prabhakar received the award from the organisers. The Bankers’ Bank of the year awards are considered to be like Oscar awards for the banking sector. Canara Bank on Friday announced that it received the “Banker’s Bank of the Year Award 2022” for the India segment at the Global Banking Summit. The public sector lender has been adjudged as the Best Bank in India for 2022.The event was held in London from November 29-December 1, 2022 where the bank’s MD and CEO L V Prabhakar received the award from the organisers, a statement from the public sector lender said.

Daily GK Update- 2nd Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. First-ever Tribal Winter Festival held in Bandipora, J&K: A first of its kind, Tribal Winter Festival was organised in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. This festival was organised by the district administration in collaboration with various departments at Ketson.Aim: To attract tourists and boost employment opportunities. People from Gujjars and Bakerwals (Kashmiri community) have danced together to the beats of dhol (drum). This event has highlighted the customs and traditions of tribals.

A first of its kind Tribal Winter Festival was held in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, an official spokesperson said.Organised by the district administration in collaboration with various departments at Ketson, the festival witnessed huge public participation, he said.

 

2. Haryana government has launched Nirogi Haryana project: The Haryana government has launched the Nirogi Haryana project across the state. The initial phase of the project began in the District Hospital, Sector 6, Panchkula. The project was inaugurated by Gian Chand Gupta, Haryana Speaker, and Kulbhushan Goyal, Panchkula Mayor. The urban enlisted Antyodaya population would be covered under this scheme. All Antyodaya enlisted families whose income is under 1,80,000 per annum are the beneficiaries for a comprehensive free health check-up followed by required treatment.

About Haryana

Capital – Chandigarh

Chief Minister – Manohar Lal Khattar

Governor – Bandaru Dattatreya

 

3. Supreme Court Bans Two-Finger Test: The Supreme Court on 31 October, reiterated the ban on the “two-finger test” in rape cases, warning that persons using such tests will be deemed guilty of misconduct. Observing that the test was based on a patriarchal mindset that assumed that sexually active women could not be raped, the bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and Hima Kohli regretted that such a method of examination was being used even today.

This court has time and again deprecated the use of two finger-test in cases alleging rape and sexual assault. The so called test has no scientific basis. It instead re-victimises and re-traumatises women. The two finger test must not be conducted. The test is based on an incorrect assumption that a sexually active woman cannot be raped. Nothing can be further from the truth.

 

4. Government-approved Electronics Manufacturing Cluster at Ranjangaon: Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced that an Electronics Manufacturing Cluster is to be developed in the Ranjangaon area of Maharashtra.

The Electronics Manufacturing Clusters will be developed for 500 crores. Electronics Manufacturing Clusters are expected to generate thousands of jobs in the coming years and will attract an investment of over 2,000 crores.Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar informed that the Electronics Manufacturing Clusters have been approved to make Maharashtra into an electronics hub.The government will invest upto 500 crore in this project. The Electronics Manufacturing Clusters project has joined Tamil Nadu, Noida, and Karnataka in making an aggressive pitch to emerge as a powerful electronic hub.

 

5. UP government launched ‘One District One Sport’ scheme: UP CM, Yogi Adityanath has launched One District One Sport (ODOS) on the lines of One District One Product (ODOP) scheme of the government. Objectives: (1) Promoting sports culture and keeping the younger generation healthy, and (2) Providing a platform for sportspersons to nurture talents and skills Under this scheme, one sport will be identified in each of the 75 districts of UP. State govt will take necessary steps to find district-wise sport-specific talents.

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], November 30 (ANI): In his mission to promote sports and sportspersons of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched One District One Sport (ODOS) on the lines of the highly successful One District One Product (ODOP) scheme of the government.

The scheme serves the two interrelated objectives of the government, including promoting sports culture and keeping the younger generation healthy in the state and providing a platform for sportspersons to nurture their talents and skills in order to take part in prestigious national and international championships and win medals.

 

6. Nagaland celebrated 60th statehood day: Nagaland celebrated its 60th statehood day on 1 December 2022.

It became the 16th State of the Union of India on 1st December 1963.On the occasion, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio launched ‘SAHYOG project’ of Nagaland Police and also flagged off Nagaland Police Special Operation Group Vehicles.

