Daily GK Update- 5th Jan, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to chair Counter Terrorism Committee of UNSC in January 2022: India will chair the Counter-Terrorism Committee of UNSC in January 2022 after 10 years. The Counter-Terrorism Committee was established by Security Council resolution 1373 adopted unanimously on 28 September 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks in the US. The Committee was tasked with monitoring the implementation of resolution 1373 which requested countries to implement a number of measures aimed at enhancing their legal and institutional ability to counter terrorist activities at home and around the world.

Work of Counter-Terrorism Committee of UNSC:

(1) This includes taking steps to criminalize the financing of terrorism, freezing any funds related to persons involved in acts of terrorism, denying all forms of financial support for terrorist groups, suppressing the provision of safe haven, sustenance or support for terrorists and sharing information with other governments on any groups practising or planning terrorist acts.

(2) Besides, the Committee monitors steps taken to cooperate with other governments in the investigation, detection, arrest, extradition and prosecution of those involved in terror acts and criminalizes active and passive assistance for terrorism.

 

2. PM Modi inaugurated Bina (MP)-Panki (UP) Multiproduct pipeline project: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 356 Km long Bina Refinery (Madhya Pradesh)- POL Terminal at Panki (Kanpur, UP) Multiproduct pipeline project ( capacity of 45 million metric tonnes per annum) with an outlay of Rs 1524 crore (Rs. 1227 crores in UP and Rs. 297 crores in MP). The project has been completed and commissioned one month ahead of the approved completion schedule of December 2021 (3 years from PNGRB authorisation) and within the approved cost. It will provide for safe and efficient evacuation of products from Bina Refinery and also improve the availability of products in Eastern U.P, Central U.P., Northern Bihar and Southern Uttarakhand.

Some other projects inaugurated by PM Modi: PM has also inaugurated the completed section of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project and undertook a metro ride from the IIT metro station to Geeta Nagar. The entire length of the Metro Rail Project in Kanpur is 32 Km and is being built at a cost of around ₹11,000 crores. PM also attended the 54th Convocation Ceremony of IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Kanpur.

 

3. Houston COVID-19 vaccine Corbevax gets DCGI approval for use in India: The Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) and Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) announced that Corbevax, a protein subunit Covid vaccine, has received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to launch it in India. The initial construct and production process of the vaccine antigen was developed at TCH’s Centre for Vaccine Development.

As Corbevax has been granted emergency use authorisation in India, Professor Peter Hotez said, “given the urgency, Corbevax will be helpful not only for India but globally as most of the African continent, neighbouring countries around India remain largely unvaccinated.” Emergency use authorisation of Corbevax in India for adults 18 and older will have a great pediatric profile because parents have been giving the same technology (as in vaccine) to their kids for decades.

Note: Drugs Controller General of India: V. G. Somani.

 

4. Jawaharlal Nehru Road renamed as ‘Narendra Modi Marg’: Governor of Sikkim, Ganga Prasad, has named a new road Narendra Modi Marg. The Governor viewed the road under Kabi Lungchok from Kyongsala, 4th mile. This is an alternative to Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg. The National Monument at National Highway 310 was built by Border Roads Organization. It will be easier for Indian tourists to reach Nathula Border. The stretch, constructed by Border Roads Organisation, has reduced the distance between Gangtok and Tsomgo lake by 15 km.

 

5. ITBP DG Sanjay Arora to hold SSB additional charge: ITBP director general Sanjay Arora will hold the additional charge of another border guarding force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) as the latter’s chief Kumar Rajesh Chandra is set to retire on December 31. Arora, a 1988-batch officer of Tamil Nadu cadre, was appointed the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) DG in August and he took charge of the India-China LAC guarding force on September 1. The SSB is primarily tasked to guard unfenced Indian borders with Nepal and Bhutan.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Russia’s 1st versatile nuclear-powered icebreaker to boost India’s Arctic Plans: Russia has launched its first in the series Project 22220 versatile nuclear-powered icebreaker known as ‘Sibir’. This icebreaker will support the growing fleet of icebreakers to keep the Northern Sea Route open for year-round shipping through the Arctic and enable a wider presence of India in the arctic region.

About the Icebreaker: The construction of Sibir was started in 2015 and the icebreaker was floated on 22nd December 2017. Sibir was handed over to the Rosatom State Atomiс Energy Corporation for exploitation; the Delivery-Acceptance Act was signed on 24th December at Baltic Shipyard, St. Petersburg, Russia. The icebreaker is 173.3 meters (568.6 feet) long and 34 meters broad with a 33,500-tonne displacement.

Note: Russia Capital: Moscow; Russia Currency: Rouble; Russia President: Vladimir Putin.

