Daily GK Update- 6th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1.  ‘Surat’ Becomes The First Navy Warship To Be Named After A City in Gujarat: The crest of the Indian Navy's latest warship 'Surat' will be unveiled by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

This is the first warship to be named after a city of Gujarat and this is also the first time the unveiling of the crest of a warship is being undertaken in the very city after which it has been named Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had launched this indigenously constructed ship, which is a guided missile destroyer, in March last year at Mumbai.

 

2. “AI” Named Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2023: Collins Dictionary has named “AI” as its word of the year, defining it as an “abbreviation for artificial intelligence: the modelling of human mental functions by computer programs.” Considered to be the next great technological revolution, AI has seen rapid development and has been much talked about in 2023. While AI’s capabilities in mimicking human speech fascinated people at first, they were also the source of some anxiety.

 

3. PM Modi re-elected as the chairman of Shree Somnath Trust: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure as the chairman of the Shree Somnath Trust has been extended by five years. During a meeting of the board, various aspects of the temple’s operations were discussed, including how to enhance the pilgrimage experience through the use of technology. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time in the 74-year-long history of the Shree Somnath Trust that a chairman has been elected for a five-year tenure. The trust has launched a video highlighting the history and traditions of the temple.

 

4. RBI appoints Manoranjan Mishra as Executive Director: Manoranjan Mishra has been appointed as Executive Director by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). In his role as Executive Director, Mishra will oversee the Enforcement Department, Risk Monitoring Department, and Department of External Investments & Operations. Prior to being promoted to ED, he was serving as Chief General Manager in the Department of Regulation. Mishra has experience of over three decades in the Reserve Bank having worked in the areas of regulation of banks and NBFCs, supervision of banks, and currency management.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War : The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is a global day observed on November 6 every year.  Aim: To raise awareness about the devastating effects of war on the environment. Theme 2023: Together for a more sustainable and peaceful future This day reminds us of the importance of protecting our environment from the damage caused by war and armed conflicts in different regions of the world.

2. First Australia India Education &Skill Council meeting held at IIT Gujarat: The First Australia India Education and Skill Council (AIESC) meeting is being held at IIT Gandhinagar,Gujarat. AIESC is a bi-national body established in 2011 to guide the strategic direction of the education and research partnerships between the two countries. Aim: To provide a platform for academic and skill experts to discuss a wide range of mutually agreed priorities, with the ultimate aim of shaping the future of education and skilling in both our nations. 

 

3. CBSE to open new administrative Office in UAE: In a significant development for the Indian expatriate community in the United Arab Emirates, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a meeting with the Principals of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliated schools in Dubai. One of the significant announcements made during the meeting was the acceptance of a long-standing demand by CBSE schools to open a regional administrative office in UAE, recognizing the country’s central role in overseeing CBSE-affiliated schools in the GCC region. The new office is set to come in the Emirate of Dubai, UAE. This decision is expected to streamline operations and enhance the educational experience for students and teachers in these schools. The meeting was marked by a sense of unity and inclusion, encapsulated in the phrase “Vasudaiva Kutumbakam,” which translates to “the world is one family.” This move towards greater inclusivity is a promising development for the Indian expatriate community and the education sector in the UAE.

 

4. Vibrant Gujarat International Roadshow held in Dubai: In a bid to showcase the immense potential for business and investment opportunities in the vibrant state of Gujarat, the Government of Gujarat hosted the Vibrant Gujarat International Roadshow in Dubai. The event, a prelude to the upcoming 10th Edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit scheduled for January 10-12, 2024, served as a platform for industry representatives from both Gujarat and the UAE to engage, network, and explore collaborations. The roadshow succeeded in fostering meaningful connections between industry leaders and government officials while shedding light on the myriad opportunities for investment and growth in Gujarat. As the state gears up for the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January 2024, the prospects for business and collaboration in this dynamic Indian state look brighter than ever.

 

5. Minuteman III missile test-launched by US Air Force: The S. Air Force had blown up a Minuteman III missile over the Pacific Ocean after an anomaly was detected following its launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The nuclear-capable Minuteman III, made by Boeing, is key to the U.S. military’s strategic arsenal. The missile has a range of 6,000-plus miles (9,660-plus km) and can travel at a speed of about 15,000 miles per hour (24,000 kph). About 400 of the missiles are located at Air Force bases in Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota. It is key to the U.S. military’s strategic arsenal.

