Daily GK Update- 15th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Shital Mahajan become First Woman to Skydive from Mt Everest: Indian skydiver Shital Mahajan jumped off a helicopter from the height of 21,500 ft in front of the world's highest peak, Mt Everest.  She became the first woman to do so.  Mahajan landed at Kalapatthar peak at an altitude 17,444ft.  Mahajan is a well-known Indian skydiver who holds several skydiving records and is the recipient of the fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri in 2001.

 

2. Jharkhand Foundation Day 2023: Jharkhand is the 28th state of India. It was formed on November 15, 2000 after a long-standing tribal movement for statehood.  Jharkhand was earlier a part of Bihar, more precisely it was then South Bihar.  15th November is the birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda who was a part of the tribal movement against the British in the 1870s. He was arrested by the British when he got highly involved in the movement and died in a Ranchi jail in 1900.

 

3. PM Modi to launch PVTG Development Mission and Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra: PM launched Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) Development Mission on the occasion of third Janjaatiya Gaurav Diwas in Jharkhand. He also launch ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ to ensure saturation of flagship govt schemes Aim: To reach out to people and create awareness and provide benefits of welfare schemes like sanitation facilities, essential financial services, electricity connections, reliable healthcare, clean drinking water and others.

 

4. ‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal launched by Ministry of Housing : The ‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal aaina.gov.in has been made live by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Here the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the country can participate in this pioneering initiative to voluntarily submit their data on a regular basis, through a simple, easy-to-fill, data entry form on the portal. The primary objectives of the AAINA Dashboard are to help cities to (i) see how they are faring vis-à-vis other cities, (ii) inspire them by pointing to possibilities and areas of improvement and (iii) providing opportunity to learn and engage with frontrunners. While not ranking the ULBs, the AAINA dashboard would serve as a tool for comparing similarly placed cities and promoting peer learning among cities. The Dashboard will present the data submitted by the ULBs on the basis of indicators across five broad pillars namely, (i) Political & Administrative Structure, (ii) Finance, (iii) Planning, (iv) Citizen Centric Governance and (v) Delivery of Basic Services.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Asia-Pacific Airlines Aim for 5% Green Fuel Usage By 2030: The Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has set a target for its members to adopt 5% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage by 2030 to reduce carbon emissions, signalling demand to fuel producers.  The decision was announced at the association's 67th assembly of presidents, highlighting challenges such as limited SAF availability and cost. The industry is stressing that our position is feedstock and pathway agnostic.

 

2. Russia seals deal to supply Igla anti-aircraft missiles to India: Russia has signed a contract to supply Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles to India and allow production of the Igla there under licence. The Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) that can be fired by an individual or crew to bring down an enemy aircraft. India is the world’s largest arms importer and Russia remains its largest supplier despite the damage to the reputation of its army and weaponry from the war in Ukraine.

 

3. SpaceX launches its 29th cargo mission to the International Space Station: SpaceX’s next robotic cargo mission to the International Space Station CRS-29 has been take off.  The mission is set to launch on a Falcon 9 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida 

The CRS-29 mission carries crucial scientific experiments and technology demonstrations, including optical communications equipment and instruments for measuring atmospheric waves  According to NASA the results of this study could help improve bone health here on Earth

 

4. INDO-PACIFIC REGIONAL DIALOGUE 2023 held in New Delhi: The annual apex-level international conference of the Indian Navy – the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) – will be held in New Delhi from 15 to 17 November 2023. The event will include a Keynote Address by Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Hon’ble Vice President of India and a series of Special Addresses by Union Ministers and senior officers of the Government of India. The overarching theme of IPRD-2023 is “Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity”. The first two editions of IPRD were held in 2018 and 2019 respectively at New Delhi. IPRD 2020 was cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The third edition of IPRD was held in 2021 in online mode and the fourth edition was conducted, reverting to a physical format, at New Delhi in 2022.