 

2. Anupam Ray to become India’s new ambassador to UN Conference on Disarmament: Senior diplomat Anupam Ray has been appointed as India’s next permanent representative to the UN Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. Ray, a 1994-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, is currently serving as a joint secretary in the MEA’s headquarters in Delhi. Ray will succeed Pankaj Sharma. Sharma, a 1991-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, has been appointed as India’s next ambassador to Mexico.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India defeat Sri Lanka in U-19 Asia Cup 2021 finals: India has lifted the under-19 Asia cricket Cup by defeating Sri Lanka by nine wickets in a rain-interrupted One-Day International final in Dubai through the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. In the match, Sri Lanka opted to bat first and scored 106 for nine in the stipulated 38 overs. India, who have won a record seven Asia Cup titles, looked a far superior team. Rasheed and Harnoor ended the competition as the top-two leading scorers with 133 and 131 runs in four matches, respectively. India’s only loss in the competition came against Pakistan.

 

2. Quinton de Kock announces retirement from Test cricket: South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect late. His announcement came just hours after South Africa’s 113-run defeat to India in the first Test of the three-match series.

De Kock cited his intentions to spend more time with his growing family for the timing. In a statement, the 29-year-old de Kock said he made his decision in order to have more time to spend with his family. De Kock and his wife Sasha are expecting their first child in the coming days.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI to acquire 9.95% stake in GIFT-IFSC-based Clearing Corp: State Bank of India will acquire up to 9.95 per cent stake in India International Clearing Corporation (IFSC) Ltd subject to a maximum investment of Rs 34.03 crore. The Clearing Corporation is a GIFT City (Gandhinagar, Gujarat) based Market Infrastructure Institution (MII). The Corporation is the first international clearing corporation to be set up at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). The Clearing Corporation acts as a central counterparty providing clearing & settlement and risk management services to India International Exchange (IFSC) Ltd.

Note: State Bank of India Founded: 1 July 1955; State Bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai; State Bank of India Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara.

 

2. Axis Bank is 2nd largest in PoS machines: Axis Bank has become the second-largest merchant-acquiring bank in the country, leapfrogging two spaces during 2021 by installing over two lakh card-swipe machines during the year. This is part of the bank’s ‘Axis One’ strategy where it approaches the customers by offering its entire gamut of products instead of a standalone service. Axis Bank’s strategy to increase the number of merchants is to offer the latest in technology to them and address pain points. For instance, the bank installs Android PoS machines and has also come out with a printer-less compact machine. On the agenda are bring-your-own-device (BYOD) solutions that will enable the use of regular smartphones with an attachment for accepting cards.

 

3. Vasudevan PN reappointed as MD & CEO of Equitas Small Finance Bank: Vasudevan Pathangi Narasimhan has been reappointed as the Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited (ESFBL) for three years (from July 23, 2022, to July 22, 2025), by the Board of Directors (BoD). He is currently serving as the MD and CEO of the bank. Earlier he was working as the MD of Equitas Holdings Limited. He holds a bachelor’s degree in science (physics) from the University of Madras. A qualified company secretary from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, he has extensive experience in the financial services sector.

Note: Equitas Small Finance Bank Ltd Founded: 2016; Equitas Small Finance Bank Ltd Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Equitas Small Finance Bank Ltd Part-Time Chairman: Arun Ramanathan; Equitas Small Finance Bank Ltd Tagline: It’s Fun Banking.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. GST Collection Stood At Rs 1.29 Lakh Crore in December 2021: GST revenue collected in December 2021 was over Rs 1.29 lakh crore, 13 per cent higher than the same month in 2020. The gross GST revenue collected in the month of December 2021 is ₹ 1,29,780 crore, of which CGST is ₹ 22,578 crore, SGST is ₹ 28,658 crore, IGST is Rs 69,155 crore (including Rs 37,527 crores collected on import of goods) and cess is Rs 9,389 crore.

Though the collection was lower than Rs 1.31 lakh crore mopped up in November, December is the sixth month in a row when revenue from goods sold and services rendered stood at over Rs 1 lakh crore. The average monthly gross GST collection for the third quarter (October-December) of the current year has been Rs 1.30 lakh crore against the average monthly collection of Rs 1.10 lakh crore and Rs 1.15 lakh crore in the first and second quarter, respectively.

 

2. Vijay Raaz & Varun Sharma named as Brand Ambassadors of EaseMyTrip: Bollywood actors Vijay Raaz & Varun Sharma have been named as brand ambassadors for EaseMyTrip.com (Easy Trip Planners Ltd), an online travel company based in India. EaseMyTrip founded by Nishant Pitti and Rikant Pitti in 2008 was started as the Business-to-Business (B2B) portal and entered into the business-to-consumer (B2C) segment in 2011.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army set up Quantum Lab at MCTE in Military Headquarters Of War: The Indian Army has established the Quantum Lab at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), in Military Headquarters Of War (Mhow), Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Indian Army’s research in the field of Quantum Technology will help in leapfrogging into next-generation communication and transforming the current system of cryptography in Indian Armed Forces to Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC). Key thrust areas include Quantum Computing, Quantum Key Distribution, Quantum Communication, and Post Quantum Cryptography.

About the lab: The Quantum Lab was established with the support of the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) to spearhead research and training in this key developing field. Indian Army has also established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre at the MCTE, Mhow with more than 140 deployments in forward areas and active support of industry and academia. Training on cyber warfare is being given through cyber security labs and state of art cyber range.

