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Daily G.K. - Top Stories

17 Feb 2024

DAILY G.K. TEST

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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India Leads the Charge at the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development

  • India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, chaired the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development, marking a notable moment in international cooperation on social development issues. Held from February 5-15, the session concentrated on reinforcing global collaboration to tackle pressing social challenges, a priority that aligns with the broader objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • Under the theme 'Fostering Social Development and Social Justice through Social Policies to Accelerate Progress on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to Achieve the Overarching Goal of Poverty Eradication', the session aimed to address critical social challenges. This theme underscores the Commission's commitment to leveraging social policies as a means to eradicate poverty and ensure equitable progress for all.
  • Ruchira Kamboj's stewardship of the session was pivotal in navigating the Commission's focus towards achieving meaningful outcomes. India's role was instrumental in the adoption of four significant resolutions that are expected to contribute substantially to social development globally. These resolutions encompass a range of issues from promoting care and support systems, addressing the social dimensions of the New Partnership for Africa's Development, and setting priority themes for future sessions of the Commission.
  • India's chairmanship of the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development marked a significant achievement, being the first time since 1975 that the country has held this esteemed position. The Commission, an essential intergovernmental platform under the Economic and Social Council, remains a key forum for promoting dialogue and advancing international cooperation on social development.
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ENVIRONMENT

CIAL in Pact with BPCL to Become World's First Airport to Establish Green Hydrogen Plant

  • In a strategic move to bolster its path breaking green energy initiatives, Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), which is the world's first airport fully powered by solar energy, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to establish the world's first green hydrogen plant in an airport.
  • This collaborative effort, combining technological prowess and infrastructure, will result in the world's first green hydrogen plant and fueling station located within an airport setting.
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BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Axis Bank Appoints Pranam Wahi as Additional Director

  • The Board of Directors of Axis Bank appointed Pranam Wahi as an additional independent director of the bank for four years. This appointment is subject to approval of shareholders.
  • A Chartered Accountant by qualification, Wahi has over 40 years of banking experience across various countries, including India, the United Arab Emirates/GCC, Indonesia, and Singapore.
  • Wahi began his career with HSBC in 1982 where he was part of various functions and corporate banking within the HSBC Group in India.

SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh, Busy Bee Airways bid for Bankrupt Go First

  • Apart from SpiceJet, other entities such as Sharjah-based Sky One, Africa-focused Safrik Investments, and U.S.-based NS Aviation have also shown interest in acquiring Go First. However, SpiceJet was considered a serious contender as it had more experience in handling passenger flights compared to the other airlines.
  • Earlier this year (2024), Go First's lenders - Bank of Baroda, Central Bank of India, and IDBI Bank - decided to begin liquidating the airline after failing to secure new investors. The airline owes a total of Rs 65.21 billion ($784.38 million) to creditors, including the Central Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, IDBI Bank, and Deutsche Bank.
  • However, in February, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) extended Go First's insolvency process by 60 days following the resolution professional's (RP) disclosure of three parties that expressed interest in taking over the carrier. However, some lessors objected to this extension.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Japan Successfully Launches Next-gen H3 Rocket

  • Japan's space agency successfully launch of its new flagship rocket, making it third time lucky for the H3 after years of delays and two previous failed attempts.
  • The H3 rocket, billed as flexible and cost-effective by space agency JAXA, "was put into orbit", after the rocket launched from the Tanegashima Space Centre in south-western Japan.
  • The next-generation H3 rocket has been mooted as a possible competitor to Space X's Falcon 9, and could one day be used to deliver cargo to bases on the Moon.
  • Developed jointly by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 is the successor to the H-IIA launch system, which debuted in 2001.
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SPORTS

Indian Hammer Thrower Rachna Kumari Banned for 12 Years for Doping

  • Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) imposed significant suspensions on two athletes for anti-doping rule violations. These decisions highlight the unwavering commitment of sporting authorities to maintain fairness, integrity, and a level playing field in athletics.
  • Hammer thrower Rachna Kumari faced a 12-year suspension for her second anti-doping rule violation, marking a severe penalty that reflects the seriousness with which doping offenses are treated.
  • Quarter-miler Nirmala Sheoran, another athlete with a history of doping violations, was handed an eight-year suspension by NADA for her second offence. Sheoran reportedly tested positive for anabolic androgenic steroids and testosterone, substances known to enhance performance unlawfully.