 

5. India ranked 117th among 129 nations in inclusiveness index by US varsity: India is ranked 117th in the list of 129 countries in the world in the inclusiveness index published by the Othering and Belonging Institute (OBI) at California University, United States. New Zealand finished first in the index for the second consecutive year. Portugal recorded its best showing by securing second place followed by the Netherlands in third place. Smaller countries like Bangladesh (106) and Israel (115) were placed better than India. The index examines inclusivity in terms of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and the general population using several measures. India was ranked last (129) in religion inclusiveness, 121st in gender, 108th in disability, 87th in race, 40th in the general population, and 39th in LGBTQ. Iran was placed at the bottom of the global list. Yemen, which has been devastated by the Saudiled invasion performed poorly followed by the Comoros Islands, a former French colony located off the southeastern coast of Africa.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Gurkeerat Singh Mann announced retirement from international cricket: Gurkeerat Singh Mann, who played three ODIs on the 2016 tour of Australia, has announced his retirement from international and Indian cricket Besides batting in the middle-order for India, the 33-year-old also bowled 10 overs of off-spin in the ODI series against Australia. He first attracted attention on the domestic circuit in 2011 when his fiery batting helped Punjab win the CK Nayudu Trophy.

He was also in brilliant form during the Ranji Trophy in 2015-16, when he slammed a double century. Before making his ODI debut, he earned a call-up to India’s Test team for the home series against South Africa but could not make his debut. In the IPL, he played for Punjab Kings, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore. He was part of the title winning Gujarat Titans squad in 2022 but did not get a game. In 41 IPL games, he made 511 runs at a strike rate of 121.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Jio and OneWeb Secure Licenses for Satellite Internet Services: Jio Satellite Communications Ltd and Eutelsat OneWeb have been granted the requisite licences to provide satellite internet services in India.  Both companies hold the GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite) licence, alongside a pan-India ISP (Internet Service Provider) licence. As reported by the Financial Express, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) allocated ISP-A and a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) licence to OneWeb.

 

2. India And ADB Ink $400 Million Deal For Urban Infrastructure Development: The central government signed a USD 400 million policy-based loan with the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support its urban reform agenda  Aim: To create high-quality urban infrastructure, improve service delivery, and promote efficient governance systems. Objective: To make cities livable and centres of economic growth through the provisioning of inclusive, resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

 

3. Federal Bank signs shuttler H S Prannoy for an exclusive collaboration: Federal Bank collaborates with India's Top Seeded Shuttler, H.S. Prannoy.  H.S. Prannoy, is current world number eight and a recipient of the men's singles bronze medal in the recent Asian Games.  MVS Murthy, CMO, Federal Bank, elaborated more on the collaboration, " Work Ethic is the intersection point for Prannoy and Federal Bank.  He represents the passion of India’s Youth to put up the Tri-colour at the topmost pedestal on every given opportunity.

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Apolinaris D’Souza honored with 19th ‘Kalakar Puraskar’ award: Singer, songwriter and composer Apolinaris D’Souza has been chosen for the 19th ‘Kalakar Puraskar’ presented by Mandd Sobhann, in association with ‘Carval Ghorane’. This honour, comprising of Rs 50,000 cash, a shawl, fruits, flowers, citation of honour and a memento will be presented on November 5, during the 263rd monthly theatre at Kalaangann, Shakthinagar. Apolinaris D’Souza, born in 1953, embarked on a journey of artistic excellence from a young age. After completing his education at St Aloysius College, Mangalore, he ventured to Oman in search of better opportunities. His passion for Konkani music, combined with his dedication and creativity, paved the way for a remarkable career. Apolinaris’s contributions to Konkani music have left an indelible mark, both in Oman and his hometown, Mangalore. The ‘Kalakar Puraskar’ was established in 2005 by linguist Pratap Naik, SJ, and his Carvalho Household of Kundapura.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Sahara Group Founder Subrata Roy Passes Away at 75 After Prolonged Illness: Sahara Group’s visionary founder and chairman, Subrata Roy, breathed his last at the age of 75 in a Mumbai hospital.  The news comes after a prolonged battle with illness, as stated in an official company announcement. Subrata Roy’s remarkable journey began in 1978 when he initiated Sahara India Pariwar with a mere capital of ₹2,000.  The company’s evolution over the years positioned it as a leader in entrepreneurship, according to information on Sahara’s website.