 

6. 5 November – World Tsunami Awareness Day : World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed annually on November 5. The day emphasizes the significance of early warning systems and community preparedness in mitigating the impacts of these catastrophic waves. Theme 2023 – Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future Recognized by the UN General Assembly in December 2015, World Tsunami Awareness Day calls upon nations, international entities, and civil society to amplify awareness efforts and explore innovative strategies for minimizing tsunami-related risks. In December 2015, the UN General Assembly designated 5 November as World Tsunami Awareness Day, calling on countries, international bodies, and civil society to raise tsunami awareness and share innovative approaches to risk reduction.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India lifts Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023 title over Japan: In Hockey, the Indian women’s team dethroned Japan to crown themselves Asian Champions Trophy 2023 winners.  India overcame the two-time champions through goals from Sangita Kumari, Neha, Laremsiami and Vandana Katariya.  India won their maiden Asian Champions Trophy title in 2016 in Singapore, while Japan bagged the crown twice, in 2013 and 2021. sian Games champions China beat South Korea to secure third place.

 

2. Bangladesh to host 24th Asian Archery Championships in 2025 : Bangladesh will host the 24th Asian Archery Championships in 2025 after winning votes in the bid at the World Archery Asia Congress held  in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of twenty four member countries of the Asian continent participated in the congress.  Bangladesh and China applied for bids as host countries for the 24th Asian Archery Championship The 23rd Asian Archery Championship will begin on Sunday (Nov 5) in Bangkok, Thailand.

 

3. Kohli equals Tendulkar's record of highest number of ODI centuries: Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 101 runs equaling Sachin Tendulkar's record of highest number of 49 centuries in One Day Internationals. Virat touched the milestone in 277 innings as against Tendulkar's 452 innings. He was adjudged Player of the match. The next batter on the list of most ODI centuries is current captain Rohit Sharma, who has scored 31 centuries. India is currently at Number one position with 14 points followed by South Africa at 2nd place with 12 points.

 

4. Indian Navy Sailing Championship 2023 begins in Mumbai: The Indian Navy’s most awaited and largest sailing regatta, the Indian Navy Sailing Championship, started in Mumbai. The Championship will hold from 05 Nov to 09 Nov 23. The Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre (INWTC), Mumbai, one of the finest sailing facilities in the country, is geared up to host more than 100 pan-Navy participants who will test their sailing skills in five different classes of boats in three different formats of racing. INSC is an annual event conducted under the aegis of the Indian Naval Sailing Association (INSA) based at Naval Headquarters to encourage the participation of naval personnel in competitive sailing. This edition of INSC will see the participation of teams from the three Naval Commands comprising of officers, cadets, and sailors (including Agniveers). Racing will take place in three most popular formats of sailing. Fleet Racing will be in ILCA-6 class boat for women, ILCA-7 class boat for men and BicNova class board for windsurfing open. Team Racing will take place in Laser Bahia class boat and the Match Racing in J24 class boat.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Rohit Rishi Appointed As Executive Director At Bank Of Maharashtra: Bank of Maharashtra announced the appointment of Rohit Rishi as Executive Director on the company’s Board, with effect from November 1, 2023. He replaced A.B. Vijayakumar. Rohit Rishi started his banking career as Industrial Development Officer in Indian Bank in July 1995 and has over 28 years of experience working in diversified areas of banking.  During his tenure, he worked in all key banking functions in various capacities mainly in credit management.

 

2. RBI imposes penalties on Punjab National Bank, Federal Bank: Reserve Bank of India imposed monetary penalties on Punjab National Bank, Federal Bank, Kosamattam Finance, and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India for rule violations The central bank has imposed a penalty of Rs 72 lakh on PNB, Rs 30 lakh on Federal Bank, Rs 13.38 lakh on Kosamattam Finance

PNB received the penalty due to several violations, including levying SMS charges on certain accounts despite maintaining invalid mobile numbers in the Core Banking Solution

 

3. Reliance Retail to acquire Arvind Fashions’ Beauty Retail Business : Reliance Retail Ventures (RRVL) is buying Arvind Beauty Brands Retail, a subsidiary of Arvind Fashions that runs the Sephora India business for ₹99 crore. Reliance Retail has entered into the fast-growing beauty business with Tira, an omnichannel beauty retail platform. This acquisition follows earlier reports in local media suggesting that Sephora and Reliance Retail had terminated discussions regarding a potential retail partnership in the Indian market. Reliance Retail, in response, launched its own beauty retail platform, Tira, in April, positioning itself to compete with established players like Nykaa and the Tata Group.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. UST wins 2023 Mahatma Awards for impactful CSR initiatives: Leading digital transformation solutions company UST has won the 2023 Mahatma Awards for sustainable and impactful contributions to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in areas such as education, health, livelihood, environment, and disaster relief. An initiative of the Aditya Birla Group, the award was presented on Gandhi Jayanti. A highlight of the company’s CSR drive is its Adopt-a-School programme which impacts over 32,000 students in India and Mexico. UST supports over 104 schools, promoting accessible, quality education for all. Its initiatives include medical support for those with disabilities and habitat restoration projects in Kerala. The nature conservation and sustainable livelihood project sourced 75,000 medicinal saplings in 2022 alone. In response to global crises, UST has demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian causes, including a $100,000 pledge to support victims of the conflict in Ukraine. UST associates from the UK, Ukraine, and Poland volunteered to help distribute essentials in the refugee camps.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. NASA Apollo astronaut Thomas Kenneth Mattingly II passed away: Apollo astronaut Thomas Kenneth Mattingly II, known for helping the crew of Apollo 13 safely return to Earth after an explosion doomed their lunar mission, has died at the age of 87. Starting his career with the US Navy, Mattingly, who went by Ken and TK, eventually joined the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School as a student, before being chosen by NASA to be part of the astronaut class in 1966.