A framework agreement was signed between the Centre and the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) in 2015 after over 80 rounds of negotiations since a ceasefire pact was sealed in 1997 to solve the decades-old problem. Nagaland has also hosted the 23rd Hornbill Festival 2022 at Naga Heritage Village Kisama from 1 st-10th December 2022.

 

7. 2 December – National Pollution Control Day: National Pollution Control Day is observed every year on 2 December.

Objective – To raise awareness about pollution control measures and the prevention of industrial disasters. The day is especially observed in the memory of people who lost their lives in the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984.

 

 

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India to assume chairmanship of Wassenaar Arrangement on 1st January, 2023: According to the MEA, India will take chairmanship of the Wassenaar Arrangement for a year on January 1, 2023. At the 26th annual plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement held in Vienna from Nov 30- Dec 1, 2022, Eoin O’Leary (Ireland’s ambassador) has handed over the chairmanship to Jaideep Mazumdar (India’s ambassador). Jaideep Mazumdar is the permanent representative to the UN and international organisations in Vienna. India joined the Wassenaar Arrangement in Dec 2017.

India will assume chairmanship of the plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement for a year on January 1, 2023, just five years after joining the 42-member voluntary export control regime that monitors transfers of conventional weapons and dual-use goods.

At the 26th annual plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement held in Vienna during November 30- December 1, Ireland’s ambassador Eoin O’Leary handed over the chairmanship to India’s ambassador Jaideep Mazumdar, who is the permanent representative to the UN and international organisations in Vienna.

 

2. India assumes the Presidency of UN Security Council for December 2022: India has taken charge as the President of the UN Security Council for December 2022. This is the second time in its two-year tenure as an elected member of the UNSC that India has assumed the Presidency of the Council. Earlier, India had assumed the Presidency of the UNSC in August 2021 The presidency of the Council is held by each of the members in turn for one month (English alphabetical order of member states) Permanent Representative of India to UN: Ruchira Kamboj.

India has assumed the Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of December. It is the second time in its two-year tenure as an elected member of the UN Security Council that India has assumed the Presidency of the Council. India had earlier assumed the Presidency of the UNSC in August 2021.

 

3. Ghana to assume Presidency of UN Security Council: West African country, Ghana assumes the rotating monthly Presidency of the United Nations Security Council. During the month of November 2022, Ghana shall preside over the meetings of the Council (adoptions, debates and consultations) and, under its authority, shall represent the Security Council in its capacity as an organ of the United Nations. Ghana rejoined the UN Security Council on January 1, 2022. It is the third time Ghana is holding a non­permanent seat on the Council. Ghana was first given the opportunity to serve on the council from 1962 to 1963, and was back for the period of January 2006 – December 2007.

 

4. Sylhet Festival inaugurated by Ministers of India and Bangladesh: G Kishan Reddy (Union Minister of Tourism) and Dr AK Abdul Momen (Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Minister) have inaugurated the Sylhet Festival 2022 at Silchar in the Barak Valley, Assam on 2nd Dec, 2022. The event was attended by Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam CM), K Hari Babu (Mizoram Governor) It was jointly organised by Ministry of Culture and India Foundation It is being organised in the context of the historical relationship between Sylhet and Barak Valley of South Assam.Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region G Kishan Reddy and Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will inaugurate the Sylhet Festival 2022 at Silchar in the Barak Valley of Assam today.

 

5. 2 December – World Computer Literacy Day: World Computer Literacy Day is celebrated every year on December 2.

Objective – To encourage digital literacy across all cultures and communities worldwide. The day, which has been observed on December 2 each year since 2001, promotes technological skills amongst groups that have traditionally had limited access to computers, especially children and women. Theme 2022 – Literacy for human-centered recovery: Narrowing the digital divide.

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Stephanie Frappart becomes first woman to referee at men’s 2022 FIFA WC: Stephanie Frappart (French) has become the first female referee at the men’s 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. She has taken charge of the group stage game between Costa Rica and Germany, held on December 2, 2022. Neuza Back (Brazil) and Karen Diaz Medina (Mexican) are the other women officials who have been designated for the same fixture. In 2021, she became the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup qualifying match (Netherlands against Latvia).

