Daily GK Update 16th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Vandita Kaul appointed as Secretary, Department of Posts: Senior Bureaucrat Vandita Kaul has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Posts. She will succeed Vineet Pandey upon his superannuation. Kaul, a 1989-batch Indian Postal Service officer, currently serves as Member (Banking & Direct Benefit Transfer) of the Postal Services Board.

 

2. UPSC 2023 results: 1,016 candidates recommended for appointment: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) for the year 2023 on April 16, 2024. A total of 1,016 candidates were recommended for various prestigious government services such as the Indian Administrative

 

3. Indians Permitted to Hedge Gold Price Risk Overseas Markets: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Indian residents to hedge their gold price risk on recognised exchanges in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). Governor Shaktikanta Das announced the decision during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting where the ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Govt Gifts 35 Ambulances and 66 School Buses in Nepal: The India government gifted 35 ambulances and 66 school buses to various organizations, spread across different districts of Nepal, and working in the field of health and education respectively. The keys of the vehicles were handed over by Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Nepal in the presence of Barsha Man Pun, Finance Minister, Government of Nepal. Out of the total 101 vehicles gifted, 2 ambulances were handed over on location in the earthquake-affected Jajarkot and West Rukum districts by the representative of the Embassy of India in the presence of district officials and local residents.

 

2. 2nd edition of Janakpurdham Cultural Festival held in Nepal: The 2nd edition of the Janakpurdham Cultural Festival was organized by the Embassy of India in Nepal coinciding with the Bikram Sambat Nepali New Year 2081. The festival was held at the Mahendranarayan Nidhi Mithila Cultural Center in Janakpur and comprised two sessions. Saroj Kumar Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, inaugurated the first session of the Festival as the Chief Guest. In a keynote address by Haribans Jha on ‘Jaanaki Lila,’ it was mentioned that the religious book Sitayan is worth reading, even though it is not as popular as Ramayan.

 

3. Delhi Airport among top 10 Busiest Airports in World: The Airports Council International (ACI) World, a global organization which measures and assesses airport standards–ranked Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport as the tenth busiest airport in the world in 2023. The IGI Airport was ranked 9th in 2022, 13th in 2021, and as the 17th busiest airport in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic. The IGI airport in the capital handled 7.22 crore passengers annually. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the United States held the top rank with 10.46 crore passengers.

 

4. 15 April – World Art Day: World Art Day (WAD) is celebrated every year on 15 April. The day was established in order to reinforce the link between artistic productions and society, raise awareness of the variety of artistic expressions, and highlight the contributions of artists to sustainable development. Theme 2024 – A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art The history of World Art Day dates back to 2012, when the International Association of Art (IAA) held a special ceremony in Guadalajara, Mexico, to celebrate the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci.

 

5. 16 April – World Voice Day: World Voice Day is celebrated every year on April 16. Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of the human voice and vocal health. Theme 2024 – Educate. Celebrate The first World Voice Day was celebrated in 1999, with events held in over 50 countries.

 

6. 16 April – Save the Elephant Day: Save the Elephant Day is celebrated every year on 16 April. Objective – To raise awareness for these majestic creatures and take action to protect their future. This day was created in 2012 by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to shine a light on the threats facing elephants, such as poaching and loss of habitat. Elephants are known for their intelligence, social bonds, and their important role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO & Indian Army conduct successful trials of MPATGM weapon system: The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) carried out successful trials of the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System at Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan The Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System was indigenously designed and developed by DRDO. It consists of MPATGM, the Man Portable Launcher, the Target Acquisition System (TAS), and the Fire Control Unit (FCU). An adequate number of missile firing trials have been successfully conducted towards achieving compliance with the complete operational envelope as stipulated in the GSQR (Infantry, Indian Army).