Daily GK Update- 4th Jan, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Haryana CM launched ‘Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam’ Web-portal: The Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar has launched the ‘Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam portal’ and announced to set up the Atal Park & Smriti Kendra in Gurugram, Haryana. The CM also honoured 78 officers and employees for delivering the best services in various fields. He also launched a magazine ‘Vyavastha Parivartan Se Susashan’ and the 2022 official calendar.

About the portal: Now all the problems of the public are being solved easily through CM Window. So far, more than 8.5 lakh issues have been resolved. The government has abolished the practice of remand in the cases of the Revenue Department. Only a maximum of two appeals can be made in this. Apart from this, a run through the system has been implemented to accelerate the file work. The government has abolished the contractual practice in the recruitments made in the departments.

Note: Haryana Capital: Chandigarh; Haryana Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya.

 

2. Karnataka govt partnered with NPCI & SBI to implement ‘e-RUPI’: Karnataka government has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) & State Bank of India (SBI) to enable and implement the ‘e-RUPI’ payment solution to students under its scholarship programme. For redeeming e-RUPI, the identified institutes will scan the QR code or SMS string displayed by the students using an application. The e-RUPI is a cashless and contactless payment solution provided by NPCI and It will be used to ensure leak-proof delivery transactions.

Benefits the e-RUPI: Digital payment platform e-RUPI will be used to ensure “leak-proof” payment of education fees for students eligible under the scholarship programmes of the Karnataka government. As a part of this process, the Karnataka government will get e-vouchers delivered to the mobiles of eligible students. The voucher code can be received on a feature phone as well. The students will be able to redeem e-RUPI at the identified colleges or institutes for the intended purpose of fees payment.

Note: Chief Minister of Karnataka: Basavaraj S Bommai; Karnataka Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot; Karnataka Capital: Bengaluru.

 

3. Diplomat Vikram Misri named as Deputy National Security Advisor: Diplomat Vikram Misri has been appointed as deputy national security adviser in the national security council secretariat. The appointment of Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, came after he served as the Indian ambassador to China for nearly three years. He served in various capacities at the headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as well as in the Prime Minister’s Office. Misri will report to national security adviser Ajit Doval. At present, Rajinder Khanna, Pankaj Saran and Dattatray Padsalgikar are serving as deputy NSAs.

Misri has also served in various Indian Missions in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. The government has already appointed Pradeep Kumar Rawat as India’s new envoy to China.

 

4. CP Goyal appointed Director-General of Forests & Special Secretary: Indian Forest Service officer, Chandra Prakash Goyal has been appointed as the Director-General of Forests & Special Secretary (DGF&SS), Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change. Goyal, a 1986 batch IFS officer was previously the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest under Uttar Pradesh Department of Forest. The Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet approved the appointment of the IFoS officer. He had returned to UP after being on central deputation as Joint Secretary in the Indian Department of Biotechnology.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Egypt became fourth new member of New Development Bank: Egypt added as the fourth new member of BRICS New Development Bank. Bangladesh, UAE, and Uruguay joined BRICS New Development Bank in September 2021. Membership expansion enables New Development Bank to position itself as a premier development institution for emerging economies. BRICS New Development Bank is a multilateral bank that was established by Brazil, Russia, China, India, and South Africa to finance sustainable development and infrastructure projects.

The new list of New Development Bank member countries:

S.No	Member Countries
1	Brazil
2	Russia
3	India
4	China
5	South Africa
6	Bangladesh
7	United Arab Emirates
8	Egypt
9	Uruguay

 

Note: New Development Bank Headquarter: Shanghai, China; New Development Bank President: Marcos Prado Troyjo; New Development Bank Founder: BRICS; New Development Bank Founded: 15 July 2014.

 

2. World Braille Day: 4th January: World Braille Day is observed globally on 4th January since 2019. The day aims to recognize the right of access to braille by blind people and raise awareness of the importance of braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people. The day is marked remembering the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille – for people with visual disabilities. Louis Braille was born on 4th January 1809 in the town of Coupvray in northern France.

Braille: Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetic and numerical symbols using six dots to represent each letter and number, and even musical, mathematical and scientific symbols. Braille (named after its inventor in 19th century France, Louis Braille) is used by blind and partially sighted people to read the same books and periodicals as those printed in a visual font.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Jasprit Bumrah Achieves Milestone of Picking 100 Test Wickets: Jasprit Bumrah has achieved the milestone of picking 100 wickets away from home in 22 Test matches. Van der Dussen became Bumrah’s 100th Test victim in overseas conditions. The 28-year-old now has 105 wickets, out of which 101 have come away from home. Bumrah, who made his Test debut in South Africa in 2018, has played 25 Tests, 23 of which have come on the road.