Daily GK Update- 5th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Jharkhand cabinet approves Rs 1,485 crore electrification scheme: Jharkhand Cabinet approved a Rs 1,485-crore electrification scheme and free training for 15 rookie pilots in the proposed pilot training academy in Dumka A new scheme, Mukhya Mantri Ujjwal Jharkhand Yojana, has been approved by the cabinet and Rs 1,485.39 crore has been allocated for it.  Under the scheme, un-electrified rural hamlets and households and leftover urban areas will be covered. The government has also decided to provide free training to 15 trainee pilots.

 

2. Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2023 concluded: The Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2023, a two-day groundbreaking event steered by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), concluded on 4th November with takeaways on Security Challenges in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.  The theme, ‘Serving India and Indo Pacific Region- Collaborating for Comprehensive Security’.  The event organised in Manekshaw Centre on 3rd and 4th November, in six different sessions.

 

3. NITI Aayog to host state-level innovation workshop in IIM Bangalore: In a strategic move to foster and nurture innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem throughout India, Atal Innovation Mission is set to organize a peer-to-peer workshop focusing on the development of state-level innovation ecosystems. The event, “Building State-level Innovation Ecosystems” is scheduled to take place from November 6th to 8th at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore). This three-day gathering will provide a unique platform for states and union territories (UTs) across India to convene, exchange insights, and build strategies to foster innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) within their respective regions.

The purpose of this workshop is to unleash the power of peer learning across the states/UTs in order to propel each state-level ecosystem forward. In addition to sharing of State/UT-level innovation and entrepreneurship models, participants will exchange ideas, strategies, and experiences, showcasing successful implementations and the knowledge they have acquired in building innovation ecosystems.

 

4. Justice Rajendra Menon appointed as Chairman of Armed Forces Tribunal : Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajendra Menon has been re-appointed as Chairman of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). Justice Menon will serve as Chairman of the Tribunal till he attains the age of 70 years on June 6, 2027. Justice Menon began his judicial career as an additional judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on April 1, 2002, and his dedication and expertise led to his elevation to the position of a permanent judge in 2003. The former judge was first recommended to the post in 2019 and served for four years. Justice Menon was elevated as an additional judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on April 1, 2002. He was made permanent judge of the High Court on March 21, 2003. Justice Menon also served as Welfare Commissioner for the Bhopal Gas Victims Compensation Commission between December 2010 and March 2015. He was elevated as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court on March 15, 2017 and remained at the post till his transfer to the Delhi High Court.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Tsunami Awareness Day: World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed on 5th November, pose a significant threat to all of us, but they are particularly dangerous for certain groups of people. Aim: To raise consciousness about reducing the risks created by these giant waves and improving community preparedness. World Tsunami Awareness Day theme 2023 is "Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future," which mirrors the subject highlighted during the International Day for Disaster Reduction.

 

2. Bangladesh Launches New India-assisted Rail Projects: India and Bangladesh launched two new railway links and a thermal power plant unit to strengthen connections and energy security in the region amid strong opposition protests in Bangladesh. India provided $47.8 million for a cross-border train link and a $388.92 million concessional line of credit for the Khulna-Mongla port rail line in Bangladesh. India provided another $1.6 billion for Bangladesh’s 1,320-megawatt super thermal power project

 

3. India-France LOI signed in Public Administration and Administrative Reforms: The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and M/o Public Sector Transformation & the Civil Service of the French Republic signed the Letter of Intent for Cooperation in the field of Public Administration and Administrative Reforms for 3 years. Aim: To strengthen the bilateral partnership between the two countries through exchange visits focused on administrative reforms, good governance webinars, capacity-building programs

 

4. Thailand announces Visa-Free Entry for Indians to boost tourism: In an effort to attract more tourists as the high season approaches, Thailand has announced the temporary removal of visa requirements for travellers from India and Taiwan starting from 10th November 2023 and continuing until 10th May 2024. This decision follows a previous move in September to eliminate visa requirements for Chinese tourists, who were a significant source of visitors before the pandemic, accounting for 11 million out of the record 39 million arrivals in 2019. As per the announcement, travelers from India and Taiwan can enjoy a maximum stay of 30 days in Thailand without the need for a visa. This new policy is expected to attract a significant number of tourists from these regions and give a much-needed boost to the local economy.