 

2. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, Oberoi Group Chairman passed away: Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi aka ‘Biki’, the doyen of Indian hospitality and Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group passed away at the age of 94. He was the Executive Chairman of EIH Limited, the Flagship Company of The Oberoi Group, and the Chairman of Oberoi Hotels Private Limited, the major shareholder of EIH Limited. Popularly known as the man who changed the outlook of the hotel business in India. PRS Oberoi received numerous awards including the Padma Vibhushan (India’s second highest civilian honor) in January 2008 for his exceptional service to the country, the Lifetime Achievement Award at ILTM, the ‘2010 Corporate Hotelier of the World award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Businessman of the Year 2008, the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Management, and others.

Daily GK Update- 14th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ashok Leyland delivers India’s first LNG-powered haulage truck: Ashok Leyland becomes the first Indian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to unveil an in-house LNG engine -powered haulage truck - AVTR 1922 compliant with BSVI Stage II emission standards. The AVTR 1922, powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), is built on the AVTR platform and shares a high degree of commonality with Ashok Leyland's existing diesel truck range.  This ensures that our customers benefit from streamlined service and maintenance processes.

 

2. Meghalaya launches ‘Food Security’ campaign to achieve zero hunger: Meghalaya has launched the ‘Food Security’ Campaign, which focuses on sensitizing the public about the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 and strives to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 – ‘Zero Hunger. Objective: To create general awareness about food security being a right of the citizen and calls upon the public at ground zero community level to work together towards ‘Zero Hunger’ to meet the needs of the public at the bottom of the poverty pyramid.

 

3. Ayodhya sets Guinness Record by lighting 22 Lakh Diyas: Uttar Pradesh has set a new Guinness world record by lighting over 22 lakh Diyas (lamps) in Ayodhya. Ayodhya began the Deepotav festival with the formation of the Yogi Adityanath government in 2017. The government lit up around 51,000 diyas in 2017, and then 4.10 lakh Diyas in 2019. The number then every year goes up with over 9 lakh diyas illuminated in 2021. In 2022, over 17 lakh diyas were lit up across the Ram ki Pairi ghats. However, that year Guinness Book of World Records considered only those diyas that remained lit up for at least five minutes, hence the record was set at 15,76,955 diyas

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. INS Sumedha makes port call at Walvis Bay, Namibia: In a strategic move as part of the Indian Navy’s mission-based deployment to West Africa and the Atlantic, INS Sumedha conducted a port call at Walvis Bay, Namibia, from November 10-13, 2023. Aim: To bolster maritime security, foster warm relations with Namibia, and demonstrate solidarity with its allies. Objective: To facilitate professional interactions, cross-deck visits, and social engagements with the Namibian Navy

 

2. World Diabetes Day is observed on 14th November: Around the globe on November 14th, World Diabetes Day raises awareness and provides education concerning a disease that affects over 400 million adults internationally. The theme for 2023 is 'Access to diabetes care' Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is also a leading cause of blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease.  Besides causing severe medical issues, the condition also causes millions of premature deaths each year.

3. India's Tejas Aircraft Soars to New Heights at Dubai Airshow: India's indigenously developed Tejas aircraft stole the spotlight at the Dubai Airshow, showcasing its exceptional performance capabilities It is a single-seat, single-jet engine, multi-role light fighter, that wowed spectators with precision during a series of thrilling aerobatic maneuvers The Dubai Airshow provided a platform for Indian defense manufacturers to showcase the Tejas as a cost-effective and reliable option for countries seeking advanced fighter aircraft

 

4. US, South Korea Revise Security Agreement to Deter North Korea Threats: The United States and South Korea have revised a bilateral security agreement aimed at deterring North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile threat.  Aim: To counter the threat of nuclear weapons and other armaments by North Korea The strategy, which holds that the US will use strategic military assets, including nuclear forces, to defend its allies, has taken on a greater significance as North Korea pushes ahead with its ballistic missile and nuclear programs

 

5. India ranked 117th among 129 nations in inclusiveness index by US varsity: India is ranked 117th in the list of 129 countries in the world in the inclusiveness index published at California University, United States. New Zealand finished first in the index for the second consecutive year. Portugal recorded its best showing by securing second place followed by the Netherlands in third place. The index examines inclusivity in terms of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and the general population using several measures.