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Radhika wins silver medal at Asian Wrestling Championships 2024: India’s 23-year-old wrestler Radhika has won the silver medal in the women’s 68kg category at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Radhika defeated Kazakhstan’s Albina Kairgeldinova 12-2 in the quarter-finals before securing a 2-0 win over Gulnura Tashtanbekova of Kyrgyzstan in the semis to enter the gold medal bout. Shivanee Pawar also won the bronze medal in the women’s 50kg weight class. Pushpa Yadav and Priya returned empty-handed after failing to win their bronze medal matches in the 59kg and 76kg weight categories, respectively.

 

2. Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee becomes third batsman to hit six sixes in an over: Nepal’s hard-hitting Dipendra Singh Airee became the third batter to smash six sixes in an over in T20 internationals in Al Amerat. Airee achieved the feat against hosts Qatar during the ongoing ACC Men’s Premier Cup T20 International fixture in Al Amerat. Thus, Airee joined an elite company of Yuvraj Singh (against Stuart Broad during T20 World Cup 2007) and Kieron Pollard (against Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya in 2021) as batters with six maximums in one over.

 

3. Tsitsipas win Monte Carlo Masters for the third time: Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece swept aside Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-4 to win the clay-court Monte Carlo Masters for the third time in four years.

The 12th-ranked Greek, who will return to top 10, also won the title in the principality in 2021 and 2022. He is the fifth man to win three or more Monte Carlo titles, joining Rafael Nadal (11) and Bjorn Borg, Thomas Muster and Ilie Nastase who won three apiece.

 

4. Travis Head smashes the fourth-fastest hundred in IPL history: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Travis Head scripted history, smashing the fourth-fastest hundred in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Batting against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Australian batter notched up the maiden century in the cash-rich league, surpassing Adam Gilchrist’s 42-ball hundred against MI in 2008. Opening the batting for Hyderabad, Head went off on an absolute carnage, reaching a century in 39 deliveries with the help of nine fours and eight sixes.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. SPACE India appoints Sanjana Sanghi as its Brand Ambassador: Sanjana Sanghi has been appointed as Brand Ambassador of SPACE India. Sanjana Sanghi is a rising young Bollywood star and UNDP Youth Champion. Her commitment to social activism and advocacy for education make her the ideal fit for this role at SPACE India and SPACE Arcade. SPACE India is the registered Space Tutor of ISRO, creating impact through its education and outreach programs for schools that involve students’ participation in national and international competitions for citizen science projects with ISRO and NASA.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Wholesale inflation rises to 3-month high of 0.53% in March: India’s wholesale price index-based inflation accelerated to 0.53 per cent in March on an annual basis, its highest level in three months, as against 0.20 per cent in February, data from the Commerce Ministry. This inflation was primarily attributed to increased prices in food articles, electricity, crude petroleum & natural gas, machinery & equipment, and other manufacturing sectors. Last week, India’s retail inflation data was released which showed that it eased to 4.85 per cent on an annual basis in March as against 5.09 per cent in the previous month.

 

Daily GK Update 15th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mahindra to invest nearly Rs 1,200 crore in renewable energy projects: Mahindra Group will invest 12 billion rupees to set up solar and wind energy projects of 150 megawatt (MW) hybrid capacity in India. The projects will be developed by the group's renewable energy unit Mahindra Susten with Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board. Mahindra & Mahindra will also acquire a 26% stake in its solar power generating unit Gelos Solren for Rs 40.08 crore taking the combined investment to nearly $150 million.

 

2. Nyishi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates Longte festival: Nyokum is a festival celebrated by the Nyishi tribe of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The Word Nyokum has been derived from the combination of two words – Nyok means land (earth) and Kum means collectiveness or togetherness. The festival is commonly celebrated by the people from all class and walk of life for better productivity, prosperity and happiness of all human beings.

 

3. Swiggy launches ‘Swiggy Pawlice’ initiative for finding missing pets: Swiggy has launched a new initiative ‘Swiggy Pawlice’ for finding missing pet. This feature empowers pet parents to report a missing pet directly on the Swiggy app, harnessing the network of Swiggy’s delivery partners as compassionate allies in the search efforts. Pet parents can report their missing pets directly through the Swiggy app, providing all necessary details and pictures. Swiggy’s vast network of over 3.5 lakh delivery partners plays a crucial role in this initiative. If a delivery partner spots a missing pet, they simply need to inform a dedicated team at Swiggy, providing details and location.