Fewest wickets in Test career while reaching 100 away Test wickets:

Jasprit Bumrah (India): 104

Mohammad Amir (Pakistan): 118

Michael Holding (West Indies): 136

Zaheer Khan (India): 137

Mohammed Shami (India): 140

Andy Roberts (West Indies): 140

 

2. Mohammed Shami becomes 11th Indian bowler to take 200 wickets in Test cricket: Mohammed Shami became just the 11th Indian bowler to claim 200 wickets in Test cricket in just 55 test matches. During this process, he became the only 5th Indian pacer to bag 200 wickets in the purest format of the game. Also, Shami is the third fastest Indian pacer to reach this milestone as Kapil Dev and Javagal Srinath bagged 200 Test wickets in 50 and 54 Tests respectively.

Here is the list of India’s Leading Wicket-takers in Test Cricket:

Anil Kumble: 619 Wickets

Kapil Dev: 434 Wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin: 427 Wickets

Harbhajan Singh: 417 Wickets

Zaheer Khan: 311 Wickets

Ishant Sharma: 311 Wickets

BS Bedi: 266 Wickets

BS Chandrasekhar: 242 Wickets

Javagal Srinath: 236 Wickets

Ravindra Jadeja: 232 Wickets

Mohammed Shami: 200 Wickets

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI’s latest report on ‘Trend and Progress of Banking in India’: India’s central bank, RBI has released the latest iteration of its annual report on the financial performance of the country. In its report, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) details that, despite the devastation caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in India, the financial performance of banks has improved, citing a fall in the gross non-performing asset ratio for scheduled commercial banks (SCBs). The report, titled ‘Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India,’ also showed how a rise in profitability of SCBs in 2020-21 was driven less by an increase in income but more via reductions in expenditure. Key Highlights:

(1) The gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) ratio of SCBs fell from 8.2 per cent at the end of March 2020 to 7.3 per cent in March 2021. This decreased further to 6.9 per cent at the end of September 2021

(2) Capital to risk-weighted assets ratios(CRAR) – a vital measure of a bank’s stability – of SCBs improved from 14.8 per cent at the end of March 2020 to 16.3 per cent at the end of March 2021

(3) Banks have been plagued with an increase in the incidences of fraud in the current fiscal.

(4) The report notes that the number of frauds between April and September 2021 rose in comparison to the corresponding period last year.

 

2. IndusInd Bank launched ‘green fixed deposits’: IndusInd Bank has announced the launch of ‘green fixed deposits’, whereby the deposit proceeds will be used to finance projects and firms supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A green deposit is a fixed-term deposit for investors looking to invest their surplus cash reserves in environmentally friendly projects. These deposits will be offered to both retail & corporate customers.

About the ‘green fixed deposits’:

(1) The Bank will use the proceeds from these deposits to finance a wide array of sectors falling under the SDG category including, energy efficiency, renewable energy, green transport, sustainable food, agriculture, forestry, waste management and greenhouse gas reduction.

(2) The interest on the Green deposit remains attractive with an additional benefit of 50 basis points for senior citizens. In all ways, it is similar to a regular bank deposit but in addition, depositors will be issued a ‘Green’ certificate as well as an ‘Assurance’ certificate confirming the end-use of deposit proceeds at the end of the financial year.”

(3) The launch of ‘Green’ deposits’ is part of IndusInd Bank’s larger commitment of creating value for all its stakeholders, and remaining focused at driving the sustainable economic growth of the country.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. KVASU bags national award for breed conservation: The All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on poultry breeding, Mannuthy, under the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Science University (KVASU), bagged the national breed conservation award for 2021. The centre received the prestigious award from ICAR – The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) for the conservation and research activities on the Tellicherry breed, the only registered native chicken breed from the State. The centre started conservation of the Tellicherry breed in 2014. Through scientific selection and management, the breed began laying eggs as early as in five months and the annual egg production increased to 160-170 eggs.

About the awards: The award carries a citation and a purse of Rs 10,000. The award was established by ICAR – NBAGR for their contribution towards the conservation and improvement of registered Indian breeds of domestic livestock and poultry.

 

2. Sahitya Akademi Award 2021 Announced: Sahitya Akademi announced its prestigious Sahitya Akademi Awards, Yuva Puraskar and Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2021 in various languages. According to the board, an engraved copper plate, shawl and an amount of Rs 1 lakh will be given to the main Sahitya Akademi prize winner and an engraved copper plate and an amount of Rs 50,000 each will be given to the Yuva Puraskar and Bal Sahitya Puraskar.

Sahitya Akademi Award 2021: The Sahitya Akademi Award 2021 was given in 20 Indian languages, the winner of Gujarati, Maithili, Manipuri, and Urdu languages will be announced at a later date. Seven books of poetry, two novels, five books of short stories, two plays, one book each of biography, autobiography, criticism, and epic poetry have won the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2021. Author, Namita Gokhale was awarded for her novel Things to Leave Behind

Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2021: The Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2021 were awarded for 22 Indian languages and the award in Tamil will be declared later, there was no award given in Rajasthani language this year. Author Megha Majumdar won the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2021 for her debut book ‘A Burning’, published in 2020.

Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2021: The Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2021 was given in 22 Indian languages, no Bal Sahitya Puraskar was given in Gujarati and Punjabi languages this year. Anita Vachharajani has been named as the recipient of the Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2021 for the biography “Amrita Sher-Gil: Rebel with a Paintbrush”. Hindi writer Devendra Mewari won the award for his play titled “Natak Natak me Vigyan”.

Daily GK Update- 3rd Jan, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi launches blockchain-based digital degrees at IIT Kanpur: Under the National Blockchain Project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched blockchain-based digital degrees at the 54th Convocation Ceremony of IIT Kanpur. Later Prime Minister also inaugurated the completed section of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project and the Bina-Panki Multiproduct Pipeline Project. These digital degrees can be verified globally and are unforgeable.

The blockchain technology being used by IIT Kanpur to award digital degrees has been developed in-house. It is being touted as a revolutionary technology for the education sector. The technology is already being used in the financial sector. The technology has been developed by the institute under the National Blockchain Project.

 

2. PM Modi laid the foundation stone of 4 hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and laid the foundation of the hydropower projects worth Rs 11000 crore in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. He inaugurated the Sawra-Kuddu Hydro Power Project, a 111 MW Project which has been built at a cost of around Rs 2,080 crore. He also laid the foundation stone of the Renukaji Dam project which has been kept pending for around 3 decades. The 40 MW project will be built at a cost of around Rs 7,000 crore. Other Projects are: Luhri Stage 1 Hydro Power Project and the Dhaulasidh Hydro Power Project, the first hydropower project of the Hamirpur district.

Note: Himachal Pradesh Capital: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter); Himachal Pradesh Governor: Rajendra Arlekar; Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister: Jai Ram Thakur.

 

3. Telangana topped in Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission: Telangana has secured 1st place among the 34 states and Union Territories that implement the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM). Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have secured 2nd and 3rd place on the list respectively. In the Ranking of the Cluster, among the 295 clusters, the Ryakal cluster of Sangareddy and the Jukkal cluster of Kamareddy in Telangana has secured the 1st and 2nd position respectively. The Aibawk cluster of Aizawl in Mizoram has secured the 3rd position.

About the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission: The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) follows the vision of “Development of a cluster of villages that preserve and nurture the essence of rural community life with focus on equity and inclusiveness without compromising with the facilities perceived to be essentially urban in nature, thus creating a cluster of “Rurban Villages”. The objective of the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) is to stimulate local economic development, enhance basic services, and create well planned Rurban clusters.

 

4. IAS Praveen Kumar named as DG & CEO of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs: Govt of India has approved the appointment of Praveen Kumar, IAS, Former Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to the post of Director General & Chief Executive Officer, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA). The proposal for setting up IICA was approved by Planning Commission in the year 2007. It was established in 2008 at Manesar, Haryana. Praveen Kumar is a 1987 batch retired IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre, and a former Secretary, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.

 

5. Radhika Jha named as CEO of Energy Efficiency Services: Radhika Jha has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer in state-run Energy Efficiency Services (EESL). EESL is a joint venture between NTPC, Power Grid, Power Finance Corp and REC, working to promote energy efficiency in the country. Prior to the new posting, the IAS officer was serving as Secretary to the Government of Uttarakhand for the Education Department. She took charge of the post in July this year and navigated the operational guidelines for resuming classes post COVID. Earlier, Radhika Jha also led the Centre’s Integrated Power Development Scheme as Executive Director in Power Finance Corp, before moving to the state.

Note: Energy Efficiency ServicesHeadquarters: New Delhi; Energy Efficiency Services Founded: 2009; Energy Efficiency Services Chairmen: Arun Kumar Mishra.

 

6. A book titled ‘Dr V L Dutt: Glimpses of a Pioneer’s Life Journey’ by V L Indira Dutt: Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu has launched the book titled ‘Dr V L Dutt: Glimpses of a Pioneer’s Life Journey’ authored by Dr V L Indira Dutt, Chairperson and Managing Director of KCP Group, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The book is based on the life of Late Velagapudi Lakshmana Dutt (V.L. Dutt), the former Chairman of KCP Group.

Dutt was a well-known industrialist, philanthropist, and visionary who influenced a generation of young entrepreneurs. Dutt, as president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), was essential in bridging the gap between government and industry during the key years of 1991-92.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Japan introduced the world’s 1st Dual-Mode Vehicle: Japan has introduced a minibus lookalike world’s first dual-mode vehicle (DMV) in its town of Kaiyo. The vehicle can run on normal rubber tyres on the road but its steel wheels, which are in its underbelly, descend when it hits the rail tracks. The DMV can carry up to 21 passengers and runs at a speed of 60km/h on rail tracks and can go as fast as around 100km/h on public roads.

The front tyres are lifted off the track and the rear wheels stay down to propel the DMV onto the railway. This feature of effectively changing into a train-like module easily on a rail track is the first of its kind. Powered by diesel, the small fleet of vehicles comes in different colours. It runs along part of the coast of Shikoku island in southern Japan, connecting several small towns and offering passengers attractive seaside scenery.

