Daily GK Update- 23rd Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PFC, SJVN tie up for ₹1.18 trillion investment in RE, thermal projects: Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has inked a MoU with state-owned hydro power firm SJVN Ltd, committing to finance the latter's renewable energy and thermal power projects. The deal is valued at Rs 1.18 trillion and aims to set up 12 Gw of power generation capacity, from renewable sources such as solar, wind along with a 660 mw thermal power project. Aim: To meet the specific needs of the renewable projects, highlighting the flexibility of the partnership.

 

2. Indian DAC Has Officially Approved The Indigenous Dhruvastra Missile: The Defence Acquisition Council approved procurement including the indigenous Dhruvastra short-range air-to-surface missile.

About the Dhruv Astra Missile:

·       It is a helicopter-launched anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system.

·       It is a short-range air-to-surface missile.

·       It was indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

·       It is a third-generation, renowned for its versatility in engaging and neutralizing enemy tanks and armored vehicles.

 

3. Northeast’s mithun gets ‘food animal’ tag and its meat a leg-up: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently recognized the Mithun as a ‘food animal,’ opening doors for its commercial use found in Arunachal Pradesh. Aim: To promote its meat as a commercial product can indeed have significant economic and cultural implications for the region. It is a captivating and culturally significant bovine species found in Northeast India. Its role in the livelihoods of indigenous communities, ecological balance.

 

4. India has become the world's third-largest startup ecosystem: India has become the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. Startup India initiative has witnessed remarkable growth from four fifty startups in 2016 to over one lakh currently 2023 Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the crucial role of the country's youth as the foundation for India's development in the Amrit Kaal. He expressed confidence that by 2047, India's economy would experience exponential growth.

 

5. Assam launched Mukhyamantri Atmanirbhar Asom Scheme: Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the Mukhyamantri Atmanirbhar Asom Scheme. Mukhyamantri Atmanirbhar Asom Scheme aims to provide employment opportunities and financial assistance to the unemployed youth of the state. The new scheme would provide financial assistance for ₹2 lakh each to two lakh youth for making them self-independent.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Singapore Overtakes Hong Kong as World’s Freest Economy: Singapore has dethroned Hong Kong to become the world’s freest economy in 2023. For the first time since the Economic Freedom of the World Index started in 1970, Hong Kong slipped to second place from the number one spot. Some of the tenets used to gauge the economic freedom index are measured based on ease of international trade, freedom to enter and compete in markets, as well as business regulations, amongst other yardsticks.

 

2. Meta launches UPI payments for WhatsApp Business messaging in India: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a significant expansion of WhatsApp’s payment feature in India during the Meta Conversations event. Users in India will now have the option to make payments to businesses via WhatsApp Business using various payment methods, including UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking, Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and more. Initially, Meta partnered with RazorPay and PayU for this payment service. 

 

3. PM inaugurated ‘International Lawyers’ Conference 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a two-day International Lawyers Conference in New Delhi. The theme of the Conference is Emerging Challenges in the Justice Delivery System. This Conference is being organized for the first time by the Bar Council of India. The objective of the Conference is to act as a platform for meaningful dialogue and discussion on various legal topics of national and international importance. It also aims to promote the exchange of ideas and experiences and strengthen international cooperation and understanding of legal issues.

 

4. 23 September – International Day of Sign Languages: International Day of Sign Languages is observed every year on 23 September. Objective – To raise awareness of the importance of sign languages in the lives of deaf communities and the need to protect them as an essential part of human diversity Theme 2023 – A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere The date of September 23 was chosen to honour the day in 1951.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. PM Modi Laid the Foundation Stone of an International Cricket Stadium: PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the first international cricket stadium in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The architecture of the cricket stadium proposed at Ganjari in Varanasi will be reminiscent of the holy city’s rich heritage and things related to Lord Shiva. The roofs will be in the form of a crescent that crowns Lord Shiva, while the floodlights will be trident-shaped The stadium will be built in a 30-acre area at a cost of Rs.450 crore.

 

2. India Becomes No 1 Ranked Team In All Formats Of Cricket: India became the number 1 ranked team in all three formats i.e. Tests, ODIs and T20Is, after their 5-wicket won against Australia. India displaced Pakistan from the top of the ODI rankings while they lead England in the T20I rankings. In the longest format, they are in the first place while Australia are right behind them. The rankings reflect the hard work put in by this team as they chase excellence on the field. 