 

4. Suryoday SFB appoints Deepak Kumar Sharma as Additional Director: The Board of Directors of Suryoday Small Finance Bank have appointed Deepak Kumar Sharma as an Additional Director (under the independent category) on the Board of the Bank. This appointment, which is on the basis of the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and subject to the approval of Shareholders of the Bank, is for a period of five consecutive years per the Bank’s regulatory filing. The Bank said Sharma has nearly three decades of proven track record in building successful ventures within banking, telecom, and service sectors. He has spent 20+ years in Banking in different leadership positions.

 

5. Justice Aniruddha Bose appointed as head of National Judicial Academy: Supreme Court Justice Aniruddha Bose has been appointed as the new director of the National Judicial Academy (NJC) Bhopal. Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud announced the decision to appoint him during a ceremonial bench held in honour of the retired judge.

 

6. 14 April – Ambedkar Jayanti: Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Bhim Jayanti, is celebrated on April 14 every year to honor the memory of “Father of Indian Constitution” Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. This year, Ambedkar Jayanti 2024 marks 134th birthday of Baba Shaeb. Ambedkar was not only the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, but the first Law Minister of Independent India, a jurist, economist, and a social reformer. He dedicated his life to eradicate discrimination against the untouchables and fight for the rights of women and labour. Hence, his birth anniversary is also known as ‘Equality Day’

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Art Day 2024: 15th April: World Art Day is celebrated every year on 15 April. This day is dedicated to promoting the development, distribution, and enjoyment of art worldwide. The theme for World Art Day 2024 is "A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art.”

 

2. Iran launches operation ‘True Promise’ against Israel: Iran has launched hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have stated that Operation ‘True Promise’ is a response to Israeli actions and is part of their strategy to punish Israel for its perceived crimes.

The attack was in response to the April 1 Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that killed seven IRGC members, including two generals in charge of leading operations in Syria and Lebanon, along with six other people.

 

3. World Cybercrime Index: India at 10th; topped by Russia: India ranked number 10 in cybercrime, with frauds involving people to make advance fee payment being the most common type, according to new research that surveyed cybercrime experts around the world. An international team of researchers has compiled the ‘World Cybercrime Index’ that ranks roughly 100 countries and identifies key hotspots according to various categories of cybercrime, including ransomware, credit card theft and scams. Russia topped the list, and was followed by Ukraine, China, the US, Nigeria and Romania. North Korea was at the 7th position, while the UK and Brazil were at the 8th and 9th positions, respectively, according to the research published in the journal PLoS ONE.

 

4. 13 April – International Turban Day: International Turban Day is celebrated every year on 13 April. 13 April is dedicated to honoring Sikh heritage and values. The day acknowledges the importance of the turban in Sikh culture and promotes religious harmony and inter-cultural understanding. On this day on 13 April 1699, the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib which made it a meaningful date for Sikhs around the world. International Turban Day has been celebrated on 13 April since 2004 in Sikh culture to bring awareness about the need to wear a turban as an essential part of their religion.

 