Note: Japan Capital: Tokyo; Japan Currency: Japanese Yen; Japan PM: Fumio Kishida.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. National Dope Testing Laboratory regained WADA accreditation: World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has restored the accreditation of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in accordance with the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL), which had been suspended since August 2019. With this, NDTL’s Anti-Doping testing and activities will be resumed with immediate effect. NDTL has also been collaborating with other WADA accredited laboratories for strengthening its research activities and anti-doping efforts.

India is currently third in the WADA’s global list of dope violators, led by Russia. The suspension of the NDTL had prohibited it from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analysis of urine and blood samples. The process had made the anti-doping programme very expensive for the country because of the significant cost involved in sending samples abroad.

Note: World Anti-Doping Agency Founder: Dick Pound; World Anti-Doping Agency Founded: 10 November 1999; World Anti-Doping Agency Headquarters: Montreal, Canada; World Anti-Doping Agency President: Craig Reedie.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank tie-up with IPPB to offer banking services in rural areas: HDFC Bank has signed an MoU with India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to offer banking services to over 4.7 crore customers of IPPB in semi-urban and rural areas. Under the MoU, out of 4.7 crores, customers around 90 per cent reside in rural areas. The HDFC bank aims to boost its financial inclusion drive by leveraging IPPB’s network of 650 branches and over 136,000 banking access points.

This alliance will allow IPPB to provide affordable and diversified offerings to its customers through its doorstep banking service. This alliance will allow us to take our best-in-class products and services to millions of IPPB customers in the remotest corners of India.

Note: India Post Payments Bank Founded: 2018; India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi; India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) MD & CEO: J Venkatramu; India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Tag line: Aapka Bank, Aapke Dwaar.

 

2. Indipaisa tie-up with NSDL Payments Bank to launch a new Fintech platform: Indipaisa has signed a partnership agreement with NSDL Payments Bank to launch Financial Technology (Fintech) solutions targeting India’s 63 million Small & Mid-sized Enterprise (SME) sector. To empower SME owners & operators to provide facilities and services that help them grow businesses, comply with government tax laws and build a sustainable future.

About the Agreements:

(1) Indipaisa’s mission is to empower SME owners and operators to take charge of their finances as well as give them facilities and services that help them grow their businesses, comply with government tax laws, and build a better future for their families.

(2) Indipaisa plans to introduce multiple financial products and services customized from the ground up to match the specific needs of Indian SME owners and operators.

(3) Furthermore, Indiapaisa is proud to be part of the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India’s drive to digitize payments, estimated to exceed USD 1.0 Trillion annually by the year 2025.

Note: NSDL Payments Bank Founded: 1996; NSDL Payments Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; NSDL Payments Bank MD & CEO: Abhijit Kamalapurkar.

 

3. GoI appoints Atul Kumar Goel as new MD & CEO of PNB: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Atul Kumar Goel, MD & CEO of UCO Bank, as MD & CEO of Punjab National Bank (PNB) with effect from February 1 next year. Goel will serve as PNB chief until December 31, 2024, which is his attaining the superannuation age. Goel will replace Mallikarjuna Rao, incumbent MD & CEO of PNB.  Rao was given a three-month extension that will end on January 31, 2022.

Meanwhile, the ACC has appointed Soma Sankara Prasad, currently Deputy Managing Director at State Bank of India, as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in UCO Bank. He will serve as MD & CEO of UCO Bank till the date of attaining the age of superannuation on May 31, 2023.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. ICRA rating agency expects India to grow at 9% in FY22-23: ICRA Credit rating agency has expected India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) will grow with 9% rate in fiscal years 2022 and 2023. The Indian economy has grown at 8.4 percent in the second quarter of the current fiscal year. ICRA said the growth momentum is not enough to confirm a change in the Monetary Policy stance in the February 2022 review. The Future Expectation Index continued to display optimism because of improving the overall economic situation.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO named Paras Defence for handing over border surveillance systems tech: The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) selected Paras Defence and Space Technologies for handing over the technology of border surveillance systems as developed by Instruments Research & Development Establishment and DRDO. This technology has been transferred by a licensing agreement for the transfer of technology (ToT) for border surveillance systems entered between the company, Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE) and Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). This system shall provide all-weather surveillance for day and night monitoring of the border areas, it shall consist of Radar, EO sensors etc., mounted on Pan Tilt platforms. With this ToT, Paras Defence and Space Technologies shall be serving the requirement of the Armed Forces of the nation.

About the Paras Defence and Space Technologies: Paras Defence and Space Technologies is primarily engaged in designing, developing, manufacturing and testing of a wide range of defence and space engineering products and solutions. Its product offerings cater to four major segments of the Indian defence sector i.e. defence and space optics, defence electronics, electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) protection solution and heavy engineering for defence and niche technologies.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Seven-term Rajya Sabha MP and industrialist Mahendra Prasad passes away: Seven-time Rajya Sabha MP from the Janata Dal (United) & industrialist, Mahendra Prasad passed away. He was a seven-term Rajya Sabha MP from Bihar and was also elected to the Lok Sabha once. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha on a Congress ticket in 1980. Estimated to be one of the richest members of Parliament, the founder of Aristo Pharmaceuticals was a seven-term Rajya Sabha MP from Bihar and was also elected to the Lok Sabha once.