The French official will take charge of the group stage game between Costa Rica and Germany on December 2. In the process, she will become the first woman to take charge of a World Cup game in the competition’s 92-year history.Brazil’s Neuza Back and Mexican Karen Diaz Medina are the other women officials who have been designated for the same fixture.

 

2. Formula-1 racing: Max Verstappen won Mexican Formula 1 GP 2022: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen finished in first place at the Mexican Grand Prix 2022 to claim his record-setting 14th win of the season. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez finished second and third respectively.

 

Verstappen 14th victory of the season sees him pass Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel for the most race wins in a single season in Formula One history. Verstappen is now the most successful driver in the history of the Mexican GP, having secured his fourth title. It was the 34th race win of his career & 14th win of the 2022 season.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Protean and Fino Payments Bank tie-up for PAN card issuance services: Fino Payments Bank has tied up with Protean eGov Technologies (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited) to expand PAN card issuance services in India (especially in rural areas). With this, Fino become the first payments bank to act as PAN Service Agency (PSA) of Protean and facilitate paperless PAN issuance services. At Fino Bank, people can apply for PAN card through Aadhaar based authentication, without the need to submit or upload any documents.Fino Payments Bank has tied up with Protean eGov Technologies (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited), a market leader in universal, citizen centric and population scale e-governance solutions, to expand PAN card issuance services in India, especially in rural areas.

The association makes Fino the first payments bank to act as PAN Service Agency (PSA) of Protean and facilitate paperless PAN issuance services. The tie-up allows Protean to expand its reach in the interiors of the country through Fino Bank’s phygital network of over 12.2 lakh merchant points.

 

2. YES Bank acquired 9.9 percent stake in JC Flower ARC: Yes Bank has signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) with JC Flowers Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC), acquiring a 9.9 percent stake in the ARC at Rs 11.43 per share. The 9.9% stake represented 12,370,050 equity shares in JC Flowers ARC at ₹11.43 per share. Yes Bank’s board has approved the sale of stressed loans worth Rs 48,000 crore to JC Flowers. JC Flowers ARC is an asset reconstruction company incorporated on May 06, 2015. As of March 31, 2022, the ARC has a turnover of ₹19.91 crore.

About Yes Bank

Founded – 2004

Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra

MD & CEO – Prashant Kumar

Tagline – Experience our Expertise

 

3. India to receive over record $100 billion in remittances in 2022: WB: According to the World Bank’s Migration and Development brief, remittance flows to India are predicted to increase by 12% to $100 billion in 2022. While Mexico is placed second, followed by China, and the Philippines. This will help India maintain its top spot. The World Bank said the strong growth rate forecast for 2022 was noteworthy given that it came after a surge of 10.2 percent in 2021. Global remittance flows, including advanced economies, are expected to reach $794 billion in 2022. Remittances to low and middle-income countries increased by about 5 percent to over $626 billion in 2022. Remittances to India were enhanced by wage hikes and a strong labor market in the United States and other OECD countries.

About World Bank

Founded – 1944

Headquarters – Washington Dc

President – David Malpass

MD & CFO – Anshula Kant

Chief Economist – Carman Reinhart

Executive Director – Rajesh Khullar   

Member Countries -189

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. KIIT conferred Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2022: Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) has conferred the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2022. The award was presented by President Draupadi Murmu to Dr Achyuta Samanta (Founder of KIIT and KISS). The award presented to KIIT in recognition of KIIT's sustained focus towards the development of sports since its inception. The University has sponsored the education and training of hundreds of sportspersons (including: Dutee Chand, Olympian CA Bhavani Devi).