5. 14 April – World Quantum Day: India celebrates World Quantum Day 2024 on 14 April with aspirations to become a global leader in various fields of Quantum Science and Technology. Quantum Mechanics, the study of atoms and sub-atomic particles, has now advanced to such an extent that it has now moved to the engineering domain and is leading to novel and varied applications. Researchers worldwide have utilized its principles to develop technologies such as LEDs, lasers, and ultra-precise atomic clocks used in the Global Positioning System.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise ‘Dustlik’ to commence from today: The fifth edition of the ‘Dustlik’ joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan is scheduled to begin in Uzbekistan’s Termez district from today. During the 14-day exercise, soldiers from the Indian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan will undergo comprehensive joint training sessions. The fourth edition of the joint military exercise between the two countries was held on February 20 last year at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Russia successfully launches Angara A5 rocket: Russia has successfully launched the Angara-A5 rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. The Angara family of rockets, developed to replace the Soviet-designed Proton rockets, is central to Russia’s strategy to secure its independence in accessing outer space and to reduce reliance on the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. According to mission control that launched the rocket, it reached an altitude of more than 25,000 kilometers (15,500 mi) per hour within minutes as it blasted off into space.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI rejects two applications for small finance bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rejected two more applications for setting up small finance banks: Dvara Kshetriya Gramin Financial Services Private Limited and Tally Solutions Private Limited. So far, the regulator has received 13 applications to set up banks under the guidelines for ‘on tap’ licensing of Universal Banks and Small Finance Banks. In January 2024, Fino Payments Bank applied to the RBI for a small finance bank licence. Bhubaneswar-based micro-lending Annapurna Finance Private Limited applied for a universal bank licence in January last year. Both applications are still under consideration.

 

2. Karnataka Bank collaborates with FISDOM to provide 3-in-1 accounts via Mobil app: The private lender Karnataka Bank has partnered with FISDOM to offer 3-in-1 accounts (savings, demat, and trading) through its mobile banking app, KBL Mobile Plus. This strategic partnership will strengthen the present value proposition by allowing users to invest in equities and mutual funds. The 3-in-1 facility enables customers to streamline their investment journey by consolidating their demat and trading accounts. This integration eliminates the need for multiple platforms, simplifying account management and enhancing overall user experience.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Avantika Vandanapu named South Asian Person of the Year by Harvard: Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, who is best known for playing Karen Shetty in the musical comedy Mean Girls (2024), has been honoured with the “South Asian Person of the Year” award and title by Harvard University. The 19-year-old actress was recognised for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the arts and society. As one of the key leads in the new adaptation of Mean Girls, Avantika proved her acting prowess. She also recently made her OTT debut with the Indian series Big Girls Don’t Cry.

 

Daily GK Update 14th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Manipur Reports 60% Decline in Opium Poppy Cultivation: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has announced a significant victory in the state’s fight against opium poppy cultivation, with a 60% decrease in the cultivation area over the three-year period from 2021 to 2024, based on a report by ..

 

2. Sachidananda Mohanty appointed as member of UGC: Sachidananda Mohanty has been appointed as Member, University Grants Commission (UGC) for three years with immediate effect. Mohanty is the former Professor and Head of the Department of English, University of Hyderabad and former Vice Chancellor of Central University of Odisha. Winner of many national and international awards such as the Katha, British Council, Fulbright(twice), Charles Wallace and the Salzburg, he has published extensively in the field of British, American, gender, translation and post-colonial studies. His books have appeared in Oxford, Sage, Routledge and Orient Ĺongman, among other notable publishing houses.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s Jagjit Pavadia re-elected to International Narcotics Control Board: A former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Jagjit Pavadia has been re-elected to the Vienna-based International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). India scored the highest number of votes among all the elected members of the anti-narcotics body. Pavadia (70), who has already served as President of the Board from 2021 to 2022, has been re-elected for the term 2025-2030. Pavadia held several senior positions in the Indian Revenue Service for 35 years. She has been a member of the INCB since 2015, and also held the posts of Second Vice-President and Chair (2015, 2017 and 2020), Vice-Chair (2018) and member (2019 and 2023) of the Standing Committee on Estimates.

 

2. What can be possible Impact of Iran-Israel Conflict on Global Politics?: The recent drone and missile attacks by Iran on Israel mark a significant escalation in the longstanding covert war between the two nations. This conflict, which began with an Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus, killing several members of ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Anurag Kumar (IPS) appointed as Joint Director in CBI: Senior IPS officer Anurag Kumar has been appointed as the Joint Director in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Kumar, a 2004 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre, is currently working in the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment as the Joint Director (JD) in the CBI for a tenure upto February 24, 2027.