 

5. 3 November – World Jellyfish Day : World Jellyfish Day is celebrated every year on November 3. November is springtime in the southern hemisphere. This is the time of the year when jellyfish migrate to the coastlines of the northern hemisphere. Since 2014, November 3 is celebrated as World Jellyfish Day. Jellyfish have significant effects on biomass, spatiotemporal dynamics, and community structure of the global marine plankton ecosystems. They are extremely important marine creatures who are studied and researched on. They also serve as food in several cultures. In China, jellyfish is used as a delicacy and also an important part in traditional treatments. Jellyfish can also house small fishes in their tentacles. It is believed that jellyfish are older than dinosaurs and have existed on earth for more than 500 million years. They do not have a heart or bones in the body. However, they have a central nervous system and a mouth which is located in the middle of the body.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. New York city wins first US National Gatka Championship: The city of New York has been declared the winner of the US National Gatka Championship, the first-ever American national championship of the popular Sikh martial arts. Held at a Gurdwara in Queens, New York, over the weekend, the popular Sikh martial arts championship was attended by more than 100 players in different age groups from various parts of the country. The championship saw the Kansas Gatka Association securing the runner-up position, while the NJ Gatka Association achieved third place.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI ups minimum amount for offering non-callable term deposits: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the minimum amount for offering non-callable/without premature withdrawal option term deposits (TDs) from ₹15 lakh to ₹1 crore. It means that all domestic term deposits accepted from individuals for amount of ₹1 crore and below shall have premature-withdrawal-facility. The central bank said its instructions in this regard shall also be applicable for Non-Resident Rupee (NRE) Deposit / Ordinary Non-Resident Deposits.

 

2. ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund – Growth: ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund's multi-asset fund has turned into a wealth creator for investors by giving an annualised return of 21% since its inception in October 2002. An investor who put in Rs 10 lakh at the time of inception would now be sitting on about Rs 5.5 crore as of Sept. 30, indicating a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21% The fund is an open-ended scheme investing in equity, debt and exchange traded commodity derivatives/units of Gold ETFs.

 

3. RBI Appoints Manoranjan Mishra As Its New Executive Director: RBI has appointed Manoranjan Mishra as Executive Director (ED) with effect from November 01, 2023.

Prior to being promoted to ED, he was serving as Chief General Manager in the Department of Regulation. Mishra has experience of over three decades in the RBI, having worked in the areas of regulation of banks and NBFCs, supervision of banks and currency management. He has served as a member in several working groups at the national and international levels.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. RBI conferred with businessline’s Changemaker of the Year 2023 Award: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conferred the businessline’s ‘Changemaker of the Year’ 2023 award. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das attributed RBI’s success in steering through Covid and other crises to the team work and diligence of its dedicated officers and employee force. These awards encompass various categories, celebrating those who have contributed to the betterment of society, the economy, and the planet.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Indian Poet Gieve Patel Passed Away At The Age Of 83: Noted playwright, poet, painter and thinker Gieve Patel passed away at the age of 83. Gieve Patel, who had been battling cancer, was admitted to the Pune center a few weeks ago.  He leaves behind a legacy of remarkable contributions as a playwright, poet, painter, and physician.

Daily GK Update- 4th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. EESL Launched ‘National Efficient Cooking Programme’: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL),  launched its groundbreaking National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) and Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP) in New Delhi. Aim: To revolutionize cooking practices in India and emphasize on the importance and urgency of energy efficient fans.  As part of these programmes, EESL will distribute 1 crore efficient BLDC fans and 20 Lakh energy-efficient induction cook stoves nationwide.

 

2. Rajnath Singh Inaugurated ‘India Manufacturing Show’ In Bengaluru: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the three-day ‘India Manufacturing Show’ in Bengaluru, Karnataka  The central theme of the event is ‘Make in India, Make for the World’. The Raksha Mantri described the small-scale industries as the backbone of India’s economy that contribute immensely to the development of the nation. “Small industries are the motor of the Indian economy. The faster the motor runs, the quicker the vehicle of the economy moves.