 

6. New Zealand launches interactive map for biodiversity restoration: New Zealand launched a new interactive map to restore a minimum of 15 percent local biodiversity within every catchment in the next nearly 100 years. Aim: To provides a tool for those seeking to make strategically significant investment decisions on biodiversity redress The interactive map from Eco-index includes information on the type of habitat that existed there historically and targets for restoring 15 percent of biodiversity in each area.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Canada won its first Billie Jean King Cup: Leylah Fernandez and Marina Stakusic won their singles matches as Canada beat Italy 2-0 to claim its first-ever Billie Jean King Cup. Stakusic ranked 258th in the world, put Canada ahead by defeating No. 43 Martina Trevisan 7-5, 6-3 for the biggest win of her career, then Fernandez sealed the victory by beating Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-3 at La Cartuja Stadium. Canada, captained by Heidi El Tabakh, became the 13th nation to win the Billie Jean King cup and the second consecutive new champion after Switzerland won in Glasgow 12 months ago. The Canada men’s team is the current Davis Cup champion. The women’s teams competed in four round-robin groups, with the winners advancing to the semifinals. The United States was eliminated by the Czech Republic in a group that also included title-holder Switzerland. The biggest team competition in women’s tennis started two days after the end of the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, which featured the top eight players on the tour — including winner Iga Swiatek.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ICICI Bank receives RBI nod to make Securities a wholly owned subsidiary: ICICI Bank received approval from the Reserve Bank of India for making ICICI Securities a wholly-owned subsidiary.

In June, the private lender approved a proposal to delist ICICI Securities and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the bank after delisting.  ICICI Securities, promoted by ICICI Bank, is the country's leading retail-led equity franchise, distributor of financial products, and investment bank.

 

2. India & ADB sign $400 million loan to support urban reform agenda: The Indian government has signed a $400 million policy-based loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support its urban reform agenda, which includes building high-quality urban infrastructure, increasing service delivery, and fostering efficient governance systems. While Sub-programme 1 was approved in 2021 with a $350 million budget to implement national-level policies and guidelines to strengthen urban services, Sub-programme 2 supports investment planning and reform measures at the state and urban local body (ULB) levels. The programme supports the Government of India’s urban sector strategy, with a focus on urban reforms aimed at making cities livable and centres of economic growth through the provision of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. Moreover, cities will be incentivised to become creditworthy through different reforms aimed at increasing revenues, such as property taxes and user fees, improving efficiency, and rationalising expenditures.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, Oberoi Group Chairman passed away: Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi aka ‘Biki’, the doyen of Indian hospitality and Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group passed away

He was 94 years old. He was the Executive Chairman of EIH Limited, the Flagship Company of The Oberoi Group, and the Chairman of Oberoi Hotels Private Limited, the major shareholder of EIH Limited. Popularly known as the man who changed the outlook of the hotel business in India.

Daily GK Update- 13th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Uttarakhand To Become The First State To Adopt The Uniform Civil Code: Uttarakhand is reportedly set to become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code. The UCC is a proposal to formulate and implement personal laws that will apply uniformly to all citizens regardless of their religion, gender, or sexual orientation.  Aim: To strengthen the social fabric, promote gender equality, and help fight economic, social, and religious inequalities. The code comes under Article 44 of the Constitution.

 

2. 11 November – National Education Day: National Education Day is celebrated on November 11 every year to mark the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first education minister. This day is observed to honour the remarkable contributions of Maulana Azad in the field of education and institution building in the country. Theme 2023 – Embracing Innovation Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was the first Education Minister of independent India and served in the position from 1947 to 1958. His work towards making the education system better and accessible is praised and respected even today.

 

3. CDC Identifies New Sub-Variant JN.1 of Omicron: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States have reported the emergence of a new sub-variant of the Omicron variant, known as JN.1, with limited information available about its characteristics and potential impact. Discovery of Sub-Variant ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. New Delhi to host 33rd Conference on World Animal Health: The 33rd Conference of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific will begin in New Delhi. The delegates from 36 member countries including India, senior officers from regional and international organizations, and representatives from the private sector and private veterinary organizations will participate in the conference. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic emphasize the crucial role of scientific expertise in assessing risks at the human-animal-environment interface. Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala will inaugurate the four-day conference. The decision to host this event was made during the 90th General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the WOAH in Paris in May this year.