Daily GK Update- 2nd Jan, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre sets up two panels to lower crop insurance premium: The Centre has appointed two separate groups of experts to suggest suitable working models with cost benefit analysis that will lower crop insurance premium and technology in crop yield estimation under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). This follows the exit of several States including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar and West Bengal from the scheme, citing high premium.

(1) A ten-member committee under scientist KR Manjunath of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will explore the feasibility of adoption of various technology-based approaches developed through pilot projects by ISRO and its arm National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) as well as Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) of the Union Agriculture Ministry.

(2) The other sub-committee, headed by Saurabh Mishra, joint secretary in Ministry of Finance, will conduct cost benefit analysis of all “accepted models – agriculture insurance pool, cup and cap 80-110 per cent and co-insurance 20-80 per cent” as well as any profit-loss sharing model.

 

2. Govt set up high-level committee to examine of lifting Nagaland’s AFSPA: The Government of India has decided to constitute a ‘five-member’ committee to look into the demand for withdrawal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act “AFSPA” in Nagaland. The committee headed by Vivek Joshi, the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, would submit its recommendations within 45 days. Additional Secretary in the Home Ministry Piyush Goyal will be its Member-Secretary. The Chief Secretary and DGP of Nagaland and the DGP of Assam Rifles will be the other members of the committee. Vivek Joshi, who is Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, will head the five-member committee while Additional Secretary in the Union Home Ministry Piyush Goyal will be the member secretary of the panel. Other members of the committee are the chief secretary and DGP of Nagaland and the DGP of the Assam Rifles.

About the AFSPA: The AFSPA empowers security forces to conduct operations and arrest anyone without any prior warrant. It also gives immunity to the forces if they shoot someone dead.

Note: Chief Minister of Nagaland: Neiphiu Rio; Governor of Nagaland: Jagdish Mukhi.

 

3. NITI Aayog released 4th State Health Index: NITI Aayog has released the fourth edition of the State Health Index for 2019–20 that provides incremental performance in health outcomes and status. The index is developed by: NITI Aayog, World Bank, and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The report, titled “Healthy States, Progressive India”, ranks states and Union Territories on their year-on-year incremental performance in health outcomes as well as their overall status. The index is being compiled and published since 2017. The reports aim to nudge states/UTs towards building robust health systems and improving service delivery.

(1) Among the ‘Larger States’, in terms of annual incremental performance, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Telangana are the top three ranking states.

(2) Among ‘Smaller States’, Mizoram and Meghalaya registered the maximum annual incremental progress.

(3) Among UTs, Delhi, followed by Jammu and Kashmir, showed the best incremental performance.

On overall ranking based on the composite index score in 2019–20, the top-ranking states were Kerala and Tamil Nadu among the ‘Larger States’, Mizoram and Tripura among the ‘Smaller States’, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and Chandigarh among the UTs.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. China launches new camera satellite with 5m resolution: China has launched a new satellite with a camera capable of taking photos of the ground with a resolution of five meters, according to the National Space Administration of China (CNSA). The satellite, called “Ziyuan-1 02E” or “Five Meter 02 Optical Satellite”. Beijing time by a Long March-4C rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Beijing Province. Shanxi (northern China). This is the 39th launch of the Longue Marche-4C rocket and the 403rd launch of the entire Long March series.

About the satellite:

(1) The Ziyuan-1 02E weighs approximately 2.5 kilograms and is equipped with infrared, near-infrared and hyperspectral cameras. The cameras can take panchromatic color images of the Earth.

(2) The satellite will work with the five-meter optical satellite 01 and will reduce the revisiting time of Chinese territory from three days to two days.

(3) Images taken by the satellite duo will help engineers study China’s geological environment and search for minerals. People working in other fields such as transport, agriculture and disaster mitigation will also receive help through the images.

 

2. Somalia’s President suspends PM Mohamed Hussein Roble: Somalian Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has been suspended. President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has suspended the Prime Minister, who is facing allegations of involvement in the theft of land. Mohamed Roble accused the President of trying to stage a coup and said, he would continue in office. He urged the security forces to take orders from him rather than Mr Farmajo. The term of Farmajo officially ended in February but was extended because of disagreements over how to choose a new incumbent. Somalia has not had an effective central government since the overthrow of long-serving ruler Siad Barre in 1991. The country is marred by disputes between rival politicians and clans. It is also battling an insurgency by al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate.

Note: Somalia Capital: Mogadishu; Somalia Currency: Somali shilling.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Uttar Pradesh won 11th Hockey India junior national championship: Uttar Pradesh has crowned the winners of the 11th Junior National Men’s Hockey Championship following a 3-1 victory over Chandigarh in the final at Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu. Tournament top scorer Sharda Nand Tiwari opened the scoring for Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh Hockey maintained its unbeaten record. In the 3rd/4th Place playoff match, the Hockey Association of Odisha edged out Hockey Haryana 3 – 2 in a closely contested affair to clinch 3rd place in the competition.