 

3. Deepesh Nanda appointed as CEO & MD of Tata Power Renewable Energy: Deepesh Nanda has been appointed as CEO & MD of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited. Nanda brings with him 28 years of experience across companies like GE, Flowserve and Tyco. He joins Tata Power from GE Gas Power, where he was the Chief Executive Officer for South Asia.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to Host 2024 World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly: Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Communications and H.E. Houlin Zhao, Secretary General of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) signed the Host Country Agreement for the establishment of an Area Office & Innovation Centre of ITU in Delhi. ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs. ITU currently has a membership of 193 countries and over 900 private-sector entities and academic institutions.

 

2. India,Sri Lanka hold 33rd edition of annual International Maritime meeting: The 33rd edition of annual International Maritime Boundary Line meeting between the representatives of Navies and Coast Guards of India and Sri Lanka was held at the Indo - Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary Line off Point Calimere at Palk Bay.  Aim: To discuss maritime security in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar region, safety of fishermen, measures to curtail trafficking of contraband, among other issues.

 

3. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurates SBI branch in Sri Lanka: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Sri Lanka to opened a branch of the State Bank of India and appreciated its role in supporting corporates in international trade. She is in the country on a three-day visit, started her day by visiting the main Hindu Temple in the multi-ethnic city to pay homage to it before opening a branch of the State Bank of India in Trincomalee. After inaugurating the branch, She appreciated that SBI is the oldest bank in Sri Lanka

 

4. Thailand Announces Visa-Free Entry For Indians to Boost Tourism: Thailand is scrapping visas for scores of Indian tourists in order to rekindle the fire in its tourism sector.  Taiwan has also been included in the plan in a bid to draw in more tourists as the high season approaches.  Thailand in September scrapped visa requirements for Chinese tourists.  India has been Thailand’s fourth largest source market for tourism so far this year with about 1.2 million arrivals after Malaysia, China and South Korea.

 

5. Chinese Communist Party Delegation Enhances Ties with Solomon Islands: A Chinese communist party delegation has visited the Solomon Islands, calling the “flourishing” cooperation between China and the Pacific nation a show of how diplomatic ties were in their peoples’ interest The delegation led by the deputy head of the international department under China’s Communist Party central committee, Guo Yezhou, met Solomon Islands. The delegation also met the foreign minister and energy minister.

 

6. 3 November – International Day for Biosphere Reserve: International Day for Biosphere Reserve is celebrated every year on 3 November. The day established by UNESCO during its 41st General Conference in 2022. This occasion provides an opportunity to understand and appreciate Biosphere Reserves (BR) and their significance in preserving the delicate balance between nature and culture. On the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, we acknowledge the significance of these reserves in striking a balance between human development, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. As we celebrate this day, we reflect on the need to expand and support these designated areas to safeguard our shared heritage for generations to come.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Aishwaryatap Singh Tomar wins Gold in Asian Shooting Championship: Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar won the gold medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions individual event and helped India grab a team silver at the Asian Shooting Championship in Changwon, South Korea. The 22-year-old Tomar shot 463.5 in the final to win the gold. China’s Tian Jiaming took the silver with a score of 462.7. Another Chinese, Du Linshu picked up the bronze with 450.3. Tomar had finished fifth in the qualification round with 591. He won the bronze medal at the 2019 Asian Shooting Championships and secured a quota place for India at the 2020 Summer Olympics. The Indian trio of Tomar, Swapnil Kusale and Akhil Sheoran won the team silver with a total score of 1764, behind China (1777). India has already got maximum two possible Olympic quota places in this event through Kusale and Sheoran. Kusale had won the Paris Games quota during the World Championships in Cairo last year. Sheoran did the same in this year’s World Championships in Baku.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. BoB Appoints ‘Kadgatoor Sheetal Venkatesmurt’ As Head Of Digital Channels: Bank of Baroda appoints Kadgatoor Sheetal Venkatesmurt as the Head of Digital Channels. The move reflects the bank’s commitment to strengthening its digital initiatives. Aspiring candidates for banking exams need to stay updated on industry-specific developments. It highlights the impact of technology and digitalization on the banking sector. The ‘Digital India’ initiative has been a catalyst for the digital transformation in the banking industry.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. T. Padmanabhan receives prestigious Kerala Jyothi Award : Eminent writer T. Padmanabhan has been chosen for the Kerala Jyothi Award 2023 instituted by the Kerala government. He was selected for the highest civilian honour by the government considering his contributions in the field of Malayalam literature. The State also announced other ‘Kerala Puraskarngals’, the highest award given by the government to distinguished personalities who have made outstanding contributions in various spheres of social life. Justice (Retired) M. Fathima Beevi and Nataraja Krishnamurthy (Soorya Krishnamurthy) have been selected for the ‘Kerala Prabha’ award considering contributions in the field of social service and civil service and in the field of arts respectively. Others who won the ‘Kerala Sree’ award include Punalur Somarajan (social service sector), V.P. Gangadharan (health sector), Ravi DC (industry and commerce sector), K.M. Chandrasekhar (civil service sector), Pandit Ramesh Narayan (art, music).