 

3. ICC releases official Anthem ‘Dil Jashn Bole’ for Men’s Cricket World Cup: International Cricket Council has released the official Anthem for the Men’s Cricket World Cup beginning on the 5 October. The theme of the anthem is Dil Jashn Bole and it features Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh and other popular social media influencers. The music for the anthem has been prepared by Pritam, and the singers are Pritam, Nakash Aziz, Sreerama Chandra, Amit Mishra, Jonita Gandhi, AKASA, and Charan. The video showcases Ranveer Singh dancing in a train compartment on the song Dil Jashan Jashan Bole, and then travelers join him to dance. The Cricket World Cup is being held in India after 12 years. It will be played across 10 cities. The opening match on 5th October will be played between England and New Zealand at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. India will play its first match against Australia in Chennai.

 

4. Antim Panghal wins bronze medal at World Championships: Young Indian wrestler Antim Panghal won a bronze medal in the women’s 53 kg category at the World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia. Panghal’s victory also secured a quota for India in the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the bronze medal match, Panghal defeated two-time European champion Emma Jonna Denise Malmgren by a score of 16-6, India’s first medal in the ongoing edition of the World Championships. Antim became the first Indian wrestler male or female to qualify for the 2024 Paris Games. She is only the sixth Indian woman to win a bronze medal at the World Championship.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Axis Bank Launched ‘NEO For Business’ Banking Platform For MSMEs: Axis Bank has launched a transaction banking platform for the Indian  MSMEs called NEO for Business. Aim: To cater to the "real, current, and emerging" transaction needs of Indian MSMEs. The NEO for Business platform offers features like digital self on-boarding, bulk payments, GST compliance invoicing, payment gateway integration, end-to-end transaction tracking, auto reconciliation, cash flow reports, and recurring collections, among others. 

 

2. EPFO records highest net member addition of 18.75 lakh in July: Retirement fund body Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has recorded the highest net member addition of 18.75 lakh in July 2023. The labour ministry in a statement said that the addition of 18.75 lakh during the month is the highest since the first publishing of EPFO payroll data from April 2018 covering the period of September 2017 onwards. A growing trend has continued for the last three months with an increase of around 85,932 net members over the previous month of June 2023. Around 10.27 lakh new members have enrolled during July 2023 which is the highest since July 2022. The majority of new members joining EPFO are in the age group of 18-25 years constituting roughly 58.45 percent of total new members additions during the month.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Malini Rajurkar, Hindustani vocalist passes away at 82: Noted Hindustani classical vocalist Malini Rajurkar, who epitomised simplicity and depth, passed away in a Hyderabad at age the 82 As one of the foremost exponents of Gwalior gharana, she forged a special connection with the audience in Pune at the annual Sawai Gandharva festival for nearly five decades. They were spellbound by her tappa recital, her khayal renditions and her natya sangeet and many recalled her unforgettable "Yaa Bhavanatil Geet Purane".

Daily GK Update- 22nd Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Assam govt to launch scheme to give Rs 2 lakh each to two lakh youth: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled a transformative scheme called 'Mukhya Mantri Atmanirbhar Asom aimed at bolstering the self-reliance of the state's youth.  Objective: To foster self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship among the youth of Assam.  Under this initiative, a generous financial aid of Rs. 2 lakh will be provided to each eligible young person, empowering them to pursue self-employment opportunities and chart their own path to success.

 

2. Union Minister Kailash Choudhary launches PM KISAN AI-Chatbot: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Kailash Choudhary launches PM KISAN AI-Chatbot (Kisan e-Mitra) in New Delhi. Aim: Tol help in accessing scheme information and resolving grievances.  This is the first AI Chatbot integrated with a major flagship scheme of the Union government.  The AI Chatbot acts as a comprehensive guide for the beneficiaries, providing them with timely and accurate responses to their queries related to the scheme.