 

2. 10 November – World Science Day for Peace and Development: World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated annually on November 10. It is a day to acknowledge the role of science in society and highlights the significant role of involving the public in debates surrounding the effects of new scientific innovations and to create awareness among people. Theme 2023 – Building Trust in Science The day aims to connect science with society to provide citizens with knowledge of science for sustainable development and peaceful cohabitation. The origin of World Science Day for Peace and Development is linked to the positive outcomes that emanated from the 1999 World Conference on Science in Budapest, Hungary. These achievements led UNESCO to formally declare the celebration of this day in 2001.

 

3. 13 November – World Kindness Day: World Kindness Day is observed every year on 13 November to promote and celebrate acts of kindness. This day serves as a reminder of the positive impact that kindness has on individuals, communities, and the world at large. Theme 2023 – Be Kind Wherever Possible World Kindness Day was first introduced by the World Kindness Movement (WKM) back in 1998. The World Kindness Movement is a coalition of nations and organizations dedicated to promoting kindness and goodwill on a global scale. The idea behind World Kindness Day was to highlight the positive power of kindness and encourage people to practice acts of kindness in their daily lives. A conference was held in Tokyo in 1997, where representatives from various countries came together to discuss different ways to promote kindness and compassion in society. The following year, on November 13th, 1998, in Japan and Singapore, the first World Kindness Day was observed.

 

4. Iceland Declares Emergency as Quakes Portend Volcanic Eruption: A state of emergency was declared in Iceland after powerful earthquakes rocked the Reykjanes peninsula, signaling a possible volcanic eruption could occur within days. Earthquake Swarm Near Populated Areas Thousands of tremors have hit near Grindavik village since October. Friday ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rachin Ravindra & Hayley Matthews won ICC Player of Month award: New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra claimed the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for October 2023. Ravindra, the 23-year-old Blackcaps batter, claimed his first Men’s Player of the Month award, showcasing exceptional form in the World Cup 2023 group stages. Ravindra beat India’s speedster Jasprit Bumrah and South Africa opener Quinton de Kock for the prestigious accolade after a scorching start to the 2023 World Cup, claiming his award. His remarkable 406 runs at an average of 81.20 included a superb 123 not out against England and a blazing 116 against Australia. While West Indies captain Hayley Matthews bags ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for October 2023. Matthews, the top-ranked all-rounder in the women’s T20I rankings, secured her second Women’s Player of the Month award. She led West Indies with scintillating performances in the T20I series against Australia, amassing 310 runs at an average of 155, with a standout unbeaten 132.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Moody’s retains India’s 2023 growth forecast at 6.7%: Moody’s Investors Service retained India’s economic growth forecast for 2023 at 6.7 percent and said strong domestic demand will likely sustain the growth in the near term. With exports remaining weak against an unfavourable global economic backdrop, Moody’s in its Global Macroeconomic Outlook 2024-25 said sustained domestic demand growth is propelling India’s economy. Moody’s expects India’s real GDP to grow about 6.7 percent in 2023, 6.1 percent in 2024 and 6.3 percent in 2025.

India’s real GDP rose 7.8 percent year-over-year in June quarter, up from 6.1 percent in March quarter and bolstered by a 6 percent increase in household consumption and solid capital expenditure and service sector activity.

 

2. World Bank Approves $150 Million to Strengthen Sri Lanka’s Financial Sector: The World Bank has recently approved a substantial financial assistance package of USD 150 million to bolster Sri Lanka’s financial and institutional sectors. This support comes at a crucial time as the country grapples with a severe economic crisis. Addressing ..

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Dr. Somdutta Singh presented with Coveted Champions of Change Award: Seasoned entrepreneur Somdutta Singh has been bestowed the prestigious “Champions of Change Award” by the Interactive Forum on Indian Economy, for her exemplary work in entrepreneurship, innovation, and social development. The award was presented to her in the form of a Gold Medal and a Citation by the Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawad Chand Gehlot.