Daily GK Update- 3rd Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sonowal to launch domestic sailing int'l cruise liner Costa Serena: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal will launch the domestic sailing of the first International Cruise Liner ‘COSTA SERENA’ in India at Mumbai. Costa Cruises is expected to carry approximately 45,000 passengers in its next 2 months voyages. Such cruise initiatives are part of ‘Dekho Apna Desh’, launched on Prime Minister's appeal to the middle class to prefer domestic tourism over international.

 

2. Aligarh Muslim University to launch Its Own Satellite: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), under the Department of Space, the government of India, has approved Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) proposal for the development of the varsity’s first satellite, to be named after its founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. The satellite is tentatively scheduled to be launched in 6 months. The SS AMU SAT is a nanosatellite project which began in November 2021 under AMU Robo Club. It is a 3U CubeSat with multiple objectives, including the study of economic growth in India’s poorest districts using satellite imagery and implementation of an in-house developed image compression technology for a faster multimedia transmission. In addition to these, the satellite will test various sub-systems that have been built in-house. A 3U CubeSat is a standardized and relatively small satellite used for various purposes, including research, technology demonstration, and earth observation.

 

3. ECI designed in-house software for election management through ENCORE: The Election Commission of India has designed in-house software for complete Candidate and election management through ‘ENCORE’ which stands for Enabling Communications on Real-time Environment. This provides a seamless facility for Returning Officers to process candidate nominations, affidavits, Voter turnout, counting, results, and data management. The ENCORE counting application is an end-to-end application for returning officers to digitize the votes polled, tabulate the round-wise data, and then take out various statutory reports of counting. Another application called ENCORE Scrutiny Application allows Returning Officers to scrutinize the nominations filed by the candidates online. After verification of the nomination, the status is marked as Accepted, Rejected, or Withdrawn helping the Returning Officer to prepare the final list of contesting candidates and assign the symbols.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India And UAE Sign MoU To Strengthen Educational Ties: UM of Education Dharmendra and UAE Ahmad Al Falasi signed an MoU to strengthen existing educational cooperation between the two countries. Aim: To facilitate student and faculty mobility, joint research programmes, and educational exhibitions in areas of mutual interest held in both countries. UAE being a global economic hotspot and India being a global talent hotspot, both sides should work together to build a knowledge bridge to cement our civilisational connect.

 

2. World Jellyfish Day is observed on 3rd November 2023: World Jellyfish Day is celebrated on November 3rd to raise awareness about jellyfish and their importance in the marine ecosystem

They are often misunderstood and feared, but they play a vital role in the food chain and help to keep the ocean healthy They are gelatinous creatures that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and color can be found in all of the world's oceans, from the surface to the deep sea. Some jellyfish are harmless and some can have venomous stings.

 

3. Mumbai Ranks Fourth In Global Housing Price Rise: According to Knight Frank’s Prime Global Cities Index 2023 Mumbai recorded the fourth highest year-on-year growth in prime residential prices among global cities. The 6.5 percent increase in prime residential prices has moved the city up by 18 places from 22nd rank in September 2022.  New Delhi and Bengaluru too recorded an upward movement in their index rankings.  NCR moved from 36th rank a year ago to 10th in September 2023 with a growth of 4.1 per cent YoY.

 

4. 15th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue held in New Delhi: The 15th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue was held in New Delhi. The dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Permanent Secretary (Defence), Singapore Chan Heng Kee. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the existing defence cooperation between the two countries and agreed to enhance collaboration in Service-to-Service interactions and bilateral exercises. They also articulated steps to take forward cooperation in emerging areas like cyber security. Both sides identified means to enhance existing areas of collaboration, especially in the field of maritime security and multilateral cooperation. India and Singapore also reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the Strategic Partnership based on mutual trust and understanding, common interests and shared values of democracy and rule of law.

 

5. US and India to conduct 2 plus 2 ministerial dialogue: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin would be traveling to India for the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with their Indian counterparts in New Delhi. The dialogue will be held with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi this month. The dialogue came to existence from an agreement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. It is being conducted every year since 2018 to discuss bilateral security and geo-strategic issues.