 

2. ‘Dustlik 2024’ joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan: The 5th edition of the ‘Dustlik’ joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan begins in Uzbekistan. The 14-day exercise will be conducted in Termez District of Uzbekistan from 15 to 28 April 2024. During the 14-day exercise, soldiers from the Indian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan will undergo comprehensive joint training sessions. The fourth edition of the joint military exercise between the two countries was held on February 20 last year at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. The training exercise focused on sharing best practices in subconventional operations under UN mandates.

 

3. DRDO and Indian Army Successfully Trial MPATGM weapon system: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army have successfully conducted trials of the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System at PFFR in Rajasthan. The MPATGM Weapon System was indigenously designed and developed by DRDO and .

 

4. What is the Arrow Aerial Defense System?: The Arrow Defense System is a cornerstone of Israel’s multi-layered defense strategy against aerial threats, including ballistic missiles. Developed jointly by Israel Aerospace Industries and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, this system began creation in the late 1980s and has ..

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Mary Kom steps down as Chef-de-Mission for Paris Olympics: Olympic bronze medalist and six times World champion boxer C. Mary Kom stepped down as the Chef-de-Mission for the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics citing “personal reasons”. Mary, who is also the chairperson of the IOA’s Athletes Commission, was named as the Chef-de Mission in March 2024. In March 2024, Mary was chosen as the chef de mission, winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan was named her deputy.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. IISc Scientists Develop Sustainable Hydrogel to Remove Microplastics from Water: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a sustainable hydrogel to remove microplastics from water, addressing the global issue of plastic pollution. Microplastics, particles less than 5 millimetres in size, are pervasive in oceans, soil, and even ..

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Moody’s projects India’s GDP growth at 6.1% in 2024-25: Moody’s Analytics has projected a slight uptick in the Indian economy’s growth for calendar year 2024 to 6.1 per cent from 6 per cent in March this year. India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to grow 6.1 per cent in 2024 after 7.7 per cent last year. Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stated that uncertainties in food prices continue to influence the inflation outlook. It maintained its retail inflation projection for the current fiscal year 2024-25 at 4.5 per cent. The Moody’s report also said that while China and Japan are held back by weak domestic demand, the performance of India and ASEAN economies is flattered by a delayed post-pandemic rebound.

 

2. At 4.85%, retail inflation falls to 10-month low in March: Despite high food prices, retail inflation based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) declined to a 10-month low of 4.85 per cent in March as against 5.09 per cent in February, data released by National Statistical Office (NSO). Food prices are expected to remain volatile in the coming months which could impact the headline number.

Meanwhile, industrial growth based on the Index of Industrial Production rose to a four-month high in February, to 5.7 per cent, against 4.1 per cent in January.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. American President’s Volunteer Service Award: The American President’s Volunteer Service Award was established in 2003 during George Bush’s Presidency. The award is given to individuals who have provided at least 500 hours of voluntary service in the United States and whose voluntary work has positively impacted communities and inspired those around them.

 

Daily GK Update 13th Apr, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sachidananda Mohanty appointed as member of UGC: Sachidananda Mohanty has been appointed as Member, University Grants Commission (UGC) for three years with immediate effect. Mohanty is the former Professor and Head of the Department of English, University of Hyderabad and former Vice Chancellor of Central University of Odisha. Winner of many national and international awards such as the Katha, British Council, Fulbright(twice), Charles Wallace and the Salzburg, he has published extensively in the field of British, American, gender, translation and post-colonial studies. His books have appeared in Oxford, Sage, Routledge and Orient Ĺongman, among other notable publishing houses.

 

2. Election Commission Eases Voting Process for Kashmiri Migrant Voters: The Election Commission of India has eliminated the requirement for Kashmiri migrant voters in Jammu and Udhampur districts of J&K to fill out ‘Form M’ to vote in the Lok Sabha polls. This decision comes after years of demand from ..