 

2. Kerala green start-up Tree Tag bags award in 2022 Climathon: Green start-up of Kerala, Tree Tag has won Climathon-2022 prize, under the category Life On Land. This hackathon was organized by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) in collaboration with EY Global Delivery Services, UNDP, Startup India, Global Shapers Kochi, NASSCOM and TiE Kerala. The winners has received a prize money of Rs 5 lakh. Climathon-2022 has focussed on climate change with the theme of securing a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

A green start-up by climate-conscious individuals from Kerala, striving to reduce carbon emissions through tech-integrated afforestation projects, has emerged first in the recently held Climathon-2022.Tree Tag, the start-up, received Rs five lakh as prize money in the hackathon which was held in Kerala Technology Innovation Zone (KTIZ), Kochi on November 26-27.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India and Singapore conclude bilateral exercise 'Agni Warrior': The 12th Edition of a bilateral exercise between the Singapore & Indian Army, 'Agni Warrior' has been concluded on 30 November 2022. Location: Field Firing Ranges, Devlali, Maharashtra During the exercise, both armies have showcased the joint firepower planning, execution and use of New Generation Equipment by the Artillery arm of both armies. Aim: To enhance the mutual understanding of drills & procedures and improving interoperability between the two armies.

The 12th Edition of Exercise Agni Warrior, a bilateral exercise between the Singapore & Indian Army, which had commenced on 13 November 2022 concluded at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali (Maharashtra) on 30 November 2022. Exercise Agni Warrior, involved showcasing joint firepower planning, execution and use of New Generation Equipment by the Artillery arm of both armies.

Exercise also included participation by both sides in a joint computer war-game as part of joint planning process. Both sides utilised niche technology and Artillery Observation Simulators as part of joint training phase. Expert academic discussions were conducted on modern trends in Artillery and refinement of Artillery planning process. Indigenously manufactured Artillery guns and howitzers also participated during the final phase of the exercise.

 

2. ICG Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III commissioned in Chennai: Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III squadron has been commissioned by DG VS Pathaniaon at ICG Air Station, Chennai.

The commissioning of 840 Sqn (CG) is indicative of the leap towards self-reliance in the field of helicopter manufacturing, in line with the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. A total of 16 ALH Mk-III aircraft have been inducted into the Indian Coast Guard in a phased manner and four of these aircraft are positioned in Chennai. The ALH Mk-III helicopters, are indigenously manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It will provide a major fillip to the abilities of Indian Coast Guard in the security-sensitive waters off Tamil Nadu and Andhra region.

 

3. Joint HADR Exercise ‘Samanvay 2022’ concluded in Agra: The Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise ‘Samanvay 2022’ has been conducted at Air Force Station, Agra. It is an annual joint multi-agency exercise involving various stakeholders from India and representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was the chief guest of the ceremony.

Recent Exercise

Ø  A joint military exercise between India-Malaysia “Harimau Shakti-2022” has been started at Pulai Klang in Malaysia

Ø  The 13th edition of the bilateral exercise between the Indian navy and the Royal Oman navy Naseem Al Bahr-2022 organized on the coast of Oman.

Ø  India-Indonesia joint exercise ‘Garuda Shakti’ kicks off in Karawang, Indonesia

Ø  The 3rd edition of the ‘Pan-India’ Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-22’ has concluded.

Ø  18th edition of India-US joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ started in Uttrakhand

 

 

 

 

OBITUARY

 

1. Former President of China Jiang Zemin passed away: Former President of China Jiang Zemin passed away recently at the age of 96. He was the Communist Party general secretary for 13 years. Jiang Zemin was a Chinese politician who served as general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party from 1989 to 2002. He also served as chairman of the Central Military Commission from 1989 to 2004, and as president of China from 1993 to 2003. He was appointed the president after the Tiananmen Square protests. As the general secretary, he has guided China’s rise to global economic power as he welcomed capitalists into the Communist Party. He had also helped pulling in foreign investment after China joined the WTO.

Daily GK Update- 1st Dec, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India' MMR declines to 97 per lakh live births in 2018-20: According to the Special Bulletin released by the Registrar General of India, Maternal Mortality Ratio(MMR) of India has been declined from 130 in 2014-16 to 97 per lakh live births in 2018-20. MMR: The number of maternal deaths during a given time period per one lakh live births. With this, the country has accomplished the National Health Policy target for MMR of less than 100 per lakh live births. Target: SDG target of MMR of less than 70 per lakh live births by 2030.

The number of states which have achieved the Sustainable Development Goal target has now risen from six to eight leading with Kerala, followed by Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra  Pradesh, and  Tamil Nadu. Reacting to a new milestone in MMR, Union Health Minister Dr. Mnasukh  Mandaviya credited it to the various healthcare initiatives of government to ensure quality maternal and reproductive care.

