Daily GK Update- 18th Sep, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India launches ‘Urban Wastewater Scenario in India’ at World Water Congress and Exhibition 2022: India has launched Joint Whitepaper on ‘Urban Wastewater Scenario in India’, with Denmark at World Water Congress and Exhibition 2022 in Copenhagen. The ‘Urban Wastewater Scenario in India’ was facilitated by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat along with Danish Environment Minister Lea Wermelin and Development Co-operation Minister Flemming Moller Mortensen. Key Points:

a)      India has committed an investment of more than 140 billion dollars by 2024 in the water sector.

b)      The Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that in the ‘Urban Wastewater Scenario in India’ with the help of a community-centric approach, at least 10 percent of the funds are contributed by the community in every program ensuring community ownership and participation.

c)       The Whitepaper aims to holistic capture of the current status of wastewater treatment in India. It aims to create potential pathways for future treatment structures, co-creation, and collaborations.

d)      The Whitepaper is a result of the Indo-Danish Bilateral Green Strategic Partnership, which focuses on green hydrogen, renewable energy, and wastewater management.

 

2. Indore to become the country’s first ‘Smart City’ with ‘Smart Addresses’: Indore will create history by implementing a fully digital addressing system, making it the first city in India to do so. The smart city advanced significantly when a memorandum of understanding was signed with the firm Pataa Navigations. The Memorandum of Understanding is signed by Rajat Jain, co-founder of Pataa Navigations, and Rishav Gupta (IAS), CEO of Indore Smart City. Key Points:

a)      This MoU states that the Pataa app will be used by all government agencies and emergency services, such as the police, fire department, and ambulance. For necessary services like E-KYC and banking geotagging, the Pataa app will be used. The Pataa app will be accessible to everyone at the business.

b)      To provide access to Digital Addressing Systems, Pataa Navigation will integrate with government platforms like those for the departments of electricity, agriculture, excise, women and child welfare, and education.

c)       Pataa will also geotag MP Tourism’s all tourist destinations and integrate them with websites. All significant public assets, including bus stops, light poles, public restrooms, and bus stops, should have digital address numbers pasted on them.

d)      The Pataa App, a free service, will help delivery providers find a specific geotagged location. The low fuel usage of Pataa will be a great help for e-commerce companies and their delivery partners as they complete the last leg of their journey.

 

3. MeitY Startup Hub and Meta Collaborate to speed up XR technology startups in India: In association with Meta, MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) will introduce a programme to help and accelerate XR technology entrepreneurs in India. The program’s announcement is scheduled for September 13, 2022. At the event will be Joel Kaplan, Vice President, Global Policy, Meta, and Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. Key Points:

a)      The government’s initiatives to develop skills in cutting-edge and future technology include this collaboration.

b)      With a big talent pool of creators, developers, and a thriving technology environment, India is perfectly positioned to play a crucial role in the metaverse.

c)       An initiative of MeitY, the MeitY Startup Hub is a national platform dedicated to fostering technological innovation, start-ups, and the production of intellectual property.

d)      With a goal of expanding to more than 10 thousand businesses in the next three to five years, it now supports more than three thousand IT firms.

 

4. A new book “Rajini’s Mantras” authored by P.C. Balasubramanian released: The entrepreneur­cum­author, P.C. Balasubramanian (PC Bala) authored a new book “Rajini’s Mantras: Life lessons from India’s most­loved Superstar” in English. It was published by Jaico Publishing House (India). PC Bala’s 1st book was Rajini’s Punchtantra and Raja Krishnamoorthy, which became a national bestseller. Grand Brand Rajini and Ram N Ramakrishnan were published on December 2022.

The essence of the book: In Rajini’s Mantras, bestselling author P.C. Balasubramanian brings out the best life lessons from Rajinikanth’s iconic speeches, public interactions and performances right from his early days in the film industry. His spectacular success story, from a bus conductor to one of the most-loved superstars in Indian cinema, is as gripping as a megahit. Taking several incidents from Rajini’s life, Balasubramanian shows how an adaptable mindset, willingness to learn from experiences, persistence and making the right choices can help you stand out—just like the beloved idol.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Los Angeles named September 17 as ‘Squid Game’ Day: The City of Los Angeles has officially designated September 17 Squid Game Day, in recognition of the South Korean Netflix series’ achievements. “Squid Game” was nominated for 14 Emmy Awards in July and is the first non-English language series to earn a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series. It was also the first Korean and first non-English language series to win a Screen Actors Guild Award.

The resolution noted that Squid Game retains its place as the most-watched Netflix original to date, and that “it was the first ever Korean series on Netflix to reach number one in the US, breaking the barrier that many foreign languages shows a face with Western audiences simply because of subtitles”. It also noted that Squid Game successfully introduced diverse facets of Korean culture not just to audiences in the US but across the globe.

 

2. International Equal Pay Day: 18th September: International Equal Pay Day, celebrated on 18 September, represents the longstanding efforts towards the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value. The symbolic day aims at highlighting issues related to the gender pay gap and raising worldwide awareness. The main aim of the event is to end the history of gender discrimination that women are generally subjected to by getting paid less than their male counterparts.