 

3. Rajasthan tops the list in solar water pump installations: Rajasthan tops the list in solar water pump installations in 2023. More than 62,000 farmers have directly benefited from the scheme introduced by the Ashok Gehlot government four-and-a-half years ago. According to the gov, farmers in Rajasthan are encouraged to install solar pumps for irrigation, instead of relying on electricity connections and diesel-powered plants. The state government is encouraging farmers by offering 60 percent subsidy for installing solar pumps

 

4. PM Modi inaugurated 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in UP: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas built across Uttar Pradesh. These are built at a cost of over 11 hundred crore rupees to further enhance access to quality education for children of labourers, construction workers, and orphans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each school is constructed on an area of 10 to 15 acres with classrooms, sports ground, recreational areas, a mini auditorium, hostel complex, mess and residential flats for staff. These residential schools intend to eventually accommodate 1000 students each. Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone of the International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi. The cricket stadium, to be built in Ganjari, Rajatalab, Varanasi will be developed in more than 30-acre area, at a cost of about 450 crore rupees. The stadium will have a capacity of 30,000 spectators.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ISO and UNDP announce partnership to enhance sustainability action: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a landmark Statement of Intent, in addressing global development challenges. Aim: To collaborate on initiatives geared towards enhancing international standards that advance sustainability actions by both the public and private sectors Objective: To provide a common basis for documentation and certification, making it easier for organizations.

 

2. International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf) from 18th to 24th September 2023: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) is celebrating International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf) from 18th to 24th September 2023.  Aim: To be aware of the Declaration of the Rights of the Deaf Child, Building Capacity across the globe Theme 2023: A World where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere. Motto: “Nothing without us” Agenda: To achieve sign language rights for all and focus on building inclusive deaf communities.

 

3. Welfare of Cancer Patients Day is celebrated on September 22: The Welfare of Cancer Patients Day, also known as World Rose Day, is observed annually on September 22.  The day is dedicated to individuals who are suffering from cancer across the globe.  Aim: To support the brave hearts who are going through mental and physical struggles every moment against the deadly disease.  The day commemorates the 12-year-old Canadian cancer patient Melinda Rose, who suffered from cancer and died in 1996.

 

4. World Rhino Day 2023 is celebrated on September 22: World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22. Aim: To provide the opportunity for cause-related organizations, NGOs, zoos, and members of the public to celebrate rhinos in their own unique ways. The activities vary from one participant to the next. Donors and partners are able to contribute to the organizations and initiatives of their choosing. Peaceful demonstrations, classroom projects, fundraising dinners, auctions and poster displays are just a few examples.

 

5. India Ranked 52nd in Digital Quality of Life Index: India has been ranked 52nd out of 121 countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index The survey has been carried out by cybersecurity firm Surfshark. The annual survey by the Netherlands-based firm has ranked 121 countries on five factors: internet quality, internet affordability, e-infrastructure, e-government and e-security. The top 3 Countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index survey are Denmark, South Korea, and Finland. In terms of internet quality, India ranks 16th among 121 countries. In terms of e-infrastructure, India is placed at the 91st position. In terms of factors like internet affordability, e-governance and e-security, India was placed on 28th, 25th and 66th positions respectively. The survey has placed Singapore and Saudi Arabia in top positions when average internet speed is considered. It stands at 300 Mbps and 310 Mbps respectively.

 

6. Naval Ship ‘Nireekshak’ successfully conducted Diving training sessions: Indian Naval Ship ‘Nireekshak’ has successfully conducted vital Mixed Gas Diving training sessions as part of IN-SLN Divex 23. The Indian Navy’s diving support vessel initiated the sea dive and after a successful diving exercise, returned with the Sri Lanka Navy divers. Earlier last week, the vessel arrived at Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee port where Commanding Officer Jeetu Singh Chauhan, held productive discussions with Rear Admiral PS De Silva. The Indian Naval Ship is well-equipped with two six-man recompression chambers and a three-man diving bell. It possesses the capability to execute submarine rescue operations and train saturation divers. This marks the ship’s continued engagement with the Sri Lanka Navy, aligning with India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy for capacity building in neighboring nations. The vessel had previously visited Trincomalee in September 2019 and March 2022 for similar training initiatives.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Antim Panghal won bronze medal in wrestling at World Championships 2023:  Indian wrestler Antim Panghal secured a bronze medal in the women's 53 kg category at the wrestling World Championships 2023 iin Serbia. She also secured the Paris Olympics 2024 quota for India.  This is India's first medal in this edition of the tournament.  Antim has captured India's 23rd medal in the World Championships to date, which includes one gold, five silver, and 17 bronze medals. Japan's Akari Fujinami won the gold in World Championships 2023

 