Ravichandran Ashwin Joins Elite 500 Test Wickets Club

  • Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the second Indian bowler to take 500 wickets in Test matches. This milestone was reached during the second day of the third Test between India and England in Rajkot, marking a significant achievement in Ashwin's already storied career.
  • The off-spinner achieved this landmark by dismissing England's opener Zak Crawley in the 14th over.
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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Pashupati Kumar Paras Launches 'SUFALAM' for Food Entrepreneurs

  • Union Minister of Food Processing Pashupati Kumar Paras inaugurated 'SUFALAM: Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors Start-up Conclave 2024' at New Delhi, stressing the importance of such events in promoting networking, sharing knowledge, and aiding start-ups in accessing government schemes.
  • The event witnessed participation from over 250 industry stakeholders, start-ups, MSMEs, financial institutions, venture capitalists, and academia.
  • The two days, the event comprised four knowledge sessions, two pitching sessions, and an exhibition.
  • The knowledge sessions were held in collaboration with various organisations, while the pitching sessions were conducted in partnership with industry giants.
  • A total of 35 exhibitors from across India participated in the event.

DoT Launches 'Sangam: Digital Twin' Initiative for Transformative Infrastructure Planning

  • The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introduces the 'Sangam: Digital Twin' initiative, calling upon industry leaders, start-ups, MSMEs, academia, and innovators to join hands in reshaping infrastructure planning and design through cutting-edge technologies and collaborative efforts.
  • DoT's pioneering venture invites Expressions of Interest (EoI) from diverse stakeholders.
  • Digital Twin technology facilitates virtual replication of physical assets for real-time monitoring and analysis.
  • Objectives of the Initiative
  • Two-stage implementation in a major Indian city for creative exploration and practical demonstration
  • Generating a future blueprint for scalable infrastructure strategies through collaboration

Hindon Elevated Road Renamed 'Ram Setu'

  • The 10.3 km Hindon elevated road, connecting Ghaziabad's Raj Nagar Extension with UP Gate near east Delhi, will now be known as Ram Setu, the officials of the Ghaziabad municipal corporation announced, after the executive committee cleared the proposal moved by mayor Sunita Dayal to rename the elevated stretch.
  • The road also acts as a bypass for vehicles coming from Delhi and moving to western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
  • The move to name the elevated road came on the heels of the corporation approving in January a proposal to rename Ghaziabad city with a name that is to be chosen by the state government. That proposal was moved by the Bharatiya Janata Party councillor Sanjay Singh.
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DEFENCE

Defence Ministry Approves Proposal to Buy 15 Maritime Aircrafts

  • The Defence Ministry gave approval for a proposal to buy nine maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy and six maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard.
  • The patrol planes would be built upon the indigenously made C-295 transport aircraft and the entire project is estimated to cost around Rs. 29,000 crore.
  • The move will give a boost to the Centre's push for the 'Make in India' initiative in a bid to promote self-reliance in the defence sector and overall economic growth.
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PERSONS IN NEWS

Padma Shree Awardee, Chef Imtiaz Qureshi Passes Away

  • Renowned chef Imitiaz Qureshi, a recipient of the Padma Shri award, passed away at the age of 93. Chef Qureshi, known for his culinary expertise as the master chef at ITC Hotels, gained acclaim for establishing the culinary brand Bukhara.
  • Born in Kolkata in 1928, Chef Qureshi began his culinary journey at the age of seven by assisting the royal chefs in his family home. He was one of the essential pillars in popularising the art of Dum Pukht abroad, making it a global gastronomic sensation.
  • Qureshi's creative genius shone in the simple sophistication of Dum Pukht, a cuisine which requires patience, discipline, and precision. He mastered the art and science of slow cooking, transforming humble ingredients into mouthwatering, aromatic dishes that resonated with the heart and soul.

'Udaan' Actoress Kavita Chaudhary Passes Away

  • Kavita Chaudhary, known for her 1989 super hit TV show, 'Udaan', and for playing Lalita-ji in the iconic Surf ads, died at the age of 67.
  • Kavita Chaudhary's journey in the world of Indian television was marked by her passion for storytelling and her commitment to portraying strong, independent women. Her most notable work, "Udaan," aired in 1989, where she not only played the lead role of IPS officer Kalyani Singh but also took on the roles of writer and director.
  • Beyond the realm of drama, Kavita Chaudhary became a household name as Lalitaji in the Surf detergent commercials during the 1980s and 1990s. Lalitaji, portrayed as a wise and judicious housewife, became an emblem of smart consumerism, advising viewers on the importance of making informed and sensible purchasing decisions.
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DAYS AND EVENTS

Global Tourism Resilience Day

  • The United Nations' Global Tourism Resilience Day is celebrated on February 17. The United Nations' Global Tourism Resilience Day celebrated for the first time on February 17, 2023, marked a significant step towards acknowledging and enhancing the resilience of the tourism industry. This initiative aims to foster a tourism sector that can withstand both foreseen and unforeseen challenges, thereby ensuring its contribution to sustainable development and economic stability, especially in developing countries.
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AWARDS AND HONOURS

South Indian Bank Gets Best Technology Bank of the Year Award

  • South Indian Bank was honoured with the title of Best Technology Bank of the Year Award at the 19th IBA Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo, & Citations.
  • The bank's outstanding performance was recognised with a total of six prestigious awards. In three categories, the bank emerged as the winner, secured the runner-up position in one, and received special mentions in two others.
  • The awards were presented to P. R. Seshadri, MD & CEO of South Indian Bank, by T. Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in Mumbai.
  • The IBA Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations has been an annual event since its inception in 2005. Instituted by the Indian Banks' Association (IBA), it recognises organisations that have brought in transformational changes in their businesses by adopting modern digital solutions.
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GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES

Union Minister Rupala Launches Updated AHIDF Scheme

  • Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, unveiled the realigned Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) scheme and introduced a Radio Jingle for AHIDF in New Delhi. The Minister highlighted the significance of the scheme, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasised its realignment and extension for another three years.
  • The realigned scheme will be in effect for an additional three-year period from March 31, 2023, until 2025-26.
  • The realigned scheme incorporates the Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund and offers enhanced benefits, such as a 3% interest subvention and Credit Guarantee support to Dairy Cooperatives.
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GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION

Tata Steel Inks MoU with IIT Bhubaneswar REP to Foster Innovation

  • In a move aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, Tata Steel inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park (REP). This partnership signifies a strategic alignment between industry and academia to explore avenues for mutual growth and development.
  • Under the terms of the agreement, Tata Steel and IIT Bhubaneswar REP, a company promoted by IIT Bhubaneswar, are set to embark on a journey of collaboration across various domains. These include:
  • Materials Processing and Modelling: Delving into advanced techniques and methodologies to enhance materials processing efficiency and optimize production processes.
  • Energy and Environment: Undertaking joint research efforts to address challenges related to energy consumption, environmental sustainability, and eco-friendly practices within the steel industry.
  • Low Carbon Steel Production and Circular Economy: Pioneering initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprint, promoting circular economy principles, and developing sustainable steel-making practices.

IIT Delhi, United Nations Development Programme Partner for Sustainable Solutions

  • IIT Delhi and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create solutions for advancing sustainable development, with a focus on environment, energy, and climate change.
  • The partnership will work towards developing and promoting innovative and scalable solutions to support transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient pathways through policy and implementation support. Key areas of cooperation will include climate change adaptation, loss and damage, strengthening national systems of innovation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and leveraging digital solutions for transition to green energy and other climate technologies.
  • The MoU was signed for a period of three years. With this agreement, both organisations aim to catalyse meaningful change, driving initiatives for a greener, more resilient world.
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TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS

Himachal Pradesh Leads India's Most Welcoming Region in 2024

  • Booking.com, the popular online travel agency, unveiled its 12th Annual Traveller Review Awards 2024, highlighting the Most Welcoming Regions and Cities in India. The rankings were determined based on customer reviews received on the platform, providing valuable insights into the hospitality landscape of the country.
  • Securing the top spot in the category of the 'Most Welcoming Region in India' is Himachal Pradesh, showcasing a remarkable jump from the 5th position in 2023.
  • The rankings further feature Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand in the following positions.
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