International Equal Pay Day History: International Equal Pay Day was first observed back in 1996 by the National Committee on Pay Equity. It was a coalition of women’s and civil rights organisations that worked toward eliminating gender and race-based wage discrimination. The goal was to achieve pay equity. It was not until 2019 that the Equal Pay International Coalition began officially marking it as a day to raise awareness. In 2020, the move was recognised by the United Nations and they observed the first International Equal Pay on September 18, 2020.

 

3. World Bamboo Day: 18th September: World Bamboo Day 2022 is observed on September 18 in order to raise awareness about the conservation of this extremely useful plant. Conceptualised by the World Bamboo Organisation (WBO), this day also promotes the bamboo industry by highlighting its concerns. Bamboo wood has long been used for various purposes in countries around the globe, especially in the east and Southeast Asia. Bamboo grows on its and doesn’t require to be replanted, making it easily available.

World Bamboo Day History: WBD was officially declared by the World Bamboo Organization on September 18 at the 8th World Bamboo Congress held in Bangkok in 2009. The aim of the WBO is to bring the potential of bamboo to more elevated exposure, to promote new cultivation of bamboo for new industries in regions across the world, and also to promote traditional uses locally for community economic development, etc.

Note: World Bamboo Organization Headquarters: Antwerp, Belgium; World Bamboo Organization Founded: 2005; World Bamboo Organization Executive director: Susanne Lucas.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Robin Uthappa announced retirement from all forms of Indian cricket: Robin Uthappa has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. In last season’s IPL, Uthappa played 12 matches for Chennai Super Kings and scored 230 runs with his highest score being 88. He was part of the country’s 2004 Under-19 World Cup team. He made his India debut two years later and featured in 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is for India. He scored 934 and 249 runs in ODIs and T20Is. He has 9446 first class and 6534 List A runs under his belt. His last ODI appearance was back against Zimbabwe in 2015, where he scored a 44-ball 31.

 

2. Virat Kohli becomes first cricketer to have 50 million followers on Twitter: Virat Kohli has now become the first cricketer who have notched up 50 million followers on Twitter. Virat Kohli has popularity in all the platforms of social media which includes 211 million followers on Instagram and 49 million followers on Facebook as well. In early 2022, Kohli became the first-ever Indian to cross 200 million followers on Instagram as well. Kohli recently recorded his first international century in 1020 days, when he slammed a 61-ball 122 not out during India’s final Super 4 clash against Afghanistan in Dubai.

The 33-year-old is the most followed cricketer in the world and the third most followed sportsperson on Instagram after Cristiano Ronaldo (450M) and Lionel Messi (333M). Kohli also has over 49 million followers on Facebook, which takes his social media presence to over 310 million followers.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Life Insurance Policy started Click2Protect for Super term insurance: HDFC Life Insurance Policy started Click2Protect: HDFC Life, one of the top life insurers in India, has introduced the Click2Protect Super term insurance plan, which allows customization based on your protection needs and only charges you for the benefits and plan options you select. Click2Protect is a non-linked, non-participating, individual, pure risk premium/savings life insurance plan. Key Points:

a)      Click2Protect Super gives you more freedom than ever before by allowing you to change your life insurance coverage, lengthen the duration of your policy, add coverage for accidental death and terminal illness, among other things.

b)      With Click2Protect the family is fully protected financially thanks to the plan. Life, Life Plus, and Life Goal are the three plan alternatives from which you can select a policy that best suits your needs.

c)       Click2Protect is a clever plan choice that includes a built-in benefit for terminal illness coverage and also gives you the opportunity to enhance the cover amount to safeguard your family’s financial security while you are away.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Sachin Bansal helmed Navi Technologies approved by SEBI, for IPO: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has given Sachin Bansal’s fintech business Navi Technologies the go-ahead for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), which will help the Flipkart co-founder in his efforts to build a financial services conglomerate. Key Points:

a)      Navi Technologies submitted draft papers to SEBI in March of this year in order to raise up to Rs 3,350 crore through a new share offering.

b)      Sachin Bansal, who has a 97.39 percent ownership in fintech, stated that there will not be an offer for sale (OFS) by shareholders in the IPO.

c)       According to the SEBI website, the fintech company received an observation letter in response to its filings on September 5.

d)      The DRHP states that in addition to general expansion objectives, the fintech company wants to invest the IPO revenues in Navi Finserv and Navi General Insurance companies.

 

2. Vedanta and Foxconn to Invest 1.54 Lakh Crore in Gujrat for Chip Manufacturing: The Anil Agarwal-led-Vedanta limited and Foxconn Group will invest more than Rs 1.54 lakh crore to set up an semiconductor ecosystem in Gujarat. The oil-to-metals conglomerate said Vedanta Displays Limited will set up a Display Fab Unit with an investment of Rs 94500 crore and Vedanta Semiconductors Limited will set up an integrated Semiconductor Fab Unit and OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facility with investment of Rs 60000 crore.