2. Nischal wins silver with new national record at Shooting World Cup in Rio: Young Indian shooter Nischal has won the silver in the women’s 50m rifle 3 Positions at the ISSF World Cup in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. She finished behind Norwegian rifle ace Jeanette Hegg Duestad with a score of 458.0 in the final. Duestad is the reigning air rifle European champion and 300m 3 position World Champion and has 12 ISSF World Cup medals to her name including five gold. She was also fourth at the Tokyo Olympics. Nischal was in supreme form throughout the day, breaking the qualification national record in women’s 3 position in the process. The 16-member Indian team returned with one gold and one silver from the Rio World Cup and was seventh in the standings. Elavenil Valarivan had won the Women’s 10m Air Rifle gold Italy was on top with two gold and a bronze. China was second with a gold, four silver and three bronze.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. BCCI announces SBI Life as Official Partner for BCCI Domestic Season: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced SBI Life as one of the official partners for the BCCI Domestic and International Season 2023-2026. SBI Life has signed a 3-year deal with the BCCI and their partnership will begin with the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting September 22. This collaboration reflects our commitment to promoting and supporting the sport of cricket at all levels.

 

2. RBI proposes lenders identify 'wilful defaulters' within six months: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) aanounced lenders would have to examine all aspects relating to wilful default on accounts with outstanding dues of Rs 25 lakh or more. Identify wilful defaulters within six months of a loan becoming a non-performing asset (NPA). It has allowed non-banking finance companies and cooperative banks to identify them. A large defaulter is one whose amount in default is Rs 1 crore and above.

 

3. TCS and BankAxept AS partner to enhance Norway’s payment system: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has entered into a partnership with BankID BankAxept AS, the provider of Norway’s national payment and electronic identity systems.  Aim:  To establish and manage an operations command center. BankAxept, the dominant national payment system in Norway, facilitates 80 per cent of card payments in the country.  BankID serves as Norway’s primary eID verification solution, relied upon by over 90 per cent of the population.

 

4. UP gov launches instant birth certificate for newborns at health facilities: Newborns at government health facilities of Uttar Pradesh will now be issued birth registration certificates immediately after delivery without the parents having to apply for same Gov has integrated its Maa Navjaat Tracking app (MaNTrA) with the birth registration system as part of its efforts to provide 'ease of living' to the citizens using digital technology UP has become the first state to implement suo motu birth registration for government health institutions

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Bengal’s Kiriteshwari Bags Best Tourism Village of India award: Kiriteshwari village in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district has been selected as the country’s best tourism village by the Centre. The village beat 795 applications received from 31 states and Union Territories to bag the honour. The Union ministry will give the award at a function in New Delhi on September 27.

Other than its scenic beauty, the village’s big attraction is the Kiriteswari temple, considered one of the 51 Shaktipeeths.

 

2. Binomo Awarded the Most Reliable Trading Platform of 2023: Binomo has been honoured with two prestigious international awards at the World Business Outlook Awards and the International Business Magazine Awards for “Best Trading Platform Global 2023” and “Most Trusted Platform Global 2023”. In today’s world, with up to 3,000 successful cyber-attacks per day, digital security must be given as much attention as physical security. Therefore, it is very important for us to provide our services at the highest level. These awards are an achievement in the world of financial services. They emphasize excellence in the areas of customer service and security. Binomo is constantly striving for development, and these awards confirm the company’s position. “Best Trading Platform, Global 2023” recognizes Binomo as the most user-friendly and easiest trading platform to learn. The platform is constantly introducing new technologies, developing training materials, and expanding its functionality to help users achieve their financial goals and enjoy themselves.

Daily GK Update- 21st Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. President inaugurated first Uttar Pradesh international Trade Show: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the first Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show in India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida. The trade show will be held from September 21 to 25.  Aim: To get international exposure and market opportunities. Over 2000 exhibitors will showcase their products across a wide spectrum of sectors, including automobiles, handicrafts, healthcare, food processing, pharmaceuticals, dairy, electronics, and e-commerce.

 

2. Indian Naval Ship 'Nireekshak' successfully conducts vital Mixed Gas Diving: Indian Naval Ship 'Nireekshak' successfully conducted vital Mixed Gas Diving training sessions as part of IN-SLN Divex 23. It marks the ship's continued engagement with the Sri Lanka Navy, aligning with India's 'Neighborhood First' policy for capacity building in neighboring nations.  It is well-equipped with two six-man recompression chambers and a three-man diving bell.  It possesses the capability to execute submarine rescue operations and train saturation divers.