 

2. Nitesh Kumar wins double gold at 4th Para-Badminton National Championship: Nitesh Kumar won doubled gold at the 4th Para-Badminton National Championship, which concluded in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Haryana’s Nitesh along with his partner Tarun Dhillon defeated World No. 1 Paralympic Games gold medallist Pramod Bhagat and Manoj Sarkar in straight sets 21-19, 21-11 in the Men’s doubles finals to win the gold. Earlier, Nitesh also won the gold medal in the Men’s singles category. World No 1 SL3 Para-Badminton player Parul Parmar from Gujarat also secured gold while Mandeep Kaur from Uttarakhand won Silver and Mansi won bronze.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Life signed bancassurance partnership with South Indian Bank: HDFC Life signed a bancassurance (Bank-Insurance) agreement with South Indian Bank to enable customers of the South Indian Bank to avail HDFC Life’s life insurance products and services to the customers of South Indian Bank. This bancassurance arrangement will enable customers of the South Indian Bank to avail HDFC Life’s wide range of life insurance products which include solutions for protection, savings and investment, retirement and critical illness. This bancassurance partnership will further strengthen HDFC Life’s business across India.

About the agreements:

(1) HDFC Life is one of the largest life insurance players with a market share of 22.3% (in terms of Overall New Business Premium as on September 30, 2021). The insurer has a wide range of products that offer customers the dual benefits of protection as well long term savings based on their life stage requirements.

(2) HDFC Life is targeting to provide the customer with innovative products and superior levels of services through the physical and digital routes.

(3) The Company offers end to end digital on-boarding to customers along with 24/7 service. This unique combination of simple products and superior quality service makes for a compelling customer proposition.

Note: South Indian Bank Founded: 29 January 1929; South Indian Bank Headquarters: Thrissur, Kerala; South Indian Bank MD & CEO: Murali Ramakrishnan.

 

2. IndusInd Bank and NPCI tie-up to offer cross-border payments through UPI: IndusInd Bank has partnered with the National Payments Corporation to offer real-time cross-border remittances to India using UPI IDs, for its Money Transfer Operator (MTO) partners. It is the first Indian bank to go live on UPI for cross-border payments/NRI remittances. Under this arrangement, the MTOs will be using the IndusInd Bank channel to connect with NPCI’s UPI payment systems for validation and cross-border payment settlement into beneficiary accounts. IndusInd Bank has started off with Thailand’s DeeMoney for Foreign Inward Remittance (FIR) through UPI. The bank has started the service with DeeMoney, a Thailand-based financial solutions provider offering money transfers and foreign currency exchange services. Customers using the DeeMoney website can easily transfer funds just by adding the beneficiary’s UPI ID.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. PETA: Alia Bhatt India’s 2021 Person of the Year: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has named Bollywood star Alia Bhatt its 2021 Person of the Year. She is an animal lover and often shares pictures with her pets. This year, Alia Bhatt invested in Phool, the company behind Fleather, which is a vegan leather made from discarded temple flowers.

Her vegan kidswear line, Ed-a-Mamma, also won a 2021 PETA India fashion award for helping to nurture kids’ love for animals and nature. Alia also starred in a pro-adoption PETA India campaign to help cats and dogs. She has used her position to call for stronger animal protection laws.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Greek President Karolos Papoulias passes away: Veteran Greek politician Karolos Papoulias, who served as president at the height of the economic crisis of the 2010s, died. Papoulias, a longtime socialist lawmaker and minister, was close to Andreas Papandreou, the founder of the Socialist PASOK party. He served two terms between 2005 and 2015. Papoulias, who was also foreign minister in 1985-89 and 1993-96, was a high-ranking member of socialist PASOK party and a close associate of its late leader and former prime minister Andreas Papandreou.

 

2. E.O. Wilson, Known as ‘Father of Biodiversity,’ passes away: E.O. Wilson, the former Harvard University biologist and Pulitzer Prize winner whose study of ants and human behaviour made him one of the world’s most influential scientists and prompted his calls for action to protect millions of species on the planet, has passed away. He was 92. To protect Earth earned him the nickname “Darwin’s natural heir”.

He was the author of hundreds of scientific papers and more than 30 books, two of which won him Pulitzer Prizes for nonfiction: 1978’s On Human Nature, and The Ants in 1990. The “father of biodiversity,” as Wilson was also known, attempted to unify the natural sciences with the humanities and said there was still time to reverse a “sixth extinction” of most species on the planet if environmental degradation was halted.

 

3. ‘He-Man’ artist and toy designer Mark Taylor passes away: Mark Taylor, artist and toy designer for the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe franchise as well as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, passed away. Taylor began his career with Mattel in 1976 as a packaging designer. He-man was the muscled frontman for toy manufacturer Mattel’s Masters of the Universe franchise. He-Man was the epitome of a hulking superhero warrior but also became an icon within the LGBTQ+ community.