 

3. Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti 2024: Ambedkar Jayanti 2024, celebrating the birth anniversary of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the “Father of Indian Constitution,” was observed on April 14, 2024. This year marks the 134th birthday of the iconic figure, who dedicated his life to eradicating discrimination

 

4. Siachen Day 2024 Observed: Siachen Day, observed on April 13, commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Indian Army soldiers serving at the highest battlefield in the world, the Siachen Glacier. ‘Operation Meghdoot’ was launched on the same day in 1984 to secure the glacier, .”

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Former Pakistan PM Yousuf Raza Gillani elected Senate Chairman: Senior Pakistan Peoples Party leader and former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani was elected unopposed as chairman of the Senate amidst protest from lawmakers from jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party. Saidal Khan Nasir of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was elected as the deputy chairman. No one had filed nomination papers against the two candidates supported by the ruling alliance led by the PML-N. The Senate is the upper house of Pakistan’s bicameral Parliament. The senators are elected for six-and-a-half-year with half of the house up for election every three years. They are elected by the provincial and National Assemblies.

 

2. Plastic Overshoot Day Report: According to the Plastic Overshoot Day report by Swiss non-profit EA Earth Action, India has one of the lowest per capita plastic waste production rates globally. However, global plastic waste generation has increased by 7.11% since 2021, with an estimated.

 

3. South Korea Opposition wins Landslide Parliamentary Vote: Legislative elections were held in South Korea recently, to elect all 300 members of the National Assembly. The main opposition Democratic Party and its satellite party won a combined 175 seats, while another small liberal opposition party obtained 12 seats. ..

 

4. Taliban to Restore Land Rights to Afghan Hindus, Sikhs: India has welcomed the Taliban regime’s decision to restore private land rights to Afghan Hindus and Sikh minorities as a positive development. The Taliban administration has set up a commission to ensure the return of property rights to the Hindu ..

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Defence Ministry issues 65,000cr tender to HAL for buying 97 LCA Mark 1A Fighter Jets: The Defence Ministry has issued a tender to the public sector firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for purchasing made-in-India 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets expected to be worth over Rs 65,000 crore.

This is set to be the largest order for indigenous military hardware to be placed by the Indian government ever. The programme will help the IAF to replace its fleet of MiG- 21s, MiG-23s and MiG-27s which have been either phased out or are set to be phased out or are set to be phased out in near future. The last order for LCA Mark1A was for 83 aircraft and the first plane is poised to be delivered in a few weeks from now. LCA Mark 1A is the advanced version of Tejas aircraft.

 

2. HAL Secures Budget for 97 LCA Mark 1A Fighter Jets: The government has placed a record Rs 65,000 crore order for 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the largest ever order for indigenous military hardware. The advanced version of the Tejas aircraft, LCA Mark 1A ..

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Pilot Gopi Thotakura becomes first Indian space tourist to fly with Blue Origin: Gopi Thotakura, an entrepreneur and a pilot, is set to become the first Indian to venture into space as a tourist on Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission. Thotakura was selected as one of the six crew members for the mission, making him the first Indian space tourist and the second Indian to venture into space after the Indian Army’s Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Gopi Thotakura, an entrepreneur and a pilot, is set to become the first Indian to venture into space as a tourist on Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission. Thotakura was selected as one of the six crew members for the mission, making him the first Indian space tourist and the second Indian to venture into space after the Indian Army’s Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

 

2. Indian Entrepreneur Gopichand Thotakura to Join Blue Origin Space Mission: Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, has announced that Indian national Gopichand Thotakura will be part of a six-member crew on the next New Shepard mission. If successful, Thotakura will become the second Indian citizen in space ..

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. BharatPe to launch ZeroPe app: BharatPe co-founder and former Managing Director Ashneer Grover will launch a new app called ‘ZeroPe’, an app designed for medical loans. ZeroPe, currently in its testing phase, has been developed by Third Unicorn, according to its Google Playstore listing. The ZeroPe app is set to provide instant pre-approved medical loans of up to Rs 500,000 in collaboration with Delhi-based Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) Mukut Finvest. The service is exclusively available at partnered hospitals.