Key Points:

a)      Vedanta and Foxconn Group entered into two Memorandums of Understanding [MoUs] with the Government of Gujarat on September 13, 2022. 

b)      The company said Vedanta and Taiwan-based Foxconn Group will work closely with the state government to establish high-tech clusters with requisite infrastructure, including land, semiconductor grade water, high quality power, logistics, and a skill ecosystem.

c)       The proposed semiconductor manufacturing fab unit will operate on the 28nm technology nodes with wafer size 300mm; and the display manufacturing unit will produce Generation 8 displays catering to small, medium and large applications.

 

3. Burjeel Holdings appoints SRK as brand ambassador: Burjeel Holdings, a private healthcare services provider in the MENA region has signed Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador. The company is owned by UAE-based Indian entrepreneur Shamsheer Vayalil. The actor will appear in a multi-platform advertising campaign in the region for the group that will be unveiled in the coming weeks. This will be the actor’s first healthcare ambassador role. In the past, the actor has also tied up with Dubai’s tourism board to be one its brand ambassadors. But that partnership ended as of early 2022. He was also the first Indian celebrity to have received the UAE golden visa.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Kibithu Military Garrison camp named after Bipin Rawat: The military camp at Kibithu Garrison, which is very close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, has been renamed as ‘Gen Bipin Rawat military garrison’ in honour of the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who was killed in a chopper crash last December. As a young Colonel, Rawat commanded his Battalion 5/11 Gorkha Rifles at Kibithu from 1999-2000 and contributed immensely to strengthening the security structure in the area. Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu named the 22 km long road from Walong to Kibithu as ‘General Bipin Rawat Marg’. A life-size mural of General Rawat was also unveiled on the occasion.

 

2. JIMEX 2022: India-Japan joint naval drills in the Bay of Bengal begins: The sixth edition of Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2022 (JIMEX 22), hosted by the Indian Navy, began in the Bay of Bengal. The Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ships are being led by Rear Admiral Hirata Toshiyuki, Commander Escort Flotilla Four, and Indian naval ships by Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.

The Indian Navy is represented by three indigenously designed and built warships, Sahyadri, a multi-purpose stealth frigate and Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes Kadmatt and Kavaratti. Additionally, Guided Missile Destroyer Ranvijay, Fleet Tanker Jyoti, Offshore Patrol Vessel Sukanya, submarines, MIG 29K fighter aircraft, Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and ship-borne helicopters are also participating in the exercise. The Indian Naval ships welcomed JMSDF ships Izumo, a Helicopter Carrier, and Takanami, a Guided Missile Destroyer, on their arrival in the Bay of Bengal. Key points:

a)      JIMEX 22 involves two phases – exercises at sea and a harbour phase at Visakhapatnam.

b)      This edition marks the 10th anniversary of JIMEX, which began in Japan in 2012. It also coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.

c)       JIMEX 22 seeks to consolidate the high degree of interoperability that exists between maritime forces of the two countries, through complex exercises in the surface, sub-surface and air domains.

d)      The exercises were aimed at enhancing interoperability and streamlining seamanship and communication procedures.

 

3. National Defense MSME Conclave and Exhibition held in Kota, Rajasthan: The two-day National Defense MSME Conclave and Exhibition was held in Kota, Rajasthan. In the exhibition, defence gear including T-90 and BMP-2 tanks, artillery cannons, numerous sniper and machine gun types, and military bridges are displayed.

Start-ups and MSMEs are showcasing their products, as are young people innovating in the defence sector. The event feature participation from more than 50 defense-related businesses, startups, and MSMEs. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Minister of State for Defense Ajay Bhatt formally launched the summit. The highlight of the programme was Live Concert and Drone Light Show.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Pakistan umpire Asad Rauf passes away: Former Pakistan umpire Asad Rauf has passed away due to suspected cardiac arrest. He breathed his last at the age of 66. He was one of the legendary umpires Pakistan ever produced, along with the likes of Aleem Dar. Back in 2006, Rauf was included in the ICC’s Elite Panel of Umpires, after which he officiated in 47 Tests, 98 ODIs and 23 T20Is. He served at the top for seven years before being dropped from the elite panel of umpires in 2013 following an annual review of performance.

Daily GK Update- 17th Sep, 2022

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. President Droupadi Murmu nominated Gulam Ali from J&K to Rajya Sabha: Gulam Ali, a Gurjar Muslim from Jammu and Kashmir, has been nominated to Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu on the recommendation of the Central government. In the notification, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (a) of clause (I) of article 80 of the Constitution of India, read with clause (3) of that article, the President is pleased to nominate Shri Gulam Ali to the Council of States to fill the vacancy caused due to the retirement of one of the nominated members.”

This is for the first time a Gurjar Muslim from the region has been sent to the Rajya Sabha as a nominated member. This is a significant step assuming that prior to abrogation of Article 370, the community was literally not recognised and all social benefits to them were denied.

 

2. Uttar Pradesh tops in India, 8462 lakes developed under Mission Amrit Sarovar: Uttar Pradesh becomes the first state in India to construct 8,642 Amrit Sarovar (Lakes) in India. Amrit Sarovar is an ambitious mission initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to conserve water for the future. Madhya Pradesh is in the second position, Jammu and Kashmir in third, Rajasthan in fourth, and Tamil Nadu ranked in the fifth position.

Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, secured the first position within the state by constructing 256 Amrit Sarovar. Gorakhpur secured the second position by constructing 245 lakes, and Pratapgarh secured the third position by constructing 231 lakes. Key Points:

a)      15,497 Amrit Sarovar was identified in different villages panchayats of which 8,462 Amrit Sarovar have been already developed.

b)      These Amirt Sarovars are twice the total number of Amrit Sarovar collectively developed in Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.

c)       Uttar Pradesh is the only state in the country that has developed Amrit Sarovar in huge numbers.

d)      Further, 1.20 lakh Amrit Sarovar will be developed in the state, which is the maximum in the country.

 

3. Railway Invited Private Players to Build Wheel Plant: Indian Railways floated tenders for the first time to invite private players to build a wheel plant. The manufacturing and transport of wheels for the rakes were halted due to the Russia-Ukraine war. This initiative by the Indian Railways will make India self-reliant as well as draws a blueprint to become an exporter of wheels. The plant aims to manufacture at least 80,000 wheels every year for the Super-Fast Vande Bharat Express Trains in India. Key Points:

a)      The plant aims to enable the production of 80000 wheels a year.

b)      The Steel Authority of India (SAIL) is supplying one lakh wheels and the rest of the wheels will be produced by the new plant.

c)       On 15th August 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the vision of having 75 ‘Vande Bharat’ trains that will connect different parts of the country in 75 weeks to mark the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

d)      Till now, there are three Vande Bharat Trains in India, two are on track and the third one has recently completed trail runs.

e)      Ukraine was one of the largest producers of wheels in the world, and due to the Russian-Ukraine wars, the production of wheels was stopped.

f)        The government will award the tender once the basic ability of the company to export wheels is determined.

 

4. Railroads to launch new version of the Vande Bharat 2 high-speed train: The Indian Railways will launch the new Vande Bharat Express, a high-speed train in its ongoing effort to provide passengers with the best amenities. According to the ministry, Vande Bharat 2 will have further improvements and developments, including a faster 0 to 100 Kmph time of just 52 seconds, a top speed of 180 Kmph, a lighter weight of 392 tonnes, and WI-FI content that is available when needed. Key Points:

a)      Additionally, the new Vande Bharat will sport 32-inch LCD TVs, up from the previous model’s 24 inch size.

b)      Travel will be more comfortable thanks to 15% more energy-efficient air conditioners and traction motor cooling by clean, dust-free air.

c)       According to the Ministry of Railways, a photo-catalytic ultra violet air purification technology is installed in the roof-mounted Roof Mounted Package Unit (RMPU) for air purification in the new Vande Bharat Express.

d)      All passenger classes will now have access to the side recliner seat feature that is currently only offered to Executive Class guests.

e)      This system is built and placed in both ends of the RMPU per the advice of Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh, to filter and clean the air free from pathogens, bacteria, viruses, etc. coming through fresh air and return air.

 

5. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi to be next Attorney General for India: Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi is set to be appointed the 14th Attorney General for India again after KK Venugopal vacates the post. This will be Rohatgi’s second time as AG, after his first stint between June 2014 and June 2017. At the end of June this year, AG Venugopal’s tenure was extended for a period of three months or “until further orders”. This extension is set to expire on September 30. Rohtagi will take the seat of the country’s top law officer from 1st October.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Norwegian central bank develops National digital currency using Ethereum: Norges Bank, Norway’s central bank, made a significant advancement in its efforts to develop a digital currency by publishing the open source code for the nation’s central bank digital currency (CBDC) sandbox based on Ethereum technology. This development was made possible by the ongoing mainstream adoption of cryptographic technology. Key Points:

a)      CBDCs are a type of electronic fiat money backed by the central bank. Although they are not required to be, CBDCs can be built on blockchain networks. However, the CBDC in Norway is built on Ethereum.

b)      The sandbox is made to provide a way to communicate with the test network.

c)       The Bank’s official CBDC partner, Nahmii, stated in a blog post that it has also enabled features including minting, burning, and transferring ERC-20 tokens.

d)      The Ethereum wallet Metamask is not supported by the open source code as of right now.

e)      The sandbox has a unique interface and network monitoring programmes like BlockScout and Grafana.

 

2. World Patient Safety Day: 17th September: World Patient Safety Day is observed every year on 17 September to create awareness about different safety measures that should be taken to ensure patient safety. The day focuses on preventing and reducing risks, errors, and harm that patients face. The main objective of World Patient Safety Day is to increase public awareness, enhance global understanding and call for solidarity and united action by all countries and international partners to increase patient safety and reduce patient harm. This year, the theme of World Patient Safety Day 2022 is ‘Medication Safety’ along with the slogan ‘Medication Without Harm’ with a call to action to ‘Know, Check & Ask’.