 

6. PM Modi inaugurated ‘World Food India 2023’ in New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the second edition of the Mega food event ‘World Food India 2023’ at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. On the occasion, the Prime Minister disbursed Seed Capital Assistance for over one lakh Self Help Groups SHG members. This support will help SHGs to improve packaging and quality manufacturing and gain better price realization in the market. The Prime Minister also inaugurated Food Street, as part of World Food India 2023. It will feature regional cuisines and royal culinary heritage. Over 200 chefs will participate and present traditional Indian cuisine, cuisine, making it a unique culinary experience. The Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries Anita Praveen mentioned that over 1200 exhibitors from 23 states and several countries will participate in the event.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Shami becomes India’s leading wicket taker in World Cup history: Mohammed Shami created history with his match-winning five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka at the ODI World Cup. Overtaking bowling icons Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath, pace ace Shami became the leading wicket-taker for India at the ODI World Cup. He surpassedJavagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan's joint record, both of who have 44 wickets to their names. He has taken 14 wickets so far in just three matches in world cup 2023.

 

2. Statue of Sachin Tendulkar unveiled at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium: Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has unveiled his life–size statue at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where India won the 2011 edition of the ICC World Cup. The statue was made by Pramod Kamble, who is a painter-sculptor from Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The statue captures Sachin Tendulkar in the dynamic act of executing a cricket stroke. The legendary cricketer used this shot frequently to smash over 34,000 runs in both Test and One Day International (ODI) matches. Sachin Tendulkar is the only batter in the history of cricket to slam 100 centuries. Wankhede Stadium is Sachin Tendulkar’s home ground where he played his last match in November 2013.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI launches two key surveys for monetary policy inputs: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the introduction of two crucial surveys, namely the ‘Inflation Expectations Survey of Households’ and the ‘Consumer Confidence Surveynetary’. They’re aimed at gathering essential data for the upcoming bi-monthly monetary policy. The next monetary policy review is scheduled to take place from December 6-8.

 

2. Inflation Expectations Survey of Households: The ‘Inflation Expectations Survey of Households’ is designed to capture subjective assessments on price movements and inflation. It will gather data based on individual consumption baskets in 19 cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, Ranchi, and Thiruvananthapuram. The survey will solicit qualitative responses from households regarding anticipated price changes, both general prices and specific product groups, for the next three months as well as the one-year period ahead. Additionally, it will collect quantitative responses on current inflation rates, as well as inflation rates expected in the next three months and one year.

 

3. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated SBI’s branch in Trincomalee: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has inaugurated the State Bank of India’s branch in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Governor of Eastern Province of Sri Lanka Senthil Thondaman, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, and SBI Chairman Dinesh Khara graced the event. Recognizing SBI’s 159-year-long presence, Mrs. Sitharaman praised its commitment to growth at home and abroad, especially during the Sri Lankan economic crisis. SBI’s endeavors facilitated the smooth extension of a Line of Credit worth 1 billion dollars by the Government of India to Sri Lanka. SBI Sri Lanka has been a pivotal support for international trade corporations and has actively bolstered remittance activities through a robust digital platform.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Writer T. Padmanabhan Receives Prestigious Kerala Jyothi Award: Eminent writer T. Padmanabhan has been chosen for the Kerala Jyothi Award 2023 instituted by the Kerala government.  He was selected for the highest civilian honour by the government considering his contributions in the field of Malayalam literature.  The State also announced other ‘Kerala Puraskarngals’, the highest award given by the government to distinguished personalities who have made outstanding contributions in various spheres of social life.

 

2. India-Born Author Nandini Das Wins 2023 British Academy Book Prize: India-born author Nandini Das has been named the winner of the 2023 British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding, a leading international non-fiction prize, for her book ‘Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire'.  The winning book is her debut and has been described by critics as the “true origin story of Britain and India told through England's first diplomatic mission to the Mughal courts”.

Daily GK Update- 2nd Nov, 2023

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NMC to launch “one nation, one registration platform’‘ for doctors: The National Medical Commission, the regulatory body for medical education and medical professionals, is all set to launch its “one nation, one registration platform” for doctors across the country Aim: To eliminate duplication and red tape and allow the public to access information on any physician working in India. NMC will unveil a patch pilot of the National Medical Register in the next 6 months, doctors will be allotted a unique identification number

 

2. 7 Indian States & 2 UTs Celebrated Their Formation Day on November 1^st: Grand events marked the formation day celebrations across seven states and two Union Territories on November 1.  The states celebrating the formation day today are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. The Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry are also celebrating their formation day. Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and MP came into being in 1956, Punjab and Haryana were carved out as separate states in 1966

 

3. Aligarh Muslim University To Launch Its Own Satellite: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre has approved Aligarh Muslim University’s proposal for development of the varsity’s first satellite, to be named after its founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.  The SS AMU SAT is a nano satellite project which began in November 2021 under AMU Robo Club. It is a 3U CubeSat with multiple objectives, including the study of economic growth in India's poorest districts using satellite imagery.