 

2. Japan-based MUFG to acquire 20% stake in HDFC Bank’s non-banking arm: The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFG) will to acquire a 20 per cent stake in HDB Financial Services, a non-banking subsidiary of HDFC Bank, at a valuation of $9-10 billion. HDFC Bank, the country’s largest private lender, currently owns around 95 per cent of HDB Financial Services, with the remaining 5 per cent held by employees under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The acquisition will be executed at a valuation of around five times the book value of HDB Financial Services. HDB Financial Services is expected to fetch a valuation in the range of USD 9 billion to USD 12 billion (₹75,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore) during its upcoming initial public offering (IPO)

 

3. UPI Rule Change: Money in PPI Wallets Can Be Spent Using Any UPI:
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and wallets have become an integral part of our daily lives in recent years, thanks to the efforts of companies like Paytm, PhonePe, and Amazon. However, users have often complained about the limitation of using wallet ..

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Lokesh Muni honoured with American President’s Volunteer Award 2024: Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni has become the first Indian monk to be honoured with the American President’s Gold Volunteer Service award in recognition of his contribution to the public good and humanity. Acharya Lokesh Muni is the founder of a non-governmental organisation, Ahimsa Vishwa Bharat and the World Peace Center in India. Jain Acharya Lokesh received the Presidential award, a Certificate of Honour, a Golden Shield, and a citation bearing the signature of American President Joe Biden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 12th Apr, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. KABIL and CSIR-IMMT sign MoU for Technical and Knowledge cooperation for Critical Minerals: Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) for Technical & Knowledge cooperation for Critical Minerals. Under the MoU, KABIL will leverage the technical expertise and services of CSIR-IMMT to undertake various projects, including the design and analysis of metallurgical test work plans, development and review of process flowsheets, and the selection of process technologies for mineral processing, beneficiation, and metal extraction.

 

2. NTPC launches latest edition of Girl Child Empowerment Mission (GEM): NTPC Limited has launched a new edition of its flagship corporate social responsibility initiative, Girl Child Empowerment Mission (GEM). This program aligns with the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) campaign launched by the Government of India. GEM aims to nurture the imaginations of girls. And also, to eliminate gender inequality by promoting their ability to explore opportunities. Girl Child Empowerment Mission provides a platform for young girls for their all-round development through a month-long workshop during summer vacations.

 

3. Citroën becomes the first multinational carmaker to export EVs from India: French carmaker Citroën became the first multinational car manufacturer in India to export domestically made electric vehicles to the international market. Initial shipment of 500 units of the Made-in-India Citroën ë-C3 to Indonesia was ceremonially flagged from Kamarajar Port. The move aligned with Citroën’s global ambitions of democratising electric mobility to increase the adoption of sustainable and clean modes of transportation. The ë-C3, crafted with modern design and innovation, offers a 320 km range certified by ARAI MIDC, along with 100 per cent DC Fast Charge and 15 AMP Home Charging options for convenience. It is available in 13 exterior colour combinations and 47 customisation options.

 

4. RBL Bank appoints Murali Ramakrishnan as independent director: Private sector lender RBL Bank has appointed Murali Ramakrishnan as Non-Executive Independent Director with immediate effect for four years. Earlier, Ramakrishnan served as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of South Indian Bank. He has 37 years of experience in the Banking and Financial Service Industry (BFSI) sector.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IPEF to organize Clean Economy Investor Forum in Singapore: The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) will host its first clean economy investor forum in Singapore on June 5-6. The IPEF provides a platform for countries in the region to collaborate on advancing resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth. Further, it aims to contribute to cooperation, stability and prosperity in the region. Launched in May 2022, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) comprises 14 partners: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States and Vietnam.