 

3. Nuakhai Juhar day is mainly observed by the people of Odisha: Nuakhai Juhar is an agricultural harvest festival mainly observed by the people of Western Odisha.  It is celebrated on the fifth day of the lunar fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September), the day after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.  This year, it is being celebrated on September 20.  Nuakhai is a time of great joy and celebration for the people of Odisha. It is a time to give thanks for the new harvest and to celebrate their culture and heritage.

 

4. Women’s Reservation Bill passed in Lok Sabha: A bill providing 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was cleared in the Lower House of Parliament. The bill — Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam — will be taken up for consideration in the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha passed the Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill, with 454 members voting in favour and only two against it after a spirited eight-hour debate in which 60 members participated. The Lok Sabha has given its assent to the Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill, commonly known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhinyam. The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on the first day of proceedings in the new parliamentary building. Additionally, the old Parliament House in the Lok Sabha was renamed the Samvidhan Sadan.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Fourth G20 Infrastructure Working Group meeting starts in Madhya Pradesh: The fourth G20 Infrastructure Working Group meeting under the Indian Presidency started in Madhya Pradesh. It would be the last meeting of the Infrastructure Working Group.   Aim: To deliberate on various aspects of infrastructure investments, including developing infrastructure as an asset class, promoting quality urban infrastructurer and Infratech. It is hosted and chaired by the Ministry of Finance along with Australia and Brazil as co-chairs.

 

2. India-US Army to host Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference: The Indian Army and the United States Army will co-host the 13th  Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference It is a 3 day conference of Chiefs of Armies and delegates of 35 countries in New Delhi from 25th to 27th September 2023. Theme of 2023  is “Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.”  Aim:  To promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through mutual understanding, and friendship amongst the littoral partners.

 

3. International Day of Peace is celebrated on 21st September: The International Day of Peace or World Peace Day is celebrated on 21st September. Aim: To promote peace while ceasing violence and conflicts worldwide where each year,  Theme 2023: Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals. The International Day of Peace is often associated with a dove and the olive branch symbols where the dove represents peace and freedom, while the olive branch has been a traditional symbol of peace dating back to ancient times.

 

4. World Alzheimer's Day is celebrated on 21st September: World Alzheimer's Day takes place every September 21. Aim: To raise awareness and challenge the stigma around Alzheimer's disease and other dementia.  Theme 2023:  'Never Too Early, Never Too Late.' Alzheimer's is a severe brain disorder of memory loss and confusion, if not diagnosed and managed on time, can adversely impact one's mental abilities of learning, thinking, and reasoning, which could compromise one's day-to-day life activities and control over emotions.

 

5. India won bid to host 17th International Congress on Chemistry of Cement: India will host the International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC) in the year 2027 in New Delhi.  The Commerce and Industry Ministry announced that India won the bid to hold this event on a presentation from the National Council for Cement and Building Materials along with IIT Delhi.

India defeated Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates to win the bid. The ICCC is regarded as the largest and the most prestigious event in the area of Cement and Concrete.

 

6. INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS REACH SINGAPORE TO PARTICIPATE IN SIMBEX 23: Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay and Kavaratti and submarine INS Sindhukesari arrived in Singapore to participate in the 30th edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX). SIMBEX holds the distinction of being the longest continuous naval exercise that the Indian Navy has with any other country. SIMBEX-2023 is being conducted in two phases - a Harbour Phase at Singapore from 21 to 24 September 2023, followed by a Sea Phase.

 

7. 21 September – World Alzheimer’s Day: World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21 every year to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and various forms of dementia. A key objective of this day is to eliminate the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease. Theme 2023 –Never too early, never too late Alzheimer’s disease, a neurological disorder, occurs when abnormal proteins called beta-amyloid build up in the brain cells, causing them to shrink and eventually die. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory and usually affects people over the age of 65 years. World Alzheimer’s Day was established on September 21, 1994, in Edinburgh, to mark the tenth anniversary of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). ADI, formed in 1984, is an organization dedicated to helping and providing guidance to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Mohammed Siraj back at No.1 in ICC Men’s ODI bowling rankings: Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj re-grabbed the number one position among bowlers in the ICC Men’s ODI player rankings 2023. His latest match-winning performance against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final provided eight spot leaps to take him to the top. Kuldeep Yadav is another Indian bowler who made it into the top ten. Jasprit Bumrah, who has come back after a long injury break, climbed up two places to the 27th position.  Hardik Pandya rose eight spots to the 50th rank.