 

2. Gautam Adani tops Forbes India rich list 2022: As per the Forbes India Rich List 2022, the combined wealth of India’s 100 richest has been increased by $25 billion to $800 billion. The top 10 richest Indians are worth a cumulative $385 billion. Adani Group chairman, Gautam Adani has bagged the top spot on the list with a net worth of $150 billion. He is also the third richest billionaire globally. After Adani, Mukesh Ambani ($88 billion) placed second, followed by Radhakishan Damani, Cyrus Poonawalla, and Shiv Nadar.

The world economy may be slowing but India’s richest have grown even richer this year. The Forbes India India Rich List 2022 is finally here, according to which, the combined wealth of India’s 100 richest grew by $25 billion to touch a colossal $800 billion. The top 10 richest Indians are worth a cumulative $385 billion.

 

3. Meghalaya cabinet approved mental health and social care policy: Meghalaya has become the first state in the Northeast to pass the first-ever Mental Health and Social Care Policy.

Objective – To promote overall mental health and well-being and facilitate appropriate access and care pathways.

After Kerala and Karnataka, Meghalaya becomes the third state in India to have such a policy. This policy will ensure that proper attention is given to mental health, particularly for our youth and adolescents.

About Meghalaya :

Capital – Shillong

Chief Minister – Conrad Kongkal Sangma

Governor – D. Mishra (additional charge)

 

4. International Lusophone Festival to be held in Goa: International Lusophone Festival is being held from 3 to 6 December 2022 in. The Ministry of External Affairs is organizing the festival in partnership with the Indian Council of Cultural Relations and the Goa government. The festival seeks to further India’s connection with the Lusophone world. Goa has had historical linkages with the Lusophone world. This has been nurtured through the presence of Portuguese cultural institutions like the Orient Foundation and the Camoes Institute which promote the Portuguese language and culture in India.

About Goa

Capital – Panaji

Chief Minister – Pramod Sawant

Governor – S. Sreedharan Pillai

 

5. Nagaland celebrates 60th statehood day: Nagaland has observed its 60th Statehood day on 1st Dec 2022. It became the 16th State of the Union of India on 1st December 1963. On the occasion, the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio has launched 'SAHYOG project' of Nagaland Police and also flagged off Nagaland Police Special Operation Group Vehicles.Nagaland has also hosted the 23rd Hornbill Festival 2022 at Naga Heritage Village Kisama from 1st-10th December 2022.

Chief guest of this festival(2022): VP Jagdeep Dhankhar

 

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Gaslighting’ named Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2022: US dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster has announced “Gaslighting”, as the word of the year for 2022. Gaslighting — behavior that’s mind-manipulating, grossly misleading, downright deceitful. Merriam-Webster has defined Gaslighting, “The act or practice of grossly misleading someone, especially for one’s own advantage”. Interest in the term was up by 1,740% over the previous year according to searches of the online dictionary.

Other popular words 2022- Oligarch, Omicron, Codify, Queen Consort, Raid. Permacrisis is Collins Dictionary’s Word of The Year 2022. Cambridge Dictionary announced ‘Homer’ as Word of the Year 2022.

 

2. UNESCO recommended Great Barrier Reef to be put ‘in danger’ list site: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released has recommended Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR) on a list of world heritage sites in danger. The UNESCO report found the acidity of the Great Barrier Reef water has increased 26 percent while water quality targets have not been met.

It recommends urgent action to stop sediment runoff, a ban on destructive gill net fishing and a reduction in runoff from banana and sugarcane farming. Spanning nearly 133,000 square miles and home to more than 1,500 species of fish and over 400 species of hard corals, the Great Barrier Reef is an extremely critical marine ecosystem on Earth. It is the world’s biggest coral reef ecosystem. UNESCO classifies 52 such sites as in danger in order to encourage action to protect them.

 

3. India extends financial assistance of 100 million US dollars to Maldives: India has provided financial assistance of 100 million US dollars to the Maldives. The assistance is in the form of budgetary support to tide over the difficult economic situation in the archipelago nation. The assistance is being extended without any conditions and Maldives is free to use it in its economic recovery as it deems fit. The financial assistance has extended by India to showcase the resilience and reliability of the India-Maldives relationship.