 

2. 12 April – International Day of Human Space Flight: The International Day of Human Space Flight is commemorated every year on April 12 to mark the beginning of the space era for mankind. The day is celebrated to honour the first person, Yuri Gagarin, to go to space. The United Nations General Assembly, on April 7, 2011, passed a resolution to establish the International Day of Human Space Flight on a particular day every year. On October 4, 1957, a human-made satellite named, Sputnik I, was sent to space. This was the first ever human effort to explore space.

 

3. 12 April – International Day for Street Children: The International Day for Street Children is observed on April 12 every year. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of street children and to promoting their inclusion and well-being. Street children are defined as children under the age of 18 who live on the streets or in makeshift camps and are not given adequate protection or supervision. They often experience hunger, homelessness, and violence and face various social and environmental challenges. Street children are also more likely to drop out of school and engage in illegal activities.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 11 April- National Submarine Day: National Submarine Day is observed every year on 11 April.

This day is significant as it marks the beginning of the modern submarine era. The day also serves as a reminder of the contributions made by submarines to the nation’s defence and security. The first modern commissioned submarine, the USS Holland VI, was purchased by the United States Navy in 1900. It was later commissioned on 12 October 1900, and remained in service for almost a decade.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rashmi Kumari wins national women’s carrom title: Three-time World Champion Rashmi Kumari beat K Nagajothi 25-8, 14-20, 25-20 in the women’s final of the 51st National carrom championship organized by the Madhya Pradesh Carrom Association. It was a record 12th national women’s singles title for Rashmi, employed as the Chief Manager at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). The men’s title was bagged by K Srinivas as he beat S Aditya 25-0, 19-6 in the final. It was the fourth national men’s singles title for Srinivas who was brilliant in the tournament, executing seven white slams.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. GUJCOST designated as Nodal Centre for ISRO’s START programme: The Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST) has been designated as the Nodal Centre for the ‘Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START) programme by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The START programme, a brainchild of ISRO, offers an introductory-level online training platform. Encompassing a vast spectrum of space science research areas, including planetary exploration, astronomy, heliophysics, atmospheric science, and microgravity research.

 

2. Dr Reddy’s launches migraine management wearable device ‘Nerivio’: Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has launched the drug-free, non-invasive migraine management wearable device ‘Nerivio’ in Germany through its step-down subsidiary, betapharm. The launch marks the company’s entry into digital therapeutics in Europe. Nerivio is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and is CE-mark certified in Europe. Nerivio was presented in 2023 by Dr Reddy’s at the DGN Kongress organised by the German Association of Neurology in Berlin and the 17th European Headache Congress held in Barcelona, Spain.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC becomes first private bank to open branch in Lakshadweep: Private lender HDFC Bank has opened a branch at Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep, making it the only private sector bank to have a branch in the Union Territory. This branch is aimed at upgrading the banking infrastructure in the Union Territory by offering a wide range of services with a focus on personal banking, and digital banking which also includes customised digital solutions including QRbased transaction to retailers.

 

2. L&T completes sale of entire stake in L&T Infrastructure Development Projects: Larsen & Toubro Ltd has completed the sale of its entire equity stake in L&T Infrastructure Development Projects Ltd (L&T IDPL) to Epic Concesiones Pvt Ltd. It is a joint venture between L&T and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) holding 51 per cent and 49 per cent shares, respectively. The transaction is the culmination of a long journey for L&T that started in the early 2000s in the Developmental Projects business and I have no doubt that the portfolio of good quality assets and team of IDPL will add value to the Infrastructure Yield Strategy of Edelweiss Alternatives platform going forward.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Gagandeep Kang awarded for work on 2 enteric diseases in children: India’s Dr Gagandeep Kang has been awarded the 2024 John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award for her achievements in global health research. This was part of the Gairdner Foundation’s announcement of its 2024 Canada Gairdner Award winners, that recognised some of the world’s most significant biomedical and global health research and discoveries. Dr Kang was awarded for “extensive cohort-based epidemiological, environmental and clinical trial research on enteric diseases in children and their effects on life course, with significant impact on vaccine development and health policy in India and internationally.