 

2. ICC releases official Anthem ‘Dil Jashn Bole’ for Men's Cricket World Cup: The International Cricket Council released the official Anthem for the Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 beginning on the 5th of October.  The theme of the anthem is Dil Jashn Bole and it features Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh and other popular social media influencers. The Cricket World Cup 2023 is being held in India after 12 years. The music for the anthem has been prepared by Pritam, and the singers are Pritam, Nakash Aziz, Sreerama Chandra and Amit Mishra

 

3. BCCI signs SBI Life as ‘Official Partner’ for a three-year period: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced SBI Life as one of the official partners for the BCCI Domestic and International Season 2023-2026. SBI Life has signed a 3-year deal with the BCCI and their partnership will begin with the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting September 22. The partnership is expected to enhance the cricketing experience for fans and players alike.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI introduces digital opening of NRE/NRO account setup through YONO: State Bank of India has introduced a digital facility for Non-Resident Indians to effortlessly open Non-Residential External and Non-Resident Ordinary accounts through its mobile app YONO. Aim: To fulfils a long-standing demand from NRI customers for a hassle-free way to open and manage their accounts in India. This service is designed for NTB or 'new to bank' customers, providing them with ease and efficiency in the account opening process.

2. IREDA partners with Bank of Maharashtra to promote renewable energy adoption: IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency) has signed an MoU with the Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) to promote renewable energy adoption in India. The primary goal is to promote and facilitate co-lending and loan syndication for various renewable energy projects across India. The initiative supports India’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to clean energy sources. This collaboration emphasizes the significance of financial institutions and government bodies working in tandem, aligning with India’s ambitious aim to attain Net Zero emissions by 2070, as directed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

 

3. ACKO introduced the ‘Platinum Health Plan’: A leading insurance company, ACKO has introduced a new health insurance product known as “ACKO Platinum Health Plan”. This comprehensive plan boasts several notable features, including 100% bill payment, no room rent capping, and zero waiting periods. To promote this new product, ACKO has reintroduced the beloved characters of Munna Bhai and Circuit from the iconic Bollywood movie series. The campaign is aptly titled “Health Insurance ki Subah ho Gayi Mamu” and has been directed by renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Science awards to get makeover as Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar: On the lines of civilian awards, Government of India will now recognise scientists with Rashtriya Vigyan Puruskar  It has 4 categories, Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and Vigyan Team. Vigyan Ratna will recognise the lifetime achievement of scientists, Vigyan Shri will recognise distinguished contributions to a field, Vigyan Yuva Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar will encourage young scientists who have made exceptional contributions.

Daily GK Update- 20th Sept, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre launches three game-changing initiatives for farmers: Centre launched a series of transformative initiatives, aimed at revolutionizing agriculture in the country. It include Kisan Rin Portal, Door to Door KCC Campaign, and Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) Manual. Aim: To amplify financial inclusion, streamline data utilization, harness technology, and enhance the livelihoods of the farmer. Objective: To help in furthering the goal of agricultural transformation and sustainable economic growth for farmer.

 

2. DRDO develops P7 Heavy Drop System for Indian Army Special Forces: DRDO has developed the P7 Heavy Drop System which is capable of para-dropping military stores up to 7-ton weight class from IL 76 aircraft. This system is fully indigenous and being manufactured by L&T which makes the platform system, and parachutes manufactured by Ordnance Factory. The system would be a force multiplier for armed forces while enabling the rapid delivery of combat stores in far-flung inaccessible areas.