World Patient Safety Day History: September 17 is one of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global public health days called World Patient Safety Day. It was established in 2019 by the 72nd World Health Assembly through the adoption of resolution WHA 72.6 – ‘Global Action on Patient Safety ‘.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Alireza Firouzja wins Sinquefield Cup & the Grand Chess Tour: Iranian-French chess grandmaster, Alireza Firouzja beat Ian Nepomniachtchi in play-offs to win the ninth edition of the Sinquefield Cup. Firouzja also grabbed an extra $100,000 for winning this year’s Grand Chess Tour. Wesley So and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave came in second and third place, respectively. The fifth leg of the Grand Chess Tour, the Sinquefield Cup was held in Saint Louis, Missouri, US. The Sinquefield Cup is an annual, invite-only chess tournament in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, honouring Rex Sinquefield and his wife Jeanne, the founders of the Saint Louis Chess Club. Since 2015, the Sinquefield Cup has been a part of the Grand Chess Tour.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bonds help the Bank of Maharashtra raise $710 million: The government-owned Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) reported raising Rs 710 crore through bonds to finance company expansion. According to a statement from the bank, the money was raised through Basel III compliant Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds for Rs 710 crore (including Rs 610 crore for the green shoe option) at a coupon rate of 8.74 percent.

When compared to the base issue size of Rs 100 crore, the issue received a ten-fold increase in subscription from investors. The bank’s business growth will be supported by the money raised through the AT1 bonds. The AT1 instrument has a five-year call option and is eternal in nature.

Note: Chairman and Managing Director, Bank of Maharashtra: Shri. S. Muhnot

 

2. American Express Banking Corp India named Sanjay Khanna as new CEO: American Express Banking Corp India has appointed Sanjay Khanna as its chief executive officer (CEO) and country manager. At present, Khanna heads the country executive team and is responsible for driving growth across the organisation’s consumer and commercial businesses. In his new role, Khanna will be leading several business development initiatives for American Express, while steering collaboration across its diverse businesses in India, adding his position will be key to strengthening the company’s strategic focus in the country.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Per Capita Government Spending on Healthcare Increases by 74% since 2013-14: The per capita government spending on healthcare has increased by 74 per cent since 2013-14. As per National Health Accounts Estimates India 2018-19, the per capita government spending in 2013-14 was one thousand forty-two rupees, which has increased to one thousand eight hundred and fifteen rupees. It said, government’s share in the overall spending on health in the country is increasing steadily. The government’s share in current health expenditure has increased from 23.2 per cent in 2013-14 to 34.5 per cent in 2018-19.

 

2. RBI Sells $13 billion in August to Hold Rupee at 80: India’s foreign exchange reserves slumped by over $2 billion in the week ending August 12, as the Reserve Bank of India intervened to shore up the rupee and keep the currency below 80 per dollar. That is an effort the Indian central bank has said was essential, and it would do whatever it takes to maintain the rupee’s stability, limiting any wild swings despite extremely volatile currency markets. The RBI’s weekly statistical supplement data showed that the country’s forex reserves slumped to $570.74 billion in the week ending August 12, down by $2.238 billion from $572.978 billion in the previous week. The magnitude of that fall in the latest week was the largest in a month, and the country’s import cover dipped for the second week.

 

3. Retail Inflation resurges to 7% As Food Prices Increases: Price pressures returned to the Indian economy in August, with retail inflation quickening to 7% after cooling to a five-month low in July. The increase, led by food prices, makes it the eighth month that retail inflation has stayed above the central bank’s upper tolerance limit of 6%, strengthening the case for continued monetary tightening.

Inflation so For: Retail inflation in July had cooled to 6.7%, and a poll of 22 economists estimated August inflation at 6.9%. The Reserve Bank of India has projected Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation for 2022-23 at 6.7%. Inflation is expected to remain elevated over the next couple of months due to last year’s low base, even as easing energy and commodity prices globally would help cool inflationary pressures. RBI’s monetary policy committee (MPC) raised the repo rate by 50 basis points for the third time in a row in August, taking the policy rate to pre-pandemic levels of 5.4%. The MPC meets again from 28 to 30 September.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. 74th Primetime Emmy Awards 2022: The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards were held, to mark some remarkable American television performances until mid-2022. Overall, there are 40-plus categories, where writers, actors, directors and editors were awarded for their remarkable work from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022. The 74th annual Emmy Awards hosted by Kenan Thompson at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

74th Emmy Awards 2022: List of winners

Outstanding lead actress in a comedy series: Jean Smart- Hacks

Outstanding lead actor in a comedy series: Jason Sudeikis- Ted Lasso

Outstanding comedy series: Ted Lasso

Outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or a movie: Michael Keaton- Dopesick

Outstanding lead actress in a limited or anthology series or a movie: Amanda Seyfried- The Dropout

Outstanding limited or anthology series: The White Lotus

Outstanding lead actress in a drama series: Zendaya- Euphoria

Outstanding lead actor in a drama series: Lee Jung-jae- Squid Game

Outstanding drama series: Succession

Supporting actor in a comedy series: Brett Goldstein- Ted Lasso

Supporting actress in a comedy series: Sheryl Lee Ralph- Abbott Elementary

Guest actor in a drama series: Colman Domingo- Euphoria

Guest actress in a drama series: Lee You-mi- Squid Game

Supporting actor in a drama series: Matthew Macfadyen- Succession

Supporting actress in a drama series: Julia Garner- Ozark

Supporting actor in a limited series or TV movie: Murray Bartlett- The White Lotus

Supporting actress in a limited series or TV movie: Jennifer Coolidge- The White Lotus