 

4. PM Modi launched ‘Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)’: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the ‘Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)’ platform for the youth of the country at Kartavya Path on National Unity Day. In a momentous decision on October 11, 2023, the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, gave its approval for the establishment of an autonomous body known as “Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat).”

 

5. 1 November – 7 Indian States & 2 UTs celebrated their Formation Day: 1st November is recognized as the formation day of seven Indian states and 2 Union Territories. The states celebrating the formation day today are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. The Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry are also celebrating their formation day.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur to Chair International Jury Panel at IFFI: Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur will be the jury head for the international competition of the International Film Festival of India  2023 in Goa.  The five-member jury also includes cinematographer Jose Luis Alcaine, producers Jerome Paillard, Catherine Dussart and Helen Leake The International Jury will select the winner of the coveted best film award which includes the Golden Peacock, Rs 40 lakh monetary component and certificates for the director and producer.

 

2. Kozhikode Named India’s First ‘City of Literature’ by UNESCO: Kerala’s Kozhikode city was officially designated as a Unesco City of Literature. This recognition makes Kozhikode the first city in India to receive this title. Unesco formally conveyed the honour to the Kozhikode Corporation as the city joined the ranks of 55 newly selected creative cities. Kozhikode Corporation Mayor Beena Philip expressed her enthusiasm for achievement, emphasizing that the "City of Literature" title is a remarkable acknowledgement of the city's

 

3. India Submits ‘Letter of Request’ To France For 26 Rafale Fighter Jets: In a significant development, India has given the Letter of Request to the French government for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy under a government-to-government deal. As per the proposal, the Indian Navy will get 22 single-seated Rafale Marine aircraft along with four trainer aircraft. The aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant have been operating the MiG-29s and need the Rafales for operations on both carriers.

 

4. Saima Wazed to lead WHO’s South-East Asia Region : Bangladesh’s Saima Wazed has been nominated to lead the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region. Wazed is a clinical psychologist and the daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Member countries voted to nominate her as the next Regional Director of the United Nation’s health body, according to WHO South East Asia Region Office. She won against Nepal’s candidate, Dr Shambhu Acharya, who has been working in the WHO director-general’s office since 2013. Her nomination will be submitted during the WHO executive board meeting in January 2024 and she will take office in February. She will succeed India’s Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, who was the first woman to hold the office and remained in the position for two five-year terms.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

 

1. Zahid Hussain Clinches Silver At Asian Shooting Championship: Zahid Hussain secured the silver medal at the prestigious Asian Shooting Championship 2023 held in South Korea. He would be representing his nation on the international stage at the Paris Olympics. Star India shooter Manu Bhaker secured her Paris 2024 Olympics quota after she finished fifth in the women’s 25m pistol final Arjun Babuta in men’s 10 metre air rifle event and Sarabjot Singh in men’s 10 metre air pistol event have also secured Paris 2024 quotas.

 

2. Max Verstappen Dominates Mexico City Grand Prix, Sets New Record: Max Verstappen split the Ferrari front row of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to snatch the lead of the Formula One Mexico City Grand Prix 2023 by the first corner,  He drove off to his record 16th victory of the season. Red Bull's three-time season champion collected his third consecutive win at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and broke his own season victories record set last year. Verstappen started from third and won from the same spot as he did in 2021.

 

3. Saudi Arabia to host FIFA World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia was the only football association to present a bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup before the deadline closed, soccer’s global governing body FIFA confirmed. FIFA had invited bids from Asia and Oceania for the tournament and Saudi Arabia announced it would bid only minutes after the announcement. Australia said, it would not be presenting a bid to host the tournament, leaving Saudi Arabia as the only candidate. It also confirmed that the sole confirmation of interest in hosting the 2030 World Cup came from Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay, hosting celebratory games.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Card Partners With Reliance Retail To Introduce ‘Reliance SBI Card’: SBI Card and Reliance Retail came together to launch the co-branded Reliance SBI Card.  The lifestyle-focused credit card will offer a holistic and rewarding shopping experience to customers. Aim: To leverage the extensive network of SBI Card with the vast consumer reach and unique retail proposition of Reliance Retail to bring a spectrum of exclusive rewards. To unlock rewards and benefits while transacting at Reliance Retail’s extensive and many more.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Lionel Messi wins eighth Ballon d’Or 2023: Argentina captain Lionel Messi won a record eighth Ballon d'Or for the best player in the world beating Norway's UEFA player of the year and treble winner Erling Haaland of Manchester City to the prestigious prize. Spain's Women's World Cup winner and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the women's Ballon d'Or. Earlier, Messi's World Cup-winning team mate Emiliano Martinez won the Lev Yashin award for the world's best goalkeeper.