The selection of the awardees was done by Constitutional Jury members headed by Justice K G Balakrishnan, Former Chief Justice of India and Former Chairman, NHRC. The award was bestowed on eminent personalities for their work in areas like social development, community services, and acts of courage.

Daily GK Update- 12th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. THDC India inks pact to develop renewable energy projects in Karnataka: THDC India Ltd is planning to set up 3,270 megawatts of clean energy projects, including pumped storage and floating solar, in Karnataka. In this regard, the Uttarakhand-based company signed two Memorandum of Understanding with Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) and Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) in Bengaluru. These collaborative efforts encompass the development of a diverse range of projects, spanning ground-mounted, floating solar projects, and hybrid projects including pumped storage projects (PSPs) with a cumulative capacity of around 3,270 MW. THDCIL has a portfolio of 10 projects (hydro, thermal, wind & solar) with a total capacity of 4,516 MW

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mika becomes world’s first robot CEO: In the era where many workers are worrying about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing their jobs, one company has announced that it is hiring the first humanoid robot chief executive officer (CEO). Dictador, a spirit brand based in Colombia’s Cartagena, has gone viral for appointing Mika, who is manifested as a robot. Mika is a research project between Hanson Robotics and Dictador. It has been customised to represent company value. Hanson Robotics also created Sophia, the popular humanoid robot. At the event, Mika said, “My presence on this stage is purely symbolic. In reality, conferring an honorary professor title upon me is a tribute to the greatness of the human mind in which the idea of artificial intelligence was born. It is also a recognition of the courage and open-mindedness of the owner of Dictador, who entrusted his company to a humble spokesperson with a processor instead of a heart.

 

2. 10 November – World Science Day for Peace and Development: World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated annually on November 10. It is a day to acknowledge the role of science in society and highlights the significant role of involving the public in debates surrounding the effects of new scientific innovations and to create awareness among people. Theme 2023 – Building Trust in Science The day aims to connect science with society to provide citizens with knowledge of science for sustainable development and peaceful cohabitation. The origin of World Science Day for Peace and Development is linked to the positive outcomes that emanated from the 1999 World Conference on Science in Budapest, Hungary. These achievements led UNESCO to formally declare the celebration of this day in 2001.

 

3. 12 November – World Pneumonia Day: World Pneumonia Day is observed annually on November 12 and is a global effort to educate people about the disease and its effects. On this day, health organizations, together with ordinary people, try to educate, raise awareness, and promote advocacy that pneumonia is curable. On 12 November 2009, the first World Pneumonia Day was observed. On this day, the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia launched the ‘Stop Pneumonia’ campaign, which was backed by governments and civil organizations leading to the enactment of sound policies.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rachin Ravindra & Hayley Matthews won ICC Player of Month award: New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra claimed the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for October 2023. Ravindra, the 23-year-old Blackcaps batter, claimed his first Men’s Player of the Month award, showcasing exceptional form in the World Cup 2023 group stages. Ravindra beat India’s speedster Jasprit Bumrah and South Africa opener Quinton de Kock for the prestigious accolade after a scorching start to the 2023 World Cup, claiming his award. His remarkable 406 runs at an average of 81.20 included a superb 123 not out against England and a blazing 116 against Australia. While West Indies captain Hayley Matthews bags ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for October 2023. Matthews, the top-ranked all-rounder in the women’s T20I rankings, secured her second Women’s Player of the Month award. She led West Indies with scintillating performances in the T20I series against Australia, amassing 310 runs at an average of 155, with a standout unbeaten 132.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SIDBI launches ‘Sumpoorn’ MSME Economic Activity Index with Jocata: A digital lending transformation platform, Jocata has collaborated with SIDBI to launch a one-of-its-kind MSME Economic Activity Index Sumpoorn. For the first time ever, this MSME-specific high-frequency indicator will capture the state of India’s growth engine, its MSMEs, which contribute more than a quarter of the country’s overall Gross Value Added (GVA) and more than 40 percent of its total. It is a relative amplitude-adjusted composite diffusion index developed using consent-led and anonymized monthly sales data reflected in official GSTN returns of more than 50,000 credit-seeking MSMEs over time.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Nagaland Governor Padmanabha Acharya passes away: Senior BJP leader and former governor of Nagaland Padmanabha Acharya passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai. Acharya had served as governor of Nagaland, Tripura, Assam and also handled the responsibilities as the governor of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. The BJP veteran had also worked with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.