Television movie: Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers

Guest actor in a comedy series: Nathan Lane- Only Murders in the Building

Guest actress in a comedy series: Laurie Metcalf- Hacks

Outstanding competition program: Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls

Structured reality program: Queer Eye

Unstructured reality program: Love on the Spectrum

Host for a reality or competition program: RuPaul- RuPaul’s Drag Race

Short form comedy, drama or variety series: Carpool Karaoke: The Series

Short form nonfiction or reality series: Full Frontal With Samantha Bee Presents: Once Upon A Time In Late Night

Documentary or nonfiction special: George Carlin’s American Dream

Documentary or nonfiction series: The Beatles: Get Back

Actor in a short form comedy or drama series: Tim Robinson- I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson

Actress in a short form comedy or drama series: Patricia Clarkson- State of the Union

Outstanding directing for a comedy series: Ted Lasso- MJ Delaney

Outstanding directing for a drama series: Squid Game- Hwang Dong-hyuk

Outstanding directing for a limited or anthology series or movie: The White Lotus- Mike White

Outstanding directing for a variety series: A Black Lady Sketch Show- Bridget Stokes

Outstanding directing for a variety of special: Adele: One Night Only- Paul Dugdale

Outstanding Directing for a documentary/nonfiction program: The Beatles: Get Back- Peter Jackson

Outstanding Directing for a reality program: Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls- Nneka Onuorah

Daily GK Update- 16th Sep, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. National Maritime Heritage Complex to be built in Gujarat: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is building the National Maritime Heritage Complex at the historic Indus Valley civilization region of Lothal in Gujarat with a total cost of 3500 crores rupees. The first-of-its-kind complex in India, this centre will showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage. The foundation stone for the NMHC project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the consent for the master plan was given in March 2019. About the project:

a)      The project is planned to be completed in different phases. In phase 1A, a museum will be built with 5 galleries and a naval gallery on 35 acres of land at an investment of Rs 774.23 crores.

b)      In phase 1B, the remaining portions of the museum will be built, including galleries, lighthouse, 5D dome theatre, Bagicha Complex and other infrastructure. This phase is proposed to be developed under EPC mode.

c)       Phase 2 will consist of state pavilions, Lothal city, Maritime Institute including hostel, eco-resorts, maritime & naval theme park, climate change theme park, monument theme park and adventure & amusement park. Components under this phase shall be executed under PPP mode.

 

2. All India Institute of Ayurveda launches 6-Weeks programme on Ayurveda Day: All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), under the Ministry of Ayush, has launched the Ayurveda Day 2022 programme. AIIA has been chosen as the nodal agency for driving the Ministry of Ayush’s mandate for Ayurveda Day this year. Ayurveda Day curtain raiser for the six-week long programme (12th September-23rd October).

The Ministry of AYUSH celebrates Ayurveda Day every year on Dhanvantari Jayanti and this year it will be celebrated on 23 October. The theme for the celebration is ‘Har Din Har Ghar Ayurveda’. This year the Ministry is celebrating it in collaboration with all the Ministries and departments of the Government of India so that every person of the nation is made aware of the traditional system of medicine. About the programme:

a)      The six-week programme is a noble endeavour to take forward the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. The success of this programme will be possible only if we are able to reach every citizen of India, and therefore, over the coming weeks, we will focus all our energies to interact with and sensitise the people so that the message of Ayurveda can percolate down to all levels.

b)      ‘Har Din Har Ghar Ayurveda’ stresses on creating awareness of ‘Ayurveda for Holistic Health’ in every household. This will help our nation become healthy and strong.”

c)       The programme will see participation from various ministries of the Government of India with the aim of 3Js – Jan Sandesh, Jan Bhagidari, and Jan Aandolan.

 

3. Uttar Pradesh Government to Provide a Unique Farm ID to the Farmers: Uttar Pradesh government will provide a Unique Farm ID to the farmers, which will be linked to Aadhar to provide them with all benefits of government schemes. The Unique Farm ID will be similar to the Aadhar card. The government is planning to use Aadhar verification to implement the Unique Farm ID card scheme for the farmers.

During the workshop regarding the Unique Farm ID card scheme, the Government wants to initiate and spread the use of Aadhar in simpler terms. Aadhar will be used to make the use of the Unique Farm ID cards more easily. UP government wants to provide all benefits of the government schemes to the farmers and reach up to the maximum number.

 

4. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel announces first-ever Cinematic Tourism Policy 2022-2027: Gujarat Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel has announced Gujarat’s first-ever ‘Cinematic Tourism Policy’ in the presence of dignitaries including actor Ajay Devgan, and State Government Minister Shri. Purnesh Modi and Shri Arvind Raiyani. This new policy will create viable opportunities for film production in Gujarat and also provide employment opportunities to local people. There are many places in Gujarat like the White Desert of Kutch, Shivrajpur Beach where there are ample opportunities to become shooting spots. Key Points:

a)      Four MoUs worth Rs. 1022 crore for investments in various subjects including filmmaking, studio infrastructure, acting schools in Gujarat were signed by some investors with the tourism department.

b)      Ajay Devgn also signed MoUs for filmmaking and studio infrastructure and other facilities in the state. A short film giving information on Cinematic Tourism Policy was also shown on this occasion.

c)       This new policy will create viable opportunities for film production in Gujarat and also provide employment opportunities to local people.