 

3. Defence ministry clears proposal to buy 'Pralay' ballistic missiles: The Indian Army is set to acquire a regiment of Pralay tactical ballistic missiles for the first time, as part of a broader strategy to develop a strategic rocket force. The Pralay missiles, propelled by a solid-propellant rocket motor and other novel technologies, are expected to provide a substantial boost to the Indian Army's offensive capabilities. It can hit targets between 150-500 Km and missiles developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

 

4. Sashidhar Jagdishan appointed as HDFC Bank MD and CEO: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Bank. He joined the Bank in 1996 as a Manager in the Finance function. He became Business Head of finance in 1999 and was appointed as CFO in 2008. He played a critical role in supporting the growth trajectory of the Bank, and led the finance function with a pivotal role in achieving the strategic objectives

 

5. CM launches Griha Adhar scheme to empower Goan homemakers: Goa CM Pramod Sawant distributed Griha Adhar sanction orders to numerous beneficiaries to support homemakers financially, fostering their independence and improving their quality of life. Aim : To empower Goan entrepreneurs and self-help groups, a digital initiative under the Swayampura Goa Programme. He also flagged off the Chavath-e-Bazaar vehicle, symbolizing a new era of empowerment for rural artisans and entrepreneurs in Goa. 

 

6. Air India starts Project Abhinandan at 16 airports: In an attempt to elevate the on-ground experience of passengers, Air India has launched ‘Project Abhinandan’. The initiative aims to give the travellers a personalized and hassle-free experience. Under the initiative, it has deployed specially trained service assurance officers at 16 major airports across India to offer on-ground assistance. The airports where these officers have been deployed include Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Calicut, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Varanasi and Vishakhapatnam. They will be providing assistance to Air India travellers who need assistance at the check-in area, lounges, near boarding gates, during transit, or at arrival hall The Tata-owned airline has recruited and deployed 100 such officers across the airports. These officers have also been trained to deal with unforeseen issues such as missed flights, delayed baggage delivery and misconnections at airports, among other issues. They will be providing assistance to any Air India guest, irrespective of the cabin class they are booked in. These officers will be available at the airports in addition to other Air India and ground handling agencies’ staff.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Ranked 52nd in Digital Quality of Life Index: India has been ranked 52nd out of 121 countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index Survey 2023. The annual survey by the Netherlands-based firm has ranked 121 countries on five factors: internet quality, internet affordability, e-infrastructure, e-government, and e-security. In Asia, India takes 13th place, with Singapore the leader in the region. The top 3 Countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index survey are Denmark, South Korea, and Finland

 

2. Indonesia Kicks Off ASEAN Joint Military Drills: ASEAN began their first-ever joint military drills in Indonesia amid rising geopolitical tensions between major powers and protests against China’s activities in the South China Sea. Aim: To develop military skills, including maritime security and patrols, and the distribution of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. All 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will join the exercise, including prospective member East Timor.

 

3. ICGS Samudra Prahari’s ASEAN Deployment for Marine Pollution Response: The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, is currently on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries from 11 Sep to 14 Oct 2023. This deployment is part of India's ASEAN initiatives for Marine Pollution Response, showcasing the Pollution Response capabilities of the ICG. Aim: To demonstrate the ICG's pollution response capabilities and its dedication to collaborative efforts for marine pollution response.

 

4. India hosts inaugural UNCITRAL South Asia Conference: India hosted the inaugural United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) South Asia conference. The conference was organized jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs, UNCITRAL, and the organization’s national coordination committee for India. Objective – To further India’s engagement with UNCITRAL and encourage interaction between UNCITRAL, judiciary, bureaucracy, academia, and the legal fraternity. The three-day conference was in continuation of the conference hosted in New Delhi in 2016 to celebrate 50 years of UNCITRAL.

5. Rabindranath Tagore’s Santiniketan gets UNESCO’s World Heritage tag: Situated in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, the small town Santiniketan has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the place where Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore spent much of his life. Apart from Santiniketan, UNESCO included 13 other sites in the list. These are Palestine’s Ancient Jericho, Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor, Azerbaijan’s Hyrcanian Forests, Ethiopia’s the Gedeo Cultural landscape, Benin’s Koutammakou, Cambodia’s Koh Ker, Mangolia’s Deer Stone monuments and related bronze age sites, South Korea’s Gaya Tumuli, China’s cultural landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai mountain in Pu’er, Iran’s The Persian Caravanserai, Canada’s Tr’ondëk-Klondike, Denmark’s Viking-Age Ring Fortresses, Germany’s Jewish-Medieval Heritage of Erfurt, and Latvia’s Old town of Kuldīga. The Extended 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee took place in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) from 10 to 25 September.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Nischal wins silver with new national record at Shooting World Cup in Rio: Nischal won the women’s 50-metre rifle 3-position silver medal in the World Cup 2023 in Brazil. She finished behind Norway’s Jeanette Hegg Duestad, who won gold. It was the second medal for India, following the gold by Elavenil Valarivan in women’s air rifle. India finished joint fifth with Germany and France with a gold and silver. Italy was on top with two gold and a bronze. China was second with a gold, four silver and three bronze.