 

Daily GK Update- 11th Nov, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. National Education Day: 11th November: National Education Day is observed every year on November 11 across India to mark the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was the first education minister of independent India. He served as the education minister from August 15, 1947 to February 2, 1958. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad established the first Indian Institute of Technology – IIT Kharagpur. Maulana Azad was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1992

 

2. Union Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey launched the ‘Annual Capacity Building' : Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) under the aegis of Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) successfully organised “BHEL SAMVAAD 3.0 - अनुसन्धान से आत्मनिर्भरता की ओर, BHEL की एक और पहल” the 3rd edition of its dialogue with domestic business partners, industry associations, academia and research institutes to promote local suppliers, at Bharat Mandapam Five pillars of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (economy, infrastructure, systems, vibrant demography and demand)

 

3. Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023:  In a rapidly evolving media landscape, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry of India unveiled the ‘Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023,’ a significant move to harness the potential of digital media for government communication. This policy empowers the Central Bureau of Communication ..

 

4. Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023: On November 10, 2023, the Information & Broadcasting Ministry unveiled the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, signaling a significant step towards modernizing and regulating India’s broadcasting sector. This proposed legislation aims to replace outdated Acts, Rules, and Guidelines with ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Japan gets a new Island after an undersea volcano eruption: The fourth edition of bilateral exercise between Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy, BONGOSAGAR-23, and the fifth edition of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) by the two navies were conducted in the Northern Bay of Bengal from November 7 to 9. Indian Navy Ships Kuthar, Kiltan and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Dornier took part in the exercise. Bangladesh Navy Ships Abu Bakr, Abu Ubaidah and MPA also took part in the exercise.

 

2. Japan gets a new Island after an undersea volcano eruption: The world’s newest island has been formed off the coast of the Japanese island of Iwo Jima in the Pacific Ocean following an undersea volcanic eruption around 1,200 km south of Tokyo. It located about 1 km off the southern coast of Iwo Jima, started its latest series of eruptions on October 21. The unnamed island was formed after it rose from the ocean and was documented in pictures taken by the country’s Maritime Self-Defense Force on November 1.

 

3. South Africa Paves the Way for Shared Parental Leave in Africa: South Africa has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of family and parental rights as it becomes the first country in Africa to introduce shared parental leave. This groundbreaking development was brought about by a recent high court ruling ..

 

4. Indian and Bangladesh Navies Conduct Bilateral Exercises in the Bay of Bengal: The Indian and Bangladesh navies successfully conducted the 4th edition of bilateral exercises, Bongosagar-23, and the 5th edition of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) in the northern Bay of Bengal from November 7 to 9. These joint exercises aimed to strengthen cooperation ..

 

5. U.S. Air Force’s B-21 “Raider” Takes Its Maiden Flight: The U.S. Air Force’s highly anticipated B-21 “Raider” bomber, with its distinctive flying wing design, successfully completed its inaugural flight on a historic day at the Air Force’s Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the B-21 Raider

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ICC suspends Sri Lanka Cricket after government interference: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) membership with immediate effect for government interference in running the cricket board of Sri Lanka. As per the ICC rule, there should be no government interference in the governance, regulation or administration of the cricket board. The Sri Lankan parliament has passed a resolution for sacking the cricket governing body of Sri Lanka.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Government Eases Rules for Senior Citizen’s Savings Scheme and PPF: The Indian government has introduced revised rules for various small savings schemes, including the Senior Citizen’s Savings Scheme and the Public Provident Fund (PPF), with the aim of making them more attractive to investors. These changes include extending the timeframe ..

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Astronaut Frank Borman Passes Away:  Frank Borman will forever be remembered as the commander of Apollo 8, the mission that circled the moon 10 times and laid the groundwork for the lunar landing that followed. Alongside his crewmates, James Lovell and William Anders, Borman embarked ..