 

4. Global Prime Cities Index by Knight Frank: Mumbai ranked 22nd: According to the Knight Frank report released Mumbai was ranked at 22nd rank in ‘Prime Global Cities Index Q3 (July-September) 2022. The three Indian cities; Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi registered an increase in average annual prices in the third quarter of 2022. Bengaluru’s rank also moved up to 27th as against 41st, while New Delhi’s position improved to 36th rank from 38th rank. Dubai recorded the fastest rise in prime prices in 2022. Wellington was the weakest-performing market.

 

5. World AIDS Day 2022: 1st December 2022: World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1 to raise awareness and encourages progress in HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment and care. Theme 2022: 'Equalize' Focus of theme: To highlight the particular inequalities faced by HIV patients and to press for the actions needed to address them. WHO has founded this day on December 1 in 1988. In August 1988, James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter have conveyed the idea of AIDS day to the Director of AIDS Global Program.

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. YES BANK partners Turtlefin to create tech platform ‘EasyNsure’: TurtleFin (India's insurtech platform) has collaborated with YES BANK to develop 'EasyNsure', a complete technological platform. Turtlefin’s innovative API will enable the platform to provide a slew of holistic insurance solutions at the push of a button. EasyNsure: It is a first-of-its-kind proposition for YES BANK, that will bring multiple insurance partners onto a single platform.

Yes Bank:

CEO: Prashant Kumar

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

 

2. India to receive over record $100 billion in remittances in 2022: According to the World Bank's Migration and Development brief, remittance flows to India are predicted to increase by 12% to $100 billion in 2022. While the Mexico is placed second, followed by China, and the Philippines. Remittances to India were enhanced by wage hikes and a strong labor market in the United States and other OECD countries. Remittances to low and middle-income countries increased by about 5 percent to over $626 billion in 2022.

 

India is on course to maintain its position as the top recipient of remittances, with migrant workers who are on track to send home a record amount of money this year. According to the World Bank's Migration and Development brief, remittance flows to India are predicted to increase by 12 percent and hit $100 billion for the first time this year, way ahead of Mexico, China, and the Philippines. This will help India maintain its top spot.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Manthan Platform wins the Best Tech Initiative Award: The Manthan platform won NSEIT the Best Tech Initiative of the Year at the Dun & Bradstreet Business Excellence Awards 2022. Reason: For building the technology infrastructure to support Manthan. Manthan is a platform that promotes collaboration at scale between industry and the scientific research and development ecosystem. The development of the platform was conceptualized andimplemented by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), GoI.

 

The Manthan platform won NSEIT the Best Tech Initiative of the Year at the Dun & Bradstreet Business Excellence Awards 2022 on 29th November 2022 during an event in Mumbai. The award was presented for building the technology infrastructure to support Manthan, a platform that promotes collaboration at scale between industry and the scientific research and development ecosystem. The development of the platform was conceptualized and implemented by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. The award was received by Dr. Sapna Poti, Director of Strategic Alliances Division, Office of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India and Shri. Anantharaman Sreenivasan, MD & CEO, NSEIT.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin passes away: Former leader of China, Jiang Zemin, who came to power after the Tiananmen Square protests, has been passed away at 96 due to leukaemia and multiple organ failure. He was the Communist Party general secretary for 13 years. As the general secretary, he has guided China's rise to global economic power as he welcomed capitalists into the Communist Party. He had also helped pulling in foreign investment after China joined the WTO. Former President of China Jiang Zemin, who supported economic reforms leading years of growth in the country, has died at the age of 96. Jiang Zemin crushed the pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square. He died from leukemia and multiple organ failure in Shanghai at 12:13 pm today.

DEFENCE

1. Army’s Sudarshan Chakra Corps conducts 'EX Sudarshan Prahar': Sudarshan Chakra Corps of Indian Army has conducted Exercise Sudarshan Prahar in the deserts of Rajasthan on 30th November 2022. Focus: On the synergised application of combat power through the integration of force multipliers & practising new battle techniques. The exercise was attended by Lt Gen AK Singh, Goc-in-C, Southern Command.

About India Army:

Headquarters: New Delhi

Motto: Service Before Self

Chief: General, Manoj Pande