Note: Gujarat Capital: Gandhinagar; Gujarat Governor: Acharya Devvrat; Gujarat Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel.

 

5. Cyber Crime Investigation and Intelligence Summit 2022: The 4th Cyber Crime Investigation and Intelligence Summit-2022 is being organised by the Madhya Pradesh Police to improve the knowledge and abilities of police sub-inspectors and senior investigating officers in order to effectively prevent cybercrimes. Yogesh Deshmukh, Additional Director General of Police, State Cyber Police Headquarters, stated during the summit’s curtain-raiser ceremony that more than 6000 people had registered to attend. Key Points:

a)      The largest knowledge-sharing, thought-leadership, and cybercrime investigation and intelligence summit (CIIS 2022) in India was organised by the Madhya Pradesh Police through the State Cyber Police and Parimal Labs from September 12 to 22, 2022, in collaboration with Softclicks Foundation, Cleartel Technology, and UNICEF.

b)      In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the event is being conducted. Ten-day summit, of which a three-day offline summit hosted at RSVP Noronha Academy of Administration in Bhopal on September 12, 13, and 14, 2022.

c)       Over the course of the ten-day summit, more than 6000 different police, judicial, prosecution, and other agencies from more than 35 states and union territories will have representatives online to participate in this event as presenters and subject matter experts.

 

6. Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari appointed as chairman of PMLA appellate tribunal: Chief Justice of Madras High Court, the Centre appointed Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari as the Chairman of the Appellate Tribunal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Justice Bhandari is due to retire on September 12. The order was issued by the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance. The post of the Chairperson of the Tribunal was vacant since September 2019.

The President of India is pleased to appoint Hon’ble Mr Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari, Chief Justice, Madras High Court as Chairman, Appellate Tribunal under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators Act (SAFEMA) in the salary of Rs. 2,50,000/ -(Fixed) p.m., for a period of 04 years, or till attaining the age of seventy years, or until further orders, whichever is the earliest in terms of Tribunal (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2021 read with Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Qimingxing-50: China’s First Fully Solar-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): China has successfully tested its first fully solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which can fly for months and can function even as a satellite if required. The maiden flight of Qimingxing-50 has been achieved, making it the first large-sized UAV powered only by solar energy, a Chinese government official informed in a tweet.

The Qimingxing-50, with a wingspan of 50 m, is a high-altitude long-endurance drone that is capable of high altitude aerial reconnaissance, assessing forest fire and can also be used for communications. This technology will bolster Chinese defences in space and at sea. It can be used in the field of renewable energy, new materials and aeronautical engineering. The Chinese official also asserted that this test flight is an important step towards sustainable development.

The UAV, whose name translates as Morning star-50 in English, is claimed to be capable of functioning uninterrupted for months. This capability of having long endurance flight gives it a use case of operating as a satellite. Like satellites, it is fully electric-driven powered by solar energy and can operate at 20 km above the Earth’s surface for an extended period continuously. It is also referred to as a ‘High Altitude Platform Stations’ or a pseudo satellite. It can be used when there is unavailability or disruption in satellite services.

 

2. International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer: 16th September: World Ozone Day or the International Day for the preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed on the 16th of September. The day aims to create awareness about the importance and need of the Ozone layer which is the single protection on Earth against UV rays coming out from the sun. The theme announced by the UN Environment Programme for International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2022 is ‘Global Cooperation Protecting Life on Earth’. The Montreal Protocol’s impact is recognized with this theme and brings to notice the ‘need to act in collaboration, forge partnerships and develop global cooperation to address climate challenges and protect life on earth for future generations.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer History: The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed September 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in 1994. This was done to commemorate the date of the signing of the ‘Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer’ by the governments of 46 nations around the world in 1987. It was also known as the “Montreal Protocol”.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sikkim to host 3 Ranji Trophy matches for the first time: Sikkim will host three Ranji trophy matches for the first time in December. The state will welcome three northeast teams: Mizoram, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, at the Mining Cricket Ground near Rangpo. The BCCI’s decision to allow Sikkim to host three of its Ranji matches at home will act as a game-changer in cricket’s promotion in Sikkim. Along with Ranji Trophy matches, Sikkim will also play two Cooch Behar Trophy matches, and three Col CK Nayudu Trophy matches at Mining.

The Cooch Behar Trophy match on November 12 against Assam will be the first major domestic match in Sikkim. After two back-to-back multi-day men’s under-19 matches, cricket fans in the state will enjoy a Ranji Trophy match in Sikkim for the first time on December 13, when the senior men’s team take on Manipur in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy opener.

 

2. Max Verstappen denies Charles Leclerc in Monza for fifth straight victory: Max Verstappen won the Formula One Italian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen claimed his first win or podium finish, at Monza after fighting from seventh on the grid to beat Charles Leclerc over the line. He is 116 points ahead of Charles Leclerc in the driver standings after winning a race whose final six laps were run with the safety car after Daniel Riccardo slid off the track. Key Points:

a)      George Russell of Mercedes rounded off the podium, while teammate of Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, came fourth after starting at 18th position.

b)      Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton also raced from the back of the Mercedes and finished in the fifth position, while Nyck de Vries finished ninth in his F1 debut.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank issues India’s first Electronic Bank Guarantee: HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank, became the first bank in the country to issue an Electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG) in partnership with National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL). The paper-based, time-consuming process has been eliminated with the new electronic bank guarantees that can be processed, stamped, verified and delivered instantly with enhanced security. This is a transformational change, and the Bank will migrate to e-BG to benefit all its customers.

Key Points:

a)      Paper-based bank guarantees takes 3-5 days to complete the process of physical pick up from the bank, courier to the beneficiary, stamp it and re-verify it. Besides, there was no central repository for bank guarantees until now.

b)      Bringing inefficiency of time, eBG offers enhanced security. Physical stamping has been eliminated and replaced with eStamping and with eBG, the applicant and beneficiary can instantly view a bank guarantee on the NeSL portal.

About the e-BG: e-BG has been developed in consultation with NeSL, the CVC-CBI committee and IBA to simplify the process and eliminate the possibility of fraud and manipulation. e-BG will be issued on the NeSL portal through an API-based digital workflow. HDFC Bank has been building new competencies through Digital Factory, Enterprise Factory and Enterprise IT to both run and build the Bank. Building new competencies is a key pillar for the bank’s digital strategy.

Note: HDFC Bank CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan; HDFC Bank Headquarters: Mumbai; HDFC Bank Founded: August 1994, Mumbai.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Railway’s Revenue Up 38 % to Rs 95,486.58 Cr: The overall revenue of Indian Railways at the end of August’22 stood at ₹95,486.58 cr, showing an increase of Rs. 26271.29 cr (38%) over the corresponding period of last year. The revenue from passenger traffic was Rs.25,276.54cr with an increase of ₹13,574.44 cr (116%) over the corresponding period of last year, according to official notes movers released by ministry of railways.

As per the data, Passenger traffic also increased compared to last year in both the segments, reserved as well as unreserved. The growth from the long distance reserved mail express trains has been sharper than the same in passenger & suburban trains. The other coaching revenue was Rs. 2437.42 cr, showing an increase of Rs.811.82 cr (50%) over the corresponding period of last year, the rail Mistry data showed.

 

2. Nayara Energy appoints Prasad K Panicker as chairman: Nayara Energy announced Prasad K Panicker as the new Chairman of the company. Prasad K Panicker is the Director and Head of the Refinery, and he will be replacing Charles Anthony Fountain who served for five years. The tenure of the new chairman of Nayara Energy will start on 3rd October 2022. The new chairman Prasad K Panicker will also continue to be the Head of Refinery to support Nayara Energy’s development program.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Army Hospital in New Delhi opened the Early Intervention Center “Prayas”: Early Intervention Center “Prayas”: At Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in the nation’s capital, a model “Early Intervention Centre- Prayas” has been built with the goal of easing suffering and fostering confidence in parents while dealing with children who have special needs. The Early Intervention Centre is a vast, cutting-edge facility specifically created for kids with exceptional needs. Key Points:

a)      This project will have a significant positive impact on children of military members up to age six who have difficulties such as autism, cerebral palsy, sleep and language delays, and other conditions.

b)      General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff, and Archana Pande, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), opened the Center at the Army Hospital (R&R).

c)       The newly established Center offers therapeutic services like special education, sensory integration occupational and physiotherapy, behaviour modification, and nutritional counselling, as well as advanced screening for hearing and visual defects, autism detection, and clinical identification of various syndromes.

d)      Vatsalya, a paediatric superspeciality discipline that has been updated with a kid-friendly Walt Disney motif, is integrated with it.

e)      To improve the abilities of special children, a multidisciplinary approach incorporating the skills of many therapists will be used.

Note: Chief of the Army Staff: General Manoj Pande; President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA): Archana Pande

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati passes away at 99: Dwarka-Sharda Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati has passed away at Narsinghpur in Madhya Pradesh. He was 99 years old. He breathed his last at the Shridham Jhoteshwar Ashram in Narsinghpur. Swami Swaroopanand left his home at the age of 9. Later, he went to Kashi in Uttar Pradesh, where he gained spiritual enlightenment and religious wisdom from Swami Karpatri Maharaj.

Swami Shankracharya was also imprisoned during the Indian Independence movement. He also participated in the Quit India movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942 and was incarcerated in Varanasi for nine months and in Madhya Pradesh for six months. He was one of the prominent figures in the legal battle for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

 

2. Legendary Telugu actor Krishnam Raju passes away: Legendary Telugu Actor and former Union Minister, Krishnam Raju Garu passed away aged 83. He was known as the ‘rebel star’ of Telugu cinema. Garu is also the uncle of famous Telugu actor and Bahubali star Prabhas. Raju acted in more than 180 films and was also a recipient of five Filmfare south awards as well as three Nandi awards. His most famous works include Jeevana Tarangalu, Krishnaveni, and Bhakta Kannappa among others.