 

2. Neeraj Chopra to finish second at the Diamond League finals in Eugene: The Olympic and world champion javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra finished second in the men’s event at the Diamond League Final 2023 in Eugene, USA. The Indian’s best throw of 83.80 meter came in his second attempt. Jakub Vadleich of the Czech Republic won his third Diamond League championship with a best throw of 84.24m. Oliver Helander of Finland scored third position while Andrian Mardare of Moldovan scored fourth position and Curtis Thompson of USA scored fifth position in this event. Vadlejch had previously won bronze at the Budapest Worlds and silver at the Tokyo Olympics behind Chopra. Chopra had won the crown in 2022 with a best attempt of 88.44m.

 

3. Indian Oil becomes MotoGP Bharat’s title sponsor: MotoGP Bharat has roped in Indian Oil as the title sponsor for the event scheduled to take place at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida from September 22 to 24. 42 teams and 84 riders will compete in the MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 categories at the MotoGP Bharat, which is being staged by Fair Street Sports in collaboration with Dorna Sports. The Grand Prix of India will see some of the biggest names in Grand Prix motorcycle racing such as Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Brad Binder, Jack Miller, Jorge Martin and Fabio Quartararo, among others, in action. Indian Oil is the top-ranked energy PSU in the country in the Fortune 500 of 2023.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Introduces Maxima Savings Account: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (Ujjivan SFB) announced the introduction of the Maxima Savings Account and Business Maxima Current Account for the premium customer segment. The annual interest rate on the Maxima Savings Account is up to 7.5 percent and customers can open the account with Rs 1 lakh. Customers also have the flexibility to maintain Rs 15 lakh or more in fixed deposits to meet the balance eligibility criteria of the Maxima Savings Account.

 

2. OECD raises India’s growth forecast for FY24 to 6.3 per cent: The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OCED) has raised India’s gross domestic product (GDP)  growth projection for Financial Year 23 -2024 to 6.3 per cent. The global economy, however, is expected to grow at a rate of 3 per cent in 2023, before slowing down to 2.7 per cent in 2024.

India, which is listed among the G20 emerging-market economies, has experienced mostly positive growth surprises.

 

3. ACKO launches campaign ‘Health Insurance ki Subah ho Gayi Mamu’: ACKO has unveiled its latest health insurance offering called the ACKO Platinum Health Plan titled “Health Insurance ki Subah ho Gayi Mamu” As per the company, the plan has features including 100% bill payment, no room rent capping, and zero waiting period, among others. Aim: To focus on simplifying health insurance and removing all the pain points that customers have to face. 

 

4. RBI imposes monetary penalty on four co-operative banks: RBI it imposed a monetary penalty on four co-operative banks for rule violations. These banks include Lalbaug Co-operative Bank, The Co-operative Bank of Mehsana, The Harij Nagrik Sahakari Bank, and The National Co-operative Bank. RBI imposed Rs 1 lakh penalty on National Co-operative Bank, Rs 3 lakh on THarij Nagrik Sahakari Bank, Rs 3.50 lakh on  Co-operative Bank of Mehsana and Rs 5 lakh penalty on tLalbaug Co-operative Bank.

 

5. Government to offer 8% subsidy for loans under Vishwakarma Yojana: The government will offer up to 8 percent subsidy for loans given to artisans under the Vishwakarma Yojana launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government has already made a provision of Rs 13,000 crore in the Budget 2023-24. The collateral-free loans to artisans would be provided at a very affordable interest rate of 5 percent. The scheme covers 18 activities including carpenter, goldsmith, blacksmith, mason, stone sculpture, barber, and boatmakers, the government will provide up to Rs 3 lakh loan. Initially, Rs 1 lakh loan will be given and the beneficiary would be eligible for an additional Rs 2 lakh after a repayment schedule of 18 months. The components of the scheme will include not only financial support but also access to advanced skill training, knowledge of modern digital techniques and efficient green technologies, brand promotion, linkage with local and global markets, digital